72 and FREE: How He ESCAPED a Life of Work to Live on the Road!

Summary

In this video, 72-year-old Stephen shares his journey towards retirement and how he overcame his fear of homelessness. With social security not being sufficient, he discovered the vast public lands in the west where he can camp for free. Stephen now plans to sell his belongings, keep an emergency fund, and live a life of adventure in his Boondock Edition Tab 320 teardrop camper. He discusses the camper's features, his outdoor cooking setup, and his approach to living off-grid. Stephen invites viewers to follow his adventures on his YouTube channel, 'My Shoe Box Adventures,' where he explores the great outdoors as a solo senior camper.

Takeaways

• 😀 The individual is 72 years old and still working, but is planning to retire soon due to health issues and the fear of being homeless without proper retirement planning.
• 🏞️ He discovered the possibility of living off-grid by utilizing public lands for camping and outdoor recreation, which can be done for up to 14 days before needing to move.
• 🚐 He purchased a used Boondock Edition TAB 320 teardrop camper to facilitate his outdoor lifestyle, which is lightweight and fits his truck's towing capacity.
• 🔋 He upgraded to two Battleborn 100Ah lithium batteries and added 200 watts of solar panels for better power management in his camper.
• 🏡 He prefers to cook outside to avoid making his camper smell like food and to keep it clean, using a two-burner stove and a Blackstone grill.
• 🛌 The camper has a dinette that can be converted into a bed, providing a comfortable sleeping area without the need to set up and break down daily.
• 🔥 For heating, he uses a glycol-based Alde heating system and a small Buddy Heater for quick, efficient heat when needed.
• 💧 He has a creative approach to water management, using a 5-gallon water container with a filter for various uses, including dishwashing and potentially showering.
• 🛠️ He maintains a well-equipped outdoor 'sanitation station' for dishwashing and other cleaning tasks, keeping the interior of his camper tidy.
• 🌐 He invites viewers to follow his adventures on his YouTube channel called 'My Shoebox Adventures', where he shares his experiences as a solo senior camper.

Q & A

Why did Stephen decide to retire early and live on the road?

Stephen decided to retire early and live on the road due to his fear of not being able to afford his house and the realization that he could live a different lifestyle by camping and utilizing public lands, which would allow him to avoid the costs associated with homeownership.

What is the significance of the Boondock Edition New Camp Tab 320 in Stephen's life?

The Boondock Edition New Camp Tab 320 is significant for Stephen as it provides a comfortable and functional living space that he can tow with his truck, allowing him to camp and live off-grid while enjoying the outdoors.

How did Stephen's experience with the Runaway camper influence his decision to get the Tab 320?

Stephen's experience with the Runaway camper, which was small and required him to be a contortionist to move around, led him to seek something larger that he could stand up in. The Tab 320 met this need and also had the added benefit of being towable with his existing truck.

What are some of the amenities that Stephen has in his Tab 320 that he didn't have in his previous camping setups?

In his Tab 320, Stephen has amenities such as a three-way fridge, a sink with a plastic bin to avoid using the holding tanks, a dinette that can be turned into a bed, a heating system that runs on glycol, and USB fans for quiet ventilation.

Why does Stephen prefer to cook outside of his camper?

Stephen prefers to cook outside to avoid the camper smelling like food and to prevent making a mess inside, especially with messy foods like bacon.

How does Stephen manage his waste while camping, and what is his strategy for using the camper's facilities?

Stephen uses a luggable loo with a 5-gallon bucket and a toilet seat attached for his bathroom needs. He avoids putting organic material in the camper's tank to reduce the need for dumping, and if full hookups are available, he will use the camper's facilities.

What is Stephen's strategy for power management in his camper?

Stephen has two Battleborn heated batteries with a total of 200 amp-hours and a 300-watt solar panel system on the roof for power management. He also has a Bluetti power station for 12-volt power needs and an inverter generator for 110-volt needs.

How does Stephen ensure his camper is comfortable during cold weather?

Stephen uses a glycol heating system and a small, efficient Buddy Heater to keep his camper warm. He also uses a USB fan to circulate the heat more effectively.

What are some of the outdoor cooking and sanitation setups Stephen has for his camping experiences?

Stephen has a Blackstone grill for outdoor cooking, a sanitation station with a water source for washing dishes, and a shop blower and vacuum for cleaning. He also has an outdoor shower and a water carrier for additional water needs.

How can people follow Stephen's adventures and get in touch with him?

People can follow Stephen's adventures on his YouTube channel called 'My Shoe Box Adventures,' where he shares his experiences as a solo senior camper exploring the outdoors in his small teardrop camper.