“Conventional” has by no means been a part of this RV traveler’s vernacular. After promoting all her private belongings and hitting the highway in a 1978 Dodge Commander, Jessy Mueller set off on a solo RV journey that doesn’t appear to be dropping any steam. Since 2017, her method to deliberate dwelling has slowly taken her across the nation, dwelling within the second whereas sharing the enjoyment, humor, and unfiltered moments of nomadic life alongside the best way on her weblog and on Instagram.
Before her nice escape, Jessy was a 30-something single from Minnesota who was on the lookout for a change. After 14 years working pizza supply and later in advertising and marketing and branding, she started saving cash for her future rolling digs. Following a solo trip to Colorado, she got here residence impressed to make her each day life extra centered round nature, journey, and dwelling with much less. For her, RV life was the reply.
Jessy Mueller carries out repairs on the RV’s picket partitions (left) and renovates cabinetry within the kitchen.
Renovation Rejuvenation
Without expertise in renovations and even RV journey, she scoured Craigslist till coming throughout her classic Dodge Commander motorhome. With in depth water injury within the again, she spent over a yr rebuilding the partitions and ceiling, whereas additionally reworking the remainder of the RV. With intentions of principally boondocking, she put in photo voltaic panels and ditched the unique rest room for a compost rest room. For many, this type of a venture would appear overwhelming, however Jessy doesn’t shrink back from challenges.
Before and after eating space: Staid cushions and desk (left) are changed by a brand new configuration with a swivel tray desk.
“I’ve learned that I am far more capable than I ever gave myself credit for,” she explains. “I really love using my ingenuity to solve problems and there hasn’t been a problem I couldn’t solve yet.”
The motorhome rest room has been up to date (proper) with a compost rest room, more room, and storage areas.
Her thirst for self-reliance doesn’t cease there. Jessy’s additionally her personal mechanic. Like any rig on the highway, mechanical points come up within the Commander, particularly when coping with 40-year-old components and programs. When requested how she realized her spectacular mechanical abilities, she defined, “I’m self-taught and I’ve realized by means of doing. I’ve gotten over-the-phone assist from a couple of mechanically savvy mates however more often than not, I dive in and determine it out as I am going. The greatest venture I’ve taken on was pulling my radiator to have it patched, changing all coolant-related components, and reinstalling it.
Changes within the bed room resulted in a roomy, extra fashionable sleeping space with counter house.
“Everything had been attached for 40+ years, so it was a hard-won battle.”
Repairing the engine from the dwelling space (left); sparks fly whereas working beneath the automobile (proper).
How to Hit the Highway
After finishing the renovation, she hit the highway along with her cat in tow with a plan to stay off-grid on public land. While many RVers shortly bounce from one vacation spot to the subsequent, Jessy takes a a lot slower method. Preferring to max out stays on public land, usually she’ll arrange camp for a couple of weeks at a time earlier than transferring to the subsequent location. This manner of journey saves on fuel and affords extra time to discover in addition to work. “I try to stay put more than I drive, so a typical day usually involves working, walking around with my cat, and spending time admiring the beauty around me.”
Though some vacationers are older retirees with a cushty nest egg, a lot of at this time’s RVers journey with out that form of security web and have to hunt out new methods to afford the approach to life. Over the previous few years, content material creation has develop into a preferred income stream, particularly for full-time RVers like Jessy. Through this work, not solely has it supplied a way to work on the highway, but it surely’s additionally an important useful resource of encouragement and recommendation for others contemplating RV life.
“This is a lifestyle that can be very affordable,” says Jessy. “In fact, many people turn to it as a way to climb out of debt. Everyone’s financial situation is different but it’s easier now, more than ever, to earn an income remotely.”
Receiving Inspiration and Insights
While her journey has helped encourage others, she usually appears to be like to different digital nomads for perception. “Right now, I am pretty focused on growing my brand. Having a business mindset has not come easy to me, so I am inspired by other creatives that have the business end dialed in. It’s been fun to develop a side of me I didn’t think existed and I am happy there are other creatives to show me that it can be done!”
Taking a break after the removing of the radiator, one of the difficult renovation duties.
In the previous, issues like conventional 9-5 jobs, RVing with children, or touring as a single feminine stored many potential vacationers at bay, however through the years, increasingly individuals have found that these are not obstacles. Now greater than ever, girls are taking the motive force’s seat and never permitting worry of touring alone to cease them from having fun with the journey. “The world can be a scary place for a woman but I haven’t found this lifestyle to be any more scary or dangerous,” she says. “If something, I really feel a lot safer out the place there are fewer individuals and in a house that may transfer if I really feel uncomfortable.
“Don’t let the patriarchy keep you from living life the way you want to live it. There are tons of solo women out here that will have your back if and when you decide to take the leap.”
With organizations like Sisters on the Fly, RVing Women, Van Life gatherings, and a bevy of devoted Facebook teams, there are dozens of supportive communities on the market for feminine vacationers. “I’ve met tons of fellow nomads, oftentimes while camping next to one another. It’s been wonderful to meet so many like-minded people, for what feels like the first time in my life.”
Thrilling Vistas
Jessy celebrates life on the highway with Moonchi the cat.
What retains her engine revving? “Getting to call so many absolutely stunning places home, for free!” she says. Since embarking on her maiden voyage, she’s explored a lot of the Western US and Mexico, with highlights together with tenting on the seaside through the New Year, climbing barefoot in White Sands National Park, sitting in a clawfoot bathtub full of sizzling spring water alongside a river, and watching wild horses play outdoors her window in Nevada. After years of single dwelling on the highway, she met her now accomplice, Jason, a fellow RVer, and the couple alongside along with her cat Moonchi discover the nation collectively in their very own separate rigs.
It can simply be mentioned that Jessy’s journey shouldn’t solely be measured in miles however in private progress. Whether it’s bumps within the highway or dents on the bumper, all of the moments of pleasure and hardship have formed her life and offered knowledge. “RV life has changed my life in almost every way for the better. I now work for myself, I spend most of my time in nature, I’ve become a pretty decent mechanic, I get to explore new places regularly and I value experiences over possessions. I’m much happier living an intentional life, even if it is more difficult. It’s been a wild ride and I’ve grown immeasurably as a person since hitting the road. I’m so grateful I decided to take the leap!”
Camping on public lands, Jessy prepares for extra travels on America’s open roads.
For these considering this life-style, try her e-guide, known as Vanlife: Your Guide To Becoming a Modern Nomad. You may observe her adventures on Instagram @slowroamer the place she shares ideas, jokes, and every little thing in between.
Photos by Jessy Mueller