Do you live in your van full time, or do you have a home base?
I did vanlife full-time from 2021-2023. I still use Herm part-time to travel a few times a year. I currently home base out of North Idaho and live on a 6-acre homestead with 3 other families in my 2025 custom Tiny House from TinyIdahomes!
How do you afford to travel while living a nomadic lifestyle?
I was working remotely for an IT company when I first started vanlife. After about a year, I was laid off and took a 9 month sabbatical. Due to my overhead being so low, I was able to live off of unemployment and my VA disability pay. In March of 2023 I started picking up some part-time work and quickly found myself juggling 7 part-time jobs. In March of 2024, I got a full-time job at the local hospital in their IT department.
What safety precautions do you take when traveling solo?
I like to have 2-3 options for where I'll park for the night, especially in new locations. At night, I lock my doors and put up window covers for added privacy. And I secure the driver’s door with a seatbelt hack I found on online.
My best practice while not in the van is faking it. I've found that acting like I know where I am or going has kept me safe, especially in foreign countries. I wear a ring on my left hand to give the impression I’m not alone. I also exercise my 2nd amendment rights and share my location with friends and family and keep them updated if I'm heading out on a remote hike or adventure.
What's the most essential gear you always travel with in your van?
Living in my van means I’ve got everything I need packed into a small space, but there are a few essentials that I never travel without. On the practical side, items like DEF fluid, a shore power adapter, an extension cord, and a potable water hose keep my van running smoothly and my power and water supplies in check. My hotspot device helps me stay connected, and I carry a shovel, mechanic’s gloves, a lighter, firearm with spare ammo, headlamp, and a fire extinguisher for safety and emergencies. I always keep a small broom and dustpan to keep things tidy, and a pair of cozy slippers for unwinding after a long day. Magnets are a surprising must-have for hanging gear or securing things while in the van. These essentials make life on the road easier and safer.
What are some of my favorite apps while traveling?
Navigation - Google maps (offline), Alltrails+
Cheap airfare/flights - Google Flights, Skyscanner
Places to stay - Ioverlander, Sekr, hipcamp
Weather - Accuweather
Itenerary/travel planner - Wanderlog
Gas Discounts - Gasbuddy
What inspired you to transition from military life to van life?
It was through social media and Instagram that I first became intrigued by the idea of van life. During 2019/2020, my ex and I often talked about pursuing a nomadic lifestyle, but we ultimately chose a more traditional route, buying a 5-acre off-grid homestead in Southern Colorado. In January 2021, I went Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) with my Reserve unit and ended my abusive relationship. The homestead, while beautiful, was isolating and was a constant reminder of the trauma I endured. I knew this was my second chance at life, and van life became more than just an intriguing concept—it became my path to healing and rediscovery.
Van Parts
Electrical
Plumbing
Climate Control
Kitchen
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4.5 cu ft. 12v Refrigerator
Exterior Accessories
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Hammock Hitch Mount
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80/20 Roof Rack
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Back-Up Camera
Techy Gadgets
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