Truck Tour of a Nomad Living in a Pickup Truck Camper

[@amyfender1]

I hope that Jim is doing well and that he is still living his dreams.What a wonderful man with an awesome home

[@JimBurns-t8q]

Thanks, life is great.

[@herniedog4641]

Jim is the perfect interview for Bob. Why? They both have a kind heart, and obviously love their fellow man.

[@Favia.SeatedWithGod]

He was a joy to watch. I pray God gives him peace, happiness, and a fulfilled life.

[@jerryrichardson2799]

This guy is pretty smart. He had some really good ideas, here.

[@Snarge22]

Jim claims to be a carpenter, but I think he's either half engineer or architect. Good job!

[@nathanmadonna9472]

This guy has a great attitude. "I'm really excited". I lived in the back of my truck for close to two years. No set up. Just a stealthy camper shell. It actually wasn't that bad.

[@willrobertson826]

freedom is not a lazy thing words to live by

[@brucesmith9144]

Bob, you always have a knack to pick interesting people to interview. You are to RV living what Bob Vila was to old New England houses. This guy is a genius. Not only has he cleverly built himself a minimalist home, he has a great skillset to find work to sustain himself going forward.

[@JeanneKnits]

This guy gets it. More power to him. Hope he goes full time soon, and gets to enjoy all the bliss. Happy trails Jim!!

[@jimofalltrades9281]

Thank you Jeanne, i’ll be full-time this coming week.😃

[@khm2128]

@@jimofalltrades9281 - Hope to see an update!

[@jimofalltrades9281]

@@stophittingyourselves I pretty much nailed it on my original build. Abandoned the trailer idea and kept it as a mobile shop for Pacific Northwest carpentry projects. I haven’t made any dramatic changes. I’ve been full-time and am extremely happy. I

[@RobertVinet]

I love Jim's setup. It's well thought out. Nothing he doesn't need or want. He looks like a happy man.

[@SherryAustinMcginley]

Really like the higher windows. 👍👍Never understood why RV windows are so low.

[@pamelamiller9502]

I have a class B with windows in the couch/bed area that you might consider low. I'm guessing they are set low on the van body so that passengers can see out while traveling.

[@potatobarstar]

Generally it’s to fit overhead cabinets between windows and ceiling in most RVs. Everything is a trade off.

[@suneethavenkatesh3809]

U ask less questions, but u listen more thats really great Mr Bob very less ppl will have patience to listen others.

[@EvieVermont]

I like this guy. Great interview, Bob. The tip about carrying water that gets cold and cools down your living space? Great!! And wrapping his cooler in down? So cool. The spice rack is cool. That bed extension is genius. And thus guy's positive energy is infectious!

[@adventuresofmisspeach]

Never thought about that regarding the 💦 water

[@lindasue8719]

I like that, it's not intended to be a house on wheels, it's a home on wheels.

[@jasonsmith6408]

Would love an update on Jim's full time living !

[@jimofalltrades9281]

I’m living full-time lol! Constantly practicing minimalism. This life is not easy but this life is fantastic. Grateful for all the responses from the video. It gave me strength a few times when I needed it. Life is awesome

[@gapeach51170]

@@jimofalltrades9281 , with your skills , have you thought about being for hire to help others with their mobile build outs? :)

[@RoughRide]

@@jimofalltrades9281 keep on trucking bud 👍

[@jimofalltrades9281]

@@gapeach51170 Not at this time period. I’ve got too much on my plate. Thank you

[@lewisvogel466]

I went full time in my truck right around the time your video came out. I'm 60 years old and don't see myself ever moving back into sticks and bricks again. This life has forced me to be an innovator, an engineer, and a problem solver which I have grown to love. Currently spending winter in Arizona with travel plans for the coming year.

[@itsmecandi9951]

He seems to be such a happy man. Loves the outdoors

[@annettefournier9655]

That looks quite comfortable to camp in.

[@cindychurch925]

Jim love your build. I love that smile!!! This is your dream life. Glad you are taking action to live it

[@jameyrobbins13]

💥i'v watched HUNDREDS of these type vids & THIS is the 1st one I've ever commented on...💥 FANTASTIC BUILD, GREAT PERSONALITY & AWESOME OUTLOOK ON LIFE

[@vannemocilac274]

Nice! Yesterday I bought a 2013 F-150 with a Leer shell and it’s already built in for a bed and shelves and a pullout dewar for yeti and carpet inside roof and a roof rack and omg can you tell how excited I am! I’m also a lightweight backpacker so his set up and mine seem luxurious!

[@SindyJ37]

Congratulations!!!! Enjoy your new home!! :)

[@jimofalltrades9281]

Congratulations, enjoy your new home away from home .maybe I’ll catch you at the trail head someday

[@alicehallam7949]

Congrats and bon voyage.

[@mbbuckeyes8386]

Enjoy ur new adventures!!!

[@jenniferduvall147]

Congrats!!! That’s awesome,... I’m so happy for you! I hope that you have many amazing adventures lined up, in your future!!! Take care of yourself, and happy travels!

[@patriciacole8773]

I lived in my 1948 Kit Companion camper for a year in the nw. For heat in the winter I wore lots of warm clothes had down comforters and wool blankets. Wore a knitted hat And ate out a pot of water to start boiling for oatmeal in the morning. Coldest I slept was 16*. Starting the stove and water boiling it was 65* within 15 minutes. And boom breakfast was quick. I took the doors off cabinets to help coping with dampness. Never had an issue either. Before that my mom and sister and I lived in a tent in Florida for a year at a campground with a large pool. Can we even imagine living in a dugout like the pioneers? Perspective.

[@sharynmoffitt1372]

Hope all is well with you and ur family. It seems you have had some rough times. I don't think I could live in a tent in Florida. You certainly are servicers. Stay well and good luck

[@allonesame6467]

"Good design is a lack of bells and whistles." Amen, and Womyn too!

[@Kimoto504]

Yep. Ditto for good engineering. A lot of "engineering", especially for 'luxury' goods is really just technical art. I'm thinking BMW, Mercedes, and a lot of luxury consumer goods.

[@beach3girl459]

If one already has a truck, this is an awesome and inexpensive option. Thanks for the peek inside.

[@kathyhurrle2966]

Love how minimal, clean and organized he is.

[@STScott-qo4pw]

i've noticed that almost every vehicle dweller usually is very clean. they have a kinda knack for keeping stuff organised, too.

[@paramount10987]

This guy is just really happy. His build is creative and well thought out.

[@sarge27271]

"Ultralight backpacker, Less is more"......very reminiscent of Mors Kochanski's motto: "The more you know, the less you carry." Great vid. Cheers

[@sandym4875]

Jim, you remind me of my father-in-law. He would have loved living like this. It's a really nice build.

[@glenchase1294]

I like how he transitions slowly into the lifestyle. It's not for everyone and you should be aware of the differences. I lived in my home built teardrop for a year, then bought a 27 ft Catalina Sailboat and lived in that. Then me and my Son sold our boats, got a bigger one and explored and sailed Baja for 2 years !

[@JimBurns-t8q]

Life is always a transition. Then you die.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

So glad I watched this again. I bought the heat chimney from Amazon. I lucked out, it arrived quickly. But I forgot about the storm collar. Will take it into lowes or hd to fit one. Thanks Jim for the idea! Will use ventilation folks, don’t worry 😊

[@MrBluoct]

Link. Can’t locate 🤔

[@jaabani]

What a sweet happy man ❤️ wishing you all the best adventures

[@ndsmudlogger4061]

I must say that this episode is my favorite by far!

[@coyotegraysr]

Jim is my new best friend ❤

[@turnerbrewer7188]

Great rig. I like the guys attitude. Keep things simple. Freedom is what it is all about. Thanks Bob!

[@1bike10]

Love to listen to this guy. He has lots of good ideas.

[@alicehallam7949]

"Take care of yourself and do what you want!" Jim

[@Kate11.11]

Loved Jim's outlook on life and the simple things and I know many of us do; it's that amazing feeling of freedom. He is talented and creative!!! Enjoyed this vid thank you Jim and Bob!!!

[@aarondarling6653]

I really like this shell. I always felt that the slide in was too narrow in the bed but this is a great solution!

[@saxmanzzz]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. The little gizmo, similar to yours, for using the cooker to heat the van, is a great idea - I'm going to copy it. It's good to be reminded to use a carbon monoxide detector

[@tadersalad7283]

Where did u get the stack with the oblong vent holes? Wonderful idea… u should patent it to make & sell…after I get one of course, lol… love ur attitude! I’m a carpenter too and also love my tools! Wonderful video…AAA+ Best!

[@TheSunGoethDown]

He’s a great carpenter. Thank you! Bob, why do you look 10 years younger today than you did 6 years ago in the Without Bounds documentary???? I think the free living is doing wonders for you! 😛

[@carolhewett3756]

I agree with him 100% that keeping a standard quality ice chest properly protected can give you 5 days of ice.

[@carolhewett3756]

Get a hospital bedside commode from the Goodwill and put a separator in to separate the urine which can be diluted 10 to 1 with water then water and fertilize a plant with it. Use pine shavings for solid waste, just keep it covered, a little urine wont hurt. Use pine shavings intended for horse stalls or other animal cages. The resin in the pine shavings prevents any smells. Stir it with a stick periodically to help break down the waste. Wrap it in bags and place in dumpsters or bury it in the woods once a week. Or take it home and fertilize your flower beds, but not food gardens. I've used this method for years.

[@chriswitmer7001]

A different build out for sure. For me, I'd like to have a pop-up on the top to be able to stand up when I want to. But it suits Jim. Also, it would've been nice to have a photo shot from the doorway looking in to get a better idea of what the camper looked like. jmo Would like to see a follow-up sometime to see the changes he makes and his cargo trailer build.

[@eddymahon1503]

I love this guy. Great personality. Really a lot of fun to watch and listen to. He should start a KZbin channel.

[@jimofalltrades9281]

I would do it, Bob could be my cameraman

[@khm2128]

@@jimofalltrades9281 , I've subscribed. Just waiting now for your productions!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

This guy being interviewed seems like a really good (and really smart) guy...and he's figured out what works for him in this lifestyle.

[@crazgirl80]

What a well thought out build, it is freedom when you think backwards , he satisfys questions by asking them backwards, that is a cool attitude, going backs to basics, Would it work for everyone maybe not. Outdoor people get this lifestyle. You travel to see, walk , hike and do , not to be confined to an indoor space. Frame of mind is everything. The question most people avoid is What do i need to be happy , not what i want to be happy. Love the high windows and the escape route, in this day and time is has become more essential.

[@maryrenaud6732]

Great philosophy of less is more. Very simple becomes elegant too.

[@okenada]

I love this guys personality

[@kimstephenson3876]

Me too!

[@EllEss331]

Me too. Seems like he'd make a great friend.

[@jimofalltrades9281]

Ell Ess thank you, maybe We’ll cross paths

[@kimstephenson3876]

@L B HHAHAHAHHA!

[@blueshadow3291]

Me too 💙😃😉👍🏻

[@user-bh3ew6ii4g]

I love it! very nice build, great problem solving! I love the library, that's a new one for me and it's brilliant! The sliding window so he can get into the cab and vice versa, that would be essential for me. I've thought about some kind of truck/camper/shell setup, and being able to slip into the cab without having to go outside would be a non-negotiable for me. The heater is brilliant too. So simple. I need to find one of those. Jim has a winning personality and I love his passion and excitement for what he's doing. As a fellow ultralight hiker I'm super impressed that he's gotten his pack weight down to 10-11 pounds! Wow.Great interview and build!

[@Amy-tk3wv]

But what was that conical hunk of perforated metal he put on the camp burner? Did it have a fan build in? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@hg2.]

Lot of great ideas here. Chalk up another for Bob Wells and guests!

[@garychristison5773]

Good stuff. I liked that he has the perspective of a backpacker. For a backpacker, it's set up like a five star hotel and you can tell he appreciates it as such. Maybe we will get a follow up after he adds his tweaks.

[@mamakalami]

This one is for me, I love this van, but I won't have windows cause of the crime here at home. Thank you for taking the time to show the different options. I wish I knew about this lifestyle when I still had money...but its never too late.

[@marjiecleveland]

This is the type of setup that I want. Excellent!

[@daralen4232]

This gentleman is not only very likable ,he is genius. Thanks for sharing Bob.

[@dheard1014]

This is FANTASTIC!!!! It works for you and that’s all that matters! I love this life! Good job!!!! There’s so much in here! I love it.

[@DOGakaDefenderOfGems]

''Living in a van? Why wouldn't I ?'' great quote indeed...yes...why wouldn't I ? I went to the clinic the other day for my regular doc appointment and another patient asked the receptionist if ''that lady'' (meaning me..lol) was okay and did I need help cause he thought I might be living in my van...LOL...no sir, but thank you for your concern...I'm just fine...the one's that need the help are the folks that are trapped into lifestyles they can't afford and walked into because it's whats expected of them...''Living in a van? Why wouldn't I ?''...Indeed!!!

[@scottm8914]

This dude is me in 40 Years no doubt, great perspectives🙌

[@susanevans1294]

I like this very much. It’s affordable even for me. I’d pack the canopy, 10x10 for standing room right outside. Thank you, Jim.

[@KKKKAAAARRRRYYYYNN]

12:10 a window to crawl through has always been a necessity in my mind. I really like this taller shell.

[@frugalsoul9984]

Yeah I have seen several builds that required exiting to get in the cab and all I could think was you're trapped. Hopefully most people have a plan if someone becomes violent but why face that confrontation if you can just motor away

[@wandarios1711]

That pass through window takes me back to the 70’s when my Daddy built a camper shell on our truck. It was great for us kids. Great memories. Love this rig.

[@sharilynn3024]

Wow. I would love to meet Jim. He is so inspirational!

[@wolfeadventures]

As an ultralight backpacker I approve of this build!

[@RB-gt8bf]

Thank you Bob for another Wonderful video....I love watching tours of shell campers because I just have not seen as many....and thank you to Jim for sharing his story.....Bob your channel is so relaxing especially for those of us who love following this lifestyle.......but are unable to take part in for ourselves....thanks again!!!

[@nmr6988]

How on Earth did I miss this video two years ago? I watched it today August 31st 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed it. What a clever build and wonderful workmanship this gentleman put into it. I would love to know what it's like and if he has put a bathroom and shower in his travel trailer yet.

[@VanventureswithKaia]

I have exactly the same portfolio shower which I use for my kitchen plumbing too

[@smarierexford4970]

I'm 5'1. I can stand 😁 Ya doing what's best for you. Good job

[@irishman3375]

He looks happy, that says it all.

[@carolynadams1249]

Independent and happy what a wonderful combination in this life.

[@darylhill9400]

I love these old-school shells they’re hard to find! Reminds me of the 70s, thanks nice video.

[@kimprocarione5473]

Genius! Minimal, lightweight set-ups that are open like his are awesome! And his heater is incredible! I want one! I think I could put something together with woodstove parts! Awesome!

[@IowaKim]

Love this design! I've been looking at cap campers, and so many are short bed trucks, I have 8' bed, so glad to see how you arranged it. The high up windows are so much more functional than the low down ones. The side to side bed is what I like too. Clean and modular. Love the shelf and the access to the truck is something I hadn't considered, especially being able to reach into the back seat (I have a quad cab) and leave it open to air condition/preheat the back before entering. Put a autostart on my diesel truck and might be a way to wake up and start the truck up to heat the camper, without leaving the sleeping bag.

[@paulabear101]

Both you guys are regular McGyvers👍

[@BrotherAlan]

Thanks for the info on bel-air camper shells. Just what Ive been looking for.

[@NickDemski]

Cool story and definitely appreciate his reasons for using a smaller unit. I've been curious to see what this looks like too as I plan for an eventual vanlife year with my daughter. 🙏

[@sposeso1202]

That's funny, me and my daughter are in the middle of a van build now. I had no idea she would be so stoked and participate so much! I bought it for myself lol should be trying it out in a couple weeks.

[@backtothebasics9366]

That's perfect, I lived in a short bed contractor top dor 14 months comfortably, all I wanted extra was the head room

[@robertplutz8221]

Jim showed us everything except his fan on the ceiling, but I'm guessing it's a Fantastic Fan

[@HayabusaOrlando]

This man has a very young positive spirit. 👍🏽

[@MrPcairns]

Thanks Bob, This Jim is an inspiration. I wish you both

[@starrare7807]

Love this guy he is so positive!!! Have fun be safe sir.

[@johnberry8117]

Perfect for 1-2 people! Simple but smart n functional! Way to go Jim, keep on keeping on!

[@treerat6959]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful shell design Jim I'm loven it.

[@RockStudioLive]

Not a house on wheels, a home on wheels! Well said and very profound!

[@kathysyphrit5713]

Jim has done a great job. Simple is good ,I think. No drawers and junk hanging all over.

[@sidaustin1079]

I like the windows. Wish the build company would have put the light where he wanted it. Nice guy. Cool build. Great video Bob.

[@WendyWilliamsLiving]

Great attitude, positive and resourceful. He'll do well transitioning to full-time!

[@dirtisbetterthandiamonds]

Crawling through that little window would be the death of me 😆 They'd find me stuck like Winnie the Pooh butt up in the windshield😂😂😂 Glad it works for Jim though, nice guy!

[@dvt6481]

The numbers on the fenders are a pretty smart idea .

[@dreamcatcher9665]

I'v absolutely loved each an every single person that Bob has interviewed, they're all amazing, genuine good beautiful ppl, i feel like i'v missed out . I'mma find this guy n tag along love carpentry. Best of wishes!

[@jennymontague851]

I love creative carpenters. This guy thinks the way I used to when I was living on a converted school bus. Loved that life, want to get back it; only thing stopping me is my bad knee and needing another surgery and a torn rotator cuff , but love hanging out on line with other travelers, vanlifers and such. I enjoyed the video.

[@LS-vo7hc]

I've recently retired and as soon as my condo sells i'm transitioning into van life. I'm very excited about being free again and I'm sure my eyes will be lit up just like Jim's. Beautiful little/big build he has going. For the first time in my life I regret being 6 foot five :/. I've considered a box truck but, like Jim, I need to be able to get into the more remote places, so 4x4 and low profile is my goal. So many things I like about this build but It's just too narrow. I'd have to go lengthwise with my bed. I will be talking to the folks at Bel-Air that's for certain. Thanks for the upload Bob and may the nomad angel smile down on both you, Jim and every nomad out there in the world. Peace 8)

[@artravision]

I absolutely love Jim’s enthusiasm, ideas, and the things he said about what gives him joy. Fantastic! Happy travels.

[@uwdawn11]

What a terrific guy. So inspiring and down to earth! Clever ideas and his knowledge is amazing. Great view.

[@jlind00]

Fabulous simplicity! Everything you need, nothin’ you don’t. And so stealthy!

[@rykerlee3026]

Love when the home feels like the person living in it

[@jimofalltrades9281]

They all do. The ones that are thought out and being used by people who are living their dream. No two are the same. Just like people

[@monicawilson896]

This is so organized and open feeling for the size. I also like the sliding window. It looks like he could climb into the driver’s seat if he felt like he needed to leave quickly.

[@onetalentedman2822]

All I ever needed in life was a safe place to sleep and take shelter from the weather. Any thing else is a bonus

[@Mkropka.]

Small is better ❤ love this setup.

[@LeneMulan-jt2dc]

Another inspiring video well done

[@adamwalker7338]

Thanks for doing a shell video. I had a 1979 Silver Eagle shell (also from Garden Grove) on my pick up. Worked out great for decades. Looking to build my own shell on my small Tacoma. I think I can beat 450 pounds on the structure and yes I know how hard that can be.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

A often overlooked item for camper sinks is stainless steel catering service trays that come in all kinds of different sizes and are easily converted to a sink that might be a awkward place you need to fit

[@Kiwiwanderer]

What a very very cool calm sane man. I like him.

[@layahYasharahla]

The first thing I said was ‘I would create a window for me to get from the back of the truck into the front just in case I ever need to high tail it out of somewhere ‘. And then about 3 minutes later he shows us the window 😂 awesome ! That is very very important !

[@zorazorazorzzora8333]

Agreed.... not trying to have a house on wheels... keep it simple

[@mrt1957]

Really nice build, really happy to see such a unique home.