Our Van Set up
Once we decided to hit the road full-time, we sold my car and swapped it for something way more fun — a Thor Tranquility Sprinter Van. The payments are about the same, but the trade-off? We gained a tiny home on wheels and endless adventure. There were tons of options out there, but we went with the one that came with a solid rebate and a warranty — just in case the road gets bumpy. Bessie (yes, we named her!) came fully built out and road-trip ready.
Sure, it’s a small space for the three of us, but at 19.8 feet bumper-to-bumper, we can fit pretty much anywhere — even those hidden scenic overlooks with strict car length limits. She’s compact, but she’s mighty: kitchen with fridge, freezer, microwave, pantry; a full bathroom with a toilet, shower, sink, and medicine cabinet; a queen bed with an overhead smart TV; storage for our clothes, shoes, and essentials (drawer organizers = lifesaver); and even a margarita bar and an outdoor shower for post-adventure cleanups. Oh, and a “trunk” area for camping gear. We used to tent camp with the kids out of our Suburban — now we’re rollin’ in style.
Most campsites come with a picnic table, a grill, and some shade, but we love scouting out those quiet, off-the-beaten-path spots. We’ll pull in, pop the awning, kick back in our camp chairs, and just watch the stars roll by.
About once a week, we treat ourselves to a lodge inside the parks, a cabin, or a roadside hotel to shower like normal humans, catch up on laundry, and recharge — literally and figuratively. When we can, we book inside the National Parks (totally worth it), but when it’s full, the nearby towns have plenty of cool lodging options too. Flexibility is key, because honestly, you never really know when you’ll arrive or how long you’ll want to stay.
Thanks to the van, we don’t need a reservation to keep rolling. We’ve found amazing first-come, first-serve campgrounds, and sometimes we just park overnight wherever it’s allowed. If we love a place, we stay longer. If the vibe’s off, we roll out early. Every day’s a new chapter.
We’ve camped in 107° heat at Joshua Tree and braved freezing 30° nights up at the Mount Whitney trailhead — and we’ve been cozy through it all. One night was so cold it was a literal three-dog night (good thing we’re snugglers). The van’s couches flip into a bed with a button, and with memory foam bedrolls, warm blankets, and pillows, we’re set. We even found space under the bed for a guitar, camera gear, two laptops, and other essentials. No, it’s not roomy — but we’ve got everything we need. When the road gets rough or the mood dips, we pull the blackout shades, throw on some tunes or a saved music video, and chill.
Bessie came with an induction stovetop, but we prefer to use it outside at the margarita bar (because who wants the smell of bacon lingering all day?). We started off stocked with groceries, but over time, we’ve come to love grabbing dinner out — sampling the local food adds flavor to our memories. That said, we’re also pros at whipping up quick meals: grilled burgers, nuked hotdogs, rice bowls, or sandwiches. Simple, fast, and fuel for the next leg of the trip.
Mornings are early and action-packed we’re up before sunrise, walking Kodi, making coffee, checking the route. Then it’s pedal to the metal, music cranked, maybe snacking on cookies and sipping coffee while we watch the road unfold. Most days, the ride itself feels like driving through a living painting — proof that the journey is just as magical as the destination.