How to Live in a Car, Van or RV--And Get Out of Debt, Travel and Find True Freedom

by Bob Wells

How and why to live in a car, van or RV, and learn to love it! There are two main reasons you might buy a book on living in a vehicle: 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 dropping out of the rat race. Whatever your reason, this book 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, 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, and so much more I can't list it all here.

You may be asking yourself, does this guy know what he is talking about or is he just out to make quick buck with another crummy book? That fact that I've been living in a vehicle for over 10 years should ease your mind. But you can find out for yourself by going to my websites to see if I have information you may want: cheaprvliving.com, cheapgreenrvliving.com, cheaprvlivingforum.com and my blog at cheaprvlivingblog.com.

I love my Kindle, but I have to admit that I've bought some books that I read in a short afternoon and thought "Where's the beef?" There just wasn't much too them. This isn't one of those books. 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. When I typed the book in MS Word, it was 69 pages long and has 37,000 words. 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 want you to write me through the websites, the forum, and my blog listed above, and I will do everything in my power to make it clear to you.

Let me apologize for the inevitable writing and formatting errors in the book. I am not a professional writer, and I know next to nothing about html. What I am is a guy with a huge passion for vandwelling 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 10 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.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Bob Wells, the author of this book, is one of the nomads introduced in the book "Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century" by Jessica Bruder.

He is living the nomad lifestyle for over 10 years and has it made his mission to offer support and advice to people who make the decision to live in their vehicle.

In this book he covers the basic and very important things how to start a life on the road. For example building a bed, what to consider when planning a bed and options on how to build it and even where to buy reasonable priced materials.
He explains every aspect you could think of that may make problems and then some more. This book makes one feel that this life is doable - and even has its little perks.
He even offers hands-on advice and invites newcomers to join him in his camp as long as they wish and feel the need for support.

He also offers support and information on his Youtube channel, his website and his forum.

[Whistler's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been my experience that people who write good books also appreciate good books, so I always pay close attention to the recommendations of authors whose books I've enjoyed. I read RENEGADE CAR CAMPING by Bryan Snyder and loved it. He mentioned that of all the books on car/van camping he'd read, he considered this one by Robert Wells to be the most outstanding. Having read it myself, I heartily agree.

This book is a fascinating read, even if you have NO intention of ever living in a car, van, or RV. It's really the story of a man who went through a miserable period and emerged from it stronger and with a true vision of what makes him happy and what doesn't. There is no right or wrong way to live, but each person should have the courage to seek what is right for him or her and then DO IT. Many years ago, Sinclair Lewis's BABBITT was a sensation because it showed the tragedy of a man who had spent his whole life doing what others expected of him. At the end of the book, he advises his son to find his own path and follow it. That's exactly what this author did.

In addition to the thought-provoking examination of modern life and how we can adapt it to find happiness and fulfillment, there's a huge amount of practical information on car/van/RV camping (or living) from a guy who's been doing it full time for many years. I loved this book and I'm giving a copy to two young relatives who are headed on a long camping/hiking trip to the Western U.S. I think reading this book in advance will inspire them and give them some great tips.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting book dealing with various aspects of living in a van, or variations thereof, such as a shell or camper on a pickup truck, extended vans, box trucks, or RVs. It is quite detailed and for those who are interested, gives lots of good advice and information on insulation, installing solar panels, how to have both heat and air conditioning, internet access and so forth, in a van. However, for me, since I more or less dislike the idea of camping and I don´t drive, this sort of lifestyle wouldn´t be suitable for me, since it really is similar to camping on an ongoing basis, and of course driving from place to place. I also frankly crave security - perhaps increasingly so the older I get - so the lifestyle seems a bit too risky for me. The only reason I read this book and another one I read last year about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (¨The Great Alone: Walking the Pacific Crest Trail¨) is because of a general feeling of apprehension or wish to be prepared in case something untoward happens & I´m forced to survive outside of urban areas. Since I´ve never actually lived outside of cities, it is both hard to imagine and frightening to imagine how I could survive. So it probably is a good idea to find out some things about camping (as in the Pacific Crest Trail book) and even adapting a drastically simplified almost survivalist lifestyle - living in a box truck or van, or RV.

Here are some quotes from the book:

¨Every van-dweller I know ... is marching to the beat of a different drummer."

¨I was the living embodiment of Thoreau´s quote that most men lived lives of quiet desperation."

¨Consumerism is the true god of modern America."

¨...TV, the most powerful form of advertising.¨

¨Long ago we hid behind thick walls and a moat, today we hide behind layers of trinkets."

¨Will you choose the safety and comfort of your pleasant prison of pretty possessions, or will you grab a free life full of chance and risk and beauty and joy?¨

¨The reason you can spend less money in the back-country is that here is nothing to spend it on!!¨

¨...the true god of this world, Consumerism..."

¨In modern civilization we live next door to people and yet never make any connection with them. Most of us don´t know their names and never say anything to them except courtesy greetings. With the internet we have the dubious pleasure of having friends we never lay eyes on."

¨There is an old saying you are probably familiar with that says that ¨Cleanliness is next to Godliness.¨ Without being aware of it, most of us have adopted that as a motto for our lives. But think about its full meaning: if cleanliness is next to godliness, then being dirty is demonic and of the devil."

¨For every 1,000 feet of elevation you go up, the temperature drops 3 degrees.¨

¨...if it is 100 degrees in Quartzsite, AZ, if you drive 250 miles north to Flagstaff, AZ, the temperature will be 75 degrees because it is at 7,000 feet."

¨If possible, I suggest van-dwellers live in the western states because they have a gigantic amount of public land you can live on for free while following mild weather. The southwest is mostly desert land owned by the BLM and is open to free dispersed camping in the winter. There is an equally large amount of National Forest at high elevations you can disperse camp on for free in the summer."

¨If you aren´t tied down to living in a city, then the best thing you can do is spend your summers in local forests because they are drastically cooler than cities. There are two reasons for that: 1) The trees provide wonderful shade, 2) There isn´t all that concrete/asphalt absorbing and reflecting heat."

¨

[Alexis Chateau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!

I'm no vandweller and have zero intentions of becoming one. The reason I bought this book is because I wanted some general advice on camping out of my car. I'll be moving into an RV in 4 or 5 months that will remain parked at one location. I drive a small hatchback and have been thinking quite a bit about leaving the RV behind every so often and camping in the car. This book seemed like it would give me the information I need to pull it off and it sure did. It also gave me some much cheaper alternatives to solutions for RV living. One of them was a cheaper way for heating with a Mr Buddy heater as you won't find me running the furnace in a 35-footer.

While I'm not the author's intended audience, he still hit the nail on the head. I loved the humour, blatant honest, encouragement and the WEALTH of information.

That said, there are a few things I would still recommend for improvement: 1. Pictures! When people are beginning an alternative life and have no person close at hand to use as an example, pictures help us to make sense of words. 2. Editing. This book wasn't terribly edited but it wasn't good on the editing either. There are lots of typos but I can tell the author did take the time to read over. He's just no English major (I think?), 3. Specific products! Sometimes the author mentioned specific products and sometimes he didn't. When he did, it was truly helpful. Almost everything he gave by name ended up on my Amazon wishlist for Seth (the name of my car). Happy reading and happy camping!

[Natalia Corres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical advice from experience along with tips and tricks for successfully making the transition to living in your vehicle. I liked this because it is not judgmental of the reasons you may be choosing this (or if you have no other choice).
It is a quick read, no fluff.

[HeavyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick read. I finished it in a couple of hours. However, just because I'm finished reading it doesn't mean I'm finished with it. This is a book I'm going to hold on to.

Not only does the author tell the reader the hows of living in a car, van, or RV, he explains the whys too. If you have been considering moving into your car, van, or RV but everyone in your life (from the media to your mom) tells you you're crazy, read this book!

Once you have decided that mobile living is the life for you (save money! live simply!) Bob Wells will walk you through ever step of the process, from deciding what kind of vehicle to purchase (if you have the option of choosing) to getting electricity and keeping your food cold.

This book is for the absolute beginner, but even though I've been vandwelling for a while, I learned a thing or too, and the chapter on electricity gave me some food for thought.

I wish I'd had this book when I was starting my vandwelling odyssey.

If you are considering this way of life, get this book and read it cover to cover.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever felt like you wanted to just quit your job and live in a van, down by the river? Then this is the book that you'll need to read first. It was very comprehensive. The author explores the pros and cons of many different scenarios and most are from his first hand experience. Whether you desire to live stealthily in a vehicle in the city or will be boondoggling on public land, this book is a great resource.

[C is for **censored** · Rating 2 out of 5]

So nice to hear about 'drawing unemployment' as a plan for funding one's chosen lifestyle. Hmm. Very distracting from an otherwise interesting concept.



The star rating given reflects my opinion within ‘the official goodreads rating system’.

1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing

I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.

Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.

Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.

It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across a forum for people who live in vans. I had an acquaintance in college who did this so I decided to hang around and read about how they lived. I was recommended this book.

I liked reading about the author's personal story. I also liked that author explained his life-in-a-van philosophy. I thought he over did it though. Anyone who ever read Thoreau in high school would have understood his perspective. It seems like there was too much selling the philosophy and not enough practical teachings. The author does host a free web site that has large amounts of practical tips.

The author has a nice,easy going, and warm personality which does come through in the book, and the book is brief so it is a good start for reading about van living for those with a passing curiosity.

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got on this book mainly because of the Nomadland novel. Bob has a funny way of writing and I found a few grammar and spelling issues but overall he has an honest and wonderful tone to him. It was a quick read. I was able to get the book from Kindle Unlimited.

[Max Pietsch]

The first time I read this book it made me realize I didn't want to live in a van because I didn't have the same motivations for living in a van that he lists as reasons to do so.

The second time I read it, I was living in a van, and skipped the section on reasons why I might live in a van. I like how it mentions certain practicalities of van living.

Here are things I learned:
- For repairs, RV sales & service centers often are overpriced. You can find a mobile handyman who will do it for less. One way to find a mobile handyman is going to or calling local RV parks and asking them if they know a mobile handyman in the area.

- Put soap in nalgene bottles you pee in when you wash them out to prevent them from smelling (tbh I thought I just had to live with the smell, but yeah adding soap makes sense).
- Women can pee in the van using female urinals or a big can with a lid, like a coffee can with a lid.

- He uses propane instead of butane for cost and because it's easier to find. I can confirm, butane refill canisters are hard to find. Also he says butane won't work below 32℉.
- He stores his propane tank in a big plastic container wrapped in blankets, so that if there is an accident it won't go flying and have the top knocked off and start leaking, or explode.

- UPS offers boxes you can use to receive mail in. Disadvantage is they can be expensive and it isn't a physical address you can say you live at. USPS offers PO boxes but they don't accept FedEx or UPS packages according to him.
- You can hire a forwarding service for pretty cheap. He pays just $100 / yr. In Florida try the Good Samaritan Club. In Nevada try jbmailroom.com. In Texas try Escapees RV club. There are several in South Dakota as they cater to people living in RVs, you can find online.
- He suggests having your address in Nevada, Florida, Texas or South Dakota for tax and other reasons. He also makes the point that you want to choose a state you'll frequent in case you need to register there or something, which I think makes sense too.

- He uses a 12 volt fan Endless Breeze by Fantastic Fan for cooling.
- He only has to use his Mr Buddy for 30 minutes before bed because his van is well insulated. He knows people who leave them on all night, but I thought it was nice his van is insulated enough he doesn't need to.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Wells has been living in his van for 15 years and generously shares his advice and lesson's learned on his website and youtube channels. He is the expert here and so many of us have learned from him.

While Bob's advice can be found on his internet sites, the gem of this book is everything is put into one place. It is easy to read and follow. A great resource.

This book is a great source if you camp or car (van) camp a lot, if you do a lot of traveling in your car, or if you are exploring less expensive retirement or living options. It is also, of course, the optimal resource for anyone who is thinking of (or does) live in a car, van, or RV.

[Dawn Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful info but selective-great for beginners

So I am just beginning my adventure and there were some great ideas in this little book. However, most of the info is only a brief summary and not very detailed. If you are just curious and wanting to know more this is great. If you are looking for detailed or varied perspective it might be a bit too basic. All in all a good starting point for the vandwelling beginners.

[Myah Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all!

A must read! Even if you don’t plan on living on wheels 24-7 it’s still so very interesting that this has become an option. An option with so many advantages and disadvantages as well. But it makes you ask yourself.....Could I do it? Could I really do it? Then that starts the exciting questions of where when and how? Then when you see others doing it, and how freeing it is.....you can’t ignore the possibilities!

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This answered a lot of my questions regarding living in a van, giving a lot of solutions to various problems, both ones that I'd considered (and bought this book to answer) and ones that I hadn't. More than that it just made me more convinced that this is how I want to live my life (at least for a while). Now all I have to do is learn to drive...

[Antti Virolainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical advice, with some philosophical parts in the beginning too. Fast to read. No nonsense, manages to keep pretty well with the essentials. Typically presents a case or questions (like how to avoid getting too hot or cold, and then lists plenty of options, and finally recommends one of them based on author's experience.)

[Rachel Weiss · Rating 1 out of 5]

I reviewed this book thinking I might gift it to some squatters living on some property in my neighborhood but decided against it. If you are in possession of this book and thinking about reading it, throw it out quicky! You will want to find a book that can solve your problems another way. Living in your car in the cold with no place to go is not anything you should pursue. In this book, the author teaches you how to lie to the police, and attempt to get away with things you shouldn't be doing. You are told to arrive to safeway parking lot at 11pm and quickly depart at 7 am then try to find someplace to pee. He gives you a feeble list of things to do while you wait 5 hours to go to sleep. Like visit the gym. You will not find anything but misery if you attempt to follow anything out of this book. Now, if you are a person that takes advantage of other people, are too lazy to work and likes to hurt or use others, then go ahead, this book is perfect for you.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the happiest times of my life was when I was living in a van beside the Colorado River outside Moab, Utah. The scenery was so beautiful that I never tired of it. When I wasn't working as a river guide I took the van and drove all over the Southwest. Beautiful! After reading Nomadland I felt nostalgic for my van days and the freedom I felt. I noticed that Amazon offered to loan How to Live in a Car etc. free to Prime members so I tried it out.
It's not a masterpiece in writing and Wells repeats himself a bit, but it's a solid introduction to comfortably living in a van and camping out on America's public lands, which I did a lot of in my past. I may never live in a van again but reading this brought back a lot of sweet memories of my adventurous days along the Colorado River.

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very enlightening on the insanity of a consumeristic lifestyle. It made me rethink how we live and what we find important and what would actually make me feel good about my life. I have Bob to think for the change it brought to the life of my family and the path this book lead us to. Its been inspirational and helps one to rethink the house and white picket fence life if one decides they dont quite enjoy the life of what is this social norm or socially acceptable. Its helped us to define life for us and what success looks like. We did get a lot of funny looks in the beginning but now we have freedom to live life on our own terms. Who cares what others think. A fantastic read if you can open your mind and be open to change. Take what you need and leave the rest.

[Carolyn D Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually found this book very interesting.Since I found myself not wanting to settle for a mediocre, unfulfilling life..As a child I was the daughter of an electrician working on off shore ridges and my mother was a nurse.In the 70's to the 90's when traveled all over. I got an amazing educational experience of a life time. After I raised my kids. I once again hit the road living in my Ford Expedition. Little different from living in a fifth wheel as child with my parents. I love this book. Their was much to learn and happy to learn they are others out there just as me with the same desire to get rid of all the stuff that's was strangling them and what to follow their dreams..

[Carmilla Choate · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not possible to learn about the nomad community without soon running into Bob Wells. This book provides the same kind of information (if a bit out of date) presented on his YouTube channel. This is an honest and straightforward discussion of becoming and living as a nomad without any of the false glamour and hyperbole present in so much about van life

I recommend Bob's YouTube channel @cheapRVliving over reading this book as the information there is much more robust and regularly up to date. That being said, this book is still a great thing if you prefer reading over watching. That being said, there really isn't much of a reason to choose one over the other and if you want the honesty and reality in your pocket, why not have both?

[Michael McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just What I Wanted to Do!

Ever since retiring from the Army, I wanted to go all over the U.S. visiting those places I had not been to as a soldier. Everything I had read led me to believe it was inexpensive, relatively safe and a whale of a lot more interesting than living in an overpriced apartment. Even though I had been sick with heart disease, I think I can do this and start feeling better.

[Michael richard hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you want to, or have to be a rv'er

This guide on how to live in a car, van or RV us a must read before you embark on taking to the road. The author, Bob Wells provides essential information on how to make the transition from bricks and mortar living to living on the road.
I enjoy RV'ing in my small mobile home, and considering upgrading, and will bear in mind what I have read when I do.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read. Some of the information is out of date, but it's balanced out by learning more about author Bob Wells before he became internet famous. He's come along way since this was written and has become a bit of an icon in the nomad world. It's interesting to read about how he used to rig a battery or even set up a honey pot, knowing that these days companies send him all sorts of items to review. Including high end charging systems or fancy porta potties.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[John O'Rourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read...

Having followed Bob Wells on YouTube for a few years and being a member of the vandwellers forum, this book is one of if not the most straightforward sources of information for aspiring travelers. This is a No BS approach to van or camper living and making life simpler - not letting possessions own you.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight forward!

This book is written very well! Getting off to a great start with moments of thought and introspection. Next providing comparisons, and allowing more seeds for thought. This has been the best and most complete book on the subject that I have read so far! Thanks for providing a continuous flow, as well as providing generous options and comparisons!

[Kyle Carroll (i_fucking_love_books) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 45%

Ugh. I’m glad I didn’t spend money on this garbage. First off, I’m all for alternative living styles and am a big proponent of living out of a van. But this book read like a high school essay assignment. Not only that, but the formatting looked like it was copied and pasted off of a web...

[Kathyrn Sekioka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for getting started

I am not planning on living in a camper.

I’m buying a used Nissan NV200 van to modify for extended travel. Bob explains things so that even inexperienced, first-time campers can understand and follow through on.

I’m looking forward to using some of the book’s ideas and hitting the road.

[Paul Dormeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with valuable infmation

Everything one needs to enjoy life by living a simple lifestyle. Excellent starting point to regain true freedom. Life is simple when one lives a simple lifestyle.