Category: Tips & Tricks

It’s so easy to let our minds wander to the luxuries of living on the road full-time–the slow mornings making coffee in the Utah desert, sleeping under the stars in the Sierra Nevada. When you start traveling, all those moments are just as magical as they sound, but there are also some not-so-magical moments centered around day-to-day logistics.  Living in a house or apartment, it’s so easy to take the simple task of a warm shower for granted. Many of those who live on the road in vans, truck campers, or RVs, a simple task of a shower suddenly takes some creative thinking.  If you’re gearing up for full-time travel or heading out for a few weeks in your pop Read More…

By Gary & Gretchen Matos Our return trip home from Southern California started in darkness.  We wanted to outrun the traffic of Los Angeles and the atmospheric river of rain that was threatening to slow us down.  We misjudged on one account which made me think of Jerry Jeff Walker’s ‘LA Freeway’ song.  We just wanted to get out alive!  A river of cars were already flowing at 5am but we prevailed.  By early afternoon we landed at El Capitan State Beach – one of few campgrounds that had not closed due to flooding.  We were looking forward to stretching our legs, having an early happy hour and getting in a short nap – and not necessarily in that order!  While driving the Read More…

Congratulations, retiree!  Stepping into retirement is a big deal – the world is at your fingertips! You want to get out, explore, and make the most of all those years of hard work.  But often, people jump into retirement making a big purchase they regret down the road. Buying an RV is perhaps the biggest example of this. Sure a big, glamorous, RV seems like the perfect retirement purchase, but there are many limitations in an RV that lead retirees to sell them after buying them. Here are some of the biggest reasons you’ll regret getting an RV in retirement (and what you should buy instead!)  Reasons You’ll Regret an RV in Retirement  1. The Size  I mean, RVs are Read More…

Sometimes it’s the little details that get overlooked when prepping to live on the road full-time in your truck camper rig or van. Coming from industry experts who’ve managed this lifestyle for extended periods, we’ve compiled a list of some of our best tips for living on the road full-time.  We hope this helps, and we hope 2024 brings you thousands of miles of adventure in your Four Wheel Camper!  1. Flexible Plans Are The Best Plans  Living life on the road in your truck camper or truck topper is all about letting go, accepting the unknown, and finding beauty in the journey. We’ll be the first ones to tell you that things will go wrong, and schedules will need Read More…

Many Four Wheel Camper owners choose our slide-in, flatbed, or pop-up truck toppers because of the ability to customize the build and make it 100% off-grid. More than ever, people are eager to get away from it all and camp remotely, without access to electrical hookups, water, or even bathrooms. It’s something we love to see!  When prepping to buy an off-grid truck camper, there are many small add-ons and accessories to safely and comfortably navigate off-grid living. Whether you already have your Four Wheel Camper & are looking to add accessories or you are currently planning to custom build your slide-in camper or flatbed camper, here are some of our biggest suggestions when it comes to prepping your off-grid Read More…

In North America, Christmas and camping aren’t often two words used in the same sentence. When we think of Christmas, many of us picture snowed-in mountain cabins, crackling fireplaces, and fuzzy socks running about decorated living rooms.  However, Christmas is also one of the best weeks to travel. Many get extended time off work, offering the opportunity to travel while taking fewer days off. And surprisingly, there are many incredible places to camp during the holidays in your Four Wheel Camper. Whether in your built-out flatbed camper or pop-up truck topper, here are a few of our favorites to escape to during the holidays:   9 Great Places to Camp for Christmas #1 Jekyll Island State Park, Georgia  If you are Read More…

‘Tis the season for icy roads, winter storms, and closed mountain passes! If you’re new to snow travel or this is your first season in your Four Wheel Camper, we’ve compiled a list of the best items to keep in your truck for winter travel. If we’ve learned anything traveling in the snow through the years, it’s to expect the unexpected, prepare for anything, and you can never have too much recovery gear in your rig.  Best Items to Have in Your Truck Camper for Winter Travel  1. Snow Chains  Carrying snow chains and upgraded truck tires is critical for winter travel. Mountain passes and routes with blowing snow are especially susceptible to hazardous travel in the winter and can Read More…

Heading out to camp alone can be both exhilarating and overwhelming! Thousands of people camp out alone every night around the country, and it’s an experience we recommend everyone to try out at least once. However, we understand camping alone is most likely a step outside your comfort zone the first time you do it, so we’ve crafted the ultimate list of how to stay safe when camping alone.  1. Research Camping Spots Before You Arrive  Having a plan ahead of time makes all the difference when camping alone. It can be incredibly stressful scrambling last minute in the dark, at a new location, and without any help/support. Pick a place before you arrive and have a second backup location Read More…

Contrary to popular belief, winter camping can be an enjoyable adventure! The key between a winter camping trip that borderlines suffering and one that is pleasant comes down to a few critical tips and gear.  As experts in all-season camping here at Four Wheel Campers, here are our biggest tips for staying warm while winter camping.  1. Choose Your Camping Setup Wisely  Where you’re sleeping when winter camping makes a big difference! Will you be sleeping in a tent? In a truck camper? Or in an RV? Tent camping will require the most preparation and gear, and you’ll want to ensure your tent is rated for winter camping. If you have a truck camper, invest in add-ons like the quilted Read More…

It will probably happen to all of us at some point – we’ll get a flat tire, get stuck in the sand, or have to help someone else out of the ditch. An offroad recovery kit is essential if you travel often, travel off-road, or in the winter. Deciding what to have in your truck as part of your kit can be challenging. There’s the constant battle of overkill vs. underprepared while trying to keep everything organized. After years of building 4×4 truck campers, here are our biggest recommendations for what to put in your offroad recovery kit: 1. Traction Mats  Traction mats are vital if you get your truck camper stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice. Many of Read More…

1. Yellowstone  If you want to see wildlife, Old Faithful, or Grand Prismatic Spring without crowds, October is the perfect time to visit. During peak tourist season in the summer, parking lines for sites like Grand Prismatic can stretch a mile down the road. Wildlife will be hard to stop for (since everyone will already be fighting for parking spots), and nearby towns will be quiet and calm. Better yet, wildlife flourishes in the fall in Yellowstone. Late summer is the worst time to visit for wildlife, but many species, including bison, grizzly bears, and elk, come down from high tundra mountains to lower Yellowstone valleys in the fall in preparation for winter, making it the perfect time to visit. Read More…

Embarking on a full-time adventure on the open road is a dream for many. It offers the freedom to explore breathtaking landscapes, complete freedom, and create unforgettable memories. If you’re considering going full-time and want to know the essentials before hitting the road, we’re here to help! Here is everything you need know before hitting the road full-time in your truck camper or van: Choosing Your Rig One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the perfect rig for your adventure. These days full-timers use a variety of setups in order to live on the road full-time, and the rig you choose will have a drastic impact on what you do.  Pop-up truck campers are lightweight and provide Read More…