Living in a camper - Stuff vs. experiences

Sell everything and live in a van if you want to truly experience life, right?

2024 was our first time living in a house together. Sure, we lived in apartments years prior, but nothing larger than a one-bedroom unit. Moving into a three-bedroom house was quite the change for us, and we feel like we learned a lot from it.

Apart from deciding that anything over a compact two-bedroom house is too big for us, we learned that we prefer quality over quantity, value intentional space over space for the sake of it, and would much rather fill our lives with experiences than things.

We don’t often sit still, but we appreciate the moments that came from it in 2024.

These observations have prompted many conversations about our priorities, the future, and how we want to live going forward. Through those conversations, one dichotomy keeps coming up–stuff vs. experiences.

Things to know:

While it’s a bit of a false dichotomy, the tension between accumulating things and opting for experiences does have some legitimacy. As we grapple with this age-old question, a few conclusions come to mind–and some of them pushed us toward full-time RVing.

Living a minimalist life with maximal fulfillment

If you have space, you’ll fill it

You’ve probably heard this adage before, and there’s certainly some truth to it. Riley’s dad has repeated it many times, and he’s quite the frugal minimalist by choice. There lies the key to this entire discussion–by choice.

It does seem to be human nature to accumulate, and the more space you have available, the more likely you are to collect things to fill it.

Take us, for example. Moving from a one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house left us reeling. There was so much empty space that we didn’t know what to do, so we started to fill it with things.

We’re minimalist by nature, but still managed to fill our house with things.

We’re relatively practical by nature, so we didn’t buy a bunch of random junk–everything had a place and a purpose. The guest room needed a bed, nightstands, clothing rack, and rug. The office needed a desk, chair, and whiteboard. The living room needed a couch, side tables, and a TV stand.

I think you see where we’re going with this.

The things we filled our space with had a purpose, and we used them, but that doesn’t change the fact that increasing our available space prompted us to accumulate more stuff that we didn’t technically need.

Some things enrich your life

To this point, it may sound like we’re saying that having stuff is inherently negative, but that’s not at all what we believe. In fact, we think investing in (or splurging on) some things can greatly enrich your experience and your life.

When we used the term “false dichotomy” earlier, this is exactly what we were referring to. A lot of people–especially the influencer types–like to present all-or-nothing scenarios, especially when it comes to the whole “minimalist” lifestyle or “experiences over things” argument.

In truth, these things are not mutually exclusive. You can have things and experiences. Sometimes, things can actually facilitate experiences or make them more profound. So, it’s not an either/or proposition.

You don’t have to live like this (but it does have a certain appeal).

That said, we’re strong believers in being intentional with the things you choose to accumulate. Limiting the physical space you have to keep stuff in helps with this goal (see above), but it isn’t the end-all-be-all of the conversation.

You must be able to discern what contributes to a fulfilling life and what distracts from it. In our experience, this takes time, experimentation, and growth. You can’t snap your fingers and know that one thing will enrich your experience and one thing will detract from it. It is a skill that requires development.

A tool for every job (or the best tool is the one you have on you?)

If you have a goal to limit the amount of stuff you accumulate and to focus on things that enrich your experience, you’ll want to be intentional about what you buy and what you keep. While we rarely struggle with this concept, we have grappled with our approach to achieving it.

As it turns out, we have differing opinions on how to streamline our existence and ensure that our things are working for us, not against us.

Our high school math teacher used to say, “Keep it simple, stupid,” about once a class.

Hanna is more of a minimalist in the traditional sense. She prefers to only have a few items that she can rely on day in and day out to accomplish a variety of tasks. From work and productivity to hobbies and relaxation, she opts for fewer devices capable of multiple jobs. In other words, she prefers that her stuff be versatile.

You could say her approach to things is “the best tool for the job is the one you have with you.” An example of Hanna’s approach to minimalism would look like this:

• iPhone for music, media consumption, scheduling, calendar reminders, taking photos and videos, managing social media, and so on.

• MacBook for work, client calls, answering emails, designing resources, bookkeeping, and managing the business.

• Headphones for music and content consumption.

• Two notebooks–one for general note-taking and organization, the other for a more structured approach to scheduling and keeping life on track.

Riley has been leaning toward not necessarily minimizing the number of things he owns, but the purposes for which they are used. While he has flirted with this concept before, he’s finally on the verge of fully committing to it (thanks to very kind and supportive encouragement from Hanna). Call it exchanging convenience for purpose and distraction for intentionality.

What does this look like in practice? Rather than carry a do-it-all device (like a smartphone), he’d prefer to have a notebook for taking notes, a camera for taking photos, a “dumb” phone for making calls, and so on. You could say his approach is more along the lines of “there’s a tool for every job.” His daily interactions with things might look like this:

• Non-smartphone for texts and calls.

• Compact camera for walking around photos.

• DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for casual video.

• Sony A7IV for professional photo and video projects.

• MacBook for work, photo and video editing, answering emails, bookkeeping, and other productivity tasks.

• Two notebooks–one for general note-taking and creative inspiration, the other for more detailed planning and scheduling.

Quality vs. quantity - The (new) age-old debate

Growing up in the world of fast fashion, disposable plates, and bargain outlets has jaded many millennials and younger people on the whole “quantity vs. quality” debate. We are definitely in that boat.

At one point, the sudden ability to buy in bulk or opt for cheap imported goods was novel and a stark change from the vast majority of human history. Buying a pair of jeans for six cents (okay, a slight exaggeration there) was mind-blowing. It still is, if you think about it.

Give us good stuff over lots of stuff any day.

From clothes and trinkets to food and furniture, more isn’t always better. In fact, it’s often much worse. More people seem to be realizing this and trying to change, but without legitimate alternatives, executing that change is challenging.

We’re not here to sit on a high horse and claim we have it all figured out; we’re just expressing a preference for quality and a newfound appreciation of longevity. Owning something of heirloom quality used to be a point of pride, and we think it should be again.

Lately, we’ve made a concerted effort to invest in smaller amounts of quality goods rather than splurging on large quantities of subpar goods. Not only is the experience of using such items superior, but they will also last longer, they typically utilize better materials (natural fibers vs. plastic), and the companies producing them tend to be small businesses that are often based in and/or manufacturing in the United States.

All of those seem like pros to us, and we love to see the culture shifting back toward this version of purpose-based consumerism. Lucky for us, this mindset also coincides with the scaling back that living in a camper requires.

As you likely gathered, we’re not on a vendetta against purchasing things or owning stuff; rather, we’re committed to being thoughtful with our resources and space, investing in quality, only keeping what enriches our lives and enhances our experiences, and supporting small businesses that benefit our country and our culture.

This blog is a bit of a departure from our typical camper, truck, and travel talk, so we hope it didn’t throw you for too much of a loop. Sometimes, we like to explore the reasons behind our decisions–especially the big ones like moving into a camper full-time! We hope you don’t mind.

If you enjoyed it, please drop a comment below so we feel less insecure about it. The approval of others is the only thing that gives us confidence. Okay, not really, but we’d still appreciate your feedback and thoughts!

With full-time travel on the horizon (if our camper is ever completed), we’ll be sharing thoughts from the road, so be sure to check here every Wednesday for a new blog. You can also follow our adventures on Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon (for a more personal approach).

All the best,
- Riley + Hanna

Our full-time RV hopes

We recently previewed the uncertainty we feel as we gear up to move into a camper full-time. While those hesitations are legitimate and guiding some of our preparation ahead of the big lifestyle shift, they aren’t what’s dominating our thoughts.

Instead, it’s our excitement that is setting the tone as the pickup day for our camper approaches. As nervous as we are about certain aspects of living in a tiny space on wheels, the feelings of anticipation and hope are much stronger.

That’s why we’re focusing on the hopes we have for the coming year(s). We have a feeling that this change is going to be good for us, and we’re sure we’ll have our share of memorable adventures along the way!

Things to know:

We’re going to be full-time RVers soon, and we couldn’t be more excited for that chapter of our lives to start. As we look forward to hitting the road full-time, these are the biggest hopes we have.

Full-time travel - What we’re looking forward to

Seeing friends and family

We have family scattered from Florida to Alaska, and plenty of friends and other family members everywhere in between. Traveling full-time will allow us to spend time with people we care about, make memories together, and have adventures we otherwise would never have the opportunity to share.

Gregg is one of our good friends. He often joins us for a week or two on trips. He also has a rad Jeep!

One of the best parts of this decision to be nomadic is that we can allocate as much time as we want to different areas of the country, giving us opportunities to see people for as long (or short) as they’ll have us. Now, that’s a blessing!

Visiting places new and old

Like most of you, we have an ever-expanding list of destinations we want to visit. From majestic views to quirky towns, our travel bucket list is filled to the brim with exciting places to see and exhilarating adventures to embrace. Becoming full-time RVers gives us the unique chance to start checking off a whole bunch of those must-see destinations and must-do activities.

Of course, it’s not all about the latest, greatest, and not-yet-seen. The more we travel and immerse ourselves in different parts of the world, the more we want to return to certain places. We have fallen in love with several small towns, mountain vistas, quaint campsites, and so on. Embracing the nomadic lifestyle lets us revisit those places and explore them to our heart’s content.

New destinations are always exciting, but we have plenty of past places we can’t wait to revisit—including the Oregon Coast!

Challenging ourselves

We have traveled enough–including in much more minimalist setups–to understand that life on the road is not always sunshine and rainbows. In fact, it can be downright miserable sometimes.

While we certainly hope that the majority of our days are positive, we want to face the bad ones head-on and view them as opportunities to grow, not as disappointments, deterrents, or failures.

That’s why we hope to challenge ourselves to become more resilient, self-reliant, optimistic, and adaptable. It may not be as rugged as settlers in wagons, but any great adventure is an opportunity to become a better, more rugged version of yourself, and we look forward to tackling ours together.

Breaking free from our norm

In late 2023, we made a commitment to our business. For years, we had been enjoying the fruits of our labors without pushing to expand or grow too much, but we knew we could only put off the inevitable for so long. So, we designated 2024 as the year to buckle down, put our noses to the grindstone, and really focus on giving our business a long overdue makeover.

A little more of this and a little less time spent in the office will do us some good.

Without going into too much detail, our efforts were rewarded, and the business excelled more than we could have hoped. That said, it consumed our lives. While intentional (and we’re certainly not complaining), our work-life balance skewed heavily toward work over the last 14 months.

We accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, and we’ll no doubt continue to push the momentum forward, but we’re ready to reestablish a bit of balance. Traveling full-time should help us do just that.

Embracing our creativity

Speaking of balancing the scales of work and fun, we are extremely excited to have more opportunities to embrace our creativity and the passions that stem from it. We’re both pretty bad at just chilling, so even our “fun” tends to have a touch of productivity to it. Our creative passions are no different.

Working outside ain’t half-bad when it’s something you want to do.

From documenting our adventures through photography to staying consistent on this blog, our YouTube channel, Patreon, Instagram, and all the other outlets where we can share our creative endeavors, we are ready to pour our hearts, talents, and time into things that we love.

Sharing it all with you

Our connected world has its downsides. Heck, we can’t tell you how many hours we’ve wasted consuming silly content or getting sucked into meaningless internet wormholes. That being said, there are some real advantages to social media and the like.

Apart from sharing our creative work and on-the-road experiences with all of you, platforms like YouTube and Instagram (and even this blog) allow us to meet, learn from, and share with all of you. It’s like having an expansive community of amazing people right at our fingertips, and that is pretty awesome.

Spoiler alert: we’ll even be at some industry events in the coming months where we might meet some of y’all for real–you know, like in person!

So, please feel free to engage with us, offer pointers, share your stories, and interact with ours. We’re new to the whole full-time travel thing, and we’ll take all the guidance you offer. If we’re lucky, we’ll make some good friends along the way!

- Riley + Hanna

Our full-time RV fears

Any dramatic shift in life comes with its share of hesitation and uncertainty. Heck, even minor changes can induce a certain level of anxiety.

When we decided to move into a camper full-time, we did so with a healthy dose of excitement and more than a spoonful of nerves. Call it measured optimism or a mix of yeehaw and whoa, Nelly.

As the time approaches for us to pack up our things and call our camper home, we’ve been trying to pinpoint exactly what our full-time RV fears are so that we can face them head-on.

What better way to explore those trepidations than by jotting them down and calling it a blog?

Things to know:

Moving into an RV is a daunting life change, and it comes with some pretty prominent fears. Here, we’re discussing the biggest concerns we have as we transition into full-time RV living.

Full-time travel challenges

We haven’t lived in a camper full-time (yet), but we have done multiple months in a row in a rooftop tent and nearly four straight months in a minimalist truck camper (Scout Kenai), so our list of perceived full-time travel challenges isn’t totally without context.

We’ve had many nights like this.

Still, we know this lifestyle will be an entirely different ballgame, so we’re looking forward to discovering new challenges along the way!

Working full-time on the road

We have to work full-time as we travel, which comes with a host of potential setbacks and frustrations. That makes this particular challenge a lot like opening a can of worms.

There’s no doubt we’ll dedicate future blogs to this topic because it deserves a dedicated space to be fully explored. For now, we’ll break our work-from-the-road dilemmas into some basic categories.

Connecting to the Internet on the road

Anyone who has spent time on the road–whether they have to work or not–has experienced the frustration that comes with limited or spotty connectivity. Whether you’re relying on mobile data or using satellite internet, there’s no such thing as a perfect solution.

We used Starlink on the road in 2023, and it served us well—but it isn’t perfect.

Because we rely on an internet connection nearly every day for our livelihoods, inconsistent access can be more than irritating–it can disrupt our ability to work and bring in an income.

We have enough travel experience to know that this is a big challenge, and while we’re taking steps to mitigate those issues, they are inevitable (to some degree).

Staying focused (and disciplined)

Look, travel is exciting. New places to see, activities to do, and food to eat can get you buzzing with anticipation. It’s part of what makes the nomadic life so appealing.

We have developed a healthy amount of discipline through our years of being self-employed, but we’d be lying if we said it was easy to remain focused in the face of such tempting distractions.

As we adapt to full-time travel and establish routines, this area of concern will surely fade (we hope).

Limited (office) space

For the last year and change, we have had ample space to stretch our legs, separate our work from our relaxation, and do our best to avoid feeling cooped up and cramped.

While the great outdoors will soon be our living room, there’s no question that our living space will be reduced dramatically. No dedicated offices, no individual desks, no dedicated computer monitors… you get the idea.

Cooking and counter space in a camper

We don’t want to project our experience with our previous truck bed camper to the camper we’ll be living in. They are totally different products intended for entirely different usages. They’re also not in the same price bracket.

The Scout Camper Kenai was stylish, rugged, and minimalistic, but counter space was severely limited.

That said, one of our biggest struggles in the Scout Kenai was the limited counter space for food prep and cooking. We had to change our approach to cooking and split up cooking duties so only one of us was in the “kitchen” at a time.

Not only was this frustrating and prone to messiness, but it also discouraged us from cooking as often as we normally do. If our camper is going to feel like home, we need to overcome this challenge and learn to be comfortable and efficient when cooking most of our meals.

Safety and security as nomads

We have a good amount of travel experience and know many people who RV full-time, so we know (logically) that it can be done safely and securely. Still, there is that voice in the back of our heads that questions how safe we actually are and causes a touch of paranoia. The lack of surety of what’s outside our door is enough to set us on edge.

There are inherent security risks in living on the road, but this particular challenge feels more like a mental hurdle than anything. We are confident that we will adapt to our new lifestyle without losing that valuable gut feeling that alerts us to danger.

Full-time travel and the bathroom

Call us divas; we can take it.

We’ve tried a variety of bathroom solutions while on the road. From digging holes to those fancy bags you get at REI, every option has pros and cons.

If you look carefully, you might spot a bathroom tent.

Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution, and that can be a frustrating barrier that prevents full-time RV life from feeling like a true home. While we think we’ve picked the most convenient option for this camper, even it has a downside–cost.

Full-time RV budgeting

It’s possible to save money with this non-traditional way of life, but it’s not easy. In fact, it can be downright hard, leading to the complete opposite–expenses can pile up real quick.

We’ve gotten a lot better at budgeting in recent years, and Riley has been keeping detailed records for quite some time now, so we know we can stay locked into a reasonable budget.

The question is, will the expenses of frequent travel, eating out, exploring new places, and otherwise leaning into our adventurous side overwhelm our desire to be disciplined? Only time will tell, but it’s bound to be an adjustment either way!

Water usage, hygiene, and relaxation

We’re clean people who enjoy a nice long shower to stay fresh and unwind after a long day. Given the limited water storage of our camper, standing under a steady stream of hot water for more than a few minutes simply isn’t practical.

Campgrounds and vacation rentals can occasionally supplement this lack of endless water, and we have no doubts that we’ll quickly adapt to this relatively minor inconvenience, but we’re also confident that it’ll be a challenge!

Despite our uncertainties, we have no doubt that embracing life on the road will be an exhilarating and rewarding experience for us. So, don’t let us fool you–we’re champing at the bit to pick up our camper and get this adventure underway.

Have you experienced any of these full-time RV fears? Do you have anything else we should worry about? If so, drop your knowledge in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you and welcome you to our little community.

If you’re interested in following our journey, you’re in the right place. We’ll be posting weekly blogs, as well as regular updates on YouTube and Instagram. For a more in-depth look into our life on the road, we even set up a Patreon.

Thanks for reading. We hope to see you on the road!

- Riley + Hanna

Our path to full-time travel

When it comes to people living unorthodox lifestyles–particularly full-time RVers, van lifers, and other nomadic folks–we can’t get enough. It’s amazing to see how people achieve the life they love, navigate the unique challenges of the road, and otherwise embrace full-time travel in a world of sticks and bricks.

As we draw inspiration from them, we thought sharing our own journey to this point might be a fun exercise. We wouldn’t necessarily call our path to full-time travel inspirational, but there’s no harm in laying it out for you to see!

Things to know:

We have a long history of traveling together. From tents to truck campers, we’ve traversed many miles and months on the road, and it has all led us here—to becoming full-time nomads.

From road trippers to full-time RVers

Like many who choose to travel full-time, our interest in the nomadic lifestyle started small. We didn’t jump straight from beach vacations and hotels to living in a camper; instead, the build to this moment was gradual.

The best way to document our journey is to give you a timeline from the early days of traveling together to now. It’s been quite the ride, so buckle up and enjoy!

Cold noses, warm hearts

Before we officially started dating, Riley dragged Hanna on a tent camping adventure in North Carolina. Little did we know that it would set the tone for our future together.

The year was 2016, and we had just reconnected after going our separate ways in college. Riley had been going to western NC with his family since childhood, and as a young adult, he still felt drawn to the area.

Rather than rental houses and hotels, he did what any broke college kid would do–bought a tent from K-Mart (yes, K-Mart) and traveled on the cheap.

After reuniting with Hanna, he had the grand idea to drag her on one of his ventures up I-75. So, we went and spent several nights in the mountains, sleeping as far apart in that little tent as possible.

We’ve been adventure buddies since day one.

We distinctly remember waking up with cold, wet noses from sleeping against opposite sides of the tent, the damp fabric walls pressed up against our faces. Neither of us was willing to break the ice and cross the line into something deeper than friendship.

In hindsight, it’s a hilarious and endearing story, and there’s no question that those adventurous college kids set us on a path for full-time travel today.

Shortly after this and similar trips, Hanna returned the favor. She convinced Riley to get on a plane (for the first time in his adult life) and go to Estes Park, CO. It was his first taste of the West, and he never looked back.

We had no clue what we were getting ourselves into when we flew to Colorado in the winter.

Big sky country and restlessness

By the time Riley got accepted into grad school, we were dating. So, when he decided to take his talents to the University of Montana, we had some decisions to make.

For the first year, he lived in Missoula, MT, while Hanna took up residence near Denver, CO. The long-term thing was difficult, but we both enjoyed experiencing the American West in full for the first time.

After the year apart, Hanna joined Riley in Montana, and we started planning our next steps together.

Our time in Montana only cemented our love for the West.

We weren’t ready to buy a home, and we didn’t really know where we wanted to be, so we did something radical–we bought a Jeep Wrangler, threw a rooftop tent on it, and decided to move into it indefinitely after Riley graduated.

While that didn’t last long–only about two months–it was our first taste of the lifestyle we could attain with a little effort, planning, and commitment.

Tearin’ it up in Tennessee

Our foray into adventure travel may have been brief, but it was just the beginning of our interest in overlanding and extended periods of life on the road. So, we tucked that experience in our back pocket, knowing full well that we would return to it in a more sustainable way in the future.

In the meantime, we decided to bide our time by moving to Tennessee and scratching our adventure itch in a different way–trail riding in Jeeps. This move coincided with Riley’s venture into aftermarket part design and manufacturing, so we bought a Jeep Gladiator as an R&D and marketing vehicle.

Our first stay in Tennessee was filled with days like this.

Equipped with a beastly new truck, we ran with a crew that enjoyed rock crawling, giving us our first exposure to the more extreme side of off-roading. While we still preferred camping (as evidenced by our refusal to ditch the rooftop tent), we enjoyed this new hobby for a year–especially when 2020 hit and we needed a way to stay sane while the whole world felt cooped up.

There and back again (to Montana)

Despite our good run in Tennessee, we craved the West. So, we packed up and headed back to Montana. Riley was still making Jeep parts, so we continued to find trails–this time with an emphasis on the camping at the end of the road.

Montana is a different ballgame from Tennessee in terms of remoteness, so we found ourselves pushing the limits of our backcountry experience. Here, we learned how to be a bit more self-reliant, plan for the worst, and be at home in the great, empty spaces.

You could say 2021 was the biggest shift from where we were to where we are now. Off-roading and camping evolved from hobbies into lifestyles. We knew then that we wanted to build our lives around this form of adventure.

When we got married in September of 2021, this passion for adventure travel was on full display. Instead of a traditional wedding and honeymoon, we lived in our Jeep Gladiator for three months.

Our elopement in Ouray, CO, was out of a fairytale (thanks, Tori of Come to Bliss)

We started in Montana, worked our way down to Ouray, CO, and then spent time in Utah before returning home. Along the way, we camped, explored trails, and eloped in the San Juan Mountains. It was the perfect way to start our marriage.

Even nomads get lost

Married life changed things for us–or so we thought.

Concerned by the trajectory of the world and wanting our new relationship stability to be reflected in our joint life, we decided we wanted to buy a house. Talk about poor timing.

In the post-pandemic market, prices started to soar. Unfortunately, we had already moved out of our apartment in Montana and headed back east in an attempt to find the perfect place to call home.

What followed was two years of biding time in Florida and escaping for a handful of months each year to retain our sanity. While it wasn’t the best use of our time or money–Florida is a long way from the western destinations we love–we made do and counted our blessings.

It didn’t take long for us to realize that the housing market wasn’t conducive to us buying and that we needed to come up with a different plan. Naturally, we went back to what we knew–pushing the limits of how long we could stay on the road at a time.

This prompted us to buy a Scout Camper Kenai–our foray into campers. While minimalist, this setup allowed us to live on the road for around four straight months, traversing from Florida to Washington, and then venturing throughout America.

Our Scout Camper Kenai took us to some unbelievable locations.

In the brief time we had the Scout, we covered over 20,000 miles, explored new places together, and even had the opportunity to represent Scout at Overland Expo East. It was a phenomenal camper, a wonderful experience, and a rewarding opportunity to get to know some rad folks in the industry.

Alas, all good things come to an end.

Returning to Tennessee and scheming for full-time travel

If you’re sensing a theme here, you catch on fast–we have a tendency to return to places we love, especially when we’re figuring out our next steps.

This second (and current) stint in Tennessee fits the bill. After two years in Florida where we paid rent despite being gone nearly half the time, we decided to commit to being in one place for an entire year–something that has been strangely difficult for us.

Tennessee is the perfect place for this phase of life, as it has loads of hiking and outdoor activities to keep our adventurous spirit satiated, a healthy helping of great food in nearby Chattanooga, and a reasonable cost of living compared to much of the country (especially western states).

In 2024, we committed to staying still (for us) and buckling down to advance our business and plan our next step thoroughly. While we flirted with home ownership again, the path forward for us soon became clear–we needed to embrace a full-time travel lifestyle now, or we would always have those lingering “what ifs.”

Round two in Tennessee has been pretty great!

From around August onward, we focused our efforts on determining what full-time RV setup would be best for us, calculating our budget, putting together a loose timeline, and frantically trying to get all our ducks in a row to kick off 2025 on the road.

While we haven’t quite made that goal–our camper is still in production at the time of writing this–we are a few weeks from being fully nomadic for the first time in our lives. Given the investment of time and money in this endeavor, it feels like the first time we’ll be embracing the travel lifestyle without the option of “falling back” on the security of an apartment or home base.

Our journey to this point seems chaotic, and it has certainly been filled with twists and turns. Looking back, however, it all makes sense. From the highs of finding new campsites to the lows of uncertainty, every inspiration and setback has played a part in leading us to this decision.

We’re excited about what this year (and the years to come) has in store, and we hope you’ll follow along as we learn by doing. Life is a big adventure, and we feel incredibly blessed to be on it together.

Feel free to drop a comment below or otherwise engage with our growing little community of wild spirits. We’re happy to have you, stoked to share our story with you, and hope to learn a lot from you as we head off into the unknown!

- Riley + Hanna

Our 2025 full-time travel itinerary, bucket list, and New Year’s goals

Howdy, y’all!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a memorable New Year’s Eve. Since we try to post every Wednesday on this here blog (we fondly call it Wander Wednesday), we figured the first day of the new year falling mid-week was a sign.

So, we’re going to share our hopes, dreams, goals, and plans for 2025 with y’all. Hopefully, doing so will hold us accountable and inspire you to pursue your own big adventures over the next 12 months.

Things to know:

We’re traveling full-time in 2025, and there are a few locations (and activities) on our bucket lists that we can’t wait to check off.

2024 had a lot of this. Here’s to hoping 2025 has even more.

A new season of full-time travel

Not everything on this list will center around our lifestyle shift from homebodies to full-time RVers, but that change is an overarching theme that will surely color our experience this year. Embracing travel as our everyday reality instead of a temporary adventure is a challenge we’re looking forward to and can’t wait to share with you.

With that in mind, let’s kickoff this meandering little blog with some travel-forward thoughts.

Our 2025 travel plans

In the process of picking our camper (and now waiting for its completion), we’ve put a bit of thought into our itinerary for 2025. It’s still a vague calendar, and we can’t solidify any plans until our camper is in our possession, but here’s what we have so far:

• January - March: Florida (family) and the Southeast

• April - May: The Southwest (Arizona and Utah)

• June: The PNW (Oregon and Washington)

• July - September: Canada and Alaska

• October: The PNW (Washington Islands)

• November - December: Texas and back to Florida

It’s a packed schedule that’s subject to change, and we hope we planned enough time in each region to fully immerse and enjoy. If not, I guess we’ll have to run it back in 2026!

Expect the coming year to be filled with amazing views like this.

Our travel bucket list in 2025

While our full-time travel itinerary is dictated by many things–including friends, family, and a handful of events–some bucket list destinations also informed our loose plans. If you notice any glaring “must-see” omissions from our list, please drop a comment below–we don’t want to miss out on anything while we’re in these new-to-us locations!

• The San Juan Islands

• The Oregon coast

• California redwoods

• Jasper, Canada

• Denali

• Vancouver Island

• Moab (and nearby deserts)

Personal goals

Despite the somewhat overwhelming nature of planning out a year of travel, choosing destinations and building timelines is easy compared to setting personal goals. The prospect of full-time travel is new and unfamiliar, making it difficult for us to set clear goals in the context of the relative instability of not having a traditional home and lifestyle.

That said, we have a few personal goals that either transcend the uncertainty of our new lifestyle or apply directly to it.

• Date each other. We’ve found that it has become increasingly difficult to “date” like we did before work and life responsibilities increased. We want to be intentional about getting back to that romanticism in 2025.

• Workout on the road. We both hike regularly and go to the gym faithfully. This will undoubtedly be more difficult while traveling full-time (especially weight lifting), so we are exploring ways to facilitate physical fitness while on the road.

• Balancing work with other interests. We are blessed with the unique opportunity to work for ourselves in an industry that fits our strengths. Still, we want to carve out time (and mental capacity) for our other interests this year–photography, creative writing, reading, and so on.

• Stay in the moment. If there’s one thing we’re good at (especially Riley), it’s dreaming big. Unfortunately, those dreams sometimes distract from the amazing things we’re doing at the moment. This year, we’re going to root ourselves firmly in the moment and appreciate it fully.

Chowder is a big fan of life on the road. We think he’ll love every second of it.

Sharing it with all of you

While we have our private goals–as individuals, a couple, and business owners–we wanted to keep the resolutions shared here brief. Consider them a little taste of what we want to share with you during this year of travel. We hope you’ll hold us accountable and watch us flourish as a result!

What are your goals entering the new year? Do you have any bucket list destinations you’ll visit, lifestyle changes to make, or interpersonal growth to work toward? Drop them in a comment below, and we’ll give you a hearty dose of encouragement.

If you’d like to keep tabs on us as we pursue our full-time travel dreams in 2025, be sure to check back regularly for updates, follow our Instagram for consistent content, and visit our YouTube channel for in-depth looks at how life on the road is treating us.

- Riley + Hanna

Our camper of choice for full-time travel

If you’ve been reading our blog, you know that we’ve put a ton of time, effort, and thought into selecting a truck and a camper to act as our nomadic home in 2025. With full-time travel approaching quickly, we’ve finally landed on the type of camper that we’ll call home in the coming year(s).

While we can’t give you a grand reveal quite yet–the camper isn’t actually in our possession–we do want to give you a preview of the style of camper we chose and some of the key features it will have. We hope you’re as excited as we are because we are HYPED.

Things to know:

We’re traveling full-time in 2025, and we finally picked a camper to facilitate our new nomadic lifestyle. Read on for a preview—we think you’ll love it as much as we do!

The camper we chose for full-time travel

Our list of blogs we wrote to follow our decision-making process includes a lot of “Why we didn’t buy X.” While this process of elimination worked well for us, it did leave some of our friends and readers wondering what type of camper could possibly be left.

The answer? A flatbed camper.

What is a flatbed camper?

The bed on our Ram 3500 will soon go missing.

The concept of a flatbed camper echoes that of a slide-in truck camper. Both are intended to be mounted to the rear of the truck on a temporary or semi-permanent basis, allowing you to tote your home around with you wherever you go.

The primary difference is (you guessed it) that a flatbed camper requires a flatbed truck rather than your standard pickup bed. Flatbed campers are designed with a flat footprint that encompasses the entire surface area of the flatbed rather than being built to accommodate wheel wells and bedsides.

The benefits of flatbed campers

Flatbed campers are not as plentiful as slide-in campers, and there’s an obvious reason for that–consumer trucks come from the factory with boxed beds, making them by far the most common type of truck bed on the road. The demand for slide-in campers is simply much higher.

So, why go through the hassle of swapping to a flatbed and seeking out a flatbed camper manufacturer? The answer is simple–flatbed campers provide some notable advantages over their slide-in brethren, and those benefits appeal to us.

• More floor space. Because a flatbed camper uses the entirety of the flatbed footprint (rather than the space between the wheel wells), you have far more floor space to work with. This means a roomier interior that better facilitates moving around and navigating around your camping partners–a must for full-time living out of a truck camper.

• A more permanent solution than slide-in campers. While flatbed campers can technically be removed (just like slide-in options), they are typically designed to be semi-permanent. This makes them more of a cross between a removable camper and a true RV, and there are advantages to that, including plumbing into your vehicle’s electrical/fuel systems, using more secure mounting systems, and so on.

Why not buy a chassis-mounted camper?

If you choose to go the flatbed truck camper route, there is one primary alternative–a chassis-mounted camper that permanently mates to the frame of your truck. There are advantages of this style of camper, including one that is particularly compelling to us–a pass-through to the cab.

The option to use our truck for truck things is important to us.

In an ideal world, this is the route we would have gone. In many ways, it is preferable to us, but there were two key considerations that held us back from fully committing to a chassis-mounted camper–permanence and versatility.

• Permanence. We have plenty of experience with long-term travel, but we are still viewing this shift to full-time RVing as an experiment. It will last a minimum of a year, with the opportunity to stretch without limits. Because we aren’t committing to a longer period (3+ years), we wanted something semi-permanent that could be removed and sold separately from the truck, if necessary. This also gives us the option to change our camping setup should we desire.

• Versatility. A chassis-mounted camper is a camper through and through. By opting for a flatbed camper that can be removed, we can use the truck as a truck when needed. This grants us flexibility if we purchase a home or want to set up our camper as a home base for a prolonged period of time.

Our flatbed truck camper

Because flatbed campers are relatively rare, most options that are currently on the market fall into the custom or semi-custom categories. As a result, our search ended in choosing a pretty custom camper, and we’ve been working with the builder to achieve our end goal since making our decision.

We want to save the big reveal for when we actually pick up our camper (the excitement is building), but we’re happy to share a few of the main features with you here. Consider it a little preview of what’s to come!

• Open floor plan. We are prioritizing floor space and freedom of movement.

• Off-grid sustainability. We opted for plenty of power, water, and so on to stay off-grid for extended periods.

• Quality. We were willing to spend more for quality rather than opt for quantity and/or a lower price.

With our camper under construction and our 2025 travel itinerary in development, it’s safe to say that the coming months hold some significant changes and excitement for us. We can’t wait to share our adventure with you–from picking up our camper to visiting The Last Frontier. We hope you’ll follow along by reading our blog, checking us out on social media, and watching our YouTube videos!

Please feel free to drop a comment below. We love engaging with and learning from you!

- Riley + Hanna

Truck camper? Truck no!

The sun crests over the mountains to the east, illuminating a winding trail that leads down into this pristine valley. Four sides of craggy peaks surround a verdant meadow cut by a serene stream, and there we are, right in the middle of it.

We’re in our F-250 with a Scout Campers Kenai truck-bed camper. We absolutely love this setup. It’s rugged, nimble, and quite comfortable. It has taken us to some incredible locations, like the one I’ve described here.

So, the conclusion of this camper selection process seems pretty obvious–we’re getting another slide-in camper before we hit the road full-time, right?

Not so fast…

Things to know:

Buying a camper for full-time travel is a big decision. While we had a truck camper in the past (and LOVED it), we’re going a slightly different route this year.

We’re not buying a truck camper (well, kind of)

Our travel history points a strong finger toward a truck camper being the ideal camper for us. We’ve spent well over a year (I did the math) sleeping in rooftop tents and our minimalist Scout Camper. We have the experience, and we clearly have a preference.

Our Scout Camper took us on many adventures, including to the stunningly unique landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument.

It may come as a surprise, then, that we are not getting another slide-in camper. Despite their many advantages, which I will happily dive into in a moment, there are a few deal-breaking compromises that deterred us from jumping head-first into a larger slide-in truck camper.

The benefits of slide-in truck campers

Let’s get one thing straight–we love truck campers. Sure, they have their shortcomings, but golly–there’s just something special about them. So, when we get to the reasons we’re not buying a slide-in camper, keep that in mind. We genuinely adore these mobile habitats.

What exactly do we love about them? I’m glad you asked. It’s a long and compelling list, and dadgum if it didn’t almost push us in that direction again.

• Mobility. Other than certain Class B RVs and vans, truck campers are likely the most mobile camper option out there. They don’t require that you tow anything, they can be quite compact. Throw in the wheelbase of a truck, and you have a pretty mobile package that allows you to navigate city streets and parking lots with relative ease.

• Capability. A slide-in camper is just about as capable as the truck it is on. If you have an extremely capable truck with a high degree of off-road ability, you’ll be able to take your camper practically anywhere. Just watch out for low branches!

• Removable. Setting up base camp or pausing travel for a while? Simply remove the camper, and you have a truck to use for all your daily driving needs. This is a tremendous benefit for those of us with only one vehicle, and while you may not remove it often when traveling, the option is worth noting.

• Upgrade the camper, the truck, or both. Unlike RVs, which are all-in-one units, truck campers allow you to separate the camper from the truck at any time, sell one or both, and upgrade as you see fit. So, if you outgrow your current camper or your truck has engine problems, you can easily change it up without selling the entire setup.

The argument against truck campers

If you’ve read the other blogs in this series, you can probably sense that we are most enthusiastic about truck campers. It’s fair, then, to question why we’re deciding against a slide-in truck camper.

The truth is, we came dadgum close to replicating our former truck camper build, just with something a bit bigger. When we got close to making that choice, there were a few key considerations that deterred us, ultimately steering us in a different direction.

As much as we loved our Scout Kenai, it did have some shortcomings.

Cramped interiors and minimal floor space

The greatest weakness of truck campers (in our humble opinion) is the fact that they sit between the wheel wells of a truck bed. This, along with the sides of the bed, severely limit floor space and interior room. While these compromises are fine for shorter trips (and the benefits arguably offset them entirely), they were a deal-breaker for us when considering full-time living.

The narrow walkway within the camper is reason enough to reconsider, especially if you have a rather sturdy pup that likes to stretch out as long as possible. So, blame this one on Chowder if you have to.

Difficult to use as a base camp

While you can technically remove most truck campers and use them as a base camp, the process is tedious and dangerous. Unless you are in a single location for quite some time, it’s unlikely that you will go through the hassle of removing and reloading the camper. This is not a huge concern of ours, but it is worth mentioning.

No pass-through to the cab

Because truck campers are not a single unit, there is no way to move from the camper to the truck without exiting. Again, this is not a tremendous negative to us, but it is a downside, especially if the weather is temperamental or, God forbid, you find yourself in a sketchy situation where safety is a concern.

There are better options (we think so, at least)

If you’re looking at our list of truck camper cons and thinking it looks awfully short and unconvincing, we agree with you. That’s why the camper we ended up buying is in the same family as a slide-in truck camper–call it a distant cousin.

Stay tuned for the final piece of this countdown to our new camper. We’re excited to share our new home with you and hope that you’ll follow along as we embrace the adventure of full-time travel in 2025.

In the meantime, please connect with us. We want nothing more than to grow our community, learn from those who have more experiences than us, and make some genuine connections along the way! Drop a comment below or follow us on your favorite social media platform. We’d love to have you join our little family.

Class C RVs - A passing grade, but not for us

In our hunt for the ideal full-time travel camper, we have considered darn near every possibility shy of a covered wagon. Along the way, Class C RVs crossed our minds, and I have to say, we were quite tempted by a handful of them.

At the end of the day (spoiler alert), we decided against the Class C route, but that doesn’t mean they’re without merit. In fact, we could very much see ourselves in a Class C at some point in our lives–especially a 4x4 converted option from U-Joint Offroad!

Things to know:

Class C RVs are a fantastic option for couples in our position, but we ultimately decided against purchasing one for our full-time travels.

Note: By the time you read this, we might already have a camper. Our intent is not to mislead you, we simply wrote these blogs well in advance!

Why we didn’t buy a Class C RV

We know several people, including some full-time travelers, who love their Class C RVs. To be honest, we get it–they have some compelling benefits that make them ideal for a lot of adventurers. In the name of full transparency, we almost reached out to a private seller regarding a 4x4 converted Class C but decided against it at the last moment.

In other words, we really like this class of RV. It just wasn’t quite right for us at the moment.

We bought a big old truck instead of an RV.

The benefits of Class C RVs

No one likes a negative Nelly (who is Nelly, anyway?), so we like to kick off these “why we didn’t buy X” blogs with the good stuff–what we like about a particular camper. Thankfully, it isn’t hard to find things to like about Class C RVs. They have a lot going for them, and they’re just about the perfect fit for some folks.

• Self-contained. There’s no need to exit the living area to get to the driver’s seat, and that is a definite benefit when the weather is sour, or safety is a concern. There’s also just something appealing about an all-in-one RV unit.

• Options, options, options. Several manufacturers produce Class C RVs, and most of them make multiple models. When choosing a chassis, engine, length, floorplan, and so on, you really are spoiled for choice.

• Ample living space and a dedicated bathroom. As full-time workers, we will spend a lot of time in our camper. While we’re no strangers to small spaces and making do with a minimalist setup, more living space sounds like a huge benefit to us. Throw in an actual bathroom with walls and a door, and you have a pretty solid case for selecting a Class C!

Class C-ya-later - What stopped us from getting a Class C RV

For all the amazing attributes of Class C RVs, there are a few key characteristics holding them back–for our lifestyle, at least. If we close our eyes and envision life in a Class C, we could picture a happy and fulfilling adventure, but there are a few sticking points that would prevent us from doing some things we love.

We opted against a Class C RV for many of the same reasons we chose a small slide-in camper two years ago.

Can’t C you off-road

The interior space of a Class C is a benefit, but the exterior size is not. As people who want to get off the beaten path and explore forest roads and rougher terrain, the sheer mass of a Class C RV is a detriment. They also tend to be built for asphalt, sporting dinky tires and lackluster suspension.

That leaves us with two options for exploring the way we enjoy. Option A is to tow a secondary vehicle and utilize it for off-road adventures. Option B is to invest in a 4x4 conversion from a company like U-Joint Offroad to make the RV more capable. Both options are expensive and add complexity to the situation, especially when there are off-the-shelf alternatives.

We were driving downtown

Hopefully, you sang the line above to the tune of Copeland’s “Walking Downtown.” If not, I’ll forgive you; it’s an obscure reference.

Because Class C RVs are a single unit, what you see is what you get. You can’t set up camp and then take your truck into town. If you take a break from traveling, you are stuck using your Class C as your primary vehicle–yikes!

No more two-door Jeep life for us.

The solution to this is, of course, to tow a daily driver vehicle. Unfortunately, this adds length, complexity, and expense. We do not plan to have a secondary vehicle when we travel, so we would be accepting our Class C as our only option–that’s a tough pill to swallow.

Solving for X

All of these Class B/Class C conversations are beginning to feel like algebra. For every camper we rule out, we get closer to solving for X–that mystery RV that’s just right for us. That’s the hope, anyway.

While we won’t be purchasing a Class C RV, we are closing in on the perfect camper for our full-time travels starting in 2025. What we’ve learned throughout this process is that every option includes a bit of compromise, and we think we’ve pinpointed which compromises we’re okay with. That said, we’re still young and impressionable.

So, drop your guidance below. Whether you’ve been a weekend warrior for a decade or a full-timer for a month, we want to hear your stories, insights, and opinions. Give us your horror stories, highlights, and must-know tips. We’re here to learn, and there’s no better teacher than you–our tight-knit community of adventurers!

No van life for us - Why we aren't buying a Class B RV

Hanna and I are many things. Young-ish, super hip, a tiny bit grungy, and well on our way to Instagram stardom. Okay, so maybe only one of those things is true (we’ll let you guess which), but we still seem like ideal candidates for #vanlife.

Truthfully, Class B RVs–including vans–are appealing. They are nimble, self-contained, easy to drive, get decent fuel economy, and the list goes on. So, why did we decide against becoming full-blown van lifers? I’ll tell you one thing: it wasn’t because of those “One Less Sprinter” bumper stickers (even though they are hilarious).

Things to know:

While vans are great for full-time travel, we decided against one for our full-time lifestyle. Here, we’ll discuss the pros and cons as we breakdown exactly why we didn’t buy a van.

Note: By the time you read this, we might already have a camper. Our intent is not to mislead you, we simply wrote these blogs well in advance!

The pros and cons of van life

Before we do a deep dive into our not-at-all-scientific approach to removing Class B RVs from the running, we have to come clean–Hanna actually owned and partially converted a van a few years ago. She did all the work herself, and it had loads of potential. When the pandemic hit and prices skyrocketed, she made the difficult decision to sell it and turn a tidy profit.

Hanna posing proudly with her empty Transit Van.

So, we have a tiny bit of van life experience, but not enough to be considered experts (or anything close to it). The majority of this list was based on the here and now–the evolution of our needs and our newfound direction.

Why vans are great

There’s a lot to love about Class B RVs and van conversions. Over the last several months, we’ve flirted with buying one to facilitate our adventurous life–we like them that much! From the easy driving experience to the I’m-on-an-adventure aesthetic, we have to admit that van life is pretty compelling.

As we listed out our top van life pros and cons, there were a handful of benefits that really stood out. Your list may look a little different, but we think these adVANtages really make vans special!

• They’re a single unit, meaning that you can go from sleeping to driving without ever leaving the RV. This is great for a number of reasons, including situations where safety or weather is a concern. It also gives the entire unit a roomier feeling (in our experience, anyway), thanks to the large windshield and open cockpit.

• They get better gas mileage than most (if not all) alternatives. They tend to be compact, aerodynamic, and more efficient. Some people report getting upwards of 20 mpg in certain vans, which goes a long way toward your range on a tank and definitely helps the budget!

• They can be customized. Whether you’re a DIY magician, an RV lot shopper, or someone who wants to order a custom van through a builder, the possibilities are practically endless. This helps you get what you want within your budget. That’s a lot of flexibility!

• Vans are compact, nimble, and have decent aftermarket support for things like suspension and bumpers. All of this means that they are better equipped than most of their RV counterparts to explore off the beaten path, push farther into the backcountry, and facilitate an off-grid camping experience.

Why van life isn’t for us

If that list of van life advantages (yes, I made the same pun. I’ll do it again, too) seems compelling, we’re right there with you. There’s a lot to love about vans, and we would definitely consider going the Class B RV route in the future. Right now, though, there are a few factors that pushed us in another direction.

Hanna in her partially-converted camper van. Photo Credit: Tori of Come to Bliss.

Vans are expensive

To be fair, nearly every RV route has the potential to get expensive. Due to the rising popularity of vans and the proliferation of high-end builders, vans tend to be excessively expensive–at least in our eyes. The bang for your buck just isn’t there, unless you heavily weight quality (which is fair).

When we went through our budgeting process, we compared the vans we liked against other options we could have for the same amount of money. That comparison really raised some eyebrows. For what many of the leading van builders are charging, we could have a pretty incredible truck-based camper, a gorgeous Class C RV, or a host of other really nice rigs. Alternatively, we could save a bit of money by choosing a less expensive camper and put the rest of the budget toward travel!

Let’s talk about bathrooms (‘cause why not?)

Campers and bathrooms are always a bit of a touchy subject. From black tanks to plastic bags, everyone has a different opinion of which is best, but I think we all agree on one thing–there is no perfect solution.

When it comes to Hanna and me, we value a private and semi-comfortable bathroom. I have some digestive issues (messed up pipes, we like to call them), so we have been on a multi-year quest to find the bathroom setup that works best for us when we’re on the road. What we’ve learned is we need to prioritize comfort and normalcy even if it means sacrificing a tiny bit of that wild, let’s-take-the-gnarly-trail spirit we tend to have.

All that is to say, vans often struggle to provide a legitimate bathroom for full-timers. Due to size constraints, they might have a little closet of a wet bath, but most rely on curtains or a turlet (if you’ve seen Impractical Jokers, you get this reference) in the open. We’re no longer about that life.

Hanna cruises past an outdoor store in her van.

A van is a van

My curse (one of many) is that I tend to overanalyze things to death. I think of contingency after contingency, nuance after nuance, and so on. Sometimes, I suffer from analysis paralysis, which drives Hanna banana-nut crazy. So, when choosing a camper, I couldn’t get the nagging questions of “what if” out of my head.

What if we want to leave the camper somewhere and drive into town? What if we stop traveling for a while and only have one car? What if we need to sell the camper, but the camper IS our vehicle?

These thoughts led to a semi-decisive conclusion–we needed something that could either separate from the camper, or we needed a camper that could tow a car.

Why we’re not doing van life

Despite a lengthy list of reasons to choose van life, it just isn’t for us (right now). I think we’ll always flirt with that lifestyle–maybe we’ll even embrace it one day–but we’re going in a different direction this time. With our emphasis on off-road capability, the ability to leave the camper behind, and outfitting our rig with a bathroom that works for us, the deck was stacked against van life. Most of them are just a touch too compact for what we want.

The big reveal (and I mean BIG) is coming soon. With full-time travel on the horizon, we have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure our camper will be ready to be our home by 2025. We hope you’ll stick around, continue checking out the blog, and follow along as we explore this beautiful country.

We also would love to learn from you! If you have camper, truck, or travel experience, please connect with us. From life-changing tips to something as simple as what plates won’t break as we rattle about on forest roads, every little insight helps!

- Riley + Hanna

Choosing a truck for full-time travel - Brands and trim levels

Brand rivalries are loads of fun to observe (and jokingly participate in), but at the end of the day, we’re not terribly brand loyal. Sure, we’ve had a handful of Jeeps and a couple of Fords, but that’s not because we detest other manufacturers–we’ve simply always purchased the vehicles that appealed to us for one reason or another.

Our latest Jeep - a bare-bones two-door Wrangler (hand-crank windows, anyone?!)

As we began our hunt for the ideal truck for our impending full-time travel, we did so with (relatively) open minds. We have limited experience with heavy-duty trucks (and zero experience with one-ton trucks), so we wanted to be thorough and allow our research and test drives–not any preconceived bias–to shape our path forward.

Things to know:

We’re hitting the road full-time in 2025, and we need to choose a truck to facilitate that adventure. Part of the purchasing process is determining which truck brand and trim level we want to call our home!

Note: By the time you read this, we might already have a truck. Our intent is not to mislead you, we simply wrote these blogs well in advance!

What is the Best Truck for Full-Time Travel?

There are many factors to consider when choosing what vehicle to buy. Throw in the wrinkle of living in said vehicle, and the decision suddenly feels even more potent–you want to make sure you get it right the first time.

Among those many factors are two relatively personal considerations–brand and trim level.

Choosing a Truck Brand for RV Travel

While it seems that brand loyalty is a big deal to a lot of people, especially in the world of trucks, we have never been overly concerned with this brand versus that brand. Based on our vehicle history, we’ve clearly gravitated toward certain brands (Jeep and Ford), but it was always because the vehicles appealed to us, not because we had a sense of loyalty toward those brands.

Our Ford F-250 treated us very well.

When we started looking at heavy-duty trucks, we decided to drive one from each of the big three manufacturers–Ford, Ram, and GM. So, we did exactly that, test driving a Ford Super Duty, Ram 3500, and GMC Sierra HD (we did not drive a Chevy since the platform shares so much overlap with the GMC).

In addition to test driving a handful of trucks, we (and by we, I mean Riley) spent hours researching, reading forums, and watching videos about the trucks on our list. Ultimately, we narrowed our shopping list down to two brands–Ford and Ram.

Below, we’ve laid out some of the pros that compelled us to list Ford and Ram as our top two truck brands for full-time travel. Why did we leave the GMC and Chevy off our list? While there were a few other contributors to this decision, the primary factor was based on personal preference–we have always liked solid front axle vehicles, and the GM trucks come with independent front suspension (IFS).

• Off-road capability. Thanks to the solid front axle, the Ford and Ram trucks have a more traditional off-road-worthy design. You can eke a bit more off-road performance out of these trucks than an IFS alternative, especially at the HD level. Note: we are aware of GMC’s amazing partnership with American Expedition Vehicles and the off-road goodies now available from the factory on their HD trucks. However, those models are far outside of our price range.

• Aftermarket modification and support. It seems most aftermarket manufacturers are focused on bringing parts and accessories to the Ram and Ford platforms, giving us more options to modify our truck to our preferences and needs.

• Aesthetics. While we don’t mind the looks of the GMC trucks (especially those AEV varieties), we gravitate toward Ford and Ram from a purely visual perspective.

• Experience. We have hands-on experience with both brands (or brands adjacent to them), giving us a degree of comfort and familiarity. The interior of a Ram echoes that of a Jeep, and we’ve had (and loved) a Super Duty before.

• Observation. While we see our fair share of GMC and Chevy trucks on the road, we noticed a lot more Fords and Rams pulling trailers and working in commercial settings. While anecdotal, this definitely affected our perception of those two brands.

Truck Trims - A Luxury Land Yacht?

If you’ve ever played around with the “truck builder” configurators on manufacturers’ websites, you know that the number of options and level of customization available is astounding. In some ways, this is great–it gives you an opportunity to tailor your truck to your specifications. On the other hand, it can be overwhelming, and prices sure do add up quickly.

Because we got a late start to the truck buying party, we don’t have the luxury of ordering a custom truck to our exact preferences. Instead, we used these online tools to explore the various trim levels available from Ram and Ford, make a list of must-haves and that-would-be-nices, and see how different options might influence the final price.

As a reader of this blog, there’s a good chance you know how ridiculous truck prices have gotten and how excessive many of the trim levels are these days. While it’s amazing that you can get massaging seats and luxury finishes in an HD pickup truck, we have no need or interest in such a bougie rig.

Chowder, our certified comfort expert, loved the posh interior of the F-250 Lariat.

In fact, our previous F-250 was a Lariat, and it was too fancy for us. Some of the features were neat, but we definitely didn’t need them. So, this time around, we would be focusing on lower trim levels–Tradesman and Big Horn for Ram and XL and XLT for Ford.

Here are a few of the features we wanted. Some are what we’d call necessities, while others are more wishlist items.

• Four-wheel drive is an absolute must.

• A decent screen for the backup camera.

• 360-degree cameras would be nice. We had them on the F-250, and they were convenient with the camper.

• A big enough back seat for Chowder.

• Power mirrors would be a huge bonus.

• We don’t want “advanced safety features,” as they may not play nice with modifications.

• Large fuel tank.

That’s about it! If that seems like a pretty simple list, it’s because it is. However, when you throw in other prerequisites–like cab size, bed size, and engine preference–you’d be surprised how few matching trucks are available.

Come One, Come All

Whether we buy a Ford or a Ram or lose our minds and import a Unimog, lovers of all brands are welcome here. Please share your experiences with the different truck brands, leave some recommendations about trim options that are full-time must-haves, and otherwise help us out as we narrow down our list of potential trucks to purchase.

While we have a bit of a reputation for swapping vehicles every two years (a trait Riley inherited from his grandfather), we’re hoping that this truck is reliable and sticks around for a long while. Only time will tell, but that’s the intent!

Tune in next time for the next bit of brainstorming as we continue through our truck-buying thought process. We hope you’ll join us on our journey as we convert into full-time travelers and help us out along the way as we inevitably hit bumps in the road.

In the meantime, don’t be shy–feel free to leave a comment below, send us a message, or otherwise join our little community!

- Riley + Hanna

What truck should we buy?

Over the past five years, Hanna and I have had a lot of vehicles. Hanna likes to tease me about it, and while I am willing to acknowledge I might have an issue, I’d also argue that it’s a common one–we boys like cars!

We’ve had summer romances with Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, a brief fling with a Ford Transit Van, and a situationship with a Ford F-250 Tremor. Time and again, we fall in love with a vehicle, only to shift our goals and make a change. Now, we’re doing it again.

Hanna takes in the Badlands in South Dakota.

You’ll notice that all of the vehicles I mentioned serve a purpose–they facilitate a lifestyle of adventure and travel. Hanna and I love getting outside, exploring, and traveling as much as possible. We’re beyond blessed that our jobs allow us to work remotely, meaning we can travel with almost unlimited freedom (so long as we can access the internet).

Things to know:

In 2025, we’re hitting the road full-time. We’ve flirted with this idea for years, and we’re finally giving in and giving it a fair shake. So, while we love our little two-door Jeep Wrangler, it’s time to buy a big old truck.

Note: By the time you read this, we might already have a truck. Our intent is not to mislead you, we simply wrote these blogs well in advance!

What to look for when truck shopping

Let me make this disclaimer very clear–I am not a vehicle expert. I have my share of experience buying, using, modifying, and maintaining our vehicles, but I am far from a mechanic. The intent of this blog is not to act as a truck buyer’s guide. Instead, it’s an exploration of our thought process as we try to choose the right truck for our travel plans.

Truck capacities - how much can you tow?

The first consideration for us was the capability of the truck. Because we will be using it to haul a camper around, there were certain non-negotiables when it came to the work capacity of the truck. A Tacoma wouldn’t cut it, and neither would an F-150. That leaves us with what GM would call an “HD” truck–a three-quarter or one-ton model.

Often, a three-quarter (250/2500) is more than adequate for camping. If you are towing a travel trailer or hauling a moderately-sized slide-in camper, a 250 will likely do. Once you step it up to the big leagues of fifth wheel campers and larger truck campers, you’ll want to invest in a 350 (or bigger).

Camping with friends near Silverton, CO.

Without giving away too much–we don’t want to reveal what camper we’re getting until it’s official–we are opting for a one-ton truck. We would rather have more truck than we might need, so we’re going for maximum towing and payload without crossing that threshold into 450+ territory.

Truck size - because the dog needs a backseat kingdom

After determining the class of truck you need, it’s time to sort through the various cab and bed combinations. Some manufacturers have more than others, but the basic options look something like this:

Bed Length

• Regular (6.5’ or 6.75’)

• Long (8’)

Cab Size

• Standard (No backseats)

• Extended (Half doors in rear)

• Crew (Full-size back doors)

For our uses, we knew we would need a long bed. The cab size debate was not so clear-cut. While we knew a standard cab was too small, the difference between an extended cab and a crew cab was minimal enough to spark a little controversy. The decision came down to a simple question–is it better to shorten the overall length of the truck to improve maneuverability in town and on trails, or is it better to have extra interior space for storage?

We are leaning toward a crew cab for the additional storage. With approximately 12” difference between the two, the increase in overall truck length seems pretty minimal, pushing us toward enjoying the extra interior space. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this in the comments below!

Trim levels - cowboys and kings

Truck trims have gotten a bit out of control as of late. Where it used to be base models and higher trims with some modern amenities, it’s now a luxury apartment versus a penthouse. No matter what you choose, you are going to have a comfortable and well-equipped truck (whether you like it or not).

Our last Ford was a Lariat, and it was more posh than we’d ever need. This time, we’re opting for the lowest possible trim, both to save money and to eliminate as many unnecessary additions as possible. Is it nice to have certain creature comforts (Hanna would argue heated seats are a necessity)? Absolutely. But do we need a 12” screen and leather seats? We definitely do not.

We loved our Tremor, but the Lariat trim package was unnecessary.

This category is very much a “to each their own” factor. We would rather have a little extra jingle in our pocket, even if it means missing out on the latest and great tech.

Gas or diesel - the immortal question

I mentioned at the beginning of this blog that I’m no truck expert, and this is where I feel the most out of my depth. We have plenty of experience with gas engines, including Ford’s impressive 7.3L Godzilla. On the flip side, we have zero experience with diesel engines. So, everything we’re factoring into our decision here is based on research and anecdotes.

Gas engines are popular, easy to get, and arguably easier to maintain. What they lack in efficiency, they make up for in cheaper repairs, lower gas prices (at the moment, at least), and simplicity–no DEF or other emissions nonsense here. They also tend to be much lighter, which can translate to better off-road ability.

Diesel engines are known for being incredibly powerful, more fuel efficient, and practically apocalypse-proof. Conversely, repairs on modern diesels are said to be expensive thanks to the complexity of their design. Throw in the horror stories people have about emissions equipment, and we feel a twinge of hesitancy when considering this route.

We’d love your insights on this particular topic. Would you choose a gas engine or a diesel? My heart says diesel, but there is more than a little uncertainty mixed in with that feeling.

Which truck brand is the best?

This particular piece of the truck buying puzzle can be a little controversial. There are strong proponents of each major brand, and understandably so. Every brand has its strengths, and I think that quality and durability is largely the same between every truck maker these days. That said, we have refined our search to two companies–Ford and Ram.

I would tell you that we’re clinging to the unforgivable offense of government bailouts, but the truth is much less dramatic–we have always preferred solid front axles. Independent front suspension (IFS) on a one-ton truck just doesn’t compute to me. Call me old-fashioned if you’d like.

We have always preferred solid axle vehicles.

So, we’re left with the Ford F-350 and the Ram 3500. Both are good-looking trucks that can be configured just about however you want them. The F-350 is available with the only gas engine we’d consider (the 7.3L), while both platforms are available with proven diesel powertrains–the 6.7L Powerstroke from Ford and the 6.7L Cummins from Ram.

Overall, I think we prefer the Ford. That said, we are not opposed to the Ram. This is another area where we just don’t have the experience and expertise to determine a clear winner. If you have experience with either platform (or better, both), please share it below. Your advice would go a long way toward helping us make the right decision!

Should we buy a new or used truck?

Traditional wisdom has always advised against buying a new vehicle. There’s a saying about your new car losing half its value as soon as you drive off the dealer lot, and while the pandemic did alter that briefly, it still holds true (in most situations). At the same time, there are some benefits to purchasing a new truck.

The pros of a new truck

• Better financing

• Clean slate for proper maintenance

• Factory warranty

• More control (maintenance, mods, use scenarios, etc.)

The pros of a used truck

• Lower purchase price

• Less depreciation

• Reduced insurance costs

At the end of the day, this decision largely comes down to your budget and your priorities. Our budget is not unlimited, so we will definitely be leaning toward a used truck, but the benefits of a new truck–especially the opportunity to meticulously care for it from day one–are worth considering.

What truck is right for us?

Based on the thoughts laid out above, Hanna and I have a decent idea of the truck we’re looking for. That said, there are still a lot of details to sort out, so the actual truck we purchase could look different than the one this blog seems to picture.

If we were to simplify our buying criteria–which is uniquely ours, not universal–it would look a little like this.

• Ford F-350 or a Ram 3500

• Crew cab with a long bed

• Base model (or close to it) - XL or XLT (Ford) or Tradesman (Ram)

• 6.7L Powerstroke or 6.7L Cummins diesel engine

• Lightly used

What do you think? Are we on the right track for living full-time on the road and going to some pretty remote locations? Is there anything you would do differently?

Please drop your suggestions, recommendations, and personal experiences below. We’d love to hear what you have to say as we make this important (and expensive) decision!

We also encourage you to follow our journey as we prep for and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. We can’t wait to share our journey with you, grow our community, and make connections with like-minded folks who love trucks, travel, and the outdoors.

- Riley + Hanna

Why we decided to travel full-time

There’s a strange sense of confusion when you tell someone you plan to break the norm. If you’ve ever deviated from the traditional path of living–whether it’s in your job, your lifestyle, or way back in high school–you know the feeling.

Even the most supportive people in your life exude a sort of quiet uncertainty about your choices. They could love you to death, but they rarely understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. Hanna and I are familiar with this feeling. If you’re reading this, you probably are, too.

We’ve always done things a little bit differently. From school (hello, I have a Master’s Degree in Poetry) to our jobs (we started our own business), we’ve always bucked traditional wisdom and forged our own path. Now, we’re doing it again by choosing the nomadic lifestyle in 2025.

Things to know:

We’re hitting the road full-time in 2025, and it feels like it was a long time coming. Our personalities, individual and joint travel histories, and desires for our lives make this seemingly significant step feel like the most natural decision we’ve ever made.

Full-time travel in 2025

Travel is in our blood - a brief history of our journey to now

The adventurous side of life has always appealed to Hanna and me, both individually and as a couple. Before we became an item, we traveled in our own ways. These individual adventures set the stage for a relationship that would have a bit of wanderlust at its core.

I found myself returning time and again to the mountains of Western North Carolina, chasing the vistas and camping alongside babbling streams. I was driven by the feelings of freedom, independence, and childhood nostalgia. For generations, my father’s family put down roots in the Appalachian mountains. While they had a deep history in Old Florida, his family always seemed called to the mountains. He passed that down to me in the form of a longing for mountains always tugging at my heart.

Exploring the many forest roads of Western NC.

Hanna traveled, too. Her father was in the military and spent years in far-off places. That bold spirit of adventure was passed down to her, and she explored places like Alaska and Costa Rica with her family. She is a brave and passionate person who has traveled the US in a Mazda 6, done work-trade on Orcas Islands, and otherwise lived a life largely unbound from the traditional structure of Western society.

Once we (finally) became a couple, our traveling picked up pace dramatically. We camped in Walmart tents beside lakes, bought Jeeps, stayed in rooftop tents during snowfall, and ended up living in a truck camper for four months in 2023. While this is an extremely condensed version of our evolution to this point, it speaks volumes–we have proven to ourselves over the course of several years that travel is integral to who we are and what we love.

Embracing the adventurous life together as fresh-faced youths.

Starting a business - how we can work on the road full-time

Back in 2017, Hanna took a leap of faith. After doing breaking news at a couple of news outlets in Florida and a brief stint in a marketing position at a small business in St. Pete, she decided to strike out on her own. She left the less-than-stellar job she was working and started pursuing freelance writing projects.

She got her start on Upwork, a popular freelance site, and found herself working for pennies on the dollar. She would spend hours transcribing podcasts and other audio files, only to get paid next to nothing. Heck, her first client took the work and dipped, not paying her at all!

I could write a book about the things I admire about Hanna, and at the center of it all would be her sticktoitiveness. She is a persistent person who will fight for what she knows is right. As my dad would say, “She’s not stubborn; she’s determined.”

Long story short, she worked her tail off, and her career as a freelancer started to blossom. Toward the end of my time in grad school, I started helping out part-time. When I graduated, we both took on the freelance world with the reckless abandon that only young, spirited, and a little bit naive people can.

An early brand shoot we did for Boundless Copy.

Now, we operate a full-scale business. We have retainers with clients, have worked with massive corporations and small businesses, and have grown Hanna’s dream into a company that supports both of us. Are we rich? Absolutely not. But we work for ourselves, and that’s worth a lot more to us than a few extra bucks.

Because our work is all digital–copywriting is our bread and butter–we can work from just about anywhere with an internet connection. It’s truly a blessing, and we don’t want to take it for granted. That’s another reason we’re hitting the road–to enjoy this beautiful world the best we can while we’re able to work remotely.

We’ve tried to settle down - restless souls and a historic housing market

For a long time, Hanna and I have fought against our nature. We’ve tried to split the difference, spending time in one location for six or eight months, then traveling for the rest of the year. We’ve also attempted to purchase a house (a few times). Neither of those routes has worked out well for us, and we’re starting to take it as a sign.

Since I graduated from grad school in 2019, we have mostly followed the formula of renting an apartment somewhere we like, calling that home base, and doing one or two substantial (month+) trips a year. The downside of this approach is obvious–it’s expensive, and there is nothing to show for your rental payment when it’s all said and done. Half the time, we were paying for somewhere to live, and we weren’t even there.

We have also flirted with home ownership. In fact, we’ve tried to purchase a home a handful of times in the last few years. It started with a tiny house, which we actually bought. Due to some issues with the property, it became a money pit and a massive headache, so we cut our losses and sold it. We then made offers on two other, more traditional homes. Neither worked out.

We never stopped searching, but with these downfalls and rising prices and interest rates, we have felt deterred from continuing to seriously consider home ownership–at least for the time being. Throw in the fact that buying a home is expensive–no matter how you slice it–and we knew we’d have to put off future travels for quite a while. No thanks!

You only get one shot - doing life our way

In the midst of yet another stressful conversation as we attempted to buy a home, Hanna and I had a good old-fashioned come-to-Jesus moment. We paused, looked at each other, and came to the conclusion, “Hey, we’ve always done things our way, and it has worked out just fine. We don’t have to buy a home or settle down just because it’s ‘what people do.’ We can live life the way that makes sense to us.”

There was a sense of peace that followed that realization. Traditional wisdom says that there’s a logical order to life. You proceed through the steps sequentially, and each phase corresponds with your age or where in life’s progression you currently are. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and we didn’t need to abandon our unique approach to living that has, by all accounts, worked out pretty well for us.

This conversation was tied to something else I had expressed to Hanna just days earlier. There is a constant battle within me that tries to balance making the most of every moment we have together with the urge to provide for her financially. I tried to summarize this with the following question:

“Is it better to leave you with a heart full of memories or a bank full of money?”

More memories like this, please.

As a kid, I was very sick. I struggled for years with an illness, ended up undergoing two massive surgeries, and am truly blessed to be here today. While I am (by my standards) entirely healthy now, there is always a nagging voice in the back of my head that reminds me tomorrow is never promised and questions what my life expectancy really is.

I don’t want to spend my days squirreling away money in hopes that we find stability and can one day travel with complete financial freedom. I want to make the most of our one shot to experience life together, and I want that time shared to be as beautiful and raw and memorable as humanly possible.

I want to live while I’m alive, and travel is an essential part of that shared experience for Hanna and myself.

Hitting the road - we’re going, and you’re coming with us

I know this blog has been a bit meandering and long-winded. If you’ve stuck it out this far, thank you so much!

In the coming weeks, I’ll dive into the logistics of how we plan to travel, some of the deeper motivations that inspire us, and our process of selecting the (hopefully) perfect camper for us. We’ll share stories from the road, post pictures and videos on social media, and do our very best to take you on our adventure with us.

Thank you for being part of this journey!

But this isn’t just about us–it’s about you. Already, the outpouring of support, excitement, and knowledge has been incredible. We’ve learned an unbelievable amount from experienced full-timers on YouTube, through Instagram, and in real-life conversations. With every comment, howdy, or little wave in a campground, our community grows, and we love that.

So, don’t be shy. Drop a line below, shoot us a message, and join us on our journey. We couldn’t be happier to have you.

- Riley + Hanna