What I Wish I Knew BEFORE Truck Camping (2+ years on the road)

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Today I'm getting into all of the things I wish I knew BEFORE hitting the road 2+ years ago. The most important lesson learned? Have FUN, and don't get stuck in the research phase for too long 😉
⏰ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Moisture is the ENEMY
01:05 - Your Life is Public
02:10 - Decision Fatigue
03:34 - Do you need 4x4??
07:01 - Loneliness on the Road
09:32 - Happy Truck = Happy Life
11:21 - Your STUFF owns your TIME
13:44 - Function over Fashion
16:33 - Trust your Intuition!!
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#truckcamping #offgrid #wintervanlife

[@SheRoamsWild]

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[@nienna9740]

my advice: start small. Don't buy a lot of stuff you think you need on the road. Try using the vehicle you already have, throw a matress in the back, bring a cooker & try it out for a weekend. You'll see what works & what doesn't & you can expand from there. I did it & now I'm travelling spain & portugal for 3 months in my Peugeot Partner with a matress & some IKEA furniture & I couldn't be happier

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Such a great video, can relate to a lot of what you said. I kept a pair of high heels with me for TWO years because “fashion” and I only wore them once 😅

[@SheRoamsWild]

haha I can relate, carrying a few shirts around for YEARS thinking "I will wear this one day" (I never did) before I finally ditched them 😅

[@sondraasa662]

Intuition is always your best guide in life! Trusting ourselves is so important. Good job girl!

[@SheRoamsWild]

I couldn't agree more!

[@smokey6885]

This is one of your best videos. your outlook on life is so refreshing, learning to trust. Your gut is so important in life. your intuition is right on.

[@unknowndan4423]

Reusable desiccant is your friend to help control moisture. Not the little packages they tell you not to eat, but larger quantities. Another options is a smaller dehumidifier.

[@jeraldheinrich3589]

Sometimes it is hard to explain why you can feel a certain way, intuition is something to go by, trust your gut.

[@DonMcConaughy]

You don't have to compromise, don't let people dismise you!

[@ericreid7965]

Costco Membership: Pays for itself just with the discounted gasoline prices, but they also have so many essentials for amazing prices: Protein Bars Supplements Auto supplies Towels / pillows / kitchen supplies Plus, their food court is a great place to get a warm meal for cheap. Their pizza lasts a few days in tin foil and isn’t bad for a big chain. Some costcos will also allow you to park overnight.

[@murdiesel]

It is funny how we can feel alone in a crowd but not feel alone when by ourselves. I truck camp as well when I am stateside and really appreciate what you do, thank you.

[@Scott-SUP]

Your truck's happiness equals your happiness. So yeah, that's my two cents. Happy trucking!

[@LowLightMike]

For myself and the other 3.45 people watching from outside the USA, I had a confused moment at the start of the video, wondering why 25 degrees wouldn't be warm enough to help keep your camper dry. It's ok, I get it now....LOL.

[@SheRoamsWild]

😅 I should clarify! F/C is quite different at 25 haha

[@valeriaproductions]

I have a diesel heater. It makes mold prevention much easier.

[@jan-willembriede340]

You are amazing! Full of sensibility and just a wonderful person.

[@scmb7665]

Your last tip is so on point. You never know why your mind or body is pulling you in a certain way, but it's so healthy to listen to it and not force anything. My tip is get scent killer spray for clothes. Hunters use it to disguise body odor and I've used it during fieldwork every time. Works amazingly between washes.

[@jomicheleseidl2033]

That was a great video. The things you talked about will be helpful for people thinking about going on the road, and for those who are already nomadic but feeling that things aren't quite what they were expecting, especially the social aspects of finding community. I'm glad you're getting confirmation that leaving Baja was the thing you needed to do. Your functional clothes are really nice looking and probably comfortable too. I'm wondering it it's harder to launder your wool clothes, and whether they hold up to repeated washings. Final thing is, I want to compliment you on your lighting and composition. And I like the way you make very natural shifts in your shots so that we enjoy those changing images as you talk.

[@waynewalton265]

maybe, you don't always have to be moving. maybe pick a few places that make you happy and switch up, you need a friend that you can turn to and bounce things off of. love you and wish you all the best. take care.

[@Banagal]

Your comments are so genuine. Thank you for sharing them. Paying attention to your gut feelings is a sense we all have. Some people ignore those feelings and learn the hard way.

[@laurahoule6169]

We are on the same wavelength. This video felt like a pep talk from a friend. Thanks! 😊

[@Theodorussfo]

A lift kit and better tires as opposed to 4 wheel drive is spot on. The front drive adds anywhere from 800 to 1200 pounds of weight you push around with your vehicle. A diesel heater as opposed to propane will cut down on moisture in your camper drastically.😀

[@shanniwelsh133]

The intuition thing is so important! I live about 50% of the year in my van for work and play and I also have a home base. One thing I have learned is that nomadic life heightens the emotions you might feel throughout your days/life. When I’m at my house, my comforts can delay me dealing with issues that arise but on the road I have to deal with issues right away or I don’t “function” the way I need to, and this will result in mental health issues. I think that is why it is so important to listen to your intuition…it is your guide to being your “purest” self. I know that when I don’t listen to that guidance on the road I can break down fast, but when I follow it I recover fast.

[@kirstenmc68]

Thanks for sharing the real story instead of the insta version

[@girland2vandogs]

Couldn’t agree more about doing it all solo. It’s exhausting!

[@cathiecollins7320]

I just read on another van lifers comments that there is a product you can spray on the wood platform for your bed that will prevent mold

[@latortugaabides5556]

You don't need 4x4 when you park in cities at walmart . . . Got it!

[@greghartwell5018]

Its always good to have someone to travel with

[@donnamass9576]

I’m bumping into the big 7 this year and I’m outfitting a ‘91 Chevy 4WD pickup to get off road. I’ve taken my front wheel drive car off road many times, so this is just a minor change. Yet, I’ve wanted an early model to get away from the ‘computer…’ bs. I’ve had many thoughts about finding my community or ‘vibe’ (I’ll call it) and have also felt, ‘this will be the ‘it’ I’m looking for’, yet my wisdom reminds me everything will present itself by staying in flow and allowing my intuition to lead. Thank you for this post…a new subscriber.

[@ediewall6360]

Yes, intuition is your friend.

[@rccollins8160]

As a cruising sailor air turn-over is key. I found leaving a hatch cracked in the bow and one in the stern made a huge difference and entirely eliminated condensation. Between that and our Espar we could sail in mid winter in Maine with zero condensation. under each berth we used a product called Dry-Deck. Sorry to hear about your mental funk. Just remember you’re amazing, stunningly beautiful and you have your shit together. Love your channel!

[@CraftsandMorewithDonnaJackson]

Great video Alex. I've learned many of those same things. Earlier in my SUV, I had mold but I've learned to take care of that. One other thing is outside of regular maintenance, you should have an emergency fund. My van has been out of commission for several weeks due to a cracked head. Its under warranty but I needed to be in a bnb for a month. So always have a backup plan for a place to stay. Thank goodness I did. Ty gor all the great ideas. ❤

[@RevBTB]

Know that this subbie from Maine is proud of you!

[@kaymerritt3694]

I like to burn a lot of candles for heat and I believe it helps to dry out the moisture.

[@PaulBeiser]

Thanks, this was really valuable, and the episode was well done! Appreciate you taking the time to share this and help everyone. Best, Paul

[@SheRoamsWild]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it!

[@Canthus13]

I've found that hanging with people just like myself tends to kinda suck. Politically and morally, yes... But when it comes to interests, I need some variety, or no people at all. I can talk to myself without being surrounded by people. :)

[@patti8376]

Wise words and a well done video. We’ve been on the road for 2+ years and loving every minute of it. After a layover at our home base in TN, we’re taking off again.

[@jiggsjohnson7279]

Great video. You are an intelligent woman. Stay safe.

[@maryhight6030]

Thank you for all the information.❤

[@tammycruz8189]

Thanks for sharing. Safe Travels Always ❤❤

[@brenthiteoutdoors]

Great vddeo...thanks for sharing!

[@GrateFu1]

You are doing better than you think. Keep at it. Thank you for intel.

[@ashleymarierael]

Thanks for the tips. They are very valuable and informative.

[@terrybaird9848]

Thanks for sharing your journey, I really enjoy watching them and inve your lifestyle

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@goober9983]

Thanks a million for being positive and upbeat. Your channel helps get thru the week. 😊

[@keyarawveg]

Another great one. You're so real and authentic. Loving the openness with us.

[@DonMcConaughy]

Thank you for sharing all that with us, I appreciate your honesty!

[@yuliyanikiforets]

Loved the content, pace, and transitions of this video! Great content 😊

[@dianemurphy7625]

So many things on your list really resonate with me, having been on the road full- time for 10 months. I laughed when I saw my monthly use report on my phone and saw that the Maps app was in the top 3 most used.

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

Great video Alex. Your filming is great.

[@papprince]

Another good/informative video. Be safe from West Virginia

[@phosawelonewolf2886]

Enjoyed today’s vlog. It said so much more than being on the road. Thanks!❄️💜❄️

[@madmouse7915]

Be respectful of your surroundings and those that live in the areas you go and get out there and have fun 👍😁🤪🎉 stay safe and well everyone ❤️🤙✌️

[@sigreddasparks16]

Great video! I'm coming close to end of demo on my bus and those are all very good tips. 🙏🏽 Thanks for your input and I'm glad you're doing better!!

[@estherlongly6557]

I appreciate you! I used to watch a little of up now and again before you purchased and revamped your camper… there is a lot of change that has happened! 👏😍

[@jeffstone7261]

invest in a warmer climate-you are super intelligent and great awareness of your life and your personal reality. what a great heads up on solving issues. uncomonness is as you say good enough and sounds as i fyou are becoming a minimalist. your atory is important. love hearing about your lessons learned.

[@Galiuros]

Thanks for sharing your lessons learned. Every point you made made so much sense. t's timely for me. I'm retiring in a couple of years and will start traveling full time. I've got the truck and just got the slide in pop up. I've been listening to lots of travelers' lore and have gained some knowledge.

[@magicworldbyjorg]

...cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you… Greetings Jörg

[@jimalbruzzess2445]

Hey Alex, you did another great video, all good tips. Myself, I know I couldn't be on the road full time. So more power to you for doing so. And yes, always trust your instincts. Stay safe my dear. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 where our weather needs some mental health 😊. Until next time....

[@GK49245]

Good summary. The privacy issue is a big one. Totally support your function over fashion. You’ve invested in good, classic, wool clothes. Thanks for sharing.

[@marthabradas8873]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You have put in the time and energy living on the road, and I certainly value your knowledge! Have an awesome week!🥰 I think your 2024 is gonna be excellent!

[@SheRoamsWild]

Thank you so much for being here to share it with! I hope that you are having a wonderful start to your year as well :)

[@rebeccacoyle5438]

This vlog was extremely helpful to me today. I am downsizing from a larger home into a 490 sq ft studio apartment. I have "things". Family pieces, books, artwork and historical photos of my family. Having to decide what to bring and what to release has been hard. Your comments on the subject really resonated with me. Thanks so much!

[@aaronriedel5372]

Good video! Already commented on patreon.

[@SheRoamsWild]

Thank you so much for being here (and there!) Aaron :)

[@mikedaniels9888]

Your awesome! I love you

[@williampotts3206]

Carpeting helps. Wool.blankets.are amazeing.

[@lazyassian]

Excellent what you said about following your gut intuition. As a Psychic-Medium vanlifer this may sound woo-woo however there is always a reason you must follow your gut intuition; possibly something worse could happen if you stayed in Baja (by the way I came back from Baja mid-February). I'm in Colorado as well. Ever feel like having a chill vibe, easy relaxing friend to hang out with, let's do a meet and greet I'd be happy to buy you lunch...I recognize the area you're in.🙂

[@bucknasty3]

Check out the Froli system. It will add some space under your mattress for airflow and some extra cushion. It's what I use in my truck camper.

[@DavidPaxton-tj1wt]

Thank you for a great video. I hope that some day our paths will cross and I can say hi in person. 8)

[@user-hv5hu9de6m]

Love your build I should a keep my church van I accrired but my shed is paid this month 😊

[@stevenhawk7751]

Good morning I am a big fan of you and I love watching your KZbin videos and to see where you go and have you ever been to the East coast or New England ?

[@punjabseth260]

Nice

[@richardduede9767]

We should all listen to Gut Feelings more often. X.AI's Grok says this about Gut Feelings - Gut feelings are real things grounded in observation and experience, as evidenced by various research and studies. They can manifest in multiple ways, such as a flash of clarity, tension or tightness in the body, goosebumps, stomach butterflies, sweaty palms, recurring thoughts about a person or situation, and feelings of peace, safety, or happiness after making a decision. These intuitive hits can also cause your hairs to stand on end or goose bumps to form, for example.

[@EnglishDude1668]

Use duckboards, like in a sauna, to lift your mattress a little bit..it will allow air flow and stop funky mattress/mold and dampness ✌🤙🤙

[@SheRoamsWild]

oooh I will have to look into that! I do have an underlayment made for boat mattresses that does a great job in *most* climates, but lifting it has done the trick when needing some extra air flow :) thank you for the rec!

[@jomicheleseidl2033]

Up until now I've never heard the term 'duckboards'. so I googled and I strongly agree with you. Where I'm at we call the slats, and can be used to create a platform for the mattress that allows air to circulate and moisture to evaporate. I am amazed at how many commercial van and camper builders don't make slats platforms for the beds. Instead they put the mattress right on a solid wooden or metal platform so that moisture condenses underneath.

[@SheRoamsWild]

Yeah it’s one of the toughies with a truck camper! Nothing to ‘slat’ over for full air flow, as it sits directly above the truck cab. But it still is a great idea where you can!

[@jomicheleseidl2033]

@@SheRoamsWild yeah, I don't think I'd want to lose any headroom over the bed, though your rig looks more spacious than some I've seen.

[@michaelbryant2071]

I only think it matters how those things affect you. If you need help reach out to online counseling. I did and it very much helped. Love your content.

[@michaelbryant2071]

I feel like such a dumb bunny. You obviously have fantastic grip on your mental health. God bless you.

[@SCOTT-vm5nj]

That was great! How are you liking your camper? Id love to find one like it. Are you finding the propane heater puts out too much moisture? Thanks

[@PNWXOverland]

Probably good to stay in warmer weather as a full time nomad my friend!! ❤

[@SheRoamsWild]

Honestly I think the cold weather is easier for us, as we can warm up and put on layers, but find it hard to escape the heat. Plus, we both love the snow! That said, there will be a balance, for sure :)

[@PNWXOverland]

@SheRoamsWild I agree it is very hard to stay cool vs warm.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Not that I don't respect your experiences but I think thats how I feel when it's voluntary. I lived 15 years in Greenland because of my parents. That was not how I felt after -45 and polar nights for months. I do think it's great that you have found the cold a positive experience. No doubt about it. ​@@SheRoamsWild

[@SheRoamsWild]

@@charisma-hornum-fries oh wow! You are certainly more BA than I...the lowest we have stayed in so far is 6ºF (-14C) and that was plenty for us, at least in the camper! I think I appreciate it so much because I grew up in a fairly temperate climate, with only a small change between seasons. It has been magical to watch the world around us change as the seasons come and go!

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@SheRoamsWilddef easier to heat than to cool A tin box in middle of a field is a hot box for sure and ur down to a tank n shirts n still sweltering While a sunny day and layers can get u warm with small heater AC is a huge energy hog

[@michellecastaneda4104]

You talk about where am I going to camp where am I going to dump where am I going to get water. I live in my van too but I also have a home base. When I got home I say to myself oh yes I can have a shower anytime I want. But then the neighbor starred in with their loud music and the cars in the middle of the night and even if you talk to them nicely the more you talk to them the bladder they get. I'm normally not home 24 hours when I'm ready to get back in my van. So to me figuring out where to dump your toilet figuring out where to get water is just a very small price to pay on the road

[@neighborlyfiend1484]

How do you like the marine propane heater? Does it keep your space warm?

[@ryanprovost4517]

Why don't you camp where it's warm in south and go north for summers

[@LyTieuHa]

❤❤

[@robertoambrosi9876]

❤

[@greghartwell5018]

The road is a lonely place and can be stressful and after awhile u need stability and a life with friends and family that u otherwise wouldn't have on the road. Safe place is almost impossible on road because you have to stay on guard all the time

[@GreyLupine71017]

Trusting yourself is important. I felt as if I needed to leave Georgia after being there for a week while working. An hour later I saw they had a motel fire on the road I traveled often. It was one Google said to use while I was doing Doordash. Same thing with Baltimore. I was there two weeks before the bridge collapse. 😳😫😰

[@SheRoamsWild]

Oh my goodness! That is so scary, and I am so glad that you made it out okay. Sometimes we just have a feeling, and I am glad that you listened to yours :)

[@GreyLupine71017]

@@SheRoamsWild Indeed. The bridge collapse shocked me, knowing I might have been on it while in Baltimore. 😲🥺 I knew I had to leave South Carolina before I planned after I saw how they drive. 🤣

[@gerardboytinck2271]

If you stayed in the desert longer, in the winter, life would be easier!!!

[@chadkoller7809]

Great video again. Question you don’t use the heater when it’s 25 degrees

[@SheRoamsWild]

I normally do! But that night, I was up at 9,600' above sea level, and I hadn't installed the high altitude regulator for the season, thinking I wouldn't need it. Lesson learned though, and so grateful we have warm blankets and sleeping bags!

[@chadkoller7809]

@@SheRoamsWild I didn’t know things changed the higher altitude you go up. Well I better learn that before we head full time in April 2025

[@user-ff5ut7sq6e]

If you camp in the 4 seasons of the year, then you need a truck camper that is certified for 4 season use. Anything less is Mickey Mouse. You have put a lot of money into an older camper. Hopefully you can get some of that money back when you sell or trade in the camper. Have you checked what the Bluebook value of your camper is? You have camped in some pretty good storms over the last 2+ years. In the late 1970's, a bad storm came through the Hamakua Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. I saw it rain 48 inches of rain in 72 hours. Human graves were washed out into the ocean. Aloha!

[@SheRoamsWild]

It is four season :)

[@jayjordan5830]

Hi; I think I've had you in my subscriptions a while. I really don't know you well here yet and I have a couple questions I'd like to ask if you have time to answer ( tis up to you ). ... You mentioned not knowing the people you grew up around, school etc. Neither did I and don't and yes even family. So who are you and are you from I'm tell people I'm from Wanes World, LOL but it's where Wayne and Garth had the basement show in the first movie. So wanta talk? Oh hay, by the way, do you know Stephi Lee?

[@bibi9097]

How do you deal with sounds? other cars driving by or leaving the parkinglot next to you?

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Keep on sleeping

[@silvestreantoniorodriguezm8380]

❤HOLA ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TonyBar323]

I wouldn’t give up my 4x4 for anything. It is invaluable on my farm.

[@SheRoamsWild]

That is so fair! I wouldn't give mine up either, but I think a lot of people assume that it is the *most* valuable thing while driving on fairly average roads.

[@AdamHinckley]

6:12 what i have heard about them through another channel, they actually not good because of what they have done

[@greghartwell5018]

I would go on road with you

[@gibson1948]

Hello there ever since I subscribed to your channel , I’ve always been wanting to ask you this question , so today I will , Did you helped your grandma in your youth in a pet store located in South Gate?around tweedy and state, I use to work on winchell’s donuts and this young girl would visit me when I was 16 yrs old,every time she would help her grandma ,she would come and talked to me, was this you? Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon.

[@SheRoamsWild]

Hi! That was not me, but whoever they are, they sound sweet!

[@gibson1948]

Thank you so much for reaching out to me and taking the time to answer my question , have a great journey 🙏🏽

[@billymcmillin3339]

Im sure you know, "staying @ a Walmart parking lot overnight " always make sure its ok @ THAT particular Walmart. Not ALL Walmart allow it. They are awesome for getting needed supplies. Just make sure the Police 👮‍♂️ don't come knocking

[@DavidPaxton-tj1wt]

I think people that are so narrow minded to think "your just a girl what did you father say he needed" or consider that anyone coming into a parts house has no idea what's going on needs to find another type of work, I delt with people in retail that always thought their higher on the intelligence ladder than the customer. I sometimes like to walk into those shoppes and ask for a part that does exist on a Detroit diesel 671 engine. LOL most of them have never seen a 671 let alone know what it is and that yes such a part does exist but they don't have it, LOL

[@carolcashman6177]

It's sad that we still get that crappy attitude about mechanical and technical subjects when we walk into a parts store, gas station, or shop. I've been getting myself out of remote locations with a roll of duct tape and a few tools for decades. Just ignore the fools. Most of them wouldn't last a weekend out there.

[@DuncanLiban5849]

This institution kind a ooh uh huh Hahaha

[@kristinsevert4039]

This video has a totally different vibe. Your entire video was just you talking. Hope you feel better in the next video. I can sense your frustration, which is fine. Just feel bad for you.

[@SheRoamsWild]

Haha what? It was intentional bc this was an educational video not a vlog🤷🏼‍♀️ no need to feel bad, I’m doing great

[@PURPLEREIGHN666]

Wow... just found you on utube... would love to text with you anytime... I'm on Facebook...

[@LastChanceTinyHouse]

If you've ever read Men are from Mars - Women are from Venus then you'll know that what you just said was more then the standard 2500 words expected from a woman in a day so I assume you were without good company for at least three days. I always enjoy your talks, tips, and inspiration so don't take it wrong when I say your rant was a bit to much for my man ears. I'm glade your following your inner voice and that your safe and somewhat happy. It make me happy that you have some foresight and your gaining more as your travels grow, although I feel the fear still and some self-doubt. You should work on that. great video.

[@jomicheleseidl2033]

oh my god, your comments are so creepy, and the book you refer to is sexist trash.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

What a ridiculous comment

[@jomicheleseidl2033]

These comments are really creepy and the book you mention is a piece of trash that reinforces gender stereotypes and male dominance.

[@user-kn4mm8tx6y]

I have enough of you,you could very well qualify. Shamim 💔✔🧜‍♀️🕊🤝🎎🤱👁