Great information and 100% agree that there was a lot of dense information. Really appreciated you telling how you started and how that experience better informed your decision making when it came time to evaluate your needs versus your wants. That is such a pragmatic way to intentionally move forward. Great advice ya'll! Always appreciate a great blooper reel! Stay safe out there!
Thanks so much! Yeah When it comes to finding the right thing you really have to be real with yourself... which we have not always been ;) Always happy to hopefully save someone else time, money, and heart ache
Bound For Nowhere watching this also took me down the path of watching the videos of the EarthRoamer LTI. I can easily see how that thing would be on the window shopping list. Though y’all’s rig is pretty legit.
We're always so excited to see a new post or video from you guys, no matter where we should find it! And this is such a timely subject, with so many newbies considering travel to escape their isolation. We've been part-timing it in a Four Wheel Camper for about eight years now. Yes, we change and tweak our rig as we go, and yes, we continue to window shop, but the "going" is the important part. :) In addition to the important questions you've suggested we ask ourselves here, there are a few more that came to mind, if it's ok to share. 1) Are you the kind of person who likes to keep moving, or do you prefer to drive to a favorite destination or two and stay put? Big difference in vehicle options depending upon how you answer this question. 2) How do you feel about driving a large vehicle on narrow or dirt roads or in wind, in inclement weather or at high speeds? 3) What times of the year do you plan to travel (if not full time)? If you travel during the summer, or travel the desert in warmer months, air conditioning may be necessary. If you plan to see Alaska, you'll need a killer heating system and four-season vehicle with all systems insulated. 4) Are you someone who can live with less, or are you someone that needs to accessorize your many outfits while traveling?...haha If you can't live very simply, you'll need storage and lots of it, which means a larger vehicle. But there are ways to pack smart (see Mak's video!) and still manage with very little storage. 5) Will this vehicle double as your daily driver? Do you need to fit into a standard parking space and/or park on your driveway at times? 6) Do you prefer remote locations where your power and cooking needs must be onboard, or will you likely stay in RV parks or established campgrounds where electric, water, sewer and even internet and cable are available? And finally, 7) How will you manage bathroom considerations? What are you willing/not willing to do about that? Best to the two of you! See you down the road! :) Edit or delete this
2019 Jeep JLU Rubicon, manual transmission with an Ursa Minor top. Everything on my build revolves around it being a manual since I'm a manual transmission purist.
I started with a minivan...3 months later a cargo van...for 2+ years...then a class b... For two years...then I was given my cargo van back...and kinda miss it! It looks like i will have both. 👍
I love this, and it came at the perfect time for me. Especially the whole, your needs will change on the road and sometimes you realize you need more of this or less of that & vice versa. I’ve been building my own adventure rig up over the last few months and the maiden voyage is the end of this month. Somewhere along the way I started pressuring myself into it being just right before the first trip, but you’ve done well to reassure me this isn’t necessary! Thanks as always! Hope to see you guys on the road someday!
Oh yeah in no way does it need to be perfect! You will figure out what all will need to be changed updated or left alone as soon as you get out there! The journey is more important than perfection!
So glad to see a new video! Definitely some great advice in here, there's certainly no one-size-fits-all solution. It's so critical to understand what you're trying to do with your rig and if there's any show-stopper requirements. In the end though, you shouldn't let the quest for the perfect rig keep you from getting out and exploring in whatever you're driving right now (just be realistic about the vehicle's capabilities).
My daughter and I are heading out for our first adventure in September using my 2005 Ford Escape. With the rear seat folded we can both sleep in the back comfortably and it'll hold all our camp gear with ease. Going to build my own shade area using a tarp attached to the factory roof rack, some poles and a fair number of bungy cords! :P The hardest part? Making a couple of screens for the rear door windows so we can have a breeze with our fan and stay bug free. We'll start with what you have and see where life takes us!
FYI -We made screens for our 2000 gen3 4runner out of screened gutter guards from Home Depot. We just finished a 39 day - 9000 mile camping trip. Slept in 4runner and used a Jackery 500 to power cpap and 20 watt ac fan at night. Gutter guards are plastic with a window screen. Easy to trim for windows. We were required to piece together 2 sections for driver and passenger front windows. We also made insulated window coverings from reflectex insulation (like in video)for privacy and insulation. Spent several nites with only 1 screen installed where temperature got down into the high 20s. We slept on a memory foam mattress and under a down comforter. No heater required.
Get a Toyota truck, lol. Case closed. I have a 4runner, can pretty much reach anywhere, will last for 250k plus miles with little to no maintenance, and can tow up to 5k trailer if I want to be all fancy.
Agreed! I have had a 4runner with 255k HARD miles, an FJ80 with 250k of neglect, and now have a 1989 Double Cab Hilux with 200k KM That Im restomoding for Overlanding. Also their Cars last forever as well!
Bound For Nowhere but I totally get your video though. You’re completely right. If you guys like living inside and don’t like towing then the 4runner is NOT for you lol. You’ll be miserable. But I personally like to get around anywhere, it’s just me and maybe an occasional goddess on the trail, and I’m ok with towing. The bed trailer is an excellent option for couples and long term solutions. I’ve seen some people pimp out their 4Runner and change the back seats and stuff. It’s neat, but I gotta pay off my 2020 before I get too crazy!
@@BoundForNowhere I still wish you would have kept the old Yota Camper, I think you could have done something with the axles, like a strengthened T100 rear with FJ80 front to widen the track, but I get why you sold it. Same reason I sold the FJ80. A lose of confidence in it.
Very informative video guys. To a newer traveler - From what I have observed almost all longterm travelers who really "go off the beaten path" - Do Not end up using a trailer. There are also many short term travelers who regularly take tertiary roads - may start out trying a trailer but end up not using one. Sure the odd person may pull it off but it is an extra level of anxiety when roaming - I chose to not even tow a very small motorcycle trailer behind my self built van because day in day out it becomes a PITA...
Well you need it to be reliables so a toyota tacoma or a tundra. Fiberglass already made topper or a home made campsrshell if you cant afford a 4wheelcamper (theyre pretty expensive new). You can try to hunt a used 4wc.
Hey guys! Love your content -- super excited to challenge myself and try a new lifestyle. I currently have a 2015 Tundra Crewmax that's setup for standard weekend overlanding (RTT, and that whole getup). I'd really like to get into a Hawk (or similarly capable) flatbed camper to go full-time in. I'm primarily focused on being able to spend more time up on the mountain and really be able to explore the areas I'd eventually like to plant roots in. I've seen a ton of build videos around Tundras with truck campers, but wanted to get your insight on how you felt about having such a heavy setup on the back of a truck that wasn't really designed for that kind of payload. Do you think the extra work that went into making Roxie handle the Hawk was worth it, as opposed to maybe having put that money towards running a single/extended cab one-ton truck with a similar footprint as the dual cab Tundra? I'd like to keep my Tundra as long as possible -- it'll be paid off and is overall a very stout rig, but I do wonder if the extra wear and tear put on the truck from the extra load would be more burdensome (financially and time-wise) than just purchasing a truck with a higher payload. Would love your thoughts on the matter, Once again, thanks again for all of this content and your candid, no-bullshit approach!
I was wondering, what did you guys do with your factory truck bed? Looking to put a flatbed on my tundra and not sure if I should sell the bed or keep it ...
Hi Owen and MAK! Another great video! I know you two are mostly out in the middle of nowhere, hence your name, lol, but when you're in populated areas, how do you feel about security in your pop-up when sleeping or during stormy weather? Do you just keep the top down? Thanks, and it is good to see you folks back!
We have only popped down once and it was because it was 3 degrees.These were built for just about anything and it's performed beautifully in every weather condition under the sun. We only popped down on that cold night because we were being conservative with our heater and propane consumption
Great video of course but I was left hanging a bit waiting to hear what you've been up to for so long. We missed you! (We were betting on morning sickness 😉)
Well, RUclips is something that we do in addition to our professional careers. With income being so volatile this year we took on as much work as we could while transitioning back to being on the road post quarantine. We spread ourselves really thin and just didn't have the time to put into these videos to make them up to our standard. Excellence takes time ;)
@@BoundForNowhere mine is way longer and lighter now too, from the sun. I was just recovering from tearing my right meniscus on both sides late '17 in my pic. I despise taking selfies but I was so proud of myself for getting my fitness back while injured. I cut it myself now. You can too. It doesn't have to be perfect, just a general shape. Pull you hair forward for the back. Go in small steps. You can do it yourself, Mack. It's so long now, you have plenty to give it a try. YOU CAN DOOO EEEET 😊💥💥👊🏻
@@BoundForNowhere yeah I hate towing and being long too. Any suggestion for a a husband and wife set up and a toddler? We work 8hrs/day remotely. And a toilet.
@@JesusEsDios007 Reconsider towing. If you work 40 hours a week you must need internet, therefore close to civilization. Trailers are cheap space and work/toddler will require it. On your weekend you can explore unencumbered by a heavy vehicle. Good Luck!
Just getting back into the swing of being on the road and balancing a full work schedule and making RUclips videos. With COVID 19 we've lost a lot of access to internet at libraries and coffee shops that we use to make these videos and get them uploaded. We also wanted to take a break and just focus on being on the road for a while as we got going again. I'm glad we did. We really needed it.
Old Vs new... New car big bucks and loads of modern electronics to go wrong. Old, no electronics. Even if you buy an old vehicle and rebuild it for the ground up, it will be cheaper and more reliable than buying a new one. Plus you can fix it without a laptop! No limp home mode etc. Fuel.... if you are serious about travelling, I.E the world, then its a no brainer. Diesel is king. An older vehicle will also run on crappy diesel. A new one will not. Make and model of vehicle... Again, serious travel requires a make and model which is internatioally known and available. Toyota Tundra or any USA specific vehicle simply does not work should you have (and you will!) a problem. A super new expensive vehicle will attract unwanted attention which is not good. "Look at me, i am rich!" This is no joke as i met a couple in an American vehicle in West Africa who then were attacked a few weeks later..the husband got murdered. Truly overlanding is not a game of "Look at me" These are just four examples, of many, that have to be considered if someone wishes to travel worldwide as we have done fulltime for the last 6 years. The reason we are still travelling is because we really do have the experience. 6 years of dealing with the harsh realities and not making it look glossy, carefree and super cool. We have a Toyota troopy like the one in your videos. On the other hand if you have no intention of leaving your country of origin, or even maybe hitting a few countries local to you, then ignore the above....or maybe not.
Great information and 100% agree that there was a lot of dense information. Really appreciated you telling how you started and how that experience better informed your decision making when it came time to evaluate your needs versus your wants. That is such a pragmatic way to intentionally move forward. Great advice ya'll! Always appreciate a great blooper reel! Stay safe out there!
Thanks so much! Yeah When it comes to finding the right thing you really have to be real with yourself... which we have not always been ;) Always happy to hopefully save someone else time, money, and heart ache
Bound For Nowhere watching this also took me down the path of watching the videos of the EarthRoamer LTI. I can easily see how that thing would be on the window shopping list. Though y’all’s rig is pretty legit.
We're always so excited to see a new post or video from you guys, no matter where we should find it! And this is such a timely subject, with so many newbies considering travel to escape their isolation. We've been part-timing it in a Four Wheel Camper for about eight years now. Yes, we change and tweak our rig as we go, and yes, we continue to window shop, but the "going" is the important part. :) In addition to the important questions you've suggested we ask ourselves here, there are a few more that came to mind, if it's ok to share. 1) Are you the kind of person who likes to keep moving, or do you prefer to drive to a favorite destination or two and stay put? Big difference in vehicle options depending upon how you answer this question. 2) How do you feel about driving a large vehicle on narrow or dirt roads or in wind, in inclement weather or at high speeds? 3) What times of the year do you plan to travel (if not full time)? If you travel during the summer, or travel the desert in warmer months, air conditioning may be necessary. If you plan to see Alaska, you'll need a killer heating system and four-season vehicle with all systems insulated. 4) Are you someone who can live with less, or are you someone that needs to accessorize your many outfits while traveling?...haha If you can't live very simply, you'll need storage and lots of it, which means a larger vehicle. But there are ways to pack smart (see Mak's video!) and still manage with very little storage. 5) Will this vehicle double as your daily driver? Do you need to fit into a standard parking space and/or park on your driveway at times? 6) Do you prefer remote locations where your power and cooking needs must be onboard, or will you likely stay in RV parks or established campgrounds where electric, water, sewer and even internet and cable are available?
And finally, 7) How will you manage bathroom considerations? What are you willing/not willing to do about that? Best to the two of you! See you down the road! :)
Edit or delete this
All of these are really great questions to keep in mind! Thank you for adding them!
It's so hard to commit and pull the trigger on an adventure vehicle, this definitely makes it easier navigating this challenging decision!
It really is! I think the best rule of thumb is roll with what you got until you grow out of it, then that's where this video comes in!
I researched for at least a year before pulling the trigger.
2019 Jeep JLU Rubicon, manual transmission with an Ursa Minor top. Everything on my build revolves around it being a manual since I'm a manual transmission purist.
I started with a minivan...3 months later a cargo van...for 2+ years...then a class b... For two years...then I was given my cargo van back...and kinda miss it! It looks like i will have both. 👍
Hell yeah! The whole spectrum! No one ever said you couldn't have both
If you find yourself near Arkansas in October, you should stop in for the Rendezvous in the Ozarks.
We hear great things!
I looked at those Earthroamers... WOW! That is the way to travel!
Insane right!
I love this, and it came at the perfect time for me. Especially the whole, your needs will change on the road and sometimes you realize you need more of this or less of that & vice versa. I’ve been building my own adventure rig up over the last few months and the maiden voyage is the end of this month. Somewhere along the way I started pressuring myself into it being just right before the first trip, but you’ve done well to reassure me this isn’t necessary! Thanks as always! Hope to see you guys on the road someday!
Oh yeah in no way does it need to be perfect! You will figure out what all will need to be changed updated or left alone as soon as you get out there! The journey is more important than perfection!
So glad to see a new video! Definitely some great advice in here, there's certainly no one-size-fits-all solution. It's so critical to understand what you're trying to do with your rig and if there's any show-stopper requirements. In the end though, you shouldn't let the quest for the perfect rig keep you from getting out and exploring in whatever you're driving right now (just be realistic about the vehicle's capabilities).
No truer words!
Glad to see you two back out and bound for nowhere!
Thank you so much! Glad to be back
My daughter and I are heading out for our first adventure in September using my 2005 Ford Escape. With the rear seat folded we can both sleep in the back comfortably and it'll hold all our camp gear with ease. Going to build my own shade area using a tarp attached to the factory roof rack, some poles and a fair number of bungy cords! :P The hardest part? Making a couple of screens for the rear door windows so we can have a breeze with our fan and stay bug free. We'll start with what you have and see where life takes us!
You got wheels so you're going places! I think you all will have a wonderful time in that set up!
FYI -We made screens for our 2000 gen3 4runner out of screened gutter guards from Home Depot. We just finished a 39 day - 9000 mile camping trip. Slept in 4runner and used a Jackery 500 to power cpap and 20 watt ac fan at night. Gutter guards are plastic with a window screen. Easy to trim for windows. We were required to piece together 2 sections for driver and passenger front windows. We also made insulated window coverings from reflectex insulation (like in video)for privacy and insulation. Spent several nites with only 1 screen installed where temperature got down into the high 20s. We slept on a memory foam mattress and under a down comforter. No heater required.
This channel makes me happy. Keep doing what y’all doin.
I'm really happy to hear that! More where this come from real soon!
Very informative and earnest. It is clear you put much thought and effort into this. Thanks much for sharing!
Thank you so much! We love putting these videos together so it always makes us happy to hear that people get something out of them!
Those are really good base questions. Now that we live in a small travel trailer they make so much sense.
Lou & Angie
Thank you! They are what have helped us with our vehicle searches in the past!
Get a Toyota truck, lol. Case closed. I have a 4runner, can pretty much reach anywhere, will last for 250k plus miles with little to no maintenance, and can tow up to 5k trailer if I want to be all fancy.
Agreed! I have had a 4runner with 255k HARD miles, an FJ80 with 250k of neglect, and now have a 1989 Double Cab Hilux with 200k KM That Im restomoding for Overlanding. Also their Cars last forever as well!
Thats why we love Toyota so much
Bound For Nowhere but I totally get your video though. You’re completely right. If you guys like living inside and don’t like towing then the 4runner is NOT for you lol. You’ll be miserable. But I personally like to get around anywhere, it’s just me and maybe an occasional goddess on the trail, and I’m ok with towing. The bed trailer is an excellent option for couples and long term solutions. I’ve seen some people pimp out their 4Runner and change the back seats and stuff. It’s neat, but I gotta pay off my 2020 before I get too crazy!
@@BoundForNowhere I still wish you would have kept the old Yota Camper, I think you could have done something with the axles, like a strengthened T100 rear with FJ80 front to widen the track, but I get why you sold it. Same reason I sold the FJ80. A lose of confidence in it.
Great to see you again! Missed your videos.
We missed being here too! More to come!
Very informative video guys.
To a newer traveler - From what I have observed almost all longterm travelers who really "go off the beaten path" - Do Not end up using a trailer. There are also many short term travelers who regularly take tertiary roads - may start out trying a trailer but end up not using one.
Sure the odd person may pull it off but it is an extra level of anxiety when roaming - I chose to not even tow a very small motorcycle trailer behind my self built van because day in day out it becomes a PITA...
So happy to see a new video from ye, my favorite couple on RUclips :)
Happy to finally be releasing them again!
FINALLY GUYS I DID IT its so weird being in 2020 again after all this time
Another great video! Stay safe out there!
Thank you so much, you too!
Did not see Luna ! Good video alot of info for people wanting to get into mobil life style.
Thats next week!
You guys have radio voices. Love!
Well you need it to be reliables so a toyota tacoma or a tundra. Fiberglass already made topper or a home made campsrshell if you cant afford a 4wheelcamper (theyre pretty expensive new). You can try to hunt a used 4wc.
cool, like your black Toyota truck
Pretty much
Oh boy I’ve missed y’all
Feels good to be back!
I love your informative video’s..I want a “bound for nowhere” bumper sticker
Hi
Always nice to see you. Getting closer to retirement, so, I'm more interested, but pricing is crazy high. But, it is fun checking everything out.
Window shopping is always pretty fun!
@@BoundForNowhere yes!!! But the window shock, wow
Thanks for useful info. What is MPG for your Tundra with current setup.
we average 12mpg
Hey guys! Love your content -- super excited to challenge myself and try a new lifestyle. I currently have a 2015 Tundra Crewmax that's setup for standard weekend overlanding (RTT, and that whole getup). I'd really like to get into a Hawk (or similarly capable) flatbed camper to go full-time in. I'm primarily focused on being able to spend more time up on the mountain and really be able to explore the areas I'd eventually like to plant roots in.
I've seen a ton of build videos around Tundras with truck campers, but wanted to get your insight on how you felt about having such a heavy setup on the back of a truck that wasn't really designed for that kind of payload. Do you think the extra work that went into making Roxie handle the Hawk was worth it, as opposed to maybe having put that money towards running a single/extended cab one-ton truck with a similar footprint as the dual cab Tundra?
I'd like to keep my Tundra as long as possible -- it'll be paid off and is overall a very stout rig, but I do wonder if the extra wear and tear put on the truck from the extra load would be more burdensome (financially and time-wise) than just purchasing a truck with a higher payload. Would love your thoughts on the matter,
Once again, thanks again for all of this content and your candid, no-bullshit approach!
I was wondering, what did you guys do with your factory truck bed? Looking to put a flatbed on my tundra and not sure if I should sell the bed or keep it ...
We sold it while we were doing the build. We had our build done in the NE and fresh truck beds are a hot commodity up there!
Bound For Nowhere Thanks for the reply!
Very nice job
Thank you!
Great tips 🥾 😎❤️
Hi Owen and MAK! Another great video! I know you two are mostly out in the middle of nowhere, hence your name, lol, but when you're in populated areas, how do you feel about security in your pop-up when sleeping or during stormy weather? Do you just keep the top down? Thanks, and it is good to see you folks back!
We have only popped down once and it was because it was 3 degrees.These were built for just about anything and it's performed beautifully in every weather condition under the sun. We only popped down on that cold night because we were being conservative with our heater and propane consumption
Great video of course but I was left hanging a bit waiting to hear what you've been up to for so long. We missed you! (We were betting on morning sickness 😉)
Well, RUclips is something that we do in addition to our professional careers. With income being so volatile this year we took on as much work as we could while transitioning back to being on the road post quarantine. We spread ourselves really thin and just didn't have the time to put into these videos to make them up to our standard. Excellence takes time ;)
Thanks
You are so very welcome!
Your hair looks great.
HAhah thank you! I really am long over due for a hair cut!
@@BoundForNowhere mine is way longer and lighter now too, from the sun. I was just recovering from tearing my right meniscus on both sides late '17 in my pic. I despise taking selfies but I was so proud of myself for getting my fitness back while injured. I cut it myself now. You can too. It doesn't have to be perfect, just a general shape. Pull you hair forward for the back. Go in small steps. You can do it yourself, Mack. It's so long now, you have plenty to give it a try. YOU CAN DOOO EEEET 😊💥💥👊🏻
eye 2nd dat!
How tall is your 4wheel hawk down with the flat bed on the Tundra?
Could you fit in an 8ft garage?
Sadly I don't think it would fit in an 8ft garage
Did you consider buying a diesel truck vs Toyota? I am trying to balance daily driving vs crazy v8 gas engine
We did. We decided against it due to compatibility of domestic modern diesel vehicles and the diesel that is available in South America
That burp, though.
Owen has really good ones!
Why do you guys prefer a camper truck over towing a travel trailer?
We personally dont like to be so long and we're not very good at towing!
@@BoundForNowhere yeah I hate towing and being long too. Any suggestion for a a husband and wife set up and a toddler? We work 8hrs/day remotely. And a toilet.
@@JesusEsDios007 Reconsider towing. If you work 40 hours a week you must need internet, therefore close to civilization. Trailers are cheap space and work/toddler will require it. On your weekend you can explore unencumbered by a heavy vehicle. Good Luck!
@@pcsteve6072 thanks for the input
Where y’all been?
Just getting back into the swing of being on the road and balancing a full work schedule and making RUclips videos. With COVID 19 we've lost a lot of access to internet at libraries and coffee shops that we use to make these videos and get them uploaded. We also wanted to take a break and just focus on being on the road for a while as we got going again. I'm glad we did. We really needed it.
I think the first question should be how much money you have to spend.
I'm pretty sure your setup is 100k plus. Am I wrong?
Old Vs new... New car big bucks and loads of modern electronics to go wrong.
Old, no electronics. Even if you buy an old vehicle and rebuild it for the ground up, it will be cheaper and more reliable than buying a new one. Plus you can fix it without a laptop! No limp home mode etc.
Fuel.... if you are serious about travelling, I.E the world, then its a no brainer. Diesel is king. An older vehicle will also run on crappy diesel. A new one will not.
Make and model of vehicle... Again, serious travel requires a make and model which is internatioally known and available. Toyota Tundra or any USA specific vehicle simply does not work should you have (and you will!) a problem.
A super new expensive vehicle will attract unwanted attention which is not good. "Look at me, i am rich!" This is no joke as i met a couple in an American vehicle in West Africa who then were attacked a few weeks later..the husband got murdered. Truly overlanding is not a game of "Look at me"
These are just four examples, of many, that have to be considered if someone wishes to travel worldwide as we have done fulltime for the last 6 years. The reason we are still travelling is because we really do have the experience. 6 years of dealing with the harsh realities and not making it look glossy, carefree and super cool.
We have a Toyota troopy like the one in your videos.
On the other hand if you have no intention of leaving your country of origin, or even maybe hitting a few countries local to you, then ignore the above....or maybe not.
✌😘