welcome to LiveFreeRV

Living in an RV. Learning to Mountain Bike. Documenting All of It.

Hi! Welcome to the page. I’m Ty — a solo traveler learning to mountain bike while living full-time in an RV. After being a lawyer, a CEO, a Scuba Instructor, and a Ski Instructor, my insatiable appetite for adventure and discovery led me to RV Life while taking up a new sport – mountain biking! I hope you will join me for the journey!

Thousand Trails Help →
Subscribe on YouTube →
Ty Chapman standing beside an alpine lake

My Van Life / Mountain Biking Itinerary!

Trying to work my way around the country learning to mountain bike at 47 while living in a van has lots and lots of logistical challenges. Below is a map I created that shows where I’ve been and where I’m headed. As I publish articles, the map will reveal them! How fun!

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC
Where I am nowBeen thereOn the planHasn't made the plan yet

Here's What I Actually Do

I’m a retired lawyer who reads Thousand Trails contracts for fun, and I’ve lived in the system full-time for a year and a half. If that’s useful to you, here’s how to get at it.

CALL + WRITTEN REVIEW · $89
Talk to Ty
Fifty minutes on the phone with a lawyer who reads Thousand Trails contracts for fun and lives full-time in the system. If you have a specific contract, I provide a written review as well. I work with both new and used, so you get the real trade-offs of each — what I want is for you to end up in the right one for how you travel.
50-MINUTE CALL · RV & VAN LIFE · $79
New to RV or Van Life?
Have lots of questions? Confused about Thousand Trails, boondocking, or just general RV living? Talk to the guy who has done it full-time for a year and a half, learned the ropes, and made a whole bunch of mistakes along the way and even more spreadsheets!
FREE TO LIST · UPGRADES OPTIONAL
Selling a Membership?
List it on the Exchange free and run the sale yourself. Or don’t do it alone: I’ll feature it, read your paperwork and write up what actually conveys, or help you carry the transfer through to closing. Flat posted prices, never a percentage of your sale.
REAL LISTINGS · FREE TO USE
Browse the Exchange
The free board I run for used memberships — real memberships from real owners, every listing reviewed before it goes live, no broker in the middle. Nothing that fits yet? Set a free alert and you’ll hear the moment one lists.

Not sure which one? Start here — all three doors, explained · Already own a membership you’re not using? List it free

New Here? Start With These 🚐📍

These three posts explain how I plan trips, live full-time on the road, and make time to ride along the way.

My Trip Planning Guides! Including How to USE AI!

Want to do a deep dive and learn how I plan a 48 month RV Journey? Check out my how-to series here for a masterclass on RVLife/VanLife Trip Planning!

Catch Up On The Latest Videos!

Live Free RV is also on YouTube! The Channel dedicated to all things mountain biking and RV Living! From trail reportss and campground reviews to how to save money – its hands on RV Life reality! Its the life lessons I’m learning as I travel this big, beautiful country of ours. Meeting folks and experiencing different cultures. Join me for the journey, won’t you?

Planning a trip to Sonoma County or Thousand Trails Russian River? See what you can do in Sonoma County beyond the wineries with these ideas.This guide explores the best activities in Sonoma California near Thousand Trails Russian River for those who prefer sightseeing over wine tasting. We cover scenic coastal views and unique experiences, including a relaxing journey through a historic rail tunnel, perfect for anyone traveling by camper van or RV.Whether you are mapping out your next California coast trip or just looking for family-friendly things to do in the area, this video offers a practical look at the local landscape. You will get a clear sense of how to enjoy Sonoma County camping while focusing on nature and exploration.Subscribe for weekly travel and camping guides, and comment below with your favorite non-drinking activity in Northern California. This video focuses on what to do if you stay at Thousand Trails Russian River or if you are a non-drinker and staying in Sonoma County. Thinking of Upgrading Your Membership or Joining Thousand Trails? Use my referral link to speak to an amazing membership specialist who I personally know will guide you to the right membership! Using my referral link can save you hundreds of dollars off the price listed on the Thousand Trails website and get you exclusive promotions not available on the Thousand Trails website! It also helps to support the Channel and not cost to you! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpgNhJ9mmzSblyLBKLuOe7Gtms2bfL5q_nIZH-qgi1Z-BHQQ/viewform?usp=dialog Want to know everything there is to know about Thousand Trails? Check out my Ultimate Resource Guide: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit Things to Do in Sonoma (If You Don't Drink Wine)
Thinking about staying at Thousand Trails Russian River? See our honest tour of this Sonoma County campground and its facilities.Planning a trip to wine country often brings up questions about where to park your rig. This Thousand Trails Russian River review breaks down exactly what you can expect from the site, covering both the outdoor areas and the indoor recreational facilities. Whether you are a full-time RVer or planning a weekend getaway, this walkthrough helps you decide if it fits your travel style.We assess the overall vibe, the condition of the amenities, and our personal experience during the stay. By the end, you will know if this specific spot in Sonoma County camping matches your expectations. We share our honest verdict on whether we would return, giving you a clear picture of what this Thousand Trails review means for your next vacation planning.Subscribe for weekly campground breakdowns, and comment below: what is your favorite spot to camp in California wine country? Want to Read the Complete Guide: https://livefreerv.com/things-to-do-thousand-trails-russian-river/ Interested in a Used Thousand Trails Membership? Check out the Thousand Trails Exchange run by LiveFreeRV. Sign up as a Seller to list your membership for free. As a Buyer - get alerts when a membership comes available that meets your criteria! All free. Click here: https://livefreerv.com/exchange/?src=yt Thinking of Upgrading Your Membership or Joining Thousand Trails? Use my referral link to speak to an amazing membership specialist who I personally know will guide you to the right membership! Using my referral link can save you hundreds of dollars off the price listed on the Thousand Trails website and get you exclusive promotions not available on the Thousand Trails website! You save money, and the blog receives a small referral fee at no cost to you! https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt Want to know everything there is to know about Thousand Trails? Check out my Ultimate Resource Guide: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these tips helpful, you can help keep the wheels turning (and the coffee brewing!) Consider donating a cup of coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/tychapman Any support is helpful and sincerely appreciated! Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit We Camped at Russian River Thousand Trails (Would We Return?)
Join me on an epic journey through the Santa Cruz mountains and Marin County, showcasing some of the most beautiful cross-country mountain biking experiences. This california travel video proves that these spots are premier destinations for any mountain bike enthusiast. Get ready for some incredible trail riding and see why cycling here is truly special! I take you on the intermediate trails in Harvey Bear Ranch, Wilder Ranch State Park, Soquel Demonstration Forest, and Mt Tam. Explore the best intermediate mountain biking the Bay Area has to offer! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these tips helpful, you can help keep the wheels turning (and the coffee brewing!) Consider donating a cup of coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/tychapman Any support is helpful and sincerely appreciated! Want to ride the same amazing goggles and sunnies I do? Check out my awesome friends at Good Day Optics and use my referral code for an instant discount only available with my link: https://gooddayoptics.com/en-us?ref=flow20 Want to follow along on my MTB Journey? Check out my Mountain Biking Across America Page for trip reports, advice, and trail wisdom: https://livefreerv.com/mountain-biking-across-america/ Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit The Best MTB Trails You Didn't Know Existed
Thousand Trails stopped selling lifetime memberships in 2025 — but the USED Thousand Trails membership market didn't go anywhere. In this video I walk through the 8 real advantages of buying a used Thousand Trails membership (Platinum, Alliance, Elite, Odyssey, Adventure) over the new Journey / Explore / Adventure term product, what a used membership actually costs, and the honest list of when new is still the right call. Not a reversal. I've always said every camper should measure every membership against their own travel style — new is still great for a lot of people. But resale prices have come down while new pricing has gone up, and that moves where a lot of people land. 📖 THE FULL ARTICLE (with the calculator): https://livefreerv.com/advantages-of-a-used-thousand-trails-membership/ 🏕️ BROWSE USED THOUSAND TRAILS MEMBERSHIPS FOR SALE — The Thousand Trails Exchange, the free board I run. Real memberships from real owners, every listing personally reviewed, no broker in the middle: https://livefreerv.com/exchange/?src=yt Nothing that fits yet? Set a free buyer alert on the same page. 🔔 SELLING? List your Thousand Trails membership free: https://livefreerv.com/exchange-list/?src=yt 📞 WANT ONE I'VE PERSONALLY VETTED, or just want to talk it through? Book a call: https://livefreerv.com/consult/?src=yt ➤ Still leaning new or upgrading? Upgrades can only come from Thousand Trails, and new is the right answer for plenty of people. My referral link connects you with a membership specialist I trust who can usually beat the website price. The channel receives a small referral fee at no cost to you: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt ➤ Not sure which one you are? Start here: https://livefreerv.com/start-here/?src=yt 📚 MORE THOUSAND TRAILS GUIDES How much does a used Thousand Trails membership cost: https://livefreerv.com/how-much-does-a-used-thousand-trails-membership-cost/ How to buy a used Thousand Trails membership (due-diligence guide): https://livefreerv.com/buying-a-used-thousand-trails-membership/ Every Thousand Trails membership type explained: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-memberships-understanding-the-multitude-of-options-and-choosing-the-perfect-membership-for-you/ Thousand Trails Alliance membership explained: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-alliance-membership/ Journey vs Explore vs Adventure: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-journey-vs-explore-vs-adventure/ The Ultimate Thousand Trails Resource Hub: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ I'm Ty — full-time RVer, former trial lawyer, and I read Thousand Trails contracts for fun. I live in the system 150+ nights a year and I've reviewed hundreds of these contracts. Everything here is my honest opinion; I'm not employed by Thousand Trails. #ThousandTrails #UsedThousandTrailsMembership #ThousandTrailsMembership #RVLife #FullTimeRV #RVMembership #CampingMembership #ThousandTrailsExchange Go Well. Travel Well. Do Well. — Ty & Odie Are Used Thousand Trails Memberships Better Than New Ones?
Hey YouTubers, join me as I talk about my stay at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, a beautiful campground located in California. This park offers an awesome location for day trips, bridging the Central Coast and Bay Area, making it a prime spot for RV travel. I'll share my experiences and show you everything I did while staying at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill! This is your ultimate planning tool for your RV trip to the Bay Area, Central Coastal California, and/or Morgan Hill. I talk about visiting including San Jose, Japantown, the Egyptian Museum, downtown Morgan Hill, the Farmers Market, Santa Cruz, scenic drives, wine country, and so much more!!! 📍 THE FULL MORGAN HILL GUIDE — day trips, wine, mountain biking, and my honest park review: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-morgan-hill-review/ Thinking about a Thousand Trails membership — new, used, or upgrading what you've got? Which one is right for you comes down to the same things it always has: how long you'll realistically keep it, how you travel, and what you can put down today. Those questions haven't changed. The prices you plug into them have — resale has come down while new pricing has gone up — and that moves where a lot of people land. ➤ Buy used — The Thousand Trails Exchange, the free board I run. Real memberships from real owners, every listing personally reviewed before it goes live, no broker in the middle: https://livefreerv.com/exchange/?src=yt ➤ Why used might be the better deal — the 8 real advantages, and when new still wins: https://livefreerv.com/advantages-of-a-used-thousand-trails-membership/?src=yt ➤ Buy new or upgrade — upgrades can only come from Thousand Trails, and new is still the better answer for plenty of people. My referral link connects you with a membership specialist I trust who can usually beat the price listed on the Thousand Trails website and get you promotions that aren't public. The channel receives a small referral fee at no cost to you: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt ➤ Not sure which one you are? Start here — I lay out both sides: https://livefreerv.com/start-here/?src=yt ➤ Already own one you're not using? List it on the Exchange free: https://livefreerv.com/exchange-list/?src=yt Want to see all my Thousand Trails content? Check out my Ultimate Resource Guide: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit Explore Thousand Trails Morgan Hill on your next California road trip. See why this spot is the perfect base for your travels. Join me for a look at the Thousand Trails Morgan Hill campground. I am breaking down why this specific location is ideal for your next getaway, serving as the perfect bridge between the Central Coast and the Bay Area. Whether you are planning a longer stay or just passing through, this travel vlog highlights the beautiful scenery around the property, including a vintage house and quaint local streets that make it a standout stop. This location is a great example of what makes RV life so enjoyable. I share my personal experience staying here and how it fits into the broader RV living experience. It is all about finding those reliable spots that offer a mix of comfort and access to nearby adventures, allowing you to easily explore different parts of the region without constantly moving your setup. Subscribe for weekly updates on my travels, and let me know in the comments if you have visited this campground before. 0:00 Exploring the Morgan Hill Campground 0:59 Day Tripping to San Jose and Beyond 3:51 Coastal Escapes to Santa Cruz and Monterey 6:44 Nature Trails and Scenic Drives The Perfect Bay Area RV Basecamp? What to Do Staying at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill
Join me as I provide a detailed tour of Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, highlighting its unique location between the Santa Cruz and Diablo mountain ranges. This virtual tour showcases various amenities, including sports courts, a dog park, and laundry facilities, giving you a comprehensive look at this rv park. Discover if this rv camping spot is right for your next rv travel adventure, and get a feel for the rv life experience here. 🚐 For the Complete What To Do at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill Guide Check Out my Post here about all the fun things I did and cool things I saw: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-morgan-hill-review/ Thinking about a Thousand Trails membership — new, used, or upgrading what you've got? Which one is right for you comes down to the same things it always has: how long you'll realistically keep it, how you travel, and what you can put down today. Those questions haven't changed. The prices you plug into them have — resale has come down while new pricing has gone up — and that moves where a lot of people land. ➤ Buy used — The Thousand Trails Exchange, the free board I run. Real memberships from real owners, every listing personally reviewed before it goes live, no broker in the middle: https://livefreerv.com/exchange/?src=yt ➤ Buy new or upgrade — upgrades can only come from Thousand Trails, and new is still the better answer for plenty of people. My referral link connects you with a membership specialist I trust who can usually beat the price listed on the Thousand Trails website and get you promotions that aren't public. The channel receives a small referral fee at no cost to you: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt ➤ Not sure which one you are? Start here — I lay out both sides: https://livefreerv.com/start-here/?src=yt ➤ Already own one you're not using? List it on the Exchange free: https://livefreerv.com/exchange-list/?src=yt Be sure to check out my Ultimate Thousand Trails Resource Guide: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ For more Thousand Trails Park Reviews, check out my Honest Park Review page: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-park-reviews/ Thousand Trails Morgan Hill: The Perfect Bay Area Base?

Latest Blog Posts.

🏕 Join the Live Free RV Crew
Free swag. Invites. First to know. No spam — ever.