Solo Female - Former Navy Corpsman in 4x4 Truck Camper

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Connect with her on social media:
/ thehappycampergirl
Meet Valerie as she gives us a tour of her show-stopping truck camper that she lives in full time with her adorable co-pilot, Diesel. After retiring from the navy, Valerie decided that she wanted to travel the world before she settled into one place. She originally bought a mini trailer to tow around, but was eventually offered a job as the sales & marketing representative for Dakota Lithium, who gifted her this custom trailer to reside in. She now tours the country full time, exploring landmarks & stopping by trade shows to represent the Dakota Lithium brand.
Her camper is equipped with a fixed dinette that can transform into an extra bed, cassette toilet, mini refrigerator, an indoor/outdoor shower, two burner stove, queen size bed, plus an abundant amount of storage both inside & out. In addition to having a great layout, this camper comes loaded with 680 amp hours of Dakota Lithium batteries. This massive battery bank allows her to be off grid for three weeks at a time, giving her the ability to live out her traveling dreams.
Shot & Edited by: / sagetraveling
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Truck Camper Kitchen
01:32 Traveling Truck Camper
03:00 Truck Camper Dinette
04:37 Packing up a Truck Camper
05:15 RecPro
06:07 Why Nomad Life
07:01 Truck Camper Bedroom
09:44 Nomad Life with a Dog
10:15 Truck Camper Toilet
11:22 Truck Camper Solar
13:32 Making Money on the Road
14:19 Truck Camper Exterior
17:52 Nomad Life Advice
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[@TinyHomeTours]

Thank you to RecPro for sponsoring this video! Check them out here - bit.ly/3LFE0c0

[@Paul-tm1om]

GOALS

[@Paul-tm1om]

How much for camper and battery setup total. Just trying to figure out what I need

[@fALSE.fLAGGOT]

@@_purge9488 DisLiking Snobs are so in rn. Look at you all trendy, must be nice to be a hater of life. *Good for you!* Anyways anybody got the link to her OF?

[@josephoverstreet5584]

Does she have a KZbin? I don’t have ig

[@WiseInvestor123]

Did you use to be a budwiser model and were stationed in in portsmouth VA

[@thehappycampergirl]

Hi all!! Thanks for taking the time to watch this video. I appreciate all of the kind words, it’s means a whole lot! And thank you Tiny Home Tours for allowing me to share my story and my home!

[@gregoryburkhead7813]

I thought this was ur van life Channel... well spoken .. I think u should make a channel .. u would do well ..

[@irishamericanpinupdoll]

I love this setup! Thank you for your service, from the wife of a wounded FMF Corpsman.❤

[@user-pz8cm4pk4c]

Cool,keep on keeping on,safe adventures.

[@jasonmacneil2256]

Valerie, God bless you and thank you for being a breath of fresh air and beauty in this screwed up world. Take care of you and your sweet 4 legged kiddo!!

[@braddawson4496]

Wow loved your attitude and your setup. Best wishes to you and diesel. MM1(SS).

[@Torsee]

Dakota Lithium has a wonderful spokesperson right there! Wonderful camper rig! Gorgeous Val, and her dog Diesel! So envious!

[@allthingstoi3117]

Navy Vet here...Hooyah! So happy for you living your life on your terms. Love your rig.

[@navygroundtraveler6884]

Wish I knew when I retired that this life existed. I would have never stopped traveling.

[@GratefulOverlander]

@@navygroundtraveler6884 lol. Any life can exist! Life is what you make it. And, what cave were you hidden in that didn't allow you to realize people live nomadically?? You definitely have the intelligence of a Navy vet!

[@allthingstoi3117]

@@MetalMcfly What a career! Thank you for your service!

[@bobbwc7011]

@@GratefulOverlander In most developed countries this lifestyle is not possible because it is required that you have a fixed address that cannot be a P.O. box. You may own a van like this, but it cannot be your primary residence. I'm surprised this is possible in the USA because for most civil transactions and bureaucratic things you need an address US Postal can reach by regular mail.

[@LeoB-vb2pq]

Thanks for your service Toi but .....Hooyah! ?? Are you GI Toi ?

[@johninalaska9563]

Hello Valerie, love your truck camper. Thank you for your service, I am a disabled U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran. You Navy Corpsman were our Guardian Angels and I thank all of you for that.

[@wildsage]

Fun filming with you Val!

[@thehappycampergirl]

It was a blast Sage! You’re an awesome cameraman and made it super easy to talk about my rig. Thank you for taking the time to do it with me :)

[@moreybandel5560]

Cindy says " Nice rig!!! Thank you for sharing! Thank you for your service! My Dad was in the Navy also, just after the Korean war. That's part of what sparked my interest in your video, along with my Love of tiny homes. Safe travels.

[@alohatvj]

She is a very positive and energetic person ❤️. The camper is very nice 👌.

[@kst357]

I was a Corpsman during the final years of Viet Nam, love your camper, and am a little jealous of your nomad lifestyle. Being retired I'd love to go full-time for a few years but have too many projects going on right now. Happy trails & be safe out there.

[@felixreyes9122]

First and foremost, thank you for serving our country. Your camper is awesome! I love the layout and all the storage space. That huge queen bed is out of the way. A big plus! Kudos to your videography skills. Thank You.

[@miriamanderson6146]

She’s very nice to watch and listen to and very “celebrity” presence and yet not excessive. Great video!

[@regenerativelifewayne]

Awesome video from one Navy Vet to another fair seas and good weather awesome rig

[@mattr.9167]

Wow, you found something cool to do. It’s great whenever vets find something they like to do after their military service. Thank you for your service.

[@gdolloway]

Been following her for a couple years now! Love the videos!! And love the journey she’s on!!

[@frankveronese1290]

Thank you for your service and you did a great job showing us your camper!

[@frank5326]

From one Corpsman to another…great job Doc! Happy Trails and safe travels!

[@trekfortruth2841]

Great set up and tour. I have been full-time in my FWC for five years now and my lithium battery is by far my favorite upgrade.

[@richardc8457]

Retired Senior Chief here. Wife and I are looking to retire in the next 12 years or so and planning on hitting the road to see all of the US. Bringing the dogs with us too 🙂

[@richard63]

Hi Val. Your show just popped out of nowhere. I hope you have lots of quality time and enjoy making more vids, just like this one. Best wishes from Sydney AUS.

[@navychop6667]

Was stationed at NMCSD from 2002-2002. Thank you for your service.

[@rachelwierenga4723]

Thanks for your service! I love your rig - so simple, practical, and cute! And Diesel is such a good boy!

[@sharpsticksnz4112]

Nice vehicle, tour etc. But to show off for Dakota Lithium there were some illogical things, like a separate DC battery to run an inverter for AC power then convert that AC power back down to DC 5V to charge your phone... more efficient to just go DC 12V to DC 5V for that job. Same with the electric blanket. DC 12V electric blankets are cheap and way more efficient than running your inverter all night. Even your work laptop should be run off DC 12V. You should be using your inverter for high drain AC devices that there isn't a DC 12V equivalent for

[@lrobie123]

good advice

[@rumaabba8875]

Camper girl with lithium batteries 》》 great deceivement = nothin to be true

[@1982MCI]

Air Force vet here! Let’s hear from a Marine now and all 4 of us will be represented here. It took all 4 services working together to accomplish the mission and yet today, we still help one another even tho we all give those Army & Marine folks a really hard time, but most of the time they deserved it, lol 😂 But that’s a really nice rig Val!! How can we go about getting batteries from Dakota Lithium for our rigs now? I’m in process of building an MC9 right now that I want off grid capable but I need good batteries & solar panels yet to get things going and have not decided on a battery brand yet but will be very soon. I’ve never heard of Dakota Lithium before and am excited to learn more about them!

[@miriamanderson6146]

My son was in the Marines and finished his contract last year. I know it’s brutal training from day 1 and I’m sure all aspects of the military forces. God bless and thank you all!

[@GratefulOverlander]

Marine here! What mission? We haven't won a war or conflict in over 70 years. All we've accomplished is fucking up MANY young people and their families. Suicide rates that are out of control, as well as just an overall fear of war. Plus- She was in the Navy, nothing more than a glamorized fisherman!

[@echo7sierra-interviews]

I've got my mobile studio planned out - just waiting on funds. It's part of my 5-year plan though...

[@DecrepitBiden]

Former Chair Force here...

[@fear-naught1062]

This was by far the most entertaining camper video I have ever seen!

[@JP-yl6on]

You basically made a mobile berthing and rack. That’s so awesome! Thanks for sharing the positive vibe 🥰

[@brucetrotzuk7486]

Congrats on your retirement from your service with the Navy. Thank you for your sacrifices to do that service for your country. Great video and best of luck for your future journey’s …..

[@CaptZenPetabyte]

I didnt think truck campers were homey, but youve done a great job. Thanks for the tour. Go Diesel!

[@msaxvettelvr1]

Hi Val, thank you for your service! I am a Marine veteran and Corpsman were always protected by us Marines. Without a Corpsman, Marines died in battle. Be safe out there and enjoy your healing time.

[@rickobrien4025]

I think your comment meant to say that without Corpsmen , many more Marines would have died .

[@markeverson5849]

Happy healing sweetheart and thanks for the demo:-) I used to run around the country with my wife and four kids in a 62 Chevy 4 wheel drive 3 quarter ton pulling a trailer with a old camper on it weed stay out for months I miss those times

[@JRZGRL55]

Wonderful set-up & Diesel is so handsome! I'm glad you found a way to make it work as far as employment. Best wishes for lots of adventure & fun!!

[@luckypenny4263]

Thank you for your service ! Love the video ❤

[@gibbs6156]

Just found your channel again. Good to see another Navy Vet on here. Fair Winds and Calm Seas

[@patriciapage4625]

I love your camper. It's so cute and convenient.

[@woodrowcall3269]

What a breath of fresh air you are. Positive attitude and not trying to sell the” flavor of the month “ sponsor . Good luck and enjoy the journey. Be well soon and stay safe.

[@tammyjantzen9004]

Not spoiled! Ya gotta have a toilet! Kudos to you! Have fun on your journeys!

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Good for you spending 8 years in the navy that’s why your motor home is clean and tidy thank you for your service I’m from West Australia keep on traveling

[@paranormalskeptic3893]

Such a great speaker in front of the camera. Most of these types of videos are somewhat boring, but she made it really interesting. Great spokeswoman for her brand. Plus she’s adorable, awesome dog too, so well behaved.

[@hansg6336]

Nice rig. Your medical trauma expertise is a great skill to have in remote areas. Traveling with a dog is super smart both for companionship and protection.

[@acesanders2877]

Cozy ride! Thanks for sharing! Is really inspiring! Congrats! And Ty for your service! Much respect and fondly appreciation! Two thumbs Up!

[@MrKittruong]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! So proud of who you have become!

[@MrKittruong]

I was also in the Navy.

[@timbibbs9101]

Thank you for your service and I was in the US Navy (CTRC(SS). Be safe and enjoy your journey.

[@analea6531]

She has a dream job and a dream home. I’m so happy for her ❤

[@anthonyroberts2126]

Cool video and rig. This vet is positive, focused,independent, and strong. Love her traveling companion as well go get em Hooah..

[@barbarabuford5795]

I really enjoyed this! Looks like fun. Was wondering if your batteries and Lithium could power a small microwave oven? That's an Excellent set up, but I'd be missing that. Also, would like to see the inside of the fridge to gage it's capacity, does it have a freezer portion? Love the queen bed, storage underneath, sink, burners, and cassette potty! Also, does it have A/C? It looks really neat, cheerful colors! Next year I promised myself I would do something I've really wanted to do, rent an RV a couple of nights and go fishing! (Never caught a fish before but tried once! ☺️) 👍♥️👏

[@barbarabuford5795]

P.S. And Thank you for your service! My granddaughter got married this December and one reason I want to rent an RV is to do something really different, COOL, and enjoyable before she joins her spouse stationed in another Country. OH, How I will miss my grandbaby! 😢. But she's grown now, may God Bless them both. 😊🙏♥️

[@larrygursky7237]

Very nice set-up. Well thought out. THANK YOU!!

[@sundaytaybron1213]

Hello Val, I have just finished by build for my camper van (female), and Navy retired. It will sit on my future land when it complete its service for me. During this time I am trying to decide which camper style I want and I am loving yours! I am not a Instagram member but will define reconsider. Love you energy!

[@DrSilsby]

You are just too cool, I was in the Army myself, 101st airborne and enjoyed my time served! I have traveled all over the USA either by hitch hiking car or small pick up truck! and way before that I remember traveling with my parents a bit and loved it! I love that your dog goes everywhere with you and it's a smart move on your part, Funny thing is one of my kids wants to live in an RV but we will see how that will go, We are currently in Michigan, Thank you so much for the video, Enjoy Dave

[@paulmckenna9492]

Thank You for your service!!! Enjoy your new experiences , and be safe . Cheers !

[@Adv4U]

Hey fellow Navy Corpsman, thanks for sharing. I live in the Northwest Washington State with my wife and kiddos. I hope you have a wonderful adventure. 😀 Fair Winds and Go Navy Beat Army

[@DrBlazer50]

That's a pretty interesting setup with the 2 different battery packs/power sources: the 280ah battery with inverter and the 3 135ah battery setup for the fridge, etc.

[@Asha-ww9ct]

Your home is beautiful. Safe travels ❤

[@jjlenkel7050]

You have a cute set up ! The interior of the Camper both inside & Out . The functionally how the windows are well insulated . The bed is huge for your setup , Happy Memorial Day Weekend ❤❤🎉

[@joelovejoy7998]

The advice at the end is key!! Anyone can do it :)

[@jeremytorgersen]

Great interview and tour!

[@markmullen1852]

Thank you for your service!! Be safe.

[@GreggMundkowsky-pj6zd]

I can see your navy training in the way you packed your clothes under the bed, being a navy vet I remember my rack on board ship and how everything had to be folded just right. I wish you the best in your travels

[@rejohnson7558]

From a former Marine. Thank you for your service "Doc". Love the setup. Subscribed. Hope to see you on the road. I live out of my Tesla P100D full time with my pitbull Blu. :)

[@MikkosCassadine]

0:38 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the disco ball! Very nice set up you have, and I love your dog. Thumbs up!

[@lisashelton3241]

I Love your home! I like how the door is on the side instead of in the rear!😊

[@arielchattoforasteros5550]

Hi ma'am have a good day 😊 can you be my friend ma'am? 😊

[@TheFrenchy82]

I love the disco ball on the ceiling !! LOL!

[@Burra1217]

I literally saw ur truck in yuma a few days ago crazy

[@ahmedhamdan7891]

Hey how are you I’m from Sydney Australia and I’m the same I left the army and got into camping and hunting best thing I’ve ever done love your videos keep it up 😘

[@mariamoshogianni7008]

Nice tiny home thanks for sharing god bless stay safe 🙏 ❤️ and the dog is adorable thank you for your service

[@dean4558]

Beautiful ☺️☺️☺️. And the truck is awesome also 😁😁☺️☺️

[@xdrabbit]

I’m an old corpsman too. Great channel!

[@amylongtocrochet]

I wish I would've done this after I got back from over seas. I was Army Signal Corp 12 years. Have fun and please enjoy your freedom. 😊

[@Gary-nf3en]

Like your truck. You are a special person. You have total control and I hope you enjoy your ventures! I'm impressed, totally impressed!

[@JamesB02]

Hi 👋🏽 Val, thanks for your service 🎉. I am a Navy Veteran who was a dental technician from 1994 till 2000.

[@ddaannoommnniittee]

Really good stuff - love what you are doing - thanks for sharing your story & take care 🙂

[@markjohnson-er2rl]

I envy your situation so much. This appears to be the perfect job and living the perfect life. The most I was every able to squeeze in to my schedule was 2 months a year. Missing this much.

[@ROMMELILANO]

Navy Veteran and Navy Corpsman here!

[@petewood880]

Thank you!You've been an inspiration to me. You are awesome,I'm ready to embark on the winter of my life journey. I am 70 years old I bought a twenty year old toyhauler remodeled it,ima ready to roll no more winter.

[@kushpaladin]

i really like the idea of building on a heavy duty truck with a flatbed. these flatbeds are crazy good at heavy hauling. so you have all the towing capacity you need if you plan on expanding to a tiny home on a trailer, those can weigh more than a Sprinter van can tow, so the vans, small trucks are a no-go for me.

[@vincentmacaraeg1639]

Thank you for your service!

[@crazyeightsable]

that's a nice set up.I agree that a toilet is a necessity.

[@jebssan9]

very compact camper and you really know your stuff! Have more fun!

[@jlr3636]

Valerie, it was informative talking with you at the San Juan Capistrano show today, you were telling me about camping on BLM land and Colorado. The battery information was helpful and after watching this it appears you are more than capable of this lifestyle. Safe travels.

[@johndewey6358]

I like your beach painting. I am considering getting a rig similar like yours but I need A/C and have not found a good solution yet that would run on lithium batteries and 400Watt panels. Thanks for sharing. Happy Trails😊

[@johnvandusen567]

Long time dog lover. Spent 4 years on Adams Class DDG 1969-73. IC Gang. Keep her safe Diesel!!

[@amadorodriguez544]

Thank you for your service!! Doc

[@Steve-rr3gc]

I love the fact you went back to nature to heal your soul. Nature is the best way to heal oneself. I think you should have your own channel. I’d subscribe.

[@rustythecat2163]

Navy vet wishing you well. Happy that you are working with Dakota Lithium.

[@yanggarbo1989]

I am thinking of getting a truck camper, there are so many types , it is overwhelming. thanks for the video.

[@robreber9355]

You have a great channel Val. Diesel seems like he is a very mellow puppy. Take care, have fun, and stay safe. God Bless you and your family.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Well donesailor, nice set up looks nice. Its well thought out for all your needs. I serveved with the royal navy as a marine engineer so apreciate a lot of work has gone into your xamper build.

[@marquettajames8764]

I like your optimistic no one else has said it like you so. Therefore it makes it so much better to hear take it slow and fix your place up the way that you want it to be. Thanks a lot continue to do well hey how you doing

[@bridgetbrown4086]

Love 💕 your disco ball madame. And I love all the designs. You put in your camper home. So nice.🥰👍🤗💕

[@jeffosborne1147]

Great video. Have fun working. Keep them coming. Til next time

[@mccoyology]

Supporting fellow vet. master at arms here just got a Jeep happy to follow your journey.

[@user-pt8qm9hz9x]

Vet here but coast guard lol. I know Ive heard all the shallow water sailor jokes! Carry on you rock sis

[@s.porter8646]

Thanx for your service

[@bte52]

Very well done. Loved the presentation.

[@joeblow5037]

You are delightful 😁 Stay safe down there in Mexico, plz. an old Jarhead.

[@donk8472]

Hello Doc! USN 86-92, Love the Camper! If youre ever up in New England you have a shipmate in Ct. Stop by, ill buy dinner. would love to hear some stories.

[@theboz1419]

Im a Army Vet, and my wife who immigrated from Malaysia is a Seabee Navy Reserves and she just left for a 10 month deployment to the Middle East.

[@nathanpeacock9978]

Army vet here, 3/32 Armor 71-74. Stay strong my brother.

[@theboz1419]

@@nathanpeacock9978 I was MP 91-94. Have a 10th Mountain Combat Patch while in Mogadishu.

[@Wesmancan]

I’m so glad I have never fought for the corrupt government.

[@elvispusley3515]

Who cares the video is not about you and your Wife, it’s about camping.

[@user-jn9td4wr4x]

Valerie you rock! What a great video describing your product and your awesome life! Been retired a few months, considering travelling the country and visiting relatives. I think you've given me the perfect plan! Thanks! I'm thinking of starting out with a truck bed camper then going from there. Thanks for the very informative "training"! And, thank you for your service! Will watch out for your company at shows in the Northeast.

[@markseifried3959]

Thanks for the thorough review. I'm afraid if I camped next to you, your beauty would outshine all that nature has to offer. Thx for your service and be careful out there!

[@adamstuart1531]

Awesome set up!

[@hasan7786]

If i lived on the road, I'd only wear shorts with lots of pockets for utility and hardware:) I'm just messing with you, that camper crushes! Thank you for your service.

[@chucks6879]

Hey Doc thank you for being a Corpsman. When I was in you were know as Corpswaves. Seriously old Doc class of 58

[@user-ih4rp7mp7e]

Vietnam combat army vet .thanks for serving medics are special.that why l know you are special.gods speed.keep that smile.