In 2016, my family made a life-altering decision: we sold our home and set off on a yearlong journey across the United States in a renovated RV. What began as a temporary adventure quickly transformed into a full-time lifestyle, and years later, we are still on the road, exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures that America has to offer.

Initially, we embarked on this journey seeking adventure and a break from the conventional lifestyle. However, the longer we traveled, the stronger our yearning for a more permanent home base became. We found ourselves craving stability and comfort, which eventually led us to reassess our living situation.

By 2019, it was time for an upgrade. We began searching for an RV that would better accommodate our family's needs. After extensive research, we settled on a fifth-wheel trailer spanning 400 square feet. This spacious option provided us with ample storage for our outdoor equipment, including mountain bikes, backpacking gear, and paddleboards, allowing us to indulge in our passion for outdoor activities.

As luck would have it, we located the perfect rig at a reasonable price. However, this promising find came with a significant downside: approximately 20% of the flooring was completely rotted. Recognizing this as a challenge rather than a deterrent, we decided to make a lowball offer knowing that we could tackle the repairs ourselves. My partner and I had always envisioned renovating our RV, so we were genuinely excited about the opportunity to customize our new home into something uniquely ours.

Once the purchase was finalized, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We completely gutted the interior of our new trailer, stripping it down to its skeleton. This renovation journey allowed us to not only repair the damaged flooring but also to reimagine the living space according to our preferences. With every enhancement, our RV transformed into a cozy haven that reflected our family's style and needs, reinforcing our commitment to this unconventional lifestyle.