Im look at a promaster but seems like they are unreliable
Also a transit but it is a ford and lack over all reliability it seems
Also a possible option is a chevy express

Hey roadmates! long time viewer but pretty quiet on here. I’ve been a nomad since about 23yr old (aging myself, but that’s 15 years now) never really lived ‘anywhere’ and love living everywhere. I started this project originally as a backpacking app because i’d travel to work, but as I lived in car, eventually a van full time and now currently full time in a jeep, I work in dog rescue and remote tech - I met so many people on the road and asked 10000 questions.

that journey resulted in what this app is today. started building this in 2016, and ran out of money too many times along the way, but it’s finally out.

100% FREE, the app doesn’t capture any data,
the app doesn’t even need your name unless you want to add it. and it’s forever free for those who contribute, flag waypoints, scout spots.

I built this to give back to the community that got me on my feet on the road.

No need to download regions and, over 1mil waypoints, and the community get to shape what it becomes.

here’s some key features.

MAP - pretty self explanatory but very helpful with finding what you need. Scouted and verified dispersed camping, potable water, wild camp spots the usuals! + yep you can add secret spots only your friends, or trusted travelers can see.

ROADMATES - keep up with where the people you meet on the road are at

BEACONS - proximity based happenings, or help needed, even leftover firewood up for grabs

TOOLS - Gyro rig leveling, Offline Compass that will lead you back to where you started, Altimeter, Solar tracking for solar panel optimization, Storm watch alerts.

PRIVACY - Set your privacy at any time, go ghost, be visible to friends only, or open social.

SECRET SPOTS - got a spot you only want your roadmates to see? don’t blow up a spot but share it forever with those you trust.

PATCHES - earn patches for living life on the road. walmart overnight? there’s a patch for that. 20 nights in quartzsite, visit the arches in moab, drove coast to coast? got a tattoo in vegas? patches for all of that.

SAFETY - set up check-ins with your friends, SOS alerts that work without service, close friend location visibility.

FEMALE SPECIFIC SAFETY - Solo female traveler tailored safety features, lets you know if there’s other female travelers in the area if you opt in, female only groups, convoys etc. (female accounts must be verified with either ID or other trusted female travelers can vouch for you)

THRIFT STORE - Got a jacket you want to give to someone who will appreciate it? place any item of clothing you’d give away or sell, nearby travelers can see the items up for grabs.

MARKET - ceramicist? jewelry maker? tattoo artist? crest a market that you can earn on the road with. showcase your work.

SKILLS - Mechanic? solar electrician? carpenter? If you have valuable skills other travelers may need, repairs, upgrades, skill swap - charge for your work or do it in good will and earn Merit.

COMPANIONS - Add a dog, cat, reptile, goat - whatever is riding shotgun with you. See if there’s other social companions in the area, see organized dog friendly events / play dates.

DOG SAFETY - Dog specific alerts, hazard flags, blue/green algae reports.

ROAD FOSTER & RESCUE - place your intended city you’re heading to, rescues can tap in and pay you to transport rescue dogs to their homes or transfers to other rescues.

There’s a lot more but i’ll stop rambling… organize groups, gatherings, convoys, temporary wifi sharing.

EVERYTHING built was a suggestion from people who live on the road, every want, need and wish - whatever helps make the road feel less heavy ❤️

and the team behind this live on the road full time.
If you got this far. thank you.

APPLE / IOS

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nomadic-roam-together/id6762540373

ANDROID

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=guide.nomadic.app&pcampaignid=web_share

I keep getting ads for this RV drawer latch and I really like the minimal design. Does anyone have it in their build and have any real reviews?

Here is the Link to the product.

Hi, I hope this is allowed. I have a Groove Lounge topper by RoamRest (the regular 72” size version) for a Storyteller Overland that has never been used and I no longer need it. I paid around $700 for it, but will sell it for $400 if anyone is looking for one. I’m a long time eBay seller and have plenty of feedback on there. I’d be happy to share those details if interested. Thanks!

Im building a high top e350. I want to bring a bmw f900gs with me to commute when needed and rip fire/dirt/gravel roads and explore. Seems its at the maxweightlimit of a rear carrier, plus the van is extended, so leverage...so I started thinking about a box truck but I dont want the hassle of selling this and spending what id conscider to be too much on a good box. Im already 2500ish in parts in this van. The whole front end is new. Waterpump, idler, high output alternator, belt, plugs/coils, trans fluid/filter,rear diff cleaning etc. Ive been trying to bulletproof it. It has 42k miles.

Thus im thinking of getting like a 5x8 enclosed to haul the bike, have extra storage, and probably keep my cooking equipment in. The van would be just a sleeping/living room.

My concern is towing the trailer. The van is already long..adding a hitch and another trailer and its huge...I will at some point need to sleep in parking lots as I move around. Ill need to be able to get through the trails and lands to find my spots. E350s als9 tend to wander so adding a trailer seems problematic.

To those of you who do something similar what are your thoughts ik regard to me concerns? Any extra advice?

Looking into getting a 1999 170 roadtrek and was wondering other people's thoughts as I'm not familiar with the kinda vehicle. Is it a good vehicle worth getting? It has 61k miles and a lot of new parts

Hey everyone

I just spent the last two months driving around the USA and had the most incredible experience. I’m en route to my home city on the east coast and feel somewhat depressed I’m leaving the nomadic lifestyle and returning to my old life.

I am contemplating selling all my possessions, quitting my job, and liquidating my investments so I can live this lifestyle for another year (maybe more) while working gig jobs.

Am I crazy for thinking this? Is this a honeymoon phase mindset?

I’ve always dreamt of working gig jobs on the west coast and in ski tons. It’s just a vastly different lifestyle than the culture I was raised in (southeast US). I love the west coast culture and beautiful places. I feel like the desire to leave my current life and chase this new one sounds crazy, but I feel this gravitational pull.

Had anyone expereince this and left their old life behind? Do you regret it?

I am 29 and am at a cross road in my life. I work in a corporate environment and make good money (~120k), but can’t help but think I’d be happier working a job around my passions for much less. My 401k has $50k in it - not a lot but enough to snowball into something when I hit retirement age. I just don’t share the excitement all of my friends have to stay in their careers, buy homes, get married, have kids, and live in their hometown

I’m doing a weekender build in an extended Chevy express high top. I want something multifunctional. My thoughts are to be able to use this for camping, kayaking, biking, and Home Depot trips. It’s a design challenge for sure, but I’m thinking I can build a toe kick into the cabinets so I have the wider floor space open, but deeper cabinet space for more normal storage and countertop space. Also planning to keep the ability to reinstall and use the front bench seat for all the people I don’t travel with🤣 Keeps it legal for passenger car registration if I’m ever challenged though.

Am I giving myself too much trouble for things I won’t need to do much, or are there loads of other people out there who have done the same thing? Floor is done. Ceiling in process. Everything in between will be last.