3 HUGE Updates ~ No More Basecamp, Moved Back Into Class A ~ Heading West

[@mitchsteinquist313]

Illinois is not shutting down again .

[@TheViewfromBethlehem]

As wrong as it was, thank you for BaseCamp. I watched the video at the time you purchased BaseCamp. I thought, "This guy ain't right, he's buying WAY too far north for a BaseCamp." But I realized that *I* was even worse. I had a condo in Niagara Falls; beautiful but a summer-only destination. I have a 40' fifth wheel and after visiting many states in the winter, had decided that the only place I wanted to be was the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas. When was the "nomad" part going to happen? I sold my condo in Niagara Falls and have now purchased in south Texas an RV-Casita - a smallish home (sometimes called a Port Home) with a huge driveway with full hook-ups for an RV. I will now winter in the Casita, then, when the warm weather happens, hitch up the fifth wheel to see the country. Thanks, Eric... I owe you one!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@floatdude]

In your new place you can make repairs to the RV's anytime rain or shine night or day.

[@brianvandy4002]

My thoughts on a base camp is a place out in the country with a 40x80 pole barn with RV ports off either side. Then in the back build out about a 20x40 foot section for Utility room, bathroom, kitchen, sitting room (living room?), and a bedroom or two. If you park at base camp in the winter and it's an area that gets COLD winters, you pull the RV inside and light a fire in the wood stove. ;) I want this type of setup, because I don't need a lot of living space. I need a lot of hobby space. I camp hosted at a state park in Oregon and I loved their shop, which made me think about this.

[@janetdupree6353]

Great idea. I follow a couple in northern Washington (Good Simple Life) who built a pole barn, then moved their RV into it while they built a tiny house also in the pole barn. They are living in the tiny house while they build dream house on their acreage. Check it out.

[@pkell7315]

Check out Octacruiser ytube Channel and look at what they built

[@ronj4727]

@@janetdupree6353 Just recently found their channel. What they have accomplished is amazing. Good down to earth people not afraid of hard work.

[@joeg5414]

You just described my barn😂 I live in southwest Colorado near Durango with 40 acres. Love it here. I live in the barn more than the house 😂

[@davidfromtexas9681]

Well, we can dump in around 5 minutes but our hose isn't stored inside a convenient pull-out PVC pipe, its in our bumper but your right about one thing, I have no freaking clue why people take so damn long to dump. I think the shop makes a lot more sense for you and the arcade is badass.

[@AcmeRacing]

I don't usually do the minimum like Eric. I'll take the extra few minutes to flush the black tank with fresh water to prevent buildup as long as there's not a line waiting.

[@georgepurdyiii307]

When you got that house I couldn't believe you bought in Illinois and their tax base! I was thinking get a steel building in Missouri that the RV would fit in and set up the office to a home away from home. Which is what a base camp is! Its your R&R relax the hell away from the rig place! A different mattress, toilet and towels makes a big difference in basecamp! That and set up both solar and wind as the south and west areas are good wind producing areas so you'll barely ever be not powered!

[@mickandme1]

@@georgepurdyiii307 Great advice....He hates Illinois but his shop is still in Illinois. SMH.

[@markconger8049]

The reason I take ten minutes is because the dang tank opening that holds the hose will not hold the hose so I end up fidgeting and doing what I can to hold it shut.

[@waynekern8471]

@@mickandme1 I was thinking the exact same thing. Now I'm just a weekend warrior but I think you have to flush out your black tank. Maybe since mine is going to sit for 2 weeks before going out again and it's going to dry up where his is immediately going to be getting used makes it different?

[@JonnyDIY]

Safe travels Eric. What happened to Shawns business? Ohh I just looked up he moved to new location. Hopefully ull have 1 less headache with the house gone 💕👍

[@JonnyDIY]

PS- new arcade room looks soooo good! 🤙

[@jodybarkema4714]

I had a feeling this was coming Eric. I believe you’ve made the right move my friend. I wish you happy & safe travels & I’ll be riding along with you cheering you on!

[@rbsamar]

I think we all did

[@TheWestlandgirl]

Same

[@phongphong4640]

It's admirable that Eric is so decisive to make this change. Change is Good. Making mistakes is also good. Keep growing and keep thriving!

[@toledojeeper2932]

I used to tow semi trucks and used the seat belt to secure the steering wheel , just wrap the seat belt once around the steering wheel and fasten it and you are good to go .

[@TURBOLANDRAIDER]

Congratulations getting the hell out of Illinois. I was shocked that anyone would ever move there willingly. Brighter days ahead dude.

[@shestudios]

This space works better for your nomadic lifestyle. A house 🏡 looked cluttered with all your stuff. This just looks right! Congratulations.

[@Ragesauce]

Good for you Eric, that's awesome, I'm really happy for you.

[@joeg5414]

Seat belt works too to keep the steering wheel from turning. That's what I used when I was hauling cars.

[@daverd2003]

Tow truck drivers use the seatbelts to keep tires straight when they tow a rear wheel drive car the way you use your bungie . I personally think that the shop is a better place for you than the house ever was. You have more room and can make just about as much noise as you want

[@jwatkins5155]

Eeeeesh, they shouldn't. Don't do that

[@sum42guy2k]

Yes we do use the seatbelt but it is used because it is convenient, clean, and we don’t have to remember to remove it and bring it with! I have lost WAY to many ratchet straps over the years because I forgot to remove them after I towed the vehicle… there are times when we do have to tie the wheel with something else because the seatbelt won’t reach or the vehicle was in a collision causing the seatbelt to lock.

[@kameshe420]

Is the new place still in Illinois?

[@lillianzybarra6405]

All 3 of you look happy now that you got Miranda up and running. 🥰🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@braun3659]

Getting a shop makes total sense for what you like to do. Awesome move. Plus you have your friends there to be able to keep an eye on things. Safe adventures!

[@francietunes]

That’s what we love about being a nomad, FREEDOM to do what we want.

[@francietunes]

We are currently (temporary) in central calif. hate it. Diesel is $4.29

[@FOLLOWJESUS-fg8hs]

Eric im happy for you and the babies. Remember always do you and only you. My friend. Hugs to you and the babies

[@greggcollins4215]

Be sure to leave the hood up on the van. Rodents will not make a nest on the motor if the hood is up.

[@grimalkin5706]

I knew it! The minute you said they were moving out of that shop I could see you taking it over! Thank goodness. You are just looking and sounding so much happier!! Good move Eric!

[@freebird1ification]

whos is moving out of where ?

[@binkieruby2191]

I agree it does not take long to dump tanks. If nobody is waiting behind us when we dump tanks then we will dump a couple buckets of water through to do a little rinse but usually just takes a couple minutes.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Looks awesome dude! I had a shop set up like that and it was great! That will be much more useful than that house

[@Itsthekellyschannel]

LOVE the shop!!!! Also if there are two people someone can control the tow vehicle and keep it straight or even turn it 👍

[@caroljester7970]

Congratulations! You sound so much happier. The shop seems to be such a much better solution for you. The van, the motorcycle and Tater tot can all be protected and safe while you are living and traveling. If possible you can build a carport for Amanda. You and the Kitties stay in the rv anyway. And its great that you are mature enough to recognize when something is not working and to change it. You know Jax and Tara are happier when you are. Happy traveling.

[@cafe88racer53]

can prob build a dump station at new base camp lol

[@orangeziggy599]

*Miranda

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

@@cafe88racer53 : My old house had a clean out to access sewer line that looks just like some dump station caps. Most places have one I bet the shop has one all he had to do was look for it.

[@1225KPH]

The shop is RENTED, fools.

[@orangeziggy599]

@@1225KPH what is your point then?

[@GinaLaughed]

I can't believe the relief I felt for you once you were on the road again with Miranda! I'm so happy for you, Eric! Your shop is a great solution and your arcade is amazing!

[@danstatler2884]

It lasted longer than I thought it would!

[@maynardcat]

That shop with a built in living area was an excellent idea, what a positive change that was, that is perfect for what you need.

[@joe7004]

We knew this was coming you’ve been hinting at it for a while

[@bill72pa]

Great idea! Meets all your needs and lots of space, not to mention the indoor parking. Good for you.

[@redsoxclover11]

Illinois seemed to be sucking your spirit dry. It’s nice to see the old nomad back to your roots!

[@redsoxclover11]

@@davidwheeler7503 anywhere will do that to you. I’ve lived in Washington , Oregon , Idaho and Maine . I’ve gotten restless in all of them until I’d seen as much as I could . Sometimes I still need to get away.

[@peggyjohammond9955]

hope Miranda stays up and running happy you and your fur babies are back on the road safe travels and have a wonderful fabulous labor day weekend

[@VanGoWanderlust]

I think you’re happiest in a state of change, which I guess is the definition of a nomad. Love the new space!

[@honeybadger8893]

Best wishes for you. It's just a bit confusing hearing “ all of a sudden” its not what you really enjoyed. I hope all works out. Eeryone is having their share of unsettledness. 2019 we sold EVERYTHING to go on the road having a tiny base camp 2000 away from midwest, only to be stuck storing RV (that we've used regularly) for 8 yrs, to store until this summer. The OUTSIDE storage demanded a yr to yr lease 4 TIMES the price of our INDOOR STORAGE with limited access. 🤬. Retired life has not panned out as we intended. June was when we hit the road, almost 2 yrs wishing we'd stayed put in midwest om our property of 30 yrs with all our comfort. It is what it is and we've been on the road since. Nothing has been easy on this journey camping with the nonsense going on in the world. We know we're not alone yet at our age and now being on a fixed income choices that were never a problem have become a bit of one. So I understand that things are a learning curve bc of the unknown. Live and learn. Just need to keep positive and embrace life as it unfolds. Physical, mental, and financial well being take precedence.....right? Be safe and move forward making the best choices in the moment. When parts for repairs, lockdowns, price gouging, and other unexpected things happen......all we can do is step back and re-access the situation. Whats done is done and new opportunities hopefully will allow us to live out our dreams, just not as we initially intended. Keep smiling and focus on the positives- no matter how small.

[@insearchof76]

Yayyyyyy Eric!! I am so happy for your decision and hope you have the greatest continued adventures!!

[@theramblingeorgian1774]

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't your basecamp still located in the armpit of America, Illinois per your description.

[@maebellaakamaegirl190]

Congratulations Eric, Jax and Tara ❤️😼❤️😼❤️. On your new adventure I am so happy for you. Also be safe in your travels and have fun. 👋🌹💛👍👍👍👍

[@MeezerGurlMakes]

Alot of us did and bought stuff in 2020 that we would not have done otherwise. Crazy times and no shame for sure.

[@mamahamilton8573]

Dude! Your arcade room is PERFECT!

[@TheWestlandgirl]

Looks professional !

[@CDubsJourney]

Congrats Eric on the shop! Safe travels. Hugs to Jax & Tara!

[@Bradatkinscomedy8478]

Love it E! Don't sit and dwell on it. "F" it, make a decision and move on. Love that about you.

[@curtissherrill5310]

Good to have you back to a more normal nomad life stile you seem a lot more happy

[@vaneset952]

Hey Eric… glad you made the move 👍🏼

[@annieyahu676]

I think you made a good move for yourself. You may even be able to make a few bucks off of selling your property due to the market. And maybe after it's sold, you may want to re-evaluate your situation and decide which state is more friendly for your personal needs. With your friends living in the same town as the storage shop, you may decide that's perfect for a year or two! Thanks for sharing ❤ love and prayers my friend.

[@jeffsnodgrass9747]

I saw the abandonment of Base Camp and move to the "shop" a mile away. It should work out well for you, and nice that you have a place out of the elements to store Vanna White. I have enjoyed the two day videos, but understand why you are moving back to three days. Lots of work editing, etc.! Enjoy your holiday weekend.

[@Beatles909]

So sorry that basecamp didn’t work out. At least you are on the road again. Safe journeys.

[@enjoylife7030]

After watching you for years. I think the most surprising part of the video was the new Nike shoes you were sporting. I have never seen you buy name brand shoes like those before. Great new setup that still gives you a place to store your stuff which is much better then paying for one of those storage locker units. Have a great time out west and find some more sunshine.

[@campkayakadventures]

Eric do what makes you happy and glad to see you got Miranda back on the road. Have fun and keep doing what you do.

[@billo1656]

It must be hard living in your head

[@diapernh]

I knew that day when modified audio was moving out, the way Eric looked at the place and his body language that this was coming…. And honestly this is a great idea. Not subject to flooding, indoor parking for the van, the motorcycle, the smart car if need be. He’ll be close enough to Missouri that shutdowns will have a minimal effect. Honestly Eric… this is what i would do anyways instead of a house.

[@sharir1679]

I'm not sure if you hate Illinois so much why you have your "shop" there still. ??

[@orangeziggy599]

There's no rain in the shop. It's a garage so he can just park inside, no worries Abt rain. And his friends live near there.

[@todhunt182]

I am not capable of looking at that bowling pin in the same way ever again! Happy trails Eric! Keep on keeping on!!!

[@marcsmith7297]

This was a great idea, you have a drive able house already, now you can park in the shop if u need. And still get your game room. Way better for you!!

[@patriciasheffield1599]

Glad to see you back on the road! And that you’re making things better for you and your kitties!

[@stevenbryant8382]

Some of us are going to put it in storage after we dump, so we want to wash the tanks out good!!!!

[@ty_dye]

Thanks to you, the first time I dumped my tanks, I was able to dump my tanks in a matter of 3-4 minutes. I was able to show someone else that was new to the road to dump their as well.

[@RoadsofFaith]

That sounds more like the Eric we know!! Good to see you back on the road again! Safe travels to you, Jax and Tara!! Hoping our paths will cross!

[@cg60msc]

Glad you got a shop and got out of the flooding area by the house. Looking forward to your great travel videos...

[@helohalo]

I'm seeing a coin op arcade business in your future, Eric. That shop would make an incredible floor for aisles of neon carpet, cool signs and rows and rows of games. Not to mention cold barley pops for sale...

[@lavernbutler7291]

Happy Labor Day Eric, Jax,Tara Be safe and safe travels!!!

[@MikeSalsgiver]

Eric, that was a fun video. Congrats on all your changes -- looking forward to what's on the horizon!

[@geemoe3064]

it takes us longer to empty because we have 3 tanks, more in the tank than this video showed and we clean with Clorax before and after we dump so others are not having to deal with our germs.

[@judyplante7328]

Congratulations Eric, I think you are doing the right thing for you and the kitties! :)

[@GrandmaBugsPlace]

I am not surprised.....all the rain!!! When I saw the large building empty....BINGO. It make so so much sence. It is big enough for storing and even if you need to put the class a inside to work on....just made a good choice. BEST OF LUCK AND HOPE IT SELLS QUICKLY. Be safe and travel and just enjoy!!!

[@tombernatz3027]

Dump your tanks at Flying J and buy fuel a different station????

[@katheymann2334]

Congratulatons on getting a shop to store all your stuff. It makes sense for your lifestyle. Having friends close by to help you while you're on the road is definitely a plus.

[@k_harmony8430]

This is amazing for you Eric!!! Looks so great, you don’t play when you have a vision😍

[@Dobecca]

Shop makes so much more sense as a base of operation than the house much more secure and can store other vehicle out of weather. Congrats on the upgrade!!

[@tiny11231]

I feel the same filthy way about NYC! Can’t wait to flee this toilet bowl. Good on you Eric!

[@kimrandi7677]

Great decision. Check in with Ausia…her rig got an update you might be interested in doing. It looks so nice!!!

[@roberthernandez7564]

Congrats, Eric! Happy for you. I had a feeling you'd take over the old Modified Auto site. You were definitely foreshadowing this move in your previous videos. Looking forward to the next phase of your journey.

[@letsgo7068]

Yes, Me too, I saw the twinkle in his eye :) Makes better sense, I love it

[@beverlyhutton1468]

I'm happy for you ☺ you seem so happy with your decision. I do believe that you are definitely a true nomad!

[@BobPlank_KK4DIV]

Wow, what an upgrade! I know you had issues with basecamp, but I was sad to see it go. Looked like a cool place to get off the road for a bit and unwind. But after seeing the shop, you definitely have a nicer place to do what you need to do. Love the new gameroom! Enjoy being on the road!!

[@justlookin3]

Good for you. That move was a ton boxes and setting up everything. You are not my only “imaginary friend” who did this rethinking and made changes . One bought a sticks and bricks and sold it 3 weeks later. Smile be happy.

[@rosrychaplet]

Tired of the rain huh? Go west. Come all the way to California. We need rain. We will squeeze every drop out of you.

[@tinagrady8458]

I could tell you where not happy. I am so glad you are staying you. Keep us guessing. That is why I love watching you

[@toddbogenrief6263]

At least we know Southern Illinois weather should improve for the rest of the year! :)

[@ChasingTravelAdventure]

😄😄😄😄😄😄😄 nope 👎

[@rvserious8317]

All you need at the shop is a washer and dryer hook up so you don't have to do the laundromat thing on the road! I bet you can fit ALL your toys in there at one time, including Miranda! Perfect.

[@bertpineapple3738]

Great plan Eric. I guessed it from an earlier hint you gave. Excited for you.

[@sandracarpenter144]

Congratulations Eric! You seem so much happier, in turn the cats are too! Enjoy!

[@samchapman7513]

Very nice set up 😊 Living life to the full 🎉 Liked the song choice too, something about waking up 😉 I do love your sense of humour Eric x

[@seekingjoynow1722]

Yes, please talk about home buying mistakes. That will help so many people.

[@patzke]

Well it took awhile to figure out Illinois sucks didn’t it? I think I asked a similar question when you first disclosed base camp. I’m a Nomad myself and couldn’t understand the decision making process you went through especially since you’re from the PNW. I’d seriously look at New Mexico or Arizona.

[@wendyeesue]

awesome tip

[@ginaroberts2964]

Now THAT is way more your style! What an opportunity to take over the shop! I see so much potential with that building. Enjoy your trip out west!

[@CosmicKangaroo]

I kinda had a feeling you were gonna take over the old Modified Auto HQ, compared to the house it's a much better fit for you! Congrats on the new shop!

[@pennylee6569]

I had a thought you were going to do that so glad it worked out safe. Travels see yah Eric and Jax an Tara hugs always

[@pgrayson3138]

This new set up looks like it will work much better for your lifestyle. But don’t you think you should list the house with a realtor? You won’t be able to show it or get it listed so more people will see it. Safe travels to you and your kitties. 😻

[@jeanburk9539]

There really isn't too much that you can't see peeking in the windows.

[@markbajek2541]

You might want to make a highlight reel of the property from older videos and give prospective buyers a link to that. But it does make sense to list it, sell it through more established channels, so you're less likely to have legal issues in the future and the realtor can docusign or fax stuff to you that you need to sign when the sale finally goes through. Good luck with the "shop". Nice sunset over the "Hey" bales.

[@pgrayson3138]

@@markshelhart8338 I was not aware of that, that now makes sense, thanks.

[@reginanordine496]

Wow I am so happy for you Eric. Your new digs are awesome with so much potential. And I could feel how happy you were to get on the road. I Look forward to your new adventures with Jax and Tara

[@noshoes]

You have a way of being entertaining that is quite unique! Thank you for how hard you work at it!

[@PrairieNightMoon]

Yes!

[@edpeck645]

Eric, that was the best move you could have done. You are always happy there, you are close to your friends and they can keep an eye on the place till you get back.

[@chi2cali]

Yeah, I grew up in Illinois. Got out 10 years ago. I would never recommend living there now. So many better options. Congrats on the change.

[@FeedScrn]

Watch that earthquake zone buddy.

[@BoySubangJayaOfficial]

your arcave (arcade+man cave) is great. noticed the music and the traffic lights were sync to music...awesome

[@tonyagoeser9197]

Omg!!!! I so thought that would be a great place for you when you were moving your friend the other day!!! Best of luck!! Oh hey, get quarterly pest control in to protect your stuff!!

[@tonyagoeser9197]

And you have room for an indoor hot tub!!

[@jeanburk9539]

Yesyesyes pest control.

[@rondagoldsmith6404]

Glad to see things are going in a better direction for you.

[@caramccormack5566]

The shop definitely fits you better!!!!!! I take it is still in Illinois? How fast did you make this decision? Very interesting....👍👍👍

[@jeffhagberg6796]

"on the road again".....I was on I70 in July but going east. left South Lake Tahoe and ended up in Auburn Alabama then back to NC. Have a great Labor day!

[@lisamcgrath3132]

Congrats Eric, you def look happier so that’s a sign this was a positive!! Safe travels, see ya in your next video🤗

[@maryl2305]

Happy Camper, big smile. Really like your new setup, makes more sense. Happy Travels. Enjoy!!!

[@sharvo6]

Haven't checked in in ages, finally, a set up that makes sense. I suppose there are shop reno vids coming up eventually?. Hope there's no lawn to mow or low spots to flood.

[@rythemzlatin]

Don't forget to install a sprinkler system for Safety ( plus , you can hook it up to internal motion sensors so when you pull-in , it'll remind you you're back in illinois ☔⚡💧 )

[@n8h2o97]

Hell yeah, I was hoping you were going to get that place. Congratulations Eric, glad everything is coming together for you.

[@MichaelCooleyisit]

Those of us who have watched you since your beginning, almost know what to expect because we're on the journey with you. Keep living the dream 😎 The shop is perfect 👌