Okay, so I’ve been messing around with this whole “Nomad” lifestyle thing for a while, specifically trying to figure out the best setup for trucks and SUVs. Let me tell you, it’s been a journey! I started with pretty much zero clue, just a vague idea of wanting to travel and live on the road.
The Beginning – Total Confusion
First, I spent hours, and I mean hours, online. Looking at pictures, reading forums, watching videos. It was information overload. Everyone had different opinions. Some people swore by massive trucks, others were all about tiny, fuel-efficient SUVs. I felt like I was drowning in choices.
Picking My Ride
I finally decided to go with a used SUV. I figured it would be a good balance between space and gas mileage. Plus, I wasn’t ready to commit to a huge truck payment. Finding the right one was a pain. I checked out so many dealerships and private sellers, it made my head spin. I learned to check for rust, that’s for sure. I got down on my hands and knees, crawling under cars like a crazy person.
The Build-Out Begins (and Fails… a Lot)
Then came the fun part – building out the interior! Or so I thought. My first attempt at a sleeping platform was a disaster. It was crooked, wobbly, and basically unusable. I used cheap wood and didn’t measure anything properly. Lesson learned: measure twice, cut once (or maybe measure three times!).
I ripped it all out and started again. This time, I did some actual planning. I drew sketches, watched more videos (thank goodness for YouTube!), and invested in some better tools. The second platform was much better. Still not perfect, but definitely sleep-able.
Storage Struggles
Next up: storage. Figuring out how to fit all my stuff into a small SUV was like a giant game of Tetris. I bought plastic bins, tried different configurations, and ended up throwing out a bunch of stuff I realized I didn’t really need. Minimalism became my new mantra.
- Bins are your best friend. Seriously. Get different sizes.
- Label everything! You’ll thank yourself later.
- Under-bed storage is key. Use every inch of space you can.
Power and Water
Then I tackled the electrical system. I wanted to be able to charge my phone and laptop, and maybe run a small fan. I went with a portable power station. Seemed easier than messing with solar panels at this point, though solar is my goal.
Water was another challenge. I started with simple water jugs. Easy to refill, but they take up a lot of space. I’m still figuring out the best long-term water solution. Maybe a roof-mounted tank, I do not Know.
The First Trip (and More Lessons)
Finally, I took my first real trip! It was amazing, but also a learning experience. I realized I needed better curtains for privacy, and that my cooking setup was super inefficient. Back to the drawing board for some tweaks.
It’s a Work in Progress
So, that’s where I’m at now. My Nomad SUV setup is definitely a work in progress. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. I’m learning as I go, making mistakes, and having a blast. The freedom of being able to just pick up and go is incredible. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, my advice is: just start! You’ll figure it out along the way.
