I sit here in my comfortable house watching nomads enjoying their travels. For about a million reasons, I won't be out there with them, but I do make a monthly contribution to HOWA so life will be easier for everyone. When I hear people around me complaining about the housing shortage and the homeless crisis, I tell them about HOWA. It's one small solution for the enormous problem.
I went to the RTR last year. A lot of nice people were there. Some appeared to be doing well and some not so much. I talked to an old man for a couple hours under a nearby pavilion of sorts by a dog park there. I noticed his legs were swollen and his shoes were expired long ago. But most are in great spirits and the vibe is a good one. Anyway I can say thank you on their behalf. I am going again this year, you should go. The desert is an awesome place.
I have been following you for the last few months. I have been searching for Vanlife since 2020. I am moving into my van in a week not by choice but as you said...I see this as camping...not homeless. So now I am motivated to make this work. Hopefully I can come visit you all.❤
Regina, I hope the best for you. There are clearly some really wonderful people in the community. There’s good support and friends are apparently easy to make in the community. I’m not in it yet, but I follow the video closely.
It’s easy, it’s fun and it will help you realize where you’re true home exists. You’ve been trapped and enslaved by debt and you will now begin to break free from that whole lifestyle. It will be lonely at first and you will sometimes think “how did this happen to you”. However, the truth is you will simply begin the journey you were meant to be on all along so that you can experience life in all its glory. Greater good will be achieved by greater struggle but you will adapt and overcome. You will begin to realize that you have the biggest home of all, you have the world. It is your true home and now you will have the opportunity to explore it.
I have lived in all sorts of weird tiny ways. It always takes me about 3 weeks to adapt to a major lifestyle shift, then it feels normal. I highly recommend having a full set of backpacking gear. Getting used to packing everything you need in a backpack to camp out overnight or a few days will make vanlife seem luxurious and full of options. But good gear is comfy, it's not suffering, some amazing sleeping pads and bags and tents out there. Super easy to pop that set into any vehicle and use it in a bunch of ways. Cardboard is super useful, I made a bed from heavy duty water bottle boxes with flat cardboard on top, then backpacking gear, super cozy in my tiny ice fishing shanty trailer at the time that winter. Electric mattress pad beneath you makes winter sleeping super easy if you have access to shore power with an extension cord. Doesn't use much power, a solar\battery setup could do it but that's a whole thing. Always good to have enough sleeping bags and clothing layers to handle the temps without any external heat. Sawyer mini water filter is great. Wood burning backpacking cook stoves are great. Solar box ovens. Sand batteries. All sorts of cool solutions out there.
Thank you to all who work so hard to put this event together and keep us up to date. I hope to get there in 2026! I am working on my minivan now, getting it road ready and a no build build done! I so appreciate all of you!
I have been using minivans for the past 15 years. Even if you are on a strict budget put a mattress on the floor and some totes for your belonging will get you rolling. My current bed is a foldaway bed like you have in a home for guests. Was given to me and very comfortable the 3 years I have had it. Dont use an inflatable mattress. Waste of money and cold to sleep on. Easy to find a clean donation mattress if no money
I wish I could attend the WRTR this January, but I have no vehicle and am waiting for a disability decision from social security. One day I will be able to attend. I hope everyone has an amazing time. I will be following the videos. Thanks for all you do, HOWA and Cheaprvliving.
When I first heard them say the date, I was like..Hell yea! It's a year from now and plenty of time to prepare. Then I realized my brain was turned off. Lol. I'll be ready for next years RTR. It's so far away. im in CT but I'm so excited for that adventure. Subscribed. 🤙🏻
@@rubiconoutdoors3492I'm retired in Thailand right now but headed back to the US at the end of January. I'm going to set up to do Prius life next.... So see you at 2026 RTR!! Lol😂
Hello Bob. I will always be proud of you, and grateful for all you have done for so many people. You have surrounded yourself with very fine people through the years and like the saying goes "if you live to get old, you will see things change" we have. I will always remember the first time I came across you on TH-cam. I had a different named channel, but it was somewhere between 2006 and I think 2008. You were just starting out. Good times watching you succeed after a life interrupted. Happy trails and my best wishes to every Nomad.
I hope to finally get out there and meet you this year. Congratulations on another year! Hoping for good weather and safe travels for everyone making the journey to Quartzsite.
I been waiting for this video! Its my first wrtr and rtr and i started planning for this the past 11 months im too excited and looking forward to learning and meeting new friends! ❤❤❤ see u there!
I first learned of the RTR when you were preparing for the 2nd one. I've so wanted to attend ever since. Sad that it isn't like it was in the early years, but such is the price of growth. This year I will finally get to attend. Can't wait.
My mother and I will be there for the first time this year. We have been living in our rigs for a little over one year and we love it. We are excited to be at the RTR. I hope my mother gets to meet you, Bob it was her idea for us to do this and it’s been a wonderful thing.
May just show up with my empty shuttle! Bought recently, can’t wait to get to the RTR another year. Wanted this for years. Big love to EVERYONE involved in making it all work, and work well, and especially Bob the Nomad Rock Star!
It's been years since I've managed to get to an RTR. I think my last one was 2019, when unbeknownst to me I had a large brain tumor -- so I've been off the road for the 2020s. Though I'm healthy now, I don't think I can afford to go this year. But I want to let anyone who wonders if it's worth it -- IT IS SO WORTH IT! Every nomad or anyone thinking about being a nomad -- part time or full time -- really needs to attend an RTR! You'll learn a ton and meet so many wonderful people. Thank you to Bob and Suanne for all they've done for the nomad community!
I have been on the road full time in my van for 1.5 years and I want to go to an RTR meet up. May not be this year but maybe the next. You guys really do a great service for so many people. I am fortunate to be on the road by choice after I retired but many are not. Thank you Bob and all the people at HOWA for everything that they do for folks. You people are a real inspiration. I have been following Bob for 3 years now and would enjoy seeing him at RTR one of these years. Safe travels.
Great video!! I love what you’re doing!! I’ve been following you since 2020. I have a teardrop camper, here in Michigan. I may never get to RTR, but I want to support you by buying a T-shirt. I love the design!!
I do not do any of this stuff but Bob is just an amazing person along with the people who help him . I come for the vibes these people give off . Much peace and happiness to the people who live this way .
I think there’s a lot of people like me who who can’t go for various reasons and I feel the same way.😊 I just like to keep watching the videos of cheap RV, living channel and other channels
I’m not van life, yet but I really respect Bob Wells and the people he works with as well as the people he interviews and seems like a great community. I’m in Tucson but and I thought about going, but I only have just the car and I might I’ve been able to work it out, but I bought flight to visit parents I’ll follow the RTR on the channel and other news about it. Long-term I will get a van at some point possibly even 15 years from now when I can start full-time work or work remotely in the van Seems like a great community to participate in and I like giving to communities and volunteering.
Thank you both so much for posting this. I'm planning my maiden voyage in my van to the WRTR and the RTR this year! Hoping to meet both of you! I'm as prepared as I can be but I'm sure I'll find out more as I travel. Coming from Northern New York State-Watertown! Can't wait to be there!! God bless!
I'm on the board of a noncommercial community FM station with about 60 volunteers. The board is hands on with no paid employees. Every time someone steps down from the board they are replaced by as many as 5 people (not all on the board, just station DJs and volunteers). That's how it has evolved, we don't have any paid positions within the station, this is rare in nonprofits, most have a paid manager. HOWA is a wonderful organization, I along with many others are very happy to see its success.
I’ve been following you for many years on TH-cam. I’m in Quartzsite since early December and can’t wait to be at the RTR in January and meet all of you! ❤️🙏
Last year was my first time attending the RTR and I had a great time! I wasn't sure how much I would fit in as a 40 year old newbie and introvert, but I met so many friendly and kind people, including Bob, Brian, Suanne and others! I am planning to go again this year as I prepare to become more nomadic.
Was watching another TH-camr snd you walked by in the background in Quartzite, lol..."Matty Van Halen" . Next i was watching another TH-camr "GotOut" who mentioned you! You're the man! Great video today, thanks!
I was really hoping to make it in 2025 but due to medical testing I can't. I love all the videos and work you all put into making the nomad community so great. Definitely going to join the new group and will hopefully see you all in 2026 :)
Can’t make it there this year, my Dodge Caravan is not running. My focus is to get a Toyota Prius for the Air Conditioning, reliability and mobility. See you guys next year 2026. Be safe and have fun.
I am not able to donate at this time. My father and step mom passed in the past year causing me financial difficulty. So hopefully the new year I will be able to start donating again. Been a supporter since Bob started HOWA.
Left Pa December 9. Made it to Florida December 12th. I'm spending a week here and then a slow drive to AZ for the RTR! I watch for Senter St in Quartzite. Yes, they really spell it that way! LoL. When I see it I know that I'm close. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Safe travels to all!!!
I’m on some social media pages & people talking about it. Sounds nice. I hope the time will come when I’ll be able to afford a cross country trip & time off work to do this.
Hi. If you watch CheapRVliving videos you will see Bob interview people in all sorts of vehicles, including travel trailers. I am certain you will be welcomed with open arms!
I sit here in my comfortable house watching nomads enjoying their travels. For about a million reasons, I won't be out there with them, but I do make a monthly contribution to HOWA so life will be easier for everyone. When I hear people around me complaining about the housing shortage and the homeless crisis, I tell them about HOWA. It's one small solution for the enormous problem.
I went to the RTR last year. A lot of nice people were there. Some appeared to be doing well and some not so much. I talked to an old man for a couple hours under a nearby pavilion of sorts by a dog park there. I noticed his legs were swollen and his shoes were expired long ago. But most are in great spirits and the vibe is a good one. Anyway I can say thank you on their behalf. I am going again this year, you should go. The desert is an awesome place.
Thank you so much for your donations!! ❤❤
@@Orangemangoood....your do ations are saving lives
Me also. Not a van lifer but I enjoy watching the videos. And I donate periodically
I enjoy the videos
I have been following you for the last few months. I have been searching for Vanlife since 2020. I am moving into my van in a week not by choice but as you said...I see this as camping...not homeless. So now I am motivated to make this work. Hopefully I can come visit you all.❤
You can Do It!❤ and Best Wishes❤
@marachelcitarello4777 thank you. I have more faith in it now because of all the stories I have watched. ❤️
Regina, I hope the best for you. There are clearly some really wonderful people in the community. There’s good support and friends are apparently easy to make in the community. I’m not in it yet, but I follow the video closely.
It’s easy, it’s fun and it will help you realize where you’re true home exists. You’ve been trapped and enslaved by debt and you will now begin to break free from that whole lifestyle. It will be lonely at first and you will sometimes think “how did this happen to you”. However, the truth is you will simply begin the journey you were meant to be on all along so that you can experience life in all its glory. Greater good will be achieved by greater struggle but you will adapt and overcome. You will begin to realize that you have the biggest home of all, you have the world. It is your true home and now you will have the opportunity to explore it.
I have lived in all sorts of weird tiny ways. It always takes me about 3 weeks to adapt to a major lifestyle shift, then it feels normal. I highly recommend having a full set of backpacking gear. Getting used to packing everything you need in a backpack to camp out overnight or a few days will make vanlife seem luxurious and full of options. But good gear is comfy, it's not suffering, some amazing sleeping pads and bags and tents out there. Super easy to pop that set into any vehicle and use it in a bunch of ways. Cardboard is super useful, I made a bed from heavy duty water bottle boxes with flat cardboard on top, then backpacking gear, super cozy in my tiny ice fishing shanty trailer at the time that winter. Electric mattress pad beneath you makes winter sleeping super easy if you have access to shore power with an extension cord. Doesn't use much power, a solar\battery setup could do it but that's a whole thing. Always good to have enough sleeping bags and clothing layers to handle the temps without any external heat. Sawyer mini water filter is great. Wood burning backpacking cook stoves are great. Solar box ovens. Sand batteries. All sorts of cool solutions out there.
You set a good example for how people who are blessed with success should pay it forward to lift up others. Good job.
Wonderful to see the ambulance get donated. Great contribution. Great people doing great things for sure. A wonderful place to be. 😊✌🏻🇺🇸
It's being donated for a sweepstakes.
He did his van before so someone should get a good rig to use. They are very good letting you know of any issues before winning it.
I hope the issues are fixed 100%. 😂
Bob, you have such a wonderful kind heart.
He doesnt just talk.....he actually gives things to people.........ACTION IS LOVE........
Thank you to all who work so hard to put this event together and keep us up to date. I hope to get there in 2026! I am working on my minivan now, getting it road ready and a no build build done! I so appreciate all of you!
Best wishes on the build!
I have been using minivans for the past 15 years. Even if you are on a strict budget put a mattress on the floor and some totes for your belonging will get you rolling. My current bed is a foldaway bed like you have in a home for guests. Was given to me and very comfortable the 3 years I have had it. Dont use an inflatable mattress. Waste of money and cold to sleep on. Easy to find a clean donation mattress if no money
I’m nervous about being around lots of people, but I’m going to try it out this year. I’m a newbie vanlifer.
There are 1000s of people and tons of traffic. Many winter in Q that are not part of this.
There’s lots of private people here and social people, you will be fine. I was just like you now I’m camping with new friends!!!
You can park away from people. There's a way to mark your car to show you don't want company. People respect your privacy there.
It’s held in a baseball field. You can hear everything way out in left field and not be in the crowded infield area. Come it will be great
Same here... this will be my first year to go. Im nervous, but I know I need this!
Two of the most generous people who ACTIVELY SUPPORT others in thought, word and action. May God bless and Mary keep you both ❤!!!
I wish I could attend the WRTR this January, but I have no vehicle and am waiting for a disability decision from social security. One day I will be able to attend. I hope everyone has an amazing time. I will be following the videos. Thanks for all you do, HOWA and Cheaprvliving.
When I first heard them say the date, I was like..Hell yea! It's a year from now and plenty of time to prepare. Then I realized my brain was turned off. Lol. I'll be ready for next years RTR. It's so far away. im in CT but I'm so excited for that adventure. Subscribed. 🤙🏻
@@rubiconoutdoors3492I'm retired in Thailand right now but headed back to the US at the end of January. I'm going to set up to do Prius life next.... So see you at 2026 RTR!! Lol😂
Long time subscriber, this year I will be at the RTR - even signed up for volunteer shifts to make sure I’m social 🎉
I do that as well, being involved with my recovery community. It forces me to get out of myself and give back
Can’t wait for the van tours! I love meeting everyone and seeing all the different ideas.
10:05. So in addition to what he's already done Bob is essentially giving away a lavish home
Where do I sign up for the sweepstakes?
Amazing people ❤️ doing awesome stuff..
Hello Bob. I will always be proud of you, and grateful for all you have done for so many people. You have surrounded yourself with very fine people through the years and like the saying goes "if you live to get old, you will see things change" we have. I will always remember the first time I came across you on TH-cam. I had a different named channel, but it was somewhere between 2006 and I think 2008. You were just starting out. Good times watching you succeed after a life interrupted. Happy trails and my best wishes to every Nomad.
This will be my first year, and I’m so excited! See y’all there!
I hope to finally get out there and meet you this year. Congratulations on another year! Hoping for good weather and safe travels for everyone making the journey to Quartzsite.
Thank you, and safe travels to you, as well!
I been waiting for this video! Its my first wrtr and rtr and i started planning for this the past 11 months im too excited and looking forward to learning and meeting new friends! ❤❤❤ see u there!
Hugs from a long time subscriber in Manitoba Canada ✌🏻
Soon I will be traveling RTR.. Cant Wait. 🎉
See you there!
I first learned of the RTR when you were preparing for the 2nd one. I've so wanted to attend ever since. Sad that it isn't like it was in the early years, but such is the price of growth. This year I will finally get to attend. Can't wait.
If you haven't been how do you think it is different?
Thank You Mr Bob for another Fantastic video 🙏👍🐕🦺🇺🇲
Thank you for the information.
Great vid, you two are fantastic. Thanx.
fabulous community - I'm into solar :)
My mother and I will be there for the first time this year. We have been living in our rigs for a little over one year and we love it. We are excited to be at the RTR. I hope my mother gets to meet you, Bob it was her idea for us to do this and it’s been a wonderful thing.
Any group of people who work together will be in good shape.
May just show up with my empty shuttle! Bought recently, can’t wait to get to the RTR another year. Wanted this for years. Big love to EVERYONE involved in making it all work, and work well, and especially Bob the Nomad Rock Star!
It's been years since I've managed to get to an RTR. I think my last one was 2019, when unbeknownst to me I had a large brain tumor -- so I've been off the road for the 2020s. Though I'm healthy now, I don't think I can afford to go this year. But I want to let anyone who wonders if it's worth it -- IT IS SO WORTH IT! Every nomad or anyone thinking about being a nomad -- part time or full time -- really needs to attend an RTR! You'll learn a ton and meet so many wonderful people. Thank you to Bob and Suanne for all they've done for the nomad community!
You guys just keep growin' it! 👏👏👏
I'm camping on La Posa LTVA now.
Really looking forward to my first RTR !! Just became a full-time Nomad in August of this year.
Excellent and thanks for sharing today. Sharing post immediately so others will know....from the Ozarks drinking fresh spring water 💦 , childfree
I have been on the road full time in my van for 1.5 years and I want to go to an RTR meet up. May not be this year but maybe the next. You guys really do a great service for so many people. I am fortunate to be on the road by choice after I retired but many are not. Thank you Bob and all the people at HOWA for everything that they do for folks. You people are a real inspiration. I have been following Bob for 3 years now and would enjoy seeing him at RTR one of these years. Safe travels.
Sue Ann and Bob, you have done a wonderful job organizing the wanderers. Amazing people.
Love love love and appreciate all of the work all of you do. Thank you Bob, you have become a national treasure.
Great video!! I love what you’re doing!! I’ve been following you since 2020. I have a teardrop camper, here in Michigan. I may never get to RTR, but I want to support you by buying a T-shirt. I love the design!!
I do not do any of this stuff but Bob is just an amazing person along with the people who help him . I come for the vibes these people give off . Much peace and happiness to the people who live this way .
Would love to attend. I live in tennessee so don't have the funds for gas yet. But hopefully next time. 2026. Love you all. Thanks for all you do!❤🙂
I think there’s a lot of people like me who who can’t go for various reasons and I feel the same way.😊 I just like to keep watching the videos of cheap RV, living channel and other channels
Oh man, you are in my dream state. I live in CT and came down to a place called Sevierville. It was paradise.
I love that Bob is donating his ambulance! Someone will be blessed!
Excellent report 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Sue Ann! Wow! You are doing so much! I really appreciate that you can handle all those details!
Wow, Way to go, Columbia.
I love Columbia. About half of the clothes in my closet say Columbia on them.
I’m not van life, yet but I really respect Bob Wells and the people he works with as well as the people he interviews and seems like a great community. I’m in Tucson but and I thought about going, but I only have just the car and I might I’ve been able to work it out, but I bought flight to visit parents
I’ll follow the RTR on the channel and other news about it.
Long-term I will get a van at some point possibly even 15 years from now when I can start full-time work or work remotely in the van
Seems like a great community to participate in and I like giving to communities and volunteering.
Wow, Thx 🙏😊
Super cool and not surprised you are raffling off your ambulance, Bob.
Looking forward to the event.
It will be my first time attending. I have been planning this trip for a long time..
I made it to the 2018 RTR. Loved the experience.
I can't believe it's already been 15 years!
My how time flies by.
❤️😊❤️
Sweet!🎉🎉❤🎉🎉
Love your videos and all the information you give. Keep up the great work much love from Lawton Fort Sill Oklahoma. ***THE GERBLAXICAN ***
Looking forward to it! First time, also volunteering
Thanks, Suanne and Bob! Grateful HOWA has organized all the information in one place. Hoping to be there!
RTR 2019 was the Best! Good information on all subjects.
Thank you both so much for posting this. I'm planning my maiden voyage in my van to the WRTR and the RTR this year! Hoping to meet both of you! I'm as prepared as I can be but I'm sure I'll find out more as I travel. Coming from Northern New York State-Watertown! Can't wait to be there!! God bless!
Oh good I’m quitting my job and coming out
Excellent! That's what I did😅
Quartzite is Cool! I’ve been there for the stones show. As well as the Tucson show, which I’ve done several times over the last couple of decades.
This is wonderful. I didn't know there was an annual event like this. I wish I could go.
Thank you Columbia sportswear!
I'm hoping I can go to this next year
I wish I could be there!! Someday I hope ❤
I'm on the board of a noncommercial community FM station with about 60 volunteers. The board is hands on with no paid employees. Every time someone steps down from the board they are replaced by as many as 5 people (not all on the board, just station DJs and volunteers). That's how it has evolved, we don't have any paid positions within the station, this is rare in nonprofits, most have a paid manager. HOWA is a wonderful organization, I along with many others are very happy to see its success.
I’ve been following you for many years on TH-cam. I’m in Quartzsite since early December and can’t wait to be at the RTR in January and meet all of you! ❤️🙏
Last year was my first time attending the RTR and I had a great time! I wasn't sure how much I would fit in as a 40 year old newbie and introvert, but I met so many friendly and kind people, including Bob, Brian, Suanne and others! I am planning to go again this year as I prepare to become more nomadic.
Is there a C B radio channel for RV mutual aid?
This makes me really happy and reminds me where my heart and soul are, rather than with greedy people who are obsessed with profit.
It‘s so nice to see Sueanne again. I‘m glad she is well.
Thank you for all your good work !
(Sorry I can‘t attend the RTR😔)
Was watching another TH-camr snd you walked by in the background in Quartzite, lol..."Matty Van Halen" .
Next i was watching another TH-camr "GotOut" who mentioned you!
You're the man!
Great video today, thanks!
I was really hoping to make it in 2025 but due to medical testing I can't. I love all the videos and work you all put into making the nomad community so great. Definitely going to join the new group and will hopefully see you all in 2026 :)
We're coming for the first time from Ohio.
I dream one day of becoming part of the nomad community. You’ve established a wonderful event & resources for nomads. Absolutely Amazing 👍🏻
Awesome to offer merchandise to raise money! This will be my first year!!
Thank you for sharing this! ❤
It's nice to see you again SueAnne ❤ I'm sorry, spelling of your name may be wrong
Really tempted... I will have to drive all the way from NYC though...
WOW look what started with your journey!
Thank you both for the work you do.
Can’t make it there this year, my Dodge Caravan is not running. My focus is to get a Toyota Prius for the Air Conditioning, reliability and mobility. See you guys next year 2026. Be safe and have fun.
❤❤ LOVE THE #RTR Bob Wells #grateful forever
❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉 Go HOWA go I'm so proud of you and everyone who works and volunteers to make things happen.
I am not able to donate at this time. My father and step mom passed in the past year causing me financial difficulty. So hopefully the new year I will be able to start donating again. Been a supporter since Bob started HOWA.
Sry for ur loss
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you have support. Take Care
Thanks for the info! I'm anxious to find a group of old geezers down there to camp with
Yaaay I hope I get to meet you Bob!!❤❤🙏
❤Love the T Shirt design! 😊
Left Pa December 9. Made it to Florida December 12th. I'm spending a week here and then a slow drive to AZ for the RTR!
I watch for Senter St in Quartzite. Yes, they really spell it that way! LoL. When I see it I know that I'm close.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Safe travels to all!!!
I love watching these videos & watching for animals to cross in the background 🤣
Sounds exciting 😊
Thanks for the updates
Excellent information, thanks,
Sounds like fun. You guys enjoy!
Thank you! 😊
I’m on some social media pages & people talking about it. Sounds nice. I hope the time will come when I’ll be able to afford a cross country trip & time off work to do this.
Thnx
I was in quartzite. People were just rude! I left.
I thought i was the only one that liked to look at other people's rigs.
So good to see Susanne!!!
I’m coming, for the first time
Excited to go to the women's RTR. 😊
I love the idea about merch. What would the possiblity of having a patch made?
This is good, soon many could loose there home and become a brother nomader
Question: is a person with a travel trailer welcome to this and your community
Hi. If you watch CheapRVliving videos you will see Bob interview people in all sorts of vehicles, including travel trailers. I am certain you will be welcomed with open arms!