From STRESS to Freedom: 7 Years of Solo Living in a HUGE Truck Camper!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
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Jana has been living her dream on the road for the past 7 years in her 2007 Montana Ponderosa camper (pulled with a Dodge Ram Diesel 3500 truck). With its unique side entry door, spacious interior, and tons of storage, Jana's truck camper is the epitome of nomad comfort. Jana traded a high-stress career in rescue operations to a life of freedom and exploration. Living frugally on BLM land, she has discovered a world of adventure with no regrets! Get inspired to live an affordable life on your own terms!
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Thanks for watching!
I call Frugal RV Gal “MacGyver” because she can do anything. I’m so happy to see her featured on CRVL. She is so deserving and what a story she has! Truly an AWEmazing person. Thank you for this video Bob and KC. KOKO!
NOTE: Frugal, Jana, wasn't a 911 operator. She was the IT Director in a major city that supported dispatch, fire, and police departments for all their software and hardware needs - including 911 operations. First responders can't function without IT and computers. It was a 24/7 high stress position. She was very good at her job and was respected and held in high esteem by all. I'm so proud of her! And now she is living the dream. KOKO!
I agree😊
You are so sweet and yes thank you to Bob and KC and everything they do for this community!
One of our great KOKO ladies
I agree! It was great to see her featured on Cheap RV Living. I love watching her adventures on her channel, as well as on your own.
@FrugalRVGal you mentioned air bags help handling - what kind did you get and from where?
My husband just passed and i want to learn to drive and use our desiel dooly with camper, janna u inspired me to go camping and now subscribed to frugal rv gal
I am very sorry for your loss! ❤ Just go slow, you will find out how it handles on the road and you will get comfortable with it. I ended up putting air bags on my truck and it drives a lot nicer since I had them installed.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Jana is a wonderful role model. Blessings to you!
Good on you, from Australia.
You can do it.
Phil put airbags in ours so I know it has it so good point to make sure it still has air when I do the rundown with the professional I hired at the end of the month ago everything. thank you for mentioning. This is a huge help and goal of mine to go camping again like we used to and yes, I will definitely go slow. I am scared to death, but I just know I need to try.❤
I can't even imagine the stress involved with being a 911 operator. She was wise to retire early. Beautiful camper!
I wasn't a 911 operator but close enough working with them. I was an IT Director in a major city that supported our dispatch, fire, and police departments of their software and hardware needs.
Nice rig. You've built a peaceful life for yourself. Thank you for the tour.
Thank you! Yes, I haven't regretted changing my life for a peaceful one!
Who would of known how spacious that camper is. It's truly a nicely made space. Thanks for sharing.
Isn't it! It is crazy they can fit so much stuff in these campers that fits right on a truck!
The lovliest smile. Very grounded. She takes the time to breath well between describing things.
Ah thank you! You are so kind!
I call Frugal RV Gal anything she wants as long as she feeds me! She is an incredible chef and master of all things nomad, camping and RV related. You are missing out big time if you do not subscribe to her channel!
Oh Rob, You are so sweet! Of course, I will feed you the next time I see you! LOL See ya soon, I'm sure! ❤
OMG...I love her truck camper!!! Great bathroom and kitchen! Great setup! Incredible outdoor storage! I just LOVE it! Thank you so much for the tour. 👍♥️😁
My most important things in a camper is the bathroom. And I think the thing that sold me on this camper was the kitchen. I just love my little home!
Great interview Bob, so glad to finally put a face to the Frugal Gal name😊 Rob from Travels With Dottie speaks very highly of you. Love the amazing nomadic humans Bob introduces us too.
Ah, how sweet of Rob! We have had some fun times fishing and camping together!
I bought my first cast iron skillet after I started watching Frugal RV Gal. It took me three more years to finally get a rig and I’ll be hitting the road soon. Thanks Frugal RV Gal and Bob for all the great videos!
That is so cool Gracie! Do you have any favorites that you like to cook in your skillet or are you cooking everything in there?
Very inspiring that you live on your own terms. Congratulations.
Thank you! Yes, I started saving when I was young and planned on retiring early and it worked out the way I had planned.
@@FrugalRVGal You're very fortunate for it all to work out. That's amazing!
@@JaneAustenAteMyCat I have been blessed!
My FAVORITE youtube channel. I'm not a full-timer and own a 40' Class A but just love this channel. Have LEARNED sooooo much over the years ! Thanks BOB. EJ in Baton Rouge
I agree, I have learned so much from this channel!
Smart woman there because life really is short and can without notice be real short. Go for your dreams.
She has a big beautiful smile and loves her life :)
On a side note, I wonder if Bob ever meets folks that have been on the road longer than him? When he first started sure.....but I reckon it's a long time nowadays between meeting folk that have been at it longer :)
Thank you and yes I do LOVE my life! No regrets!
Did the factory insulate the camper? Always helpful for cold or heat. Great rig, and an appearance by Cody!!
Yes, the camper was insulated from the manufacturer!
I am glad she is living a less stressful life now. That is a really nice rig. I wish her safe travels.
Thank you! Yes, so happy that I made the decision to pursue this lifestyle. It has been a blessing for sure!
Oh wow great to see Frugal with you Bob!! It’s hard to believe it’s been 7 years since I met her and all my favorite Texas peeps at our very first RTR.
Oh my gosh, it is hard to believe it has been 7 years! That was such an awesome time. I will never forget driving up to y'alls camp at the RTR and as they say...the rest is history. We met there and have been friends ever since. And we have camped together since then throughout the years. Love you and miss you! Hope to see you soon! ❤❤
Jana is an amazing person! She's also able to fix most anything.
So happy to see her featured on your channel Bob.
She & Sami are fun to camp with & Jana is a great cook.
She is a caring giving Nomad that I am proud to call my Friend.
Her rig is so cool, I've never seen another like it on the road.
Thank you for the tour👍😀
Hey Lauri! You are so sweet! You planning to be in Q this winter? Miss you!
Jana is an amazing woman. Glad she finally let you interview her.
Ah, thank you!
It's nice to see Bob still on the grind!
I love her camper!
I couldn't be happier with my decision to purchase this rig. It is my little cozy cabin!
Just love this gal, watched a long time ❤❤ago
Hey Kathy! Yes, you have been with me a long time! ❤
OPf all the choices I have decided that a truck with a camper like this would be my choice. You could get a 4-wheel drive to help you get started moving when it would be difficult with 2-wheel drive, and your home is always right there.
Love this video of Frugal RV Gal! She seen her duty and she done it! Good for her! Thanks for the great video Bob! As always Happy trails and safe travels🌞🦋💖
You are so kind!
We’re retired in our paid for van, my wife a former teacher and me answering 911 both pensioned. Our advice is get a union government job with a defined benefit pension. That way you also make social security payments and old age is then taken care of. Especially if you plan and pay off the vehicle. It really works. Hard CB off to her.
Yes i am retired state worker and collect DV money from Veterans. Waiting to collect third pension social security. My wife will retire from federal government collect pension, tsp, plus 401k from previous job and social security. I would love to sell our house when she retires. The take home on our house we could basically buy any type of rv or truck. Cost wouldn't be an issue.
This gal has the only camper that makes my toes tingle! LOVE the layout and that kitchen is to die for.
LOL, It made my toes tingle too when I first saw it. I drove 7 hours to see if for the 1st time. I knew it was the one!
Love this - we agree - the stresses of day to day is almost nonexistent when we are in our van. We PREFER to be in the van! No worries in there!
I prefer to be outside but I love having my home with me!
Hallo Bob!
Habe Dich gerade über einen deutschen TH-camr gefunden... er sprach über Nomadland!
Super Video👍!!! Du machst einen so tollen Job und Du gibst so vielen Menschen Hoffnung! Viel Kraft für Deine Arbeit, Gottes Segen und immer eine Gute Fahrt!
Herzliche Grüße aus Bayern/Germany🙋🏻♀️
What a nice lady! Love her choices for truck and camper. Glad she has a quality one too.
It is so well made and holding up really well!
OMG! When this showed up i had to click! So good to see you again Jana, will never forget meeting you at LoLapolooza and then spending time at the campgrounding you were hosting in NM. Great memories. Hope to see you again in my travels. Let me know if you get back to TX!
Congratulations Jana! You deserve it; you have worked hard!🤗
Ah thank you!
@@FrugalRVGal 😄
This video was everything I thought it would be, interesting, fun, and a great look into Frugal RV Gals life. I learned some things I didn't know about Jana. Thanks, Bob, for making this video with Jana. It was awesome. be safe
Hey there! Interesting that you learned something that you didn't know. LOL
Great Rig and someone who is handy and self sufficient. and nice to know you can get an old well built camper. better than the new ones.
I have to agree, this camper is much better built then what you can buy today!
Jenna is awesome, been watching her for years. I finally even got my first dutch oven too to start using this year
Hi Tina! YAY you got a dutch oven! Keep me posted on what you cook in it!
Love frugal you go girl😊😊😊😊 love to Sammie jo❤❤❤❤
Hey Julieanne!
I love watching the many adventures of Jana, Frugal RV Gal, as well as Debra Dickinson as they travel together in their own rigs. The places they go, the cooking, the humor, the valuable information about being nomads and the maintenance that goes with it all, as well as their two dogs, makes me feel like I'm traveling with them. Good people. Thank you, Bob, for the video.
Awhhh, this is wonderful to see. Thank you! Big hugZ and KOKO!
I’ve been lucky enough to eat food that Frugal RV Gal has prepared. She’s a great cook and a great person! Safe and happy travels y’all 💖
Hey Marie! You are so sweet! Hope to see you soon!
Hi Jana! I've been binging on yours and Debra's videos, you two are too dun!!!
Hi Melissa! Thank you! There are a lot of videos! LOL
Great interview and tour with Jana. I hope you got to enjoy some of her cooking too! That rig is beautiful and set up perfectly for her.
Hi Lisa! I did get to cook for them. It was a cold day and I cooked Taco Soup! Very enjoyable day!
Such a nice woman you are Jana and your home is so nice ! You gimme inspiration for camping !
I never get tired of camping! I love it so much!
I enjoy following Jana & her sweet doggie Sammy Jo. Nice tour Bob. 😊
Love that side door. And huge kitchen and bathroom.
It took me several years to find one with the side door. I loved it so much I drove 7 hours to go look at it. Of course, I bought it.
I love to camp, hike, and cook too. She is an inspiration! Just subscribed to her TH-cam channel.
Great interview with an amazing woman! Her camper and way of life are pretty awesome. Continued safe travels and wonderful adventures Frugal RV Gal ✌️💛🤗!!
Hey Dubs! Miss you and love you!
Cool, just the right package.. .. when you get that calling in your soul to ramble .... and go to the wild places
Yep, just pick up and go!
Your camper is awesome Frugal! Thanks for working with 911.
Hey Rene! I didn't work in 911 dispatch but our department was a service to them. I was an IT Director, therefore our department supplied and services all their software and hardware needs.
Thank you Bob for asking such good questions all the time. I learn from watching your videos, they’re the best!
GREAT rig. Thanks for sharing.
I love that camper it's huge. Just amazing.
Thank you for touring Jana's rig. I really like her cooking videos. Thank you again for another awesome tour, Bob. Safe travels.
Hi Anita! I sure enjoy cooking and never thought I would be doing cooking videos. But, I love it so much!
This is a great camper. Comfortable living.
Hello from Puerto Rico Bob and friends
Awesome video, I did enjoy it. However I am watching nomad videos today because as of today I have been in this lifestyle for one year. I can't say I have no regrets, but I plan to go another year. This lady has seven years, so to her and others I say, way to go.
I can understand that this life style may not be for everyone but way to go for giving it a chance. Hopefully, you will find out soon and pursue your dream.
Great interview. Frugal is an amazing person and friend ❤
Hey Cheryl! You are so sweet! Love you and miss you!
Great video, Bob - thanks!
What a great rig and wonderful person - love your channel too, Jana!
Thank you Kate!
Great video and congratulations to her. I only hope those years of stress did not take a cumulative toll on her body. Stress is a leading cause of disease.
Over the years, I have had great tools on managing stress, one being always traveling and camping. But living this lifestyle has proved to be a wonderful blessing!
@@FrugalRVGal Great to hear!
Hey host! I hope you're doing well now..
Wow, that is one huge rig. She's got everything to be comfortable. I wonder how many miles to the gallon she gets with all the weight. She planned wisely and is now living the life being retired. I wish I had done better for my retirement.
I get about 11 to 14 MPG. Of course depending of the terrain. Not so good when I spent the summer in Colorado a few years ago.
3:41 - do I spy ye olde reliable My Buddy heater in the bottom right corner? 😉
Yes, the buddy heater is my source of heat when boondooking. I just love them!
Double sink! High benches and slide in bench! It's GREAT!!
Great video, loved her rig!
LOVE the camper! We have the exact same truck! So happy that we don't have to do the DEF thing!!!
I agree, so happy we don't have to do the DEF thing?
Nice to finally meet FrugalRVGal. Great camper & truck.
Thanks for sharing!
Hey there Sylvia!
I am loving your camper! I am curious what do you do when a severe storm comes through the area where you camp and high wind gusts are expected?
Pick me, pick me... You pick a really good protected camp site. If you are on the road, you stop point the front of the truck into the dominant winds, and wait it out. These are the best rules to live by in any high profile rig. Safe travels.
I have been in several stormy conditions, heavy rain, very high winds with severe thunderstorm/tornado warnings and heavy snow. I was in a snow storm a couple of years ago (video on my channel) and we were snowed in. Preparing for these types of conditions is a must. Always be sure you have enough food, water, clothing before heading out to a campsite. The weather can change on a dime. I have been known to move my camper so the wind isn't hitting me broadside. I also have jacks on the camper that I can lower to reduce the movement of the camper. Watch the weather DAILY and be prepared. If you are in a campground that has restrooms, they are often times built for severe storms. You can always seek cover in a building if need be.
Wish you had asked her what her mpg was. Great looking rig. Thanks!
She has said she gets 11-14 mpg.
@@kjkayjay Thank you! That is correct 11-14 MPG
The side door makes all of the difference!
Dreamy camper setup. Pull out drawer perfect for storing fishing poles!
Yes, I got to have my fishing poles!
Beautiful rig, happiness has no price❤❤❤
So true!
I love seeing this types of videos!!! this was awesome. pretty large camper!
Love her and her adventures!
Thank you Kit!
The manufacturer really planned out the space well in that camper. Probably the best planned camper top that Ive seen
Wow! That is an amazing truck camper. Love it!
😮Wow this rig is really friggin nice!!!!😮 makes me rethink my vanner lifestyle. So so nice and a queen size!!!!!❤❤❤
Awesome camper and so much space. Love it!!!!!!
👍
love to camp with you and cook sometime :) keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you do.
Ah, thank you! Maybe our paths will cross one of these days!
Great truck camper 👍
👍
Recognized Frugal RV Gal and was nice to see her on this channel . One of my daughters in law was a 911 operator/supervisor and was happy to get out of it . Nice camper !
Blessings to you and your DIL. 911 dispatch is def stressful. Frugal, Jana, wasn't a 911 operator. She was the IT Director in a major city that supported dispatch, fire, and police departments for all their software and hardware needs - including 911 operations. First responders can't function without IT and computers. A 24/7 high stress position.
Excellent video! You did good Jana!! We really enjoyed this video!
Thank you Cynde!
I love fishing! ❤
Me too!
Great interview with Frugal! She’s an inspiration to make a plan and execute it.
Hey JoJo! Thank you for the kind words. It was lifetime plan to retire early. Make a plan and work the plan.
Very nice. Plenty of room for 1 person.
Yes, I wouldn't want to do it more than one. But a nice and cozy home for one!
This was a wonderful introduction. While I've been successful doing vacations in a mini-van sized vehicle, I've wondered about a truck camper, for nomad life. I'll see if I can figure it out from her channel - but people driving these rigs, do they take off the campers often? Sometimes? Never? Depends on the person and the area they camp or boondock? I'll good feed my curiosity on Frugal RV Gal.
Good question. About the only time I take the camper off is when there is need of repair of truck or camper. Some places will work on the truck with the camper on and some won't. It isn't hard to remove or put it back on it just takes patience. Because my truck is a dually there is only about an inch on both sides of the fenders. I have to be slow and steady. I do have a video on my channel called "Unloading The Truck Camper". It shows what I go through unloading it.
I really like her setup. Cabover on a p/u truck.
Wow that thing is awesome nice kitchen
Great video!! Great camper!! Great People!!! Thank You for sharing 🙏 Stay Safe🙏👍😎🐕🦺
I agree, it is a great camper. My dream camper!
Super nice rig 👍👍
Great interview and video!
Howdy!
Amazing woman!
I love this set up! I like it when you an stand up and move around.
Yes, I have to stand up and move around! Priority!
🐾👣🌮🍺✌️glad to see your channel will hopefully grow . 4 years of following her :)
Hey there! Yes, you have been following me for a while now! Thank you!
Great video. I am jealous of your counter space though. See you in a few months. Safe travels for you and Sammi. ❤🐕🐾
Hey Judi! I do love my counter space for sure! See you soon!
Great interview ❤
What an awesome rig, and so nice to see something other than a van. Jana was very smart in how she planned ahead of time by buying her camper and truck while she was still working. I'm off to check out her channel now. :)
Ah thanks Heather! Hope you find some videos that you like!
Always learn something watching these.
I do too. I love watching videos on You Tube!
That was cool. Thank you for sharing this! ❤
What a great camper!!
Yes, it is! I totally agree!
What a great set up. The bathroom is really spacious, and having an adequate shower is a priority for me and this one nails it. I especially like the four wheel drive capability, I can't help but think how it expands your options when finding a space to relax, being able to go where other vehicles can't must really expand your options. I don't think I could afford the truck though, so I have a much much smaller truck with a 22 foot travel camper. Would love to be able to upgrade to something similar one day. Great video.
Yes, my main priority too was the bathroom. Like I said in the video, I use my black and grey tanks. And don't mind having to dump my tanks.
I have done the same! Worked and paid off everything I thought I might need to live the lifestyle.... doing great!! Congratulations to you!
YAY! Way to go! Congratulations to you too!
Thanks Bob for another awesome video!
Very nice truck camper😊😊
Has all the bell and whistle.
It really does have all the bells and whistles. There isn't anything that I can think of that I need!