Solo Woman Shares Reality of Truck Shell Living

[@rickcooper156]

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!

[@laurae6658]

EXACTLY

[@davewaters9203]

@@valerieirvin249 kitchen

[@claykirby6886]

Freedom is priceless

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

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.

[@mattmartinez1620]

Cody is an expert at making himself at home in any rig.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Yeah that's exactly what I thought!

[@Lois-o1f]

I love Cody ❤❤❤😊

[@theunconventionalwolf]

It's great that Linda mentioned mobility issues. It's so important for those of us who know the struggle.

[@morphergaming0531]

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.

[@ChanelThomas248]

I thought the same thing. She has a great setup, but my knees are bad so I couldn’t do what she’s doing.

[@pattya1679]

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.

[@ruthfischer4177]

​@@pattya1679 ❤

[@alanchristensen5735]

I've been living in my RV for years now and I just love it! So much to see out there.

[@gratefulgram]

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]

@@valerieirvin249 Arizona, Washington State and Oregon

[@tammywines7343]

@@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.

[@dianedavis-dw5qw]

I'm glad she's doing what she wants. Not letting other people decide for her

[@phoebevanderhorst7760]

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.

[@amiralions2681]

I love how Cody believes all vehicles are his 🥰

[@pakawanmalayavech101]

Have a great day you guys 🌺💐👍🌷🎈🏠

[@Tom-Travels]

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. -

[@taix371]

Nomads seem to always be proud of their rig set-up. Hope to one day have a rig of my own.

[@janetkoball44]

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.

[@MapleMarmite]

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. 👍🏻

[@TheRock-xj7hs]

“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.

[@campgoerOne]

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!

[@reneekennedy716]

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!

[@yoshisquid3749]

I've been on my first trip March and April 2022, and I'm hooked! I love the temperature, and the freedom.

[@blessedveteran]

I loved traveling with just my shell. Only issue was when it rained. Shells are super hard to get water tight.

[@Knelson123]

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.

[@5thdimension625]

I’d prefer this over a van. Any day.

[@ericalampley480]

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.

[@pattya1679]

@@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.

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

@@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.

[@OverlandOne]

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.

[@jobabs]

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.

[@soggynomadpress]

Thank you! Getting a truck and shell next week. These ideas are very helpful!

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

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!

[@tmad5358]

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

[@leanbean8376]

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!❤️❤️❤️

[@alana2780]

Her truck camper is Very do able. I like the simplicity. It's very appealing to me.Thanks for sharing. Happy travels.

[@OwnedByACatNamedC.C.]

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”. 🛻 🐕👍🏻

[@roberthadley5957]

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 👍👍

[@debbiesue4287]

Smart how she gives herself both options and she is having a wonderful life. Thank you for sharing!

[@kiwizz2177]

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.

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

There are back window replacements for that.

[@bobcruikshank2010]

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.

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

This is a great video! Can’t wait to see you in the fall!

[@jeffhayden2737]

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.

[@jacquelynnstroup5926]

Love how she decorated her van so cute and relaxing

[@tallcedars2310]

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!

[@jimmyrants4342]

What an awesome set up. I love it. Ya did good Linda.

[@jr4229]

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.

[@EyeExposeThem]

Where did you get your cot and the cost? Thank you

[@dianeshibley1016]

My truck had two window that open one in the back truck window & my camper window also opened creating an open crawl space❣️

[@samanthas3909]

What truck do you have and what kind of camper? I'm looking for something I can access both back and front of truck!

[@OWK000]

Yeah, pickups with shells are nice for cooking on the tailgate.

[@widowswatch6610]

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. 👍☮️

[@ralphcolerick4939]

instant coffee tea and milk works for me darn I forgot the dog can't forget that

[@lagunn327]

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.

[@curious1366]

@LA Gunn I had the same idea!

[@evelynmitchell2888]

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.

[@susiepittman601]

Wonderful set up. Thanks.

[@bill-gray]

Super cool, I love Cody 😊. He seems super happy.

[@chad2886]

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.

[@stephengibson2869]

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 👍🏻😀.

[@kathyschaefer2455]

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

[@lauranewell5200]

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!

[@jacquelynnstroup5926]

You’re living my life right now loving it. One day I will do the same. Love the freedom.

[@mariecheek9363]

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!

[@pumppump5428]

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.

[@kdc1153]

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.

[@MARKCANEER]

Thank You Bob and Linda🙏👍

[@ronaldhall2489]

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 ❤

[@maehay9082]

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!

[@Gypsyditzy]

Hi Linda! Looking good. Glad you sound happy.

[@marthabradas8873]

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!

[@BrokerBarbara119]

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.

[@jacquelynnstroup5926]

Love all Bob videos I learn so much and absolutely enjoy everyone of them.

[@exploringnext1111]

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!

[@davidleigh443]

How long is your truck bed?

[@joydavis1670]

I love these videos. I knew it was possible to keep it simple in a pick up. Great inspiration

[@jolist3722]

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 👍🇦🇺

[@perry222able]

Love her attitude😀😀

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Nice set up. She seems very adaptable. Which one need to be for this lifestyle!😊

[@joycemaurer3588]

Cody is friends with everyone isn't he? LOL! I was hoping we would get an update on Linda's truckshell. Hi Linda!

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

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.

[@brianhall8097]

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

[@Zamarqueza]

This channel is a treasure, so happy I’ve found it

[@barbarawow]

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

[@roberthall6760]

My favorite part is always... welcome back to my next............................video! Lol

[@Lois-o1f]

Yeah, I repeat that to myself out loud. I love you BOB!❤❤❤😊

[@xili-in6ol]

Happy lady living happy life ❤️

[@davidleigh443]

Interesting build. I think the knee pad mats might be the best tip.

[@saturninc3786]

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!

[@lonestarlaurel]

Thank you Bob and Linda! Grateful to see that Linda had managed to get small quarters looking so doable. I am shifting my spatial priorities to match an overriding desire to get further out, at will. Happy trails, all. 🇨🇦🙏🏼🐾🎶

[@davidleigh443]

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.

[@sandra1761]

Cody looks so comfy there :) Loads of great ideas. Thanks for sharing!

[@leahharbison4932]

Life can be lived in this setup.

[@psalwasser]

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

[@rustykatt3870]

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!

[@togeika]

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.

[@omavic9560]

Thanks Bob and Linda!

[@josezayas6847]

The good thing about building your own solar system is if something breaks you can replace the part that's broken and don't have to deal with all the hassle and all that s***

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@FORUIDIG]

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.

[@3rdgenbestgen21]

as a backyard “mechanic” 😂 I can confirm those mats are super comfy on the knees. I feel stupid for not buying them sooner haha

[@colleencarr3470]

Just wondering how all the crates & things R kept in place when traveling? Great idea if your physique can handle it

[@miamisammy4020]

I love this video Bob. Linda and I have a lot in common in that we enjoy many different ways to camp. I have a Bel-site shell which you saw when we met in Lovell Canyon. That purchase was inspired by your video with Jim in his Bel-air shell. Sometimes I pull my teardrop with the truck and I just recently equipped my Honda CRV to pull the teardrop or be pulled by my Class C when I want to travel with a transportation option other than my Lectric bike. I feel confident in using any one of these modes for a seasonal change in travel.

[@oldermanvanner4026]

Thank you Bob for interviewing Linda, Linda for sharing one out of three rigs and showing one of your multi bed arrangements. Enjoyed it all. Don't let my name fool you, now for the last 4 years I've been doing it all in my 1998 Volvo V70 station wagon, tight but I like, less space more gas mileage. It can be done in any rig.

[@Blackhorseveteran]

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...

[@deloresschawe9915]

Linda I like the truck an cab and the set-up 👍💜 Ann

[@teresagibby105]

Love your truck home have fun and stay

[@frozenpann]

Well, I've decided to build my own cap for a truck. As a carpenter/plumber with electrical and solar knowledge, I feel I can build in many simple comforts within a reasonable budget. I like what she's done, but in Canada, things need to be heavily insulated.

[@davewaters9203]

Living In a van is far better than living on the streets

[@juliadawnyel3648]

Moved into shell pickup after house fire before Christmas lost everything home dog and car now homeless after engine blew heat is what killed me welcome to my world in texas

[@DebbiePotter-xh7kv]

Beautiful country that’s for sure

[@SteveTheFordGuy985]

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.

[@Chubbydippin]

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?

[@ijzerkoekie]

I love my poptop, but I would like to go to a dual setup like hers, a trailer camper shell combo - OR a suburban - either way the truck goes into the back country and hard to get to places and the trailer is a "homebase". You don't need much when you're simply camping. Even though I live on BLM and Nat. Forest lands, I still want to go "camping" and this is the way to go for sure. The only drawback is that with my poptop, I can stay in places around town where I am working and be very mobile, if I had a camper, I would have to place it somewhere or just live out of the vehicle and leave the camper somewhere else, and I really need the standup room my poptop provides so this will have to wait till I find better work solutions!

[@Jim-vi4hh]

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.

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

A taller topper makes a HUGE difference too.