My friends Dr. Jim & Mary Rudisill in their live-aboard home at the time
In this article, I'll be getting into methods of living on wheels that most people wouldn't consider, but that are viable for the low % of the population who can, who are able, & who truly want to make it work, whether they want to engage in it for a short stint (i.e. right after college) or make a long term life change. These strategies can often be used in combination with home ownership or without home ownership, though I recommend simultaneous home-ownership for most, despite it not being inherently necessary for most of the below to work. The reason why that's typically best is due to the significant impact of home ownership on net worth & the option to rent your house while you're engaging in the below strategy. My rent or buy page begins with information on the net worth impact of home ownership.
Converted Vans/Busses & Other Homes on Wheels
Above: the classic SNL skit by Chris Farley parodying living in a van
Is Living in a Van for Losers?
RV & Converted Van Costs: Free to More than Some Homes
In addition to free trailers in places, paid options can be fantastic deals at times, especially if located in advertising not dedicated to exclusively trailers, i.e. the below, which was around half the cost of something comparable out of the options within 150 miles on RV Trader:
$5k for 2015 Trailer Sleeping 8
RV Trader Screenshot of $10k as Bottom Price for 2015+ Sleeping 8+
It's also possible to repurpose items to live in them, like this repurposed horse trailer being converted to a traveler's caravan.
Overnight parking:
Adam's Favorite Free Option: Wildlife Management Areas for 14 Free Nights per Site at a Time if You Have Hunting or Fishing License
Here's a general overview of parking options for van life.
Here's a map of free places to park RV's (& typically vans).
RV Dump Stations (Including Free Options)
RV Campsite Subscriptions
Accommodating Strategies Above to Simultaneous Home Ownership is Encouraged
Government Penalties/Lost Incentives of Above for Some
Related:
About the Author: Adam Garrett - 3rd Generation REALTOR®
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