Kickoff to Summer With Mom: Gearing Up for an Epic Family Road Trip with Mom and Charley

3 Adults, 1 Dog, 10 weeks living out of a camper with less than 100 square feet of living space. This summer, we are taking mom and her dog Charley on a 10 week family road trip around the United States to experience van life in a Storyteller Overland Beast MODE Class B camper van.
Watch the entire Summer with Mom video series: • Summer with Mom Family...
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Joe and Kait have been traveling in various adventure based campers since 2015. For travel destinations, camper guides, essential gear and tips from the road visit weretherussos.com and / weretherussos
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© We're the Russos, LLC 2021. All Rights Reserved.
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- Disclosures -
We’re the Russos is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

[@Weretherussos]

Watch the entire Summer with Mom camper van road trip series: kzbin.info/aero/PLpqJFyT0tg-LmIMWGPzamL3ULfQb6jy7w

[@brendahowell5946]

thanks for taking your mom. You only get one chance at life. Memories are way more precious than any fancy house or money.

[@itsalovelyride8559]

Mama Russo is a rock star ⭐️ Mom! I love her positive attitude and spirit for adventure. It is never too late. She proves age is a state of mind. ❤️👍🚐

[@christinerusso7822]

so agree with you! every birthday I decide how old I am based on how I feel when I wake up - 38 this year!

[@dimitrisraptopoulos1158]

Mama Russo is great! My mom is the other one…

[@ronisley9716]

Man I’ve never laughed harder than when your Mom and Aunt where checking out the rig. Hope you guys have a good trip!!

[@Weretherussos]

Ha! They are funny. I need to start a channel with them

[@plutobeliever]

@@Weretherussos Excellent Idea,,, Title suggestion..."Trip'n Grandmas"

[@laurahynes9457]

@@plutobeliever 😂good one. Yes more commentary. You should have some phone calls where Moms friend does call in checks😂

[@jeanw9977]

I was howling! The faces your aunt was making were priceless.

[@LucyWallace95]

I love the aunt 🤣🤣

[@shelikesachallenge6860]

Your mom is such a good sport. Honestly, I think you need a class “C” and let your mom have her bathroom privacy. Things like that are important when you get older; because when you have to go, it’s always like within 2 minutes. Just my opinion. Your mom is too nice to say anything, and she doesn’t want to jeopardize the chance to travel with you.

[@deulysito]

This is very true.

[@lorilake7613]

My 68, 70 and 80 year old galfriends and I all have to urinate about three to four times a night. We just set up the privy tent outside, next to the mini bus conversion with a portable toilet inside the privy tent. We also have a portable shower we can use in the privy tent. No problem.

[@plutobeliever]

Exactly...I'm in my late 60s and the frequent nightly bathroom visits are the norm...lol...

[@christinerusso7822]

you are al correct - have to get up several times during the night but have had no problems at a campsite or boondocking - made up my mind before we left that it wouldn't be an issue. I would say something to Joe and Kait if there were a problem. We are close and have open communication - how great is that!

[@shelikesachallenge6860]

@@christinerusso7822 you are such a great mom and good sport, and I love your can do spirit. I don’t think I could tinkle at night knowing my son and daughter-in-law were just two feet away sleeping. Maybe you put the toilet outside at night? Let us know. Maybe we can learn something new about how to make it work! ❤️

[@lrobie123]

luv the Storyteller Beast mode van

[@shekharmoona544]

That was extremely nice of Storyteller.

[@paramount10987]

That’s how they get more people interested in their vans. It is a win win for everyone.

[@Weretherussos]

Plus we love the peeps at Storyteller!

[@thizizliz]

@@Weretherussos it's a business connection that turned into a friendship!

[@FEARNoMore]

@@Weretherussos Hey, two months ago in the Emergency Alert video, I asked you guys if the rumors were true that you sold your truck & are getting back into a Storyteller. You said "Can't confirm what isn't true" You sneaky bastards 😁😉

[@Weretherussos]

We didn’t sell the truck or buy a STO. It’s just a loaner 😉

[@JennNahrstadt]

My mom and dad were looking at campers the summer before she died unexpectedly, so this pulled on my heart strings and brought a few tears. Whatever it takes to adjust, you're still going to have priceless memories that will last you forever, and that makes it so worth it.

[@jamiogle7729]

I LOVE your Aunt!!!! Bwhahahaha "there is no mirror, maybe that is a good thing"

[@keithhumpherys8343]

I, my brother and a woman friend went to all the border states starting from Los Angeles and ended back in LA. We got a Dodge camper van. Just basic. No toilet or shower. This was in summer of 1967 after we got out of the army. It was a two month trip. We visited several friends in our travel. No planning. Just had our maps and went. No internet, smart phones, or GPS. Much different than today. Have a great adventure.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Keith - sounds like it was a great trip!

[@mickeymouse6894]

Awesome!

[@jackfntwist]

No credit cards. No ATMs. Folding maps. Phone booths. Cool.

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Your mom is amazing! She and your aunt are too cute! Mom asked all the important questions: 1.Do I get a drawer? 2. How do I use the bathroom? & 3. How will we make coffee? Have a great time! :-) P.S. You have your mom's smile.

[@kjFL1]

I probably would have selected a Class A or C for added comfort for mom and the pup. And for some privacy for mom.

[@jay0726]

Thank you I I'll agree with you a 100% she needs to be comfortable

[@christinerusso7822]

I'm good but how nice is it that people care!

[@MM-fe9mz]

A c wouldn't be bad, but it's nice a b is always with you and can fit in any parking spot. I'm still mad at winnebago for ruining the travato 59g. Wanted one of those since it has two separate sleeping areas for a bit more privacy.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Travelled with my parents in a regular camper (with wet bath), 1978; they were 59 (we never camped before), and I was 25. We lived/live in the Netherlands. Many weeks, trip fr NYC via Toronto, to Washington State, New Mexico. No motels - the best thing is always to start the day with a coffee in front of your van, doing things at your own pace. Have a great time, and make great memories - we certainly did!

[@terrynewell8968]

That's so nice of you guy's! Remember older people have a harder time with extreme temperatures and altitude. I know this because I'm one of them. Good luck 💜💙🧡🐕

[@Weretherussos]

Oh my mom will be sure to remind me

[@kjFL1]

You’re a good son (and daughter in law) obviously raised by a wonderful mom. God bless, safe travels and have fun!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you Kimberly!

[@christinerusso7822]

What a nice thing to say. Thank you

[@teresap268]

Your mom and your aunt are funny. You are are all going to have a fantastic time and your mother will never forget the time she spent with her son and daughter-in-law. I can’t wait for the up coming videos.

[@gretacornish3522]

How precious! Being 70 yrs old myself and used to road tripping with my best friend/hubbie of 49 years, I can imagine how much this trip means to your mom. You two are amazing humans to give your mom the gift of travel and of your time and attention💕. Happy travels

[@CPB111]

Awwww! Your Mom is so sweet and so are you guys.

[@CPB111]

I need to be able LIKE this video a million more times. All interested mom's deserve to have an experience with their grown kids like this!

[@Weretherussos]

Ahh thank you!

[@marylouschubert2974]

I’m laughing because I completely understand Rose’s concerns with the bathroom issue. I am also a senior citizen and we have a jayco swift 14.5’ camper trailer. But we have a little bathroom. However, we had to change our bed solution. We needed to sleep North to South instead of East to West.. So once the table went down we created a comfortable/memory foam bed that has stayed down! Then we inserted a piece of plywood under the couch/ end of bed area. So when we pull it out and inserted a leg at night we created a bed that goes north to south and is wide and long enough for my parter ,6’4, to sleep on a twin size bed and I sleep a little catty corner on the other side. Why? So we can get up in the night to go to the bathroom and not crawl over each other! A must have at our age 😘 Happy trails to you all and it is a wonderful thing you are doing for Mom 👍🏻🥰

[@SG-yk3xh]

(7:20) The conversation with the two young ladies was so~ amusing! ^^ "Summer with Mom," such a good concept. Good luck & safe trip!

[@alextot4484]

Love your mom's and aunt's reaction. It's priceless.

[@glenysperry3421]

You had me at Charley, your mom is so sweet and your auntie was priceless. I am 74 so I know where your mom is coming from. Great adventures coming down the road. That first step in and out of the van is a big one, might need a stool?

[@carolconnell9521]

Yes. I decided against a B just because of the first step up. I’m 73 and had 2 hip replacements and the step would not work. Bought a C instead.

[@Weretherussos]

We had a stool but left it behind. Will need to get another but she’s getting better and getting in and out

[@lauracox2018]

OMG your Mom’s a riot!!!! 😂 You guys will have a blast!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Laura!

[@christinerusso7822]

We are having a grand time.

[@mikerogers9711]

You are so lucky to be able to do this with your Mom, create fond memories and cherish every moment. 🥰

[@alicesam5223]

Kudos to mama Russo for taking her first adventure in the Beast! You all will have a great time with mom! Enjoy and make wonderful memories!!

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

We laughed at the Aunts reaction to everything! It kind of “frames” the majority or people who “just don’t get adventure”! Great video thanks for sharing! 🤙

[@Weretherussos]

Very true!

[@ronsmith1364]

@@Weretherussos You as a couple have created some really neat content. Very interesting to see a non-adventurer have a small glimpse of road life. Very potent illustration of 1/2 empty vs 1/2 full world view. They can only react to the environment from a 'typical' life & do not understand that its outside the transport where your life exists while traveling. [As I sit in my WALL E-esque recliner virtually travelling to china with the Russos] Sharing the adventure is a wonderful gift & TY.

[@GUBVentures]

Your mom rocks! I am so looking forward to see how she does over the next few weeks - AND you both as well! Have an awesome time building memories of a lifetime!!!!!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Bill!

[@andrewzenn1719]

I am excited to see this. Great idea to create a series. Good luck. I wonder when the first hotel stay will be

[@Weretherussos]

She plans to spend most of the trip with friends or in a hotel while we stay in the van

[@ragemodels]

@@Weretherussos OK now it.makes sense !!! Otherwise was wondering how she and her pup would.manage !!! Wonderful to do this with her !!! Bravi 👏👏👏👏

[@nouslee1638]

Haha love the lovely ladies laughing at how crazy this is in their mind. Lol

[@plove523]

Us older people generally get up a couple of times in the night or early morning. If the toilet is outside, you will be hearing the door open and close, the dog wanting out, and mom will probably be wide awake and restless when she makes it back to bed. The reason I got a small class c was the bathroom.

[@deborahschaub2925]

Love this and how Storyteller added the GLSS and pullout tray with the 45 L fridge. When i get my STO MODE BEAST; this is EXACTLY how I am getting it !!!!! I KNOW you 3 plus Charlie are having an amazing time going from place to place. Safe travels and blessings, Deb

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Deb!

[@evelynh2436]

Storyteller rocks! I definitely want purchase my camper van from them.

[@stevearita3267]

This is great, you all will have a great time! Your mom is precious!

[@jaykim4743]

What a courage! wife and mom together for 10 weeks! I can never do it! respect!

[@Weretherussos]

Lol - thanks Jay

[@christinerusso7822]

Well Jay if you knew Kait and me you might change your mind :)

[@eto2352]

Your mom is so sweet and what a great chance for a new adventure! With an experienced son and daughter, i'm sure she will have a grand time. It's cool you got a Sprinter to make life a bit easier and look forward to your impressions of it!

[@dee4435]

You two are rock stars. Simple as that. Have a great adventure with Mom!

[@arhodapowell9587]

We're glad to be back watching the Russos after seeing you guys taking your mom on a summer vacation trip. We know your mom was one of the happiest 💕 Mother in the world, to having a son like 👍 you and wife.

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@duanerichardson5405]

Lol love the old girls reaction ,that was priceless .

[@carolynslette6073]

Can't wait for the videos! This is going to be fun!!!! Now your Mom will have a better appreciation of how you live on the road with minimal stuff! Love it!!!

[@christinerusso7822]

I thought I understood but you are right - I understand so much better now

[@troyallen5806]

My mom would of loved this! So looking forward to this adventure.

[@bpaul1201awesome]

My mom is turning 60 in Feb 2022. Im taking her on a 3 week trip across the US similar to the one I did last year. She is so excited because she never really was able to travel while trying to raise myself and my sisters. So time to take mom a roadtrip to hit all the places she has only seen in pictures. Enjoy your summer with your mom as itll be memories youll always have with her.

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you and have a great trip with your mom!

[@benmiles8161]

Love love love this! Such an awesome trip ahead of you. My wife and I are traveling for a year in a 1992 Toyota Itasca motorhome and oh how I wish my Mom was able to spend some time with us! Enjoy!

[@kaykaykayak9368]

So cool, watching this I miss camping with my mom ,😇, she is in Heaven now. You guys are going to make fabulous memories together. Enjoy your precious moments . I love your mom’s cheerful attitude 💕

[@retroShoeman]

One of my fav episodes so far. Seeing how you both want to spend time with your mom and enjoy life with her is a blessing!! Also that laugh and giggles from your mom and aunt is the icing to this bodes- I can’t stop smiling as well with them :)

[@retroShoeman]

Icing to this videos, not bodes lol

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@christinerusso7822]

I'm so lucky and we are having a ball

[@BBQRando]

Hi Mom! Glad you are part of the channel!

[@roseboudreaux4645]

How lucky can they get? They are extremely lucky Mom! Enjoy yourselves and the memories you’ll make together. Safe travels, ✌🏽

[@guylongley1573]

Load them up and get this adventure started. Can't wait for the next video. 😁

[@debsvista2281]

So excited for all of you! What awesome memories you'll be making! Have fun and safe travels! 😊🚐🎉

[@robiny1823]

Three cheers for Mama Russo! What a great sport. I’m glad she got a cubby too and doesn’t have to live out of a suitcase.

[@Mary-tj5qx]

She’s going to have a blast. She’s a good sport.

[@mikemanjo2458]

What an awesome thing to do! Praying for safe travels and fair weather. Excited for the next one! (Jane in SC)❤️🙏

[@brendansmith8319]

So happy to see you do this! So wish my mom was still alive to give her such and adventure.

[@boqueronbecky6977]

I love that you’re taking your mom!

[@lizkean8574]

Have a wonderful time.

[@familyhealth2705]

Your aunt is SHOCKED with the bathroom!🤣☺️

[@Weretherussos]

I think that’s an understatement.

[@pamelafoley2772]

Hilarious reaction to the bathroom and shower from your aunt! I am cracking up! Can't wait to see weekl your adventure with mom and Charlie!

[@dedwin8930]

Charley says shut up lets get going!!! Charley will smooth out any problems.. So kind of all of you to do this together! Memories for life. She can always say thats enough and fly home! Cant wait for new episodes. Let mom read comments for support.🌺🇺🇸

[@Weretherussos]

Oh she’s been reading them 😉

[@mikeparkerson6492]

I can't say how happy I am to see you and Katie back on the road in a, hopefully, more regular fashion. I've missed you two.

[@mikefarrell5996]

You two are brilliant and brave to do this. Your mother is an adventurous soul , a great sport and I actually think this is an amazing experiment. I think she will end up loving the whole experience and understand why you two do what you do. Now, your Aunt, knows her limits, does not quite have the adventurous soul your Mom does, but that is why they make Fords and Chevy's, Look forward to the summer of love 2021 adventure!

[@annieoakley5075]

I love ❤️ this!!! I am sure their willl be rocky moments but it will be so memorable for all of you. You are a treasure of a son and daughter-in-law to do this for your Mother 💙💖💝

[@CellasChariot]

I was laughing so hard when the ladies were trying to find the toilet...omg ;-)

[@thetangster]

I’m sold on buying a story teller van. Great video.

[@paulwang3838]

It is heat warming Mother, Son & Daughter-in-law together road trip on a camper van !!! Such a nice planning & so meaninful !! Blessing you all!!

[@karppadiem7014]

This looks like it'll be an amazing adventure. 💖 Very interested to get your mom's take on the lifestyle and the places you will be visiting. Enjoy! -Aimee

[@nncybntn]

The look on Joe's faced made me laugh so hard. I admire your patience. As much as I love my mom, I know we couldn't do it without some serious emotional damage. LOL

[@Weretherussos]

😉

[@Bsargentnoble1]

You’re going to heaven. Your mother will love this (eventually).

[@Weretherussos]

Lol - thank you!

[@christinerusso7822]

already do and did from day one!

[@jimandvalstravelchannel]

This will be an epic road trip! Val and I will enjoy watching you all.

[@rettbergrick]

The video of your Mom and your Aunt inside the camper alone is hilarious. Have a great trip!

[@infrequentgamer_greg]

Joe, your mom and your aunt are a HOOT!😆. I am so happy to see that your mom approached this trip with such enthusiasm!👍. As we get older we get set in our ways and it is hard to try things new, but it is clear that your mom is open to new things, which I think is GREAT! I know if I took my mom on such a trip, I know my mom’s reaction would be similar to your aunt’s…difficult to convince her to try new things. It is also good that you spend time with your mom as she gets older; I think in later years both you, your mom, and Kait will look back with great fondness of these times spent together! (I know I have fond memories of trips where I had to drag my mom around on my backroads adventures…but secretly I think she enjoyed it.😀) Oh, you may have a different opinion on this (knowing first hand how siblings are)…your sister is a honest-to-goodness CUTIE😍. Please include her on future videos!🙏

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Greg!

[@allenbazar2707]

This is gonna be interesting.May God give y’all the strength!

[@lynfl9814]

Oh! Boy! This is going to be fun. Can't wait to come along for the Summer with Mom (and Charley) Camper Van Road Trip!

[@therealhotash]

I'm glad mom has her own drawer and I'm sure she'll find the bathroom isn't all that bad and actually quite handy! I was terrified of the bathroom in our van and I'd say it's turned out to be, hands down, one of the best things about the van! Be gentle with each other and have a blast together. ♥️🥰♥️

[@Weretherussos]

Will do - thank you!

[@christinehucks6997]

Brave Mom!

[@wallacerobertsconsulting2894]

Your mom is the coolest! Now I know where you get your sense of adventure; we should all like her.

[@christinerusso7822]

Thank you so much

[@keithandwiadventures]

Hi Joe and Kait, How Awesome this will be! It is go great you are taking Mom and Charlie! Can't wait to see the series!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks you two!

[@joelgoff4722]

I gotta say, my wife and I love your channel and have followed you two for a couple of years and we also have experience with the overlander lifestyle through our daughter and her husband's friends. But, we are RV'RS with a bumper pull, and having a real toilet, shower and bed is something we really appreciate. So we had to laugh at your Mom's friend when she pointed out those particular components of overlanding that seem to us boomers as a little too much of a trade off. We've done all that in our younger years but with vehicles and tents. So here's to you three and your excellent adventure. We're boomers and regardless, we would make it work and enjoy the Summer with our kids and your Mom will too. Cheers🥂

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Joel!

[@lindahealey6992]

Looking forward to this! It feels like two plus years ago when I switched from trailer to van life and so enjoyed te life on the road. Itll be fun seeing how your mom does. I’m sure it will be a trip she will treasure as years pass. Thanks for doing this.

[@midcenturykat9829]

Your aunt's face when you pulled out the shower! 🤣🤣 I'm dying! These are going to be the best videos ever!

[@midcenturykat9829]

I can't wait for the next installment!

[@arakasarian6329]

I rented a Class A years ago & took my mom on a Western US National Parks tour. That was the best trip of my life & I will never forget it. My mom has passed on now and the memories of that trip with her will always hold a special place in my heart. You are a great son to do this for her. It will be a trip of a lifetime. I just hope she will acclimate to the small space. Hopefully you can make some overnight stays in some campground cabins & hotels if needed. I just ordered my 2022 Beast & should have it by March. Looking so forward to watching your journey.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Ara - the plan is that my mom will be staying mostly at friend’s houses or hotels

[@robinsiarnecker]

So excited for you guys! My mom and I did a car road trip in 2019 from Virginia to Arizona and back. We had a blast! Enjoy and make great memories. 💝💟

[@Premchik]

Adventurous mom!)) And the funniest aunt)))))

[@naomic9070]

This is going to be fun to watch! I’m a little jealous of your Mom.

[@matrix-fh9tn]

My 82 year old mom asks me about bathroom situation first when I take her on a road trip. I always tell her there are plenty of rocks and bushes out there so not to worry. 😄

[@marketshare5273]

Going to be exciting, your mom has a great attitude. Look forward to the adventure. 👊👍😎

[@joycetomczyk143]

Can’t wait to see how this summer goes. I think Mom will be so excited by all she sees and does that the inconveniences won’t be as big. Rock on Mom Rosso.

[@jackthefunshack8618]

I'm a mom.... and I love this so much! Memories to TREASURE!!! I am going to enjoy YOUR journey!

[@Weretherussos]

Yes! Thank you!

[@justlivelovelaughfrugally]

“I think it’s very compact”! 😂😂😂. Your mom and Aunt are cute and funny!

[@tammybetian3274]

Loved your Mother & Aunt's reaction!!! We are waiting for our Stealth mode, anytime now. We will be following your journey. Have fun and make great memories!

[@Weretherussos]

Congrats on the Stealth!

[@pattrickAbels1970]

I traveled the country for 2 years 9 months. But there is no place like being back in your home state. My home state of Texas. God Bless Texas!!

[@Reesa_90]

this was so cool for the looks on the womens faces

[@deesandiego]

lol

[@janpool1236]

Dear Mom, I am so envious you have no idea!

[@moretoknowshow1887]

Your mom is one awesome lady! Also: Charlie is one awesome doggo, we need more Charlie content!!!

[@barrylambert8572]

I enjoyed the video and thanks for the laugh. Your mom and aunt bantering is priceless! Mom is so excited and your aunt aghast at with the idea.

[@suelin7973]

Loved their reactions, I’m so excited to watch this series! Don’t leave out any of the ‘adjusting’ we want to see it ;-)

[@Weretherussos]

Will do!

[@whitleyrobertson7070]

Well you can see you and your mom are related, look exactly alike. This will be an incredible lifetime adventure for her, and I thank you for making it happen, you are changing her life….have fun!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you Whitley!

[@ccrr6243]

I LOVE your aunts reactions 😂😂😂😂😂

[@pohanahawaii]

Aww your Mom is a good sport with the toilet/bathroom situation 😂. No doubt this will be a fun adventure for everyone especially Charlie 🐾😁

[@christineminer2117]

She is a good sport! My mom would have asked about the toilet too…..lol. Love your attitude and this will make great memories…..once you get a routine. Good luck!

[@jeffhoward9186]

An experience that may see how your relationship truly is and how it will develop with living so close together.

[@laurahynes9457]

Boy your mom is a trooper! I can see a bit of nervousness in mounting this adventure. But sounds like it’s been in works for awhile. I’ve dreamed of doing this with my Dad! I forwarded this to him and we’re going to follow along. We’ve done big campers. This one is very small😱 but surprisingly seems to have it all. I’m so curious to see how it goes. I will be rooting you on! Laura