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Bob Wells CheapRVLiving

How to Lead a Life of Travel and Adventure while Living in a Car, Van or RV. Learn How You Can Get Out of Debt, Travel and Find True Freedom.

There are 3 main reasons you might be interested in living on the road: 1) You're being forced into it by a bad economy, divorce, or unemployment, or 2) The "American Dream" has become a nightmare for you and you are tired of the rat race.3) It is something you have always thought about doing and you are now ready to see if it is the right lifestyle for you. Additionally, you might just love to travel and camp and be out on the open road

Read more

How to Lead a Life of Travel and Adventure while Living in a Car, Van or RV. Learn How You Can Get Out of Debt, Travel and Find True Freedom.

There are 3 main reasons you might be interested in living on the road: 1) You're being forced into it by a bad economy, divorce, or unemployment, or 2) The "American Dream" has become a nightmare for you and you are tired of the rat race.3) It is something you have always thought about doing and you are now ready to see if it is the right lifestyle for you. Additionally, you might just love to travel and camp and be out on the open road

Whatever your reason, this class will tell you everything you need to make it the best possible experience it can be. We'll cover details like: which vehicle to live in and how to find it, where to park, staying clean, going to the bathroom, how to cook in a van, get out of debt, get a job, survive any bad economy, travel on a budget, how to get your mail, how to stay comfortable in the heat and cold, how to get electrical power, choose a solar option and so much more.

You may be asking yourself, does this guy know what he is talking about? That fact that I've been living in a vehicle for over 18 years should ease your mind. But you can find out for yourself by going to my website and YouTube Channel to see if I have information you may want: cheaprvliving website and the CheapRVLiving YouTube Channel.

My concern isn't that I've given you too little information, but too MUCH. I hope I don't overwhelm you with it all. I tried to remember back to my first few months living in van, and answer every question you may have. I think I have, but let me assure you that if anything isn't clear I will do everything in my power to make it clear to you by answering your comments for each of the videos.

Let me apologize for the long length of the class. I know it is very detailed and longer then most Skill Share classes. I wanted to give all of my expertise in one place. So that you can easily make a wonderful life for yourself on the road and be assured you have all of the tools you need.

What I am, is a guy with a huge passion for van life and a strong sense of empathy for anyone trapped in our society who wants to break out. I'm also a guy who, in the last 18 years, has made just about every possible mistake pertaining to living in a vehicle and would like to help you avoid them. By dogged persistence, and lots of study on the Internet, I have learned how to make my life as a vandweller into a wonderful life I want to share that with you.

"Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone."

Billy Cox

In this class, you will learn:

  • Class 1 Introduction

  • Class 2 Class Project Details

  • Class 3 How Do I Make Money on the Road?

  • Class 4 Dealing with Fears

  • Class 5 How to Get Rid of Your Stuff

  • Class 6 The Three Types of Camping

  • Class 7 Which Type of Vehicle to Choose

  • Class 8 How to Find Boon Docking and RV Parks

  • Class 9 Stealth Parking

  • Class 10 Should I Do an Interior Van Build?

  • Class 11 How Do I Cook in a Vehicle?

  • Class 12 All About Bathroom and Hygiene

  • Class 13 Creating the Living Room and Bedroom

  • Class 14 How to Find a Job on the Road

  • Class 15 Where Do I Get My Mail?

  • Class 16 How Do I Get Solar and Electricity?

  • Class 17 Dealing with Heat and Cold

  • Class 18 How Do I Get Internet?

  • Class 19 Closing

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The ultimate crash course to living on the road: how you can afford a life of travel and adventure
  • Class 1 introduction class 2 class project details class 3 how do i make money on the road? class 4 dealing with fears class 5 how to get rid of your stuff class 6 the three types of camping class 7 which type of vehicle to choose class 8 how to find boon docking and rv parks class 9 stealth parking class 10 should i do an interior van build? class 11 how do i cook in a vehicle? class 12 all about bathroom and hygiene class 13 creating the living room and bedroom class 14 how to find a job on the road class 15 where do i get my mail? class 16 how do i get solar and electricity? class 17 dealing with heat and cold class 18 how do i get internet? class 19 closing
  • This class will tell you everything you need to make it the best possible experience it can be. we'll cover details like: which vehicle to live in and how to find it, where to park, staying clean, going to the bathroom, how to cook in a van, get out of debt, get a job, survive any bad economy, travel on a budget, how to get your mail, how to stay comfortable in the heat and cold, how to get electrical power, choose a solar option and so much more.

Syllabus

How to Make Money on the Road, How to Get Rid of Your Stuff, Three Types of Camping , Which Type of Vehicle to Choose, Boon Docking, RV Parks, Stealth Parking and Much More!
Read more

How to Lead a Life of Travel and Adventure while Living in a Car, Van or RV.

Learn How You Can Get Out of Debt, Travel and Find True Freedom!

There are 3 main reasons you might be interested in living on the road: 1) You're being forced into it by a bad economy, divorce, or unemployment, or 2) The "American Dream" has become a nightmare for you and you are tired of the rat race.3) It is something you have always thought about doing and you are now ready to see if it is the right lifestyle for you! Additionally, you might just love to travel and camp and be out on the open road

Whatever your reason, this class will tell you everything you need to make it the best possible experience it can be. We'll cover details like: which vehicle to live in and how to find it, where to park, staying clean, going to the bathroom, how to cook in a van, get out of debt, get a job, survive any bad economy, travel on a budget, how to get your mail, how to stay comfortable in the heat and cold, how to get electrical power, choose a solar option and so much more.

You may be asking yourself, does this guy know what he is talking about? That fact that I've been living in a vehicle for over 18 years should ease your mind. But you can find out for yourself by going to my website and YouTube Channel to see if I have information you may want: cheaprvliving.com and the CheapRVLiving YouTube Channel.

My concern isn't that I've given you too little information, but too MUCH! I hope I don't overwhelm you with it all. I tried to remember back to my first few months living in van, and answer every question you may have. I think I have, but let me assure you that if anything isn't clear I will do everything in my power to make it clear to you by answering your comments for each of the videos.

Let me apologize for the long length of the class. I know it is very detailed and longer then most Skill Share classes. I wanted to give all of my expertise in one place. So that you can easily make a wonderful life for yourself on the road and be assured you have all of the tools you need.

What I am, is a guy with a huge passion for van life and a strong sense of empathy for anyone trapped in our society who wants to break out. I'm also a guy who, in the last 18 years, has made just about every possible mistake pertaining to living in a vehicle and would like to help you avoid them. By dogged persistence, and lots of study on the Internet, I have learned how to make my life as a vandweller into a wonderful life I want to share that with you.

"Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone."

Billy Cox


In this class, you will learn:

Class 1 Introduction

Class 2 Class Project Details

Class 3 How Do I Make Money on the Road?

Class 4 Dealing with Fears

Class 5 How to Get Rid of Your Stuff

Class 6 The Three Types of Camping

Class 7 Which Type of Vehicle to Choose

Class 8 How to Find Boon Docking and RV Parks

Class 9 Stealth Parking

Class 10 Should I Do an Interior Van Build?

Class 11 How Do I Cook in a Vehicle?

Class 12 All About Bathroom and Hygiene

Class 13 Creating the Living Room and Bedroom

Class 14 How to Find a Job on the Road

Class 15 Where Do I Get My Mail?

Class 16 How Do I Get Solar and Electricity?

Class 17 Dealing with Heat and Cold

Class 18 How Do I Get Internet?

Class 19 Closing



Your class project has 2 parts. Choose one or the other or you may choose to do both!

Part #1:

The first one is to create a simulation of a van home in your current home! It is almost like making a fort in your bedroom when you were little!

Find a place in your home where you can create vehicle home.That space will be at least 6-8 feet wide x 10 feet depending on the width and length of the vehicle you are planning on traveling in.

You can find a corner of your home and move in. You will get the experience of what is required to live in a small space. Make it about 8 feet wide and as long as you can mimic how to live in a vehicle. Find furniture or boxes to simulate a van home.Go to Youtube and find videos of different designs of vans.

Put a bed or a cot in your "Van room". Use a backpacker sleeping pad and use that as your bed. Elevate it under some plastic totes and use the underneath for storage. Buy plastic drawers or totes or go to thrift-stores and find cheap furniture. Get duffel bags or cardboard boxes and build bedroom storage with plastic drawers and containers.

Move into your van room and cook init and sleep in it. Use the 5 gallon bathroom in it or toilet of your choice from the video in this series called " Bathroom". See if you can live in that size of a space. Adjust and find the best fit for your bed. Do you want it going across or along the side of your "van"?

Part #2:

Start going camping. Find a cheap tent and go spend a weekend in a state park or somewhere nearby. Practice overnight in a tent. Start spending nights in a car in your driveway. Solve privacy issues and check out my book for more ideas: How to Live in a Car, Van or RV by Bob Wells.

Buy cardboard and cut it and fit it to your windows or use reflectix. Spend the night and experience what makes you uncomfortable. Start camping overnight in town at a Walmart or a Commercial area. Fnd out if it ok to sleep at your local Walmart.

This will give you real life experience with living in your vehicle. You can rent a Uhaul van and practice by living in that for the day or the weekend and spend the night somewhere close by.

You can gain a lot of knowledge by trying it out. This will help you know what you need to live on the road. You can also rent a camper van or an RV with a bed and cooking facilities. In this way you can get a comparison of a van vs an RV.

Please leave me your projects in the projects posting area of this Class. I will take a look at each one and answer your questions as well as leave you any useful feedback or suggestions with how to help you succeed.


There are 3 main reasons you might be interested in living on the road: 1) You're being forced into it by a bad economy, divorce, or unemployment, or 2) The "American Dream" has become a nightmare for you and you are tired of the rat race.3) It is something you have always thought about doing and you are now ready to see if it is the right lifestyle for you! Additionally, you might just love to travel and camp and be out on the open road.

No matter what your reason is, we will address it in this class and answer your doubts and questions about Money.

Many people have fears about living out on the road. That is perfectly normal and understandable.  Mostly these are concerns regarding safety. In this video we address those fears and concerns and offer solutions. 

One of the biggest challenges most people have to getting out on the road .. is trying to figure out how to get rid of all of their stuff. In this class we address all of the ways to only keep what matters and how to get rid of what you will not need  for your life on the road.

There are three types of camping that we will review in this class. Boon docking, RV Parks and Stealth Camping. We will learn about each one and you will be able to get a better idea of which type of camping is the best fit for your lifestyle. In turn this will help you to decide what type of vehicle you will need for your life on the road.

Once you have decided which type of camping you will prefer to do... then you can narrow down the options for what type of vehicle you would like to have. In this video we review the pros and cons for living in cars, vans, RVs, Towables and SUV's.

In this class we talk about the difference between boon docking and camping in RV Parks and weigh out the differences and how to find both types of camping.

In this video we define what is "Stealth" Parking and we go over the best ways to do it. I offer my experience as someone who stealth parked for many years and talk about all of the options of places to park.

In this class I talk about living in Commercial vehicles and what the options are of these types of vehicles. Also I talk about the pros and cons of building out the interior of your vehicle and give my advice on build outs.

In this class we talk all about cooking in a vehicle, we talk about some options for stoves and some of the safety precautions as well.

In this class we cover all of your questions regarding staying clean, going to the bathroom, showering and hygiene! This is the most often asked type of questions I receive. Let's talk openly about this important topic!

In this video we talk about creating a living room and a bedroom in your van home. We  will go over floor plans and all of the ways that you can make your vehicle feel like a wonderful home.

This is the longest class in the series because I go into a lot of detail. I talk about all of the options for working on the road and try to give you as much complete information as possible. There are job suggestions, websites, employers and more in this video. I hope this helps you connect that final piece of  the puzzle to making living on the road sustainable  for you!

In this video we go over where and how to get mail while living in the road, where to get a driver's license and how to get residency. We also review the best states to maintain residency.

In this video we will talk about the different ways that you can get electricity by either installing  solar  in your vehicle or using a solar generator.  We review from the most simple ideas and suggestions of ways to get electricity all the way to the more complex. This is usually the most confusing topic for people so I offer ideas that are easy to understand and very do-able.

In this video we will go over heat and cold. I offer ways to keep cool and ways to stay warm. We will review different types of heaters as well as different methods of staying cool in the summer. And address the ultimate question... how much solar do I need to run AC?

In this video we address the most often asked question: How do I get internet while living on the road. I will explain how most people get internet and how to go about it.

This is the wrap up class. I will conclude all 18 previous classes and leave you with some inspiration! Thank you all so much for enrolling in this class. I hope it has given you all of the tools you need in your back pocket to live your best life possible!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Bob Wells, who is a recognized expert in the field of van life
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and rewards of living on the road
Offers practical advice on how to find a vehicle, where to park, and how to stay clean and comfortable
Covers a wide range of topics, including money management, job hunting, and health and safety
Features real-world examples and case studies from people who have successfully lived on the road
May be overwhelming for beginners who are not familiar with van life

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Travel! The Ultimate Crash Course to Living on the Road with these activities:
Practice basic automotive maintenance skills
Having basic automotive maintenance skills can be crucial when living in a vehicle, as it will allow you to make minor repairs and maintain your vehicle in good condition.
Show steps
  • Learn how to change a tire.
  • Learn how to check and change oil and other fluids.
  • Learn how to troubleshoot and fix common electrical problems.
Read "How to Live in a Car, Van or RV" by Bob Wells
The book will give you an overview of what it's like to live in a vehicle and some of the challenges and rewards you can expect.
Show steps
  • Read the book from beginning to end.
  • Take notes of any questions or concerns you have.
  • Discuss the book with friends or family who may be interested in the topic.
Watch videos on YouTube about van life
Watching videos about van life will give you a visual understanding of what it's like to live in a vehicle and the different ways people do it.
Show steps
  • Search for videos about van life on YouTube.
  • Watch several videos to get an overview of the topic.
  • Take notes of any tips or ideas you find helpful.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review vehicle maintenance basics
Knowing the basics of vehicle maintenance will help you with learning more complex knowledge and skills later on.
Show steps
Create a budget for living in a vehicle
Creating a budget will help you track your expenses, set financial goals, and make informed decisions about how to allocate your resources.
Browse courses on Budgeting
Show steps
  • Gather information about your current income and expenses.
  • Research the costs of living in a vehicle, including gas, food, insurance, and maintenance.
  • Create a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to track your expenses and income.
  • Identify areas where you can cut back on expenses.
  • Set financial goals and create a plan to achieve them.
Practice cooking meals in a small space
Practicing cooking meals in a small space will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to prepare food efficiently and comfortably in your vehicle.
Browse courses on Cooking
Show steps
  • Gather cooking utensils and ingredients suitable for a small space.
  • Plan and prepare meals that are easy to cook and clean up.
  • Experiment with different cooking methods and recipes.
  • Optimize your cooking space for efficiency and convenience.
Join a van life community online or in person
Connecting with others who are living or interested in van life can provide support, encouragement, and valuable information.
Show steps
  • Search for online communities or local groups dedicated to van life.
  • Join the community and introduce yourself.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
  • Attend meetups or events organized by the community (if available).
Design a floor plan for your ideal van layout
Creating a floor plan will help you visualize how you want to use the space in your vehicle and make the most of its limited square footage.
Show steps
  • Measure the dimensions of your vehicle's interior.
  • Research different van layouts and floor plans.
  • Sketch out a design for your ideal layout, including the placement of furniture, appliances, and storage.
  • Consider factors such as functionality, comfort, and storage needs.
  • Finalize your design and create a detailed floor plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Travel! The Ultimate Crash Course to Living on the Road will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Insurance Agent
This course may be useful to an Insurance Agent who needs to meet with clients in various locations. Understanding how to find legal and safe parking, as well as how to get electricity, can help ensure a positive experience for clients and the agent.
Forestry Technician
This course may be useful to a Forestry Technician as it can provide insight on how to be prepared to live independently in various locations. The information provided on how to stay comfortable in heat and cold can be used year-round. Additionally, the sections on finding and getting electricity can be helpful when working in remote or heavily wooded areas where power access is limited.
Photographer
This course may be useful to a Photographer, specifically one that does nature or wildlife photography. The sections on the different types of camping, stealth parking, staying comfortable in heat and cold, and getting rid of unnecessary items will help when planning trips and keeping gear organized.
Surveyor
This course can be helpful to a Surveyor as the section on stealth parking can provide insight on legal and safe places to park. Additionally, the information on staying comfortable in heat and cold and being clean and hygienic while traveling can help ensure a productive day of field work, especially in remote locations.
Automotive Repair Technician
An Automotive Repair Technician may find the section on stealth parking and its considerations to be helpful, as much of their work is done on-site at a customer's location. Furthermore, the discussions on setting up for comfort in heat and cold, along with ways to get rid of stuff can be used to maintain a well-equipped mobile workspace. While this course is applicable to those of all experience levels in the field, those new to auto repair may find the class project of simulating a work-from-home repair space to be of particular use.
Nonprofit Manager
This course may be helpful in the field of Nonprofit management, specifically for those working in disaster relief or developing nations, as the information on staying comfortable in heat and cold will be helpful in those situations. Also, the course discusses how to get a job on the road, which could translate to learning about grant writing and funding for programs, as well as aid in networking with other professionals.
Landscaper
A Landscaper will find the section on stealth parking useful for working in neighborhoods and business areas. The course also provides insight on how to stay clean and control hygiene while on the go, which can be helpful for those working outdoors and on their feet all day. Additionally, the sections on solar powered electricity and comfort in heat and cold will aid in being prepared for any kind of weather.
Delivery Driver
A Delivery Driver could gain insight from this course regarding stealth parking and how to find a well-lit place to park, for safety and quick access to their vehicle. The instruction on staying comfortable in heat and cold will be useful, as well as the methods for getting rid of unnecessary possessions to make the best use of the vehicle's space.
Travel Agent
A Travel Agent may find the information in this course useful for expanding their knowledge and expertise on unique travel experiences. The sections on different types of camping and stealth parking could aid in recommending off-the-beaten path accommodations and hidden gems for clients.
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative interacts with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and in various settings. The flexibility learned from the class project and information on stealth parking can help build confidence in adapting to new situations and keeping a consistent approach. The sections on how to get a job on the road and how to get mail, such as residency requirements, can also be helpful for maintaining a consistent address and having options to work remotely.
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager deals with all aspects of construction and can benefit from the information provided in this course concerning where to park and how to get electricity. The information on how to cook in a vehicle can be helpful for job sites with limited amenities far from food services. Additionally, the section on different types of camping can provide insight for safety considerations that may correlate to how a construction camp is set up.
Event Planner
An Event Planner may find the information in this course regarding stealth camping and parking useful. Additionally, the ideas on staying clean and hygienic while on the go can be considered when planning events where public restrooms are not readily available. There may also be some useful tips on setting up a layout for a tiny home of any kind, with the sections on creating a living room and bedroom inside a vehicle
Property Manager
A Property Manager may find the section on stealth parking helpful for finding discreet places to park a vehicle while traveling for work. Additionally, the course discusses how to get a job on the road, which could translate to networking with other real estate and management professionals.
Electrician
An Electrician can use the course sections on stealth parking, getting electricity, and managing heat and cold, to better understand the needs of customers in a variety of locations.
Health Educator
A Health Educator may find the sections on creating a comfortable living space and staying clean in a vehicle helpful for their work, as they help equip communities with tools for better hygiene and living conditions.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Travel! The Ultimate Crash Course to Living on the Road.
Classic guide to escaping the 9-to-5 grind and creating a life of freedom and abundance. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to live a more fulfilling life, regardless of whether or not they want to live in a van.
This classic book meditation on the importance of living a simple life close to nature. It's a great read for anyone who is interested in van life, as it provides a philosophical perspective on the benefits of living a life on the road.
True story about a young man who abandons his comfortable life to live in the wilderness of Alaska. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of living a life of extreme isolation, but it also provides a glimpse into the allure of the van life.
Classic novel about a group of young people who reject the materialism of the 1950s and embark on a journey of self-discovery. It's a great read for anyone who is interested in the van life, as it provides a glimpse into the Beat Generation and the counterculture of the 1960s.
Memoir of a young Che Guevara's motorcycle journey through South America. It's a great read for anyone who is interested in van life, as it provides a glimpse into the life of a young revolutionary and his experiences of living on the road.
Travelogue of a man's journey around the United States in a van. It's a great read for anyone who is interested in van life, as it provides a glimpse into the life of a modern-day nomad.
Beautiful coffee table book that features stunning photography of van life. It's a great read for anyone who is interested in van life, as it provides a glimpse into the lives of people who have chosen to live on the road.

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