I Love how this Nomad Lifestyle is growing every day! People living in their vehicles by choice and not just need. This week, I met a beautiful nurse living in her elegant Mercedes SUV. She works a lot and is saving like Crazy to reach her future goals. I'm so proud of her and all of our Brothers and Sisters living on 4 Wheels! I Love You All!
I just worry the gov is going to find a way to crack down on this or to fk with these people and lifestyle somehow. They are truly free. I love how it is a viable option for everyone. Even students that go to school in NY or LA that dont want to pay 4k a month for an apartment.
What I love about your videos Bob is that even if they are not the style the viewer is considering there is always something to learn from it. Strongly considered a pickup but she mentioned mobility issues that confirmed my skepticism that I could not use a camper shell. Saved me trial and error and the money that goes with that, thank you both.
I tried it in a simple build for 10 days with a cab height shell and decided to get a taller shell. I already had the truck. I'm very happy and comfortable in a 44'' high shell with over cab storage. I can almost stand up straight and have made it quite comfortable. I use a stool to sit on and cook. I don't full time however.
I am 67 and I see the future ass being very bleak, although I do see it is potentially living in a van with my grandchildren. I am so thankful for these videos which allow me to see potential.
Bless her soul, she made herself a little cocoon and did a wonderful job at that. I couldn’t move around because of my arthritis but I am genuinely impressed by her. Much love and many blessings
@@alanchristensen5735 Here in Texas many counties are pretty laid back concerning living in RVs. We're lived in a 5th wheel on my brother and sister in law property going on 3 years. We live in Kaufman county, the 2nd fastest growing county in the entire USA. Rockwall County , then Kaufman county Texas.
How interesting! I now own two identical commercial service trucks with camper shells. My shells are a taller that yours. My shells are called "Jobsite Shells." They can open on the sides as well as the back. You would love them for the van life lifestyle. When I get ready to sell them I will also advertise as a living place alternative and reference this video. Great interview Bob. Linda, you are great. I did van life years ago (2005-6) after the Katrina disaster wiped me out. I always remember those experiences and love to come visit Van Life Videos. By-the-way... - I have the KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities), to make a passage from the truck to cab; using sliding glass windows. Thank you for letting me know that this is a common concern, and sales objection, of truck van lifers. -
Trucks seem to be the way to go at the moment with vans being so expensive and good ones hard to find, anyway. A lot of trucks have been privately owned and cared for, whereas vans are nearly always work vehicles that have had a rough life. My truck has an 8’ bed and a high rise topper but is just a single cab. If you can get your hands on a double or extended cab truck with an 8’ bed you are perfectly set up. I find I can move around well in my truck but the high rise topper helps with that a lot. I also did away with the lift gate and tail gate to make an upright ‘wall’ at the back to put a regular door in so I don’t have to climb over a tailgate all the time - that makes a big difference, too. Nice set up this lady has in her truck - real good use of the space. 👍🏻
Linda has a great set up for traveling around and filming. Especially having a nice fridge. A simple life can be made just simple. Then when she wants a little more room, she just hooks up to her little camper. Good job Linda. Thanks Bob for this video.
Has anybody ever attempted to make a passageway from the cabin into the shell looking at this pickup truck or any other pickup truck? That would be just excellent ! Won’t be easy but for sure any problems concerning rainwater can be solved.
“It works for me.” Bingo! You absolutely have the best of both worlds and you really seem to be living it. God bless you. Bob, you get some of the nicest people put in your life. Awesome stuff.
I have a very similar setup. Same truck and color, but its a straight cab. I have a taller cap and a raised bed that I can sit upright on without hitting my head and have a gravity sink/small portable toilet. It's great for short trips and since I already had the truck it wasn't very expensive to setup.
I have a 1500 double cab. My only wish is that my back window opened wider. You used to be able to climb through those windows and into your cap back in the day. I'm not a nomad yet but the cap is something I've been considering.
@@ericalampley480 Me too. I have the same truck and got a 44'' tall shell with over cab storage. I haven't tried but maybe in an emergency could fit through the windows. I do love the ease of traveling with just the truck. I even have room for grandkids to come.
@@pattya1679 i think they have "boots" that are a replacement for the back truck window with weather seals & if shell is not being used, comes with locks for security.
I enjoyed seeing another option to help me get on the road if I want to go the pickup route; but I have to say the best part was the smile on Cody’s face @ 15:52! He was “snug as a bug in a rug”. 🛻 🐕👍🏻
It’s great but I personally wouldn’t want to go out of the back to get to the front. That is not safe enough for me. But that’s just me. Thanks Bob for the video. 👍☮️
She really has that fixed up very nice. It looks very comfortable and it appears everything she needs has a place. I wish her many days of adventure and safe travels.
This is such a wonderful review! The fact of just having a likewise partner to share travel adventures with! Hopefully in the event something unfortunately goes haywire with you Bob(God forbid)you're have another, other than Ms Sue Ann to care for Cody!🤗...Y'all take care you hear & HAPPY TRAVELS!❤️❤️❤️
I tried a cab high shell and couldn't do it, too low and cramped for me, traded for a 36" tall contractor shell and found the perfect compromise between comfort and capability on a full size 4x4. With these compact setups it's best to follow the weather, riding out a rainy day is one thing, being cooped up inside for multiple days is no fun.
Insulation tip 2: insulate rv windows with bulk shrink film and use removable no residue duct tape. Also can place foam or reflect between film and glass
Some people use wall mounted dog house heaters. They're electric, no propane or gas/diesel fuel fumes and can be adjusted to the temperature you want and left there! Might want to check it out.
THANKS for this video! Just before the pandemic, I was looking into getting an RV. I even put a deposit on a motorhome, then decided it made more sense for me to have a truck and trailer! I took the first step and purchased my Truck, Then COVID reared its ugly head 😝 So hear I am with JUST the truck and so I've lowered my expectations and decided to start with what I have 👍 I'm hoping to get a Shell soon, but I'm the meanwhile, I've set up a makeshift bed in the CAB of my truck! 😄 I haven't technically camped yet, but have done a few Overnights, just testing the sleeping situation. It's working for me and One of my dogs (haven't tried it with both of them yet 🤪) Definitely, think a SHELL would work for me! Maybe I'll catch up with you at the Q next year! 😄👍 I made the 3.5 journey This year and was prepared to do an overnight, but ended up taking a friend, so without enuf room to sleep two, just made it a Day Trip! Sorry this was so long!🤪Love your videos! Take Care!
Great job Bob, thanks Linda wow if I knew there were so many attractive ladies doing the nomad lifestyle I’d better get myself out there. Thanks again Bob 👍👍
I like it a lot. I have a 1993 extra cab,but only 2 doors. It's a shortbox, so I am using all the space available. I too have a cab height Leer canopy color matching with my truck too. I built a wheel well high bed so that I can fit 3 clear case totes under the bed for storage items. There's not much sitting up room, but for the stealth camping it's good. I'm disabled too but I am slow and careful. I like that it's a tiny house, for the most part. Great job with your truck living setup. Since I have bad knees ,ankles back and more I can't have a floor height bed..I also have reflectix window covers/insulation and it works great I'll be house less here soon so I'll have my home ready for use. Great job with your truck camping build, take care and safe travels 👍🏻😀.
I remember meeting Linda at Mail, Messages & More during the HOWA October build out when I went in to check my mail. Nice lady. We talk for several minutes.
Another nice option is a hi-top camper , they don't allow standing but give much more head room and comfortable sitting position. Friend has a Caravan brand camper with the highest top they offer and a door entry that give head room and easy entry.
I love the ideas! I could definitely do it to camp in for a while. I would probably have a few issues with mobility after that. i always thought you could sleep in the back of the super cab and now she has proved it. I would probably sleep in the super cab if camping alone so i could drive off at night if needed! I would use the back more during the day. Thank you for sharing.
Love how Linda travels in the truck and has the trailer to live in when not travelling. This allows her to go off road and enjoy hiking, good thinking! I would do the same I think as it's great to be in the mountains and have them all to yourselves. Travelling in a truck with a canopy allows for much more freedom of movement but does cramp ones style if they have a lot of hobbies, equipment or physical limitations. But it really depends on what your priorities are. Thanks for showing this unique option of nomadic life!
I camped for a couple of years out of my truck bed with topper, but my knees and back were really unhappy, so got an actual truck camper to be able to be upright. Big diff!
I lived in the back of my Dotson pickup in Chicago while going to school to be a truck driver. Her set up was much better than mine was back then. Lol I was 42 at that time and drove the truck for 14 years over the road. Love to watch your videos. I’m now 68 and I couldn’t do it that way now. Just brought home a 1985 Chevy van (bus) G30, it’s a blank canvas right now can’t wait to get it done. I get a lot of ideas from watching you. Thank you for sharing
Great video! Thanks! Question for Bob- I'm sure you have heard of lots of big box stores closing. Ones which allowed boondocking. Can you please do a video about this. The likely effect of this on boondocking parking. Thanks!
Thanks Linda for sharing your experience. I am getting a high topper for my truck soon, so your video is very timely for me! I feel even more positive about it now. I will be using it for weekend trips and camping. I also didn't want anything too cumbersome. So I was hoping the topper would be it, and your input was great! Have an awesome week!
Watching again. I always have enjoyed Linda's creative use of living space. i kind a like the idea of having storage along the side walls and towards the cab with a mattress in the middle. Also, with a mattress on the bed floor it helps with the low height. A question for Bob: do you know if the rear window of the cab a can be configured where one could enter the cab through the truck bed? That would be a game changer.
I love the truck! I have a red F150 Super cab with a Triton V8. I’d need a regular truck camper with a wet bath. Something like the Rogue pop up. Nice lady and the shell is an affordable doable alternative.
My 2008 Toyota Tundra witha $100 shell did just amazing in Quartzsite for a month. Although I am in a tiny sticks and bricks in Florida which I love, I will drive my Tundra to hopefully to the 1 million miles club. People ask all the time why not get a new pick up....but why? As long as you stick to Bob's rule of thumb to have an emergency plan....like tires, etc....you'd be fine.. I did the tent thing too to be able to leave some items behind if you need to go to get supplies, etc. Happy trails 👣 and tails in Cody's case
Thanks Bob and Linda your content is very helpful to people it gives hope on how you can take a truck camper make it work the live-in and not have to live under a bridge or in a park again thank you for the great content
Bob this lady has the best of both worlds having this set up and she has a place to live too. She’s active now I know she’s helping out with camera which implies she’s doing it for your videos. Hopefully I didn’t misunderstand her role in this video Bob. I’m sure someone will tell me if I don’t understand. Love this idea of 1 vehicle camping truck & her dog Cody!
Thanks for sharing. Linda said it was perfect for her needs when in the outback. I am curious if she would make any modifications if she were to build another one. I suspect they would be minor changes or it is actually perfect and she would not change a thing. Take care.
what a lovely brave lady! Must be quite a challenge to start a life like this on this age. She seems to be very happy. I could not life in such a small space. I am really tall so I need space, But if you fit in and can manage with your knees and back, then its all good I guess. Thanks for sharing!
the high top camper shell would be even better. that extra 12" really comes in handy. you can also get a pass thru kit to climb into your cab. it is like an innner tube and you remove your windows
That is such a reliable TANK of a built. Those 2500s can handle SO much , what she is hauling is nothing for that Transmission and suspension. This will last a long time. I really like this one.
I see large trucks and vans and worry about fuel. I think maybe, for the future, something like a Prius Prime hybrid is the way to go. I also worry about my dog keeping cool (a long coat Akita.). They say with a Prius, you can run the air conditioner for about a dollar a night. Same with the heater. Toyota needs to make a van version.
I live in my Leer Mid-rise cap I built myself. It's been a year and I LOVE IT. I can go so many places in my Ram 1500 that many can't. I really appreciate you showing this video!
Yay! Saw her other video and is great to see this update! Since I hear she's a quilter (so I imagine appreciates fabrics) I wonder if covering the Reflectix with lovely fabric would be more homey and attractive, if even just nice solid or printed sheets. Or would that have any moisture issue reason to not do that? Wash it occasionally? Or if an issue like that can't be easily enough set up as removable...maybe duct tape in colors of ones choice? Or plywood walls behind shelving in front of Reflectix (which optionally can be painted) - but guess that adds weight.
What a great attitude and setup she has. GMC's are not cheap because they are well made trucks. Strange to not have a higher/high top camper shell on such a high end truck for more head room and less knee strain?
I did a similar build in a f150. I use a mesh cot with plastic pullout drawers underneath. I did install a carpet kit and the shell already had carpet, so it’s warm and less condensation issues. Took out back seats and that’s where solar stuff and frig goes. I cook in the back seat area because I can open the roof window to vent. I did make sure I could crawl thru the window to get into the cab and drive away if people show up with guns or partying etc. I also drilled some holes in the latch pins of the shell window so I can insert a rivet and no one can open the handles from outside. I have a step I installed outside so I can get in and out with tail gate up, and it’s handy even when tailgate is down. The tailgate is on hydraulic struts so I can drop it from inside without it crashing down. I like mine too! PS the diesel heater is in the back seat area and I have a periscope insulated pipe that blows the warm air into the shell “bedroom” or I can disconnect it and heat just the cab or both cab and bedroom. Diesel tank is a plastic gas can in a milk crate on same side of truck as gas tank.
Hi Bob, I have a 1986 Ford F-250 4X4 Lariat XLT std. Cab. It's factory equipped with limited-slip rear-end , A/C that has been restored to new working condition, new heater core that will roast you if on max, carpeted roof on fiberglass shell, it is a long bed that is 8 1/2 feet. Family owned since new. I wish it was a super-cab. However, we know that people have lived in cars with less room. I have plenty of room to pass from the camper to the driver's bench seat in the event I need to leave for safety reasons. I am not a full-time nomad yet, I want to get the truck set up with a solar system and some type of floor insulation covered with plywood . Yes, I do believe it is possible to live in a pickup with a shell so long as the person can deal with not having room to stand up. Vans with a raised roof cap would have more comfortable space. For me,the downside is to find a four-wheel drive van that's affordable without spending 70k or more for a Sprinter 4X4 . Not many cargo vans were four wheel drives. Vans, in general, are not usually four wheel drives.
I tried living in a truck with camper shell...didn't last long. I found it's too short...at least for me. Next time I decide to hit the road...it will definitely be a high top van. I need to stand up in my rig...
I Love how this Nomad Lifestyle is growing every day! People living in their vehicles by choice and not just need.
This week, I met a beautiful nurse living in her elegant Mercedes SUV. She works a lot and is saving like Crazy to reach her future goals. I'm so proud of her and all of our Brothers and Sisters living on 4 Wheels!
I Love You All!
EXACTLY
@@valerieirvin249 kitchen
Freedom is priceless
I just worry the gov is going to find a way to crack down on this or to fk with these people and lifestyle somehow. They are truly free. I love how it is a viable option for everyone. Even students that go to school in NY or LA that dont want to pay 4k a month for an apartment.
Cody is an expert at making himself at home in any rig.
Yeah that's exactly what I thought!
I love Cody ❤❤❤😊
What I love about your videos Bob is that even if they are not the style the viewer is considering there is always something to learn from it. Strongly considered a pickup but she mentioned mobility issues that confirmed my skepticism that I could not use a camper shell. Saved me trial and error and the money that goes with that, thank you both.
I thought the same thing. She has a great setup, but my knees are bad so I couldn’t do what she’s doing.
I tried it in a simple build for 10 days with a cab height shell and decided to get a taller shell. I already had the truck. I'm very happy and comfortable in a 44'' high shell with over cab storage. I can almost stand up straight and have made it quite comfortable. I use a stool to sit on and cook. I don't full time however.
@@pattya1679 ❤
I am 67 and I see the future ass being very bleak, although I do see it is potentially living in a van with my grandchildren. I am so thankful for these videos which allow me to see potential.
I've been living in my RV for years now and I just love it! So much to see out there.
Bless her soul, she made herself a little cocoon and did a wonderful job at that. I couldn’t move around because of my arthritis but I am genuinely impressed by her. Much love and many blessings
@@valerieirvin249 Arizona, Washington State and Oregon
@@alanchristensen5735 Here in Texas many counties are pretty laid back concerning living in RVs. We're lived in a 5th wheel on my brother and sister in law property going on 3 years. We live in Kaufman county, the 2nd fastest growing county in the entire USA. Rockwall County , then Kaufman county Texas.
It's great that Linda mentioned mobility issues. It's so important for those of us who know the struggle.
How interesting! I now own two identical commercial service trucks with camper shells. My shells are a taller that yours. My shells are called "Jobsite Shells." They can open on the sides as well as the back. You would love them for the van life lifestyle. When I get ready to sell them I will also advertise as a living place alternative and reference this video. Great interview Bob. Linda, you are great. I did van life years ago (2005-6) after the Katrina disaster wiped me out. I always remember those experiences and love to come visit Van Life Videos.
By-the-way...
-
I have the KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities), to make a passage from the truck to cab; using sliding glass windows. Thank you for letting me know that this is a common concern, and sales objection, of truck van lifers.
-
Trucks seem to be the way to go at the moment with vans being so expensive and good ones hard to find, anyway. A lot of trucks have been privately owned and cared for, whereas vans are nearly always work vehicles that have had a rough life. My truck has an 8’ bed and a high rise topper but is just a single cab. If you can get your hands on a double or extended cab truck with an 8’ bed you are perfectly set up. I find I can move around well in my truck but the high rise topper helps with that a lot. I also did away with the lift gate and tail gate to make an upright ‘wall’ at the back to put a regular door in so I don’t have to climb over a tailgate all the time - that makes a big difference, too. Nice set up this lady has in her truck - real good use of the space. 👍🏻
I'm glad she's doing what she wants. Not letting other people decide for her
Have a great day you guys 🌺💐👍🌷🎈🏠
I love how Cody believes all vehicles are his 🥰
Nomads seem to always be proud of their rig set-up. Hope to one day have a rig of my own.
Very nice truck! It's huge compared to my midsize Dakota! I could manage that if need be! Of course us "Linda's" are pretty tough! 😉
Be well you two!
Linda has a great set up for traveling around and filming. Especially having a nice fridge. A simple life can be made just simple. Then when she wants a little more room, she just hooks up to her little camper. Good job Linda. Thanks Bob for this video.
I loved traveling with just my shell. Only issue was when it rained. Shells are super hard to get water tight.
Has anybody ever attempted to make a passageway from the cabin into the shell looking at this pickup truck or any other pickup truck?
That would be just excellent !
Won’t be easy but for sure any problems concerning rainwater can be solved.
There are back window replacements for that.
I love how Cody makes himself at home in everyone's rigs, he just knows he can go wherever he feels like and make himself comfortable lol!
“It works for me.” Bingo! You absolutely have the best of both worlds and you really seem to be living it. God bless you. Bob, you get some of the nicest people put in your life. Awesome stuff.
Thank you! Getting a truck and shell next week. These ideas are very helpful!
I have a very similar setup. Same truck and color, but its a straight cab. I have a taller cap and a raised bed that I can sit upright on without hitting my head and have a gravity sink/small portable toilet. It's great for short trips and since I already had the truck it wasn't very expensive to setup.
I’d prefer this over a van. Any day.
I have a 1500 double cab. My only wish is that my back window opened wider. You used to be able to climb through those windows and into your cap back in the day. I'm not a nomad yet but the cap is something I've been considering.
@@ericalampley480 Me too. I have the same truck and got a 44'' tall shell with over cab storage. I haven't tried but maybe in an emergency could fit through the windows. I do love the ease of traveling with just the truck. I even have room for grandkids to come.
@@pattya1679 i think they have "boots" that are a replacement for the back truck window with weather seals & if shell is not being used, comes with locks for security.
I spy the Quilting magazine! Linda must be planning a project to sew in her camper when she’s done with her back country trip.
instant coffee tea and milk works for me darn I forgot the dog can't forget that
My truck had two window that open
one in the back truck window & my camper window also opened creating an open crawl space❣️
What truck do you have and what kind of camper? I'm looking for something I can access both back and front of truck!
This is a great video! Can’t wait to see you in the fall!
Her truck camper is Very do able. I like the simplicity. It's very appealing to me.Thanks for sharing. Happy travels.
I live out of the bed of my pickup truck, and I bought an over the wheel well cot so I could have storage underneath it.
Where did you get your cot and the cost? Thank you
I enjoyed seeing another option to help me get on the road if I want to go the pickup route; but I have to say the best part was the smile on Cody’s face @ 15:52! He was “snug as a bug in a rug”. 🛻 🐕👍🏻
Wonderful set up. Thanks.
I've been on my first trip March and April 2022, and I'm hooked! I love the temperature, and the freedom.
What an awesome set up. I love it. Ya did good Linda.
Good on this gal! Don't think I could crawl in and out and on my knees like that but hooray for her if it's doable! A lot of freedom there!
My favorite part is always... welcome back to my next............................video! Lol
Yeah, I repeat that to myself out loud. I love you BOB!❤❤❤😊
Super cool, I love Cody 😊. He seems super happy.
It’s great but I personally wouldn’t want to go out of the back to get to the front. That is not safe enough for me. But that’s just me. Thanks Bob for the video. 👍☮️
Yeah, pickups with shells are nice for cooking on the tailgate.
She really has that fixed up very nice. It looks very comfortable and it appears everything she needs has a place. I wish her many days of adventure and safe travels.
This is such a wonderful review! The fact of just having a likewise partner to share travel adventures with! Hopefully in the event something unfortunately goes haywire with you Bob(God forbid)you're have another, other than Ms Sue Ann to care for Cody!🤗...Y'all take care you hear & HAPPY TRAVELS!❤️❤️❤️
I tried a cab high shell and couldn't do it, too low and cramped for me, traded for a 36" tall contractor shell and found the perfect compromise between comfort and capability on a full size 4x4. With these compact setups it's best to follow the weather, riding out a rainy day is one thing, being cooped up inside for multiple days is no fun.
Insulation tip 2: insulate rv windows with bulk shrink film and use removable no residue duct tape. Also can place foam or reflect between film and glass
I live in a cold Sweden with winter and it seems so "easy" for these people compared to us because they don't need thick insulation and a good heater.
Some people use wall mounted dog house heaters. They're electric, no propane or gas/diesel fuel fumes and can be adjusted to the temperature you want and left there! Might want to check it out.
THANKS for this video! Just before the pandemic, I was looking into getting an RV. I even put a deposit on a motorhome, then decided it made more sense for me to have a truck and trailer! I took the first step and purchased my Truck, Then COVID reared its ugly head 😝 So hear I am with JUST the truck and so I've lowered my expectations and decided to start with what I have 👍 I'm hoping to get a Shell soon, but I'm the meanwhile, I've set up a makeshift bed in the CAB of my truck! 😄 I haven't technically camped yet, but have done a few Overnights, just testing the sleeping situation. It's working for me and One of my dogs (haven't tried it with both of them yet 🤪) Definitely, think a SHELL would work for me! Maybe I'll catch up with you at the Q next year! 😄👍
I made the 3.5 journey This year and was prepared to do an overnight, but ended up taking a friend, so without enuf room to sleep two, just made it a Day Trip! Sorry this was so long!🤪Love your videos! Take Care!
Codys just like his daddy !!feels at home with anybody ....codys so sweet❤ ( you too bob )
Great job Bob, thanks Linda wow if I knew there were so many attractive ladies doing the nomad lifestyle I’d better get myself out there. Thanks again Bob 👍👍
I like it a lot. I have a 1993 extra cab,but only 2 doors. It's a shortbox, so I am using all the space available. I too have a cab height Leer canopy color matching with my truck too. I built a wheel well high bed so that I can fit 3 clear case totes under the bed for storage items. There's not much sitting up room, but for the stealth camping it's good. I'm disabled too but I am slow and careful. I like that it's a tiny house, for the most part.
Great job with your truck living setup.
Since I have bad knees ,ankles back and more I can't have a floor height bed..I also have reflectix window covers/insulation and it works great I'll be house less here soon so I'll have my home ready for use.
Great job with your truck camping build, take care and safe travels 👍🏻😀.
I remember meeting Linda at Mail, Messages & More during the HOWA October build out when I went in to check my mail. Nice lady. We talk for several minutes.
Smart how she gives herself both options and she is having a wonderful life. Thank you for sharing!
Another nice option is a hi-top camper , they don't allow standing but give much more head room and comfortable sitting position. Friend has a Caravan brand camper with the highest top they offer and a door entry that give head room and easy entry.
I love the ideas! I could definitely do it to camp in for a while. I would probably have a few issues with mobility after that. i always thought you could sleep in the back of the super cab and now she has proved it. I would probably sleep in the super cab if camping alone so i could drive off at night if needed! I would use the back more during the day. Thank you for sharing.
@LA Gunn I had the same idea!
Love how she decorated her van so cute and relaxing
I could
Love how Linda travels in the truck and has the trailer to live in when not travelling. This allows her to go off road and enjoy hiking, good thinking! I would do the same I think as it's great to be in the mountains and have them all to yourselves. Travelling in a truck with a canopy allows for much more freedom of movement but does cramp ones style if they have a lot of hobbies, equipment or physical limitations. But it really depends on what your priorities are. Thanks for showing this unique option of nomadic life!
I camped for a couple of years out of my truck bed with topper, but my knees and back were really unhappy, so got an actual truck camper to be able to be upright. Big diff!
Happy lady living happy life ❤️
Cody is friends with everyone isn't he? LOL! I was hoping we would get an update on Linda's truckshell. Hi Linda!
Living In a van
is far better than living on the streets
That's why I drive a Silverado so I can always live in it and pretty comfortable also I might add thanks for another good watch ❤
I lived in the back of my Dotson pickup in Chicago while going to school to be a truck driver. Her set up was much better than mine was back then. Lol I was 42 at that time and drove the truck for 14 years over the road. Love to watch your videos. I’m now 68 and I couldn’t do it that way now. Just brought home a 1985 Chevy van (bus) G30, it’s a blank canvas right now can’t wait to get it done. I get a lot of ideas from watching you. Thank you for sharing
Hi Linda! Looking good. Glad you sound happy.
Great video! Thanks! Question for Bob- I'm sure you have heard of lots of big box stores closing. Ones which allowed boondocking. Can you please do a video about this. The likely effect of this on boondocking parking. Thanks!
Love her attitude😀😀
Life can be lived in this setup.
I had a Ford F-150. I used it for camping and absolutely loved it called it my Taj-ma-truck. I felt very safe in it anywhere.
Thank You Bob and Linda🙏👍
You’re living my life right now loving it. One day I will do the same. Love the freedom.
Thanks Linda for sharing your experience. I am getting a high topper for my truck soon, so your video is very timely for me! I feel even more positive about it now. I will be using it for weekend trips and camping. I also didn't want anything too cumbersome. So I was hoping the topper would be it, and your input was great! Have an awesome week!
Interesting build. I think the knee pad mats might be the best tip.
Watching again. I always have enjoyed Linda's creative use of living space. i kind a like the idea of having storage along the side walls and towards the cab with a mattress in the middle. Also, with a mattress on the bed floor it helps with the low height. A question for Bob: do you know if the rear window of the cab a can be configured where one could enter the cab through the truck bed? That would be a game changer.
Nice set up. She seems very adaptable. Which one need to be for this lifestyle!😊
Have just gotten to your videos, Bob, really enjoy them. You don't need a lot of money to have a great life. Greetings from Australia 👍🇦🇺
I love the truck! I have a red F150 Super cab with a Triton V8. I’d need a regular truck camper with a wet bath. Something like the Rogue pop up. Nice lady and the shell is an affordable doable alternative.
I love these videos. I knew it was possible to keep it simple in a pick up. Great inspiration
My 2008 Toyota Tundra witha $100 shell did just amazing in Quartzsite for a month.
Although I am in a tiny sticks and bricks in Florida which I love, I will drive my Tundra to hopefully to the 1 million miles club. People ask all the time why not get a new pick up....but why?
As long as you stick to Bob's rule of thumb to have an emergency plan....like tires, etc....you'd be fine..
I did the tent thing too to be able to leave some items behind if you need to go to get supplies, etc.
Happy trails 👣 and tails in Cody's case
Thanks Bob and Linda your content is very helpful to people it gives hope on how you can take a truck camper make it work the live-in and not have to live under a bridge or in a park again thank you for the great content
Love all Bob videos I learn so much and absolutely enjoy everyone of them.
Bob this lady has the best of both worlds having this set up and she has a place to live too. She’s active now I know she’s helping out with camera which implies she’s doing it for your videos. Hopefully I didn’t misunderstand her role in this video Bob. I’m sure someone will tell me if I don’t understand. Love this idea of 1 vehicle camping truck & her dog Cody!
Thanks for sharing. Linda said it was perfect for her needs when in the outback. I am curious if she would make any modifications if she were to build another one. I suspect they would be minor changes or it is actually perfect and she would not change a thing. Take care.
what a lovely brave lady! Must be quite a challenge to start a life like this on this age. She seems to be very happy. I could not life in such a small space. I am really tall so I need space, But if you fit in and can manage with your knees and back, then its all good I guess. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful country that’s for sure
Linda I like the truck an cab and the set-up 👍💜 Ann
the high top camper shell would be even better. that extra 12" really comes in handy. you can also get a pass thru kit to climb into your cab. it is like an innner tube and you remove your windows
Yes I could
This channel is a treasure, so happy I’ve found it
Very nice...neat
Love your truck home have fun and stay
That is such a reliable TANK of a built. Those 2500s can handle SO much , what she is hauling is nothing for that Transmission and suspension. This will last a long time. I really like this one.
I’ve got a 21 Chevy with the bigger crew cab. That’s exactly what I’m doing with it. Also thinking about taking out the passenger seat.
I see large trucks and vans and worry about fuel. I think maybe, for the future, something like a Prius Prime hybrid is the way to go. I also worry about my dog keeping cool (a long coat Akita.). They say with a Prius, you can run the air conditioner for about a dollar a night. Same with the heater. Toyota needs to make a van version.
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
I live in my Leer Mid-rise cap I built myself. It's been a year and I LOVE IT. I can go so many places in my Ram 1500 that many can't. I really appreciate you showing this video!
How long is your truck bed?
Granny rockin the daisy dukes
as a backyard “mechanic” 😂 I can confirm those mats are super comfy on the knees. I feel stupid for not buying them sooner haha
Yay! Saw her other video and is great to see this update! Since I hear she's a quilter (so I imagine appreciates fabrics) I wonder if covering the Reflectix with lovely fabric would be more homey and attractive, if even just nice solid or printed sheets. Or would that have any moisture issue reason to not do that? Wash it occasionally? Or if an issue like that can't be easily enough set up as removable...maybe duct tape in colors of ones choice? Or plywood walls behind shelving in front of Reflectix (which optionally can be painted) - but guess that adds weight.
What a great attitude and setup she has. GMC's are not cheap because they are well made trucks. Strange to not have a higher/high top camper shell on such a high end truck for more head room and less knee strain?
Awesome...just enough!
I did a similar build in a f150. I use a mesh cot with plastic pullout drawers underneath. I did install a carpet kit and the shell already had carpet, so it’s warm and less condensation issues.
Took out back seats and that’s where solar stuff and frig goes. I cook in the back seat area because I can open the roof window to vent.
I did make sure I could crawl thru the window to get into the cab and drive away if people show up with guns or partying etc.
I also drilled some holes in the latch pins of the shell window so I can insert a rivet and no one can open the handles from outside.
I have a step I installed outside so I can get in and out with tail gate up, and it’s handy even when tailgate is down. The tailgate is on hydraulic struts so I can drop it from inside without it crashing down.
I like mine too! PS the diesel heater is in the back seat area and I have a periscope insulated pipe that blows the warm air into the shell “bedroom” or I can disconnect it and heat just the cab or both cab and bedroom. Diesel tank is a plastic gas can in a milk crate on same side of truck as gas tank.
Look nice like rral home living in the truk
Thanks so much for great sharing FULL WATCHED HERE FRIEND
#Grateful 🙏 love you guys, thank you, #mahalo
Cody looks so comfy there :) Loads of great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Bob,
I have a 1986 Ford F-250 4X4 Lariat XLT std. Cab. It's factory equipped with limited-slip rear-end , A/C that has been restored to new working condition, new heater core that will roast you if on max, carpeted roof on fiberglass shell, it is a long bed that is 8 1/2 feet. Family owned since new. I wish it was a super-cab. However, we know that people have lived in cars with less room. I have plenty of room to pass from the camper to the driver's bench seat in the event I need to leave for safety reasons. I am not a full-time nomad yet, I want to get the truck set up with a solar system and some type of floor insulation covered with plywood . Yes, I do believe it is possible to live in a pickup with a shell so long as the person can deal with not having room to stand up. Vans with a raised roof cap would have more comfortable space. For me,the downside is to find a four-wheel drive van that's affordable without spending 70k or more for a Sprinter 4X4 . Not many cargo vans were four wheel drives. Vans, in general, are not usually four wheel drives.
I tried living in a truck with camper shell...didn't last long. I found it's too short...at least for me. Next time I decide to hit the road...it will definitely be a high top van. I need to stand up in my rig...