Van & RV Life Hub: Where the Pavement Ends and the Trail Begins

Hey, I’m Ty — ex-lawyer, former CEO, and full-time road warrior chasing singletrack across America. I started this journey in a graphite-gray Winnebago Revel, fell hard for the full-time RV lifestyle, and eventually upgraded to a 2026 Grand Design Lineage Super C. A bit much? Maybe. But Odie approves and that’s what counts.

This hub is where I document all of it — the van roots, the Super C upgrade, the trip reports, the mods, the mistakes, and the hard-won hacks that keep the wheels rolling month after month. Whether you’re van-curious, RV-shopping, or already full-timing and just trying to figure it out as you go — you’re in the right place.

Steal my checklists. Laugh at my rookie mistakes. Then hit the road smarter than I did.

This is the companion hub for my YouTube channel — Live Free RV — where I document the whole messy, beautiful adventure with my co-pilot Odie riding shotgun.

Quick Stats:

⛺ Nights on the road – 600
🚚 States visited – 22
🛣️ Miles driven – 22,000+
🚵 Trails ridden – 150+

Ty Chapman standing beside an alpine lake

TALK TO TY · 50-MINUTE CALL · $79

Thinking about doing this yourself?

I get the same questions every week. Van, Super C, or fifth wheel? Can I really work from the road? Do I need Thousand Trails, or should I just boondock? Book fifty minutes on the phone and ask me all of them.

I can’t tell you what to do. But I can tell you what not to do.

Book the Call — $79 →

🗺️ Interactive Map

Click a state to see where I’ve been, where I’m heading, and what I’m riding.
Legend:
🟦 Visited
🟧 Upcoming (Already Planned)
🟩 Current State
⬜ Not Yet

📍 State-by-State Itinerary

Toggle each state for trails, campgrounds, blog posts, and trip notes. I’ll keep updating these as I ride new trails and figure out where I’m sleeping next week.

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

My Trip Planning Guides! Including How to USE AI!

Free tool · Built by a fellow camper

One more trip-planning tool worth knowing about

If you carry a camping membership — Thousand Trails, Encore, RPI, Coast to Coast — RV Magic puts all your networks on one map and helps you sketch a loop that actually uses what you’re already paying for.

Booking windows, drive-time limits, an auto-built itinerary, and a route that at least tries to remember how tall your rig is. No account. Runs right in your browser.

Take a look →

A free third-party app by Joe Weinberger. We host it as a courtesy — we didn’t build it and don’t maintain it. Verify routes, clearances, and prices yourself.

RV Magic trip planner with per-network night limits

Watch The Video!

Watch The Video!

Newbie Van Life Videos!

Here’s the video collection I’ve made for Starting Van Life. Things to think about. Things I’ve learned along the way. Watch these videos if you are thinking about van life or just starting your journey! Make sure to check out the Official Live Free RV YouTube Channel.

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?
Join me for a one-year Thousand Trails review, detailing my experience and expenses. I'll share how much I spent on Thousand Trails versus other rv camping options, providing the actual math to help you decide if full time rv living with this membership is right for you. But its more than just numbers. I talk about my actual experience across 25 Trails Parks in 45 different zones to tell you the Good, The Bad, and The Annoying! This video offers practical rv tips for anyone considering or already engaged in the rv life. 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/ Want to Read the Blog post: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-membership-one-year-review/ Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit I Spent $4,114 on Thousand Trails | Was It Worth It?
Hey YouTubers, welcome back to the channel! Today I'm excited to share with you all the reasons I went from #VanLife to #rvlife. I'll discuss the pros/cons of a Class B Van vs a Super C RV and tell you why I think one fit my lifestyle better than the other now that I've had over 200 days on the road! Not many people go from a Class B to Super C - so you won't want to miss the comparison. At the end I will help you decide which is right for you - a Class B Adventure Van or a Super C luxury cruiser! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/ tips helpful, you can help keep the wheels turning (and the coffee brewing!) Consider donating a cup of coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/tychapman Why I Switched From a Class B Van to a Super C RV
Hey YouTube friends, welcome back to the channel! This time, I'm sharing one of the critical lessons I've learned over the past year: Time moves differently in a on the road then in a house. Whether you are trip planning or trying to figure out when to have that Zoom meeting, you have to pay what I call "The Nomadic Time Tax". In this advice/philosophical video, I share with you what the Nomadic Time Tax is, what causes it, why its important to factor it in, and how to manage your life accordingly! ☕️🚐 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! I use Arvie to scan for campsite cancellations and automatically book spots when they open. It’s been a huge time saver for trip planning. 👉 Try it here: https://www.arvie.com/?via=ty 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 more VanLIfe/RV Life Advice, check out my Hub Page here: https://livefreerv.com/van-life-hub-where-the-revel-meets-the-trail/ Want to read the blog post instead?: https://livefreerv.com/nomadic-time-paradox-rv-van-life/ Time Moves Different When You're Living in an RV
Join me as I discuss the truth about van life, exploring the difference between van life expectation vs reality. It's not all glamorous Instagram posts; I share the real van life reality and some of the van life challenges I've encountered living in a van. This candid look at my full time van life journey reveals the lessons learned on the road. This version has cleaner audio (see note below) 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 ☕️🚐 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 know everything there is to know about Thousand Trails? Check out my Ultimate Resource Guide: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ Want to know more about where I’m going, where I’ve been and get a state-by-state list of my content? Visit: https://livefreerv.com/shifting-gears-with-ty/itinerary/ Hey everyone! A few of you mentioned the background music in the previous version was a bit distracting, so I’ve re-released this 'Clean Audio' version so you can actually hear the instructions/content properly. Thanks for the feedback—I’m always learning and I appreciate you guys helping me improve! Enjoy the (quieter) video. 🙏 Van Life Expectations vs Reality | The Truth Nobody Tells You
Ready to start #vanlife and all excited? I made over $5,000 of mistakes early on with purchases I bought thinking I "had to have" this cool gadget or awesome membership. Learn from my mistakes! This video covers the mistakes I made, how to avoid them and will set you on the right road as you begin your journey! Save thousands - watch this video! 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 The one purchase I don't regret. My Thousand Trails membership? Want more info on Thousand Trails? Use my exclusive referral link to get discounts (often hundreds of dollars off what's available on Thousand Trails website) and a no-obligation consultation with a membership specialist I've personally vetted. Click here: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt You save money, and the blog receives a small referral fee at no cost to you! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/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! Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:48 - Mistake 1 Not Planning for the Inevitable Breakdown 01:35 - Mistake 2 Buying Too Much New Gear 02:33 - Mistake 3 Buying the Fantasy and Fantasy Gear 03:48 - Mistake 4 The Kitchen Sink Syndrome 05:25 - Mistake 5 Buying RV Memberships You Don't Need I Spent THOUSANDS on These VAN LIFE Mistakes - Learn from My Experience
Van Life is all about the thrill of the open road. But there are certain realities they no one talks about. Nothing scary if you are prepared!!! In this video, I build on my beginner series to help you survive and thrive in your first month. I give you tips that wil save you lots of stress and maybe thousands of dollars!! Be sure to watch this video and subscribe to see all our content!! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/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! Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - Tip 1: Stay Close to Home 02:13 - Tip 2: Do a Dry Run 03:35 - Tip 3: Stay in Established Campgrounds 05:15 - Tip 4: Keep a Journal 06:40 - Tip 5: Don't Overly Complicate Things! How to Survive Your First Month Living in a Van
Van Life is a lot of fun. But it is also challenging. Instagrammers and Social Media Influencers show you the glorious parts - but they often don't tell you some of the not so glamorous parts. In this video - I share with you some realities of Van Life. My hope is that by watching this video, you will have more fun and less stress because you have planned in advance. This video will save you hours of stress and heartache and maybe even thousands of dollars. These are insider tips and tricks I wish I would have known before I bought my van and before I drove mile 1. Don't forget to subscribe for more van life content!! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/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! Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:21 - Your Van Will Break 02:38 - Everything Take Longer Than You Think 03:52 - You Have to Become an Expert on Your Van 05:38 - Be Prepared for an Emotional Journey 07:10 - Keep a Journal 07:42 - You Will Become a Master Planner of Fun What I Wish I Knew Before Getting My Van!
I'm Ty, sharing some advice. The video is the second in a two part series that covers questions to ask yourself before starting the van life journey, focusing on self reflection and planning rather than just van specifications, to help you determine if living in a van is right for you. Consider this before your camper van conversion or before you even start searching for your new van online! In this video, I will also talk to you about some important planning considerations that you need to start doing 6-12 months before you buy your van. I'll share secrets that #VanLifers don't tell you about the reality of the "freedom" of the open road and give you tips that will save you a lot of headaches down the road. You won't want to miss this video!!! Most of the videos on YouTube will talk to you about Van specifications and what certain Vans can do. I'm going to tell you what they don't: those intangible things that you need to be thinking about before you even step foot in the dealership or start searching online so you get the right van for you! Save thousands and have a more amazing adventure by doing your prep work upfront! Watch this video!!! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/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! Chapters. 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Start Planning Sooner Rather Than Later 2:47 - Start Noticing Your Habits 6:37 - Know Your Personal Limits 9:13 Plan Logistics Early and Often The Ultimate Guide to Van Life (How to Prepare for Van Life Part 2)

Trip Report Videos!

Want to see the Trip Reports and join me for the journey? Watch my trip reports below to join the Adventure and be part of it all!

Hey, hey, YouTubers. Welcome back to the channel! Today, I'm going to talk to you about everything I did while staying at Thousand Trails Palm Springs, presented as your base camp for adventure and the desert oasis it is, Palm Springs. Join me as I share my week-long California vacation and explore this fantastic travel guide destination. This travel vlog highlights why Palm Springs is an ideal spot for rv life and why these campgrounds make for an excellent California travel experience. ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these tips helpful, or enjoyed this video, please check out my page on how to Support the Journey! From sharing my blog content to helping to keep me caffeinated and the wheels rolling, any support is truly appreciated: https://livefreerv.com/support-the-journey/ 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/ Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit I Spent a Week at Thousand Trails Palm Springs (Here's What Happened)
Hey YouTube friends, welcome back! This week, I took a departure from my usual camping trips to experience something different: an urban RV park in downtown Tucson, Arizona. I have to admit I was a little nervous about parking the Super C in a questionable area of town. Join me as I share my week-long rv travel adventure, proving that full time rv living can be enjoyable even in the heart of a city, and that urban camping can be a surprisingly positive experience. I take you on a tour of downtown Tucson and all the amaizng #rvlife options in Tucson. It was a great time! Can I survive a week in an Urban RV Park? Find out! Check out my Support the Journey Page if you are interested in helping to keep me caffeinated and the content flowing: https://livefreerv.com/support-the-journey/ Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit Urban RV Park Reality | Tucson Arizona Full Experience
Join me as I explore the popular Catalina State Park, a top camping destination in Arizona. I'll share my secured on how I secured this highly coveted camping spot in this frequently sold-out Arizona state parks location, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You'll see mountain bike trails, hiking trails and other things to do while enjoying the beautiful Tucson scenery. I use Arvie to scan for campsite cancellations and automatically book spots when they open. It’s been a huge time saver for trip planning. 👉 Try it here: https://www.arvie.com/?via=ty Enjoy the video? Help keep the journey going and the driver caffeinated! If you found these tips helpful, you can fuel the next adventure by buying me a coffee here: Buy me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/tychapman Want to Read al about it? https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-membership-one-year-review/ Why This Arizona Park Gets Booked Months in Advance
Join me as I discuss the challenges of full time rving in Sedona, Arizona. While Sedona, Arizona is visually stunning, I'll explain why Cottonwood, Arizona, and the Verde River, Arizona region offer a much better experience for rv living. I'll also share some essential rv tips for navigating these beautiful but sometimes tricky landscapes. I explore: Historic Downtown Cottonwood, Jerome, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, the Verde Canyon Railroad, and of course, a day trip to Sedona! You won't want to miss this trip report! Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit Don't Overpay for Camping In Sedona When Cottonwood Has This
Join me for a week of #rvliving in Daytona Beach, Florida, where I discover it's far more relaxing than its party reputation suggests. This travel vlog covers my favorite activities and why Daytona Beach is a great vacation spot, offering a comprehensive daytona beach travel guide for your next trip. I also share my Basecamp Thousand Trails strategy, highlighting daytona beach things to do for a chill adventure. 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 Want to Camp for Cheap in Private Campgrounds across the US? Check out Thousand Trails. Use my referral link to speak to a membership specialist today and potentially save hundreds of dollars from the price published on the Thousand Trails Website: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt You save money, and the blog receives a small referral fee at no cost to you! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/ tips helpful, you can help keep the wheels turning (and the coffee brewing!) Consider donating a cup of coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/tychapman What I Did in Daytona for a Week Will Surprise You!
Join me as I continue my travel adventures with a trip to maine. This maine travel vlog highlights my time spent camping and hiking. I also visit Bar Harbor, Maine and acadia national park hiking. Throw in a few secret #vanlife boondocking spots and epic coastal hikes and you've got yourself an amazing journey! Join me, won't you? ☕️🚐 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! 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 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! 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 Love my content? Check out the blog post: Want to know more about where I’m going, where I’ve been and get a state-by-state list of my content? Visit: https://livefreerv.com/shifting-gears-with-ty/itinerary/ Exploring Maine's Hidden Campsites and Crazy Towns!
Join me as I share my daily routine living in a van in New York's beautiful Finger Lakes region. This travel vlog offers a raw video look at a weekend of camping, showcasing the highs and lows of van life. Subscribe to see more adventures! And - we explore the beuaitufl town of Watkins Glen and the world famous gorge trail in Watkins Glen State Park! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/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! What Really Happens on a Van Life Weekend?
Explore the beauty of the finger lakes new york region! This travel vlog highlights a stunning waterfall and shares some fantastic hiking trails. Discover why new york state is a must-see destination, especially upstate new york travel spots like Ithaca, New York. 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 Want to Camp for Cheap in Private Campgrounds across the US? Check out Thousand Trails. Use my referral link to speak to a membership specialist today and potentially save hundreds of dollars from the price published on the Thousand Trails Website: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt You save money, and the blog receives a small referral fee at no cost to you! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/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! Also check out my friends channel. We met in a Cracker Barrel in Pa when I was moving around and they also do Camper/Travel Content: https://www.youtube.com/@UCiUh7JSw-5Dr4Q_WJ-QZBHA Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:05 - Driving In Upstate New York 01:28 - Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground and Trails 05:02 - Cornell University Walk Around 07:08 - Ithaca Commons 08:12 - Hot Truck Sandwiches at Short Stop Deli 8:50 - Van Life Upstate New York Discussion and Conclusion Is This the Prettiest Park in Upstate NY?
In this episode I spend a week exploring the Thousand Islands and do a cross border expedition into Canada. See where we go this week! Join me on a memorable road trip as I explore the beautiful 1000 islands new york region. This cinematic vlog takes you through various new york attractions and scenic spots. Come along for the travel experience! ☕️🚐 Support the Journey: If you find these videos/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 My Thousand Islands Adventure Was Awesome!

My #VanLife to #RVLife Evolution

I started with an awesome 2025 Winnebago Revel. But as I traveled and began to relax into my new way of life – a few things became apparent. Among those, that I wanted more room and more creature comforts. I also realized that freedom might not be defined as being able to go anywhere, but rather, being able to do anything once I got there.  In this video series, I take you on a #VanLife Weekend, take you on a tour of my new rig, and discuss why I changed over to a SuperC.

A #VanLife Weekend.

Switching to a Super C.

Why I Switched.

Trip Reports!

To see my State-by-State guide, check out my Itinerary and Destinations Page! Otherwise – here’s the latest trip reports!

Starting Van/RV Life Advice

I try to approach Newbie Advice a bit differently than most Van Life Channels/Blogs. Instead of tellling you what to do, I try to give you things to think about. Part of the fun of starting van life is being self-reliant and resourceful. My goal is to give you the resources and help you with that process. So, these articles are designed to help you get started thinking so that when it comes to doing – you’re an expert before you ever start!
LIve Free RV

🚐 6 Months of Van Life: The Cost, The Reality, The Reflections

Six months on the road taught me that life’s true seasons are phases lasting days or decades, and you have the power to set their tone. This van life reflection reveals the surprising reality of costs, the logistical trap of buying into the “off-grid fantasy,” and the genuine kindness of Americans. Ultimately, the road changes how you see yourself.

Read More »

RV Life Your First Few Months

Here’s a collection of posts I designed to help you through your first few months. And. To tell you some of the things other folk about. These are battle tested, hard learned mistakes and insights… I learned them the hard way so that, hopefully, you don’t have to!

RV Life Advice

RV Life is hard! I feel like I learn new things every day. And every day there is a new struggle that – in ordinary life – would be mundane. From figuring out prescription medications, to avoiding negative emotions – I’m hear to help! 

Ty Chapman relaxing for lunch during a hike at Big Bend National Park.

A Little Bit About Me.

I started writing this blog as a way to capture the adventurous and free lifestyle I’m privileged to live. I’ve traveled to over 28 countries and 35 U.S States. I’ve lived aboard in multiple countries and averaged over 100 days a year of travel for work. I’ve skied and hiked all over the world – and my new obsession is mountain biking.

What I bring to you isn’t AI generated. It’s based on my feet on the ground – or sometimes conversations with locals.

Click here to read more about me! And, for a State-By-State guide of Where I’ve been and Where I’m headed, make sure to check out my Itinerary and Destination Page by clicking here!!!

🏕 Join the Live Free RV Crew
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