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In this episode of the RVing with Joe & Kait podcast, we chat with Ari and Jessi from Trekers about their journey from tent camping to nearly full-time RV life. They share how they started with a Class B van for its flexibility but eventually transitioned to a 30-foot travel trailer with a dedicated office to better accommodate remote work. Along the way, they discovered the pros and cons of towing versus van life, the challenges of frequent travel days, and the benefits of staying put for longer periods.
Ari and Jessi also dive into the realities of long term RV travel, from navigating park hosting opportunities to making their travel style work for their jobs. Whether you’re deciding between a Class B and a travel trailer or looking for insights on remote work while RVing, their experience offers valuable takeaways for anyone considering extended life on the road.
“I don’t think you’re ever going to find your forever RV because your seasons of life change and what you’re doing changes.”
Ari and Jessi on choosing the right RV
From Class B RV to Travel Trailer
Where to listen
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
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- Listen on iHeartRadio
- Listen on Pandora
- Listen on Podcast Addict
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Episode Guests
Ari and Jessi Adler define themselves as “most-timers” when it comes to RVing. While they still have a home base in Michigan, they are on the road 9 to 10 months out of each year in their RV. Ari and Jessi travel in a 2022 30-foot Airstream Flying Cloud Office model towed by a 1-ton Chevrolet van. The van has been set up as a weekend getaway vehicle, allowing the Adlers to camp in places where they can’t or don’t want to take their Airstream.
Jessi has a full-time remote job with a public relations agency while Ari takes on freelance writing and editing projects in addition to serving as a campground and park host. They also operate a website and YouTube channel to share their hiking and camping adventures.
Links:
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
- Trekers YouTube Channel
- We’re the Russos YouTube Channel
- Newsletter sign up
- Book 1: Take Risks
- Book 2: Tales From the Open Road
Key Highlights
- From Tent to RV Life: Ari and Jessi started their journey as avid tent campers before upgrading to a tiny pop-up camper and eventually transitioning into a Class B camper van for more comfortable and flexible travel.
- Why They Chose a Class B Van: Initially, they wanted a motorhome instead of towing a trailer. The maneuverability, ease of setup, and all-in-one design of a Class B van made it the perfect choice at the time.
- The Reality of Full-Time Van Life: After going on extended trips in their Class B, they quickly realized the limitations of living and working in such a small space—especially when staying in one place for months at a time.
- Why They Switched to a Travel Trailer: The need for more space, a dedicated office, and the ability to have a separate tow vehicle led them to purchase a 30-foot Airstream Flying Cloud with an office.
- The Trade-offs of Class B vs. Travel Trailer: They loved the flexibility and ease of their camper van but struggled with having to tear down camp every time they needed to run errands. The travel trailer, while offering more space, requires more setup time and planning for travel days.
- The Importance of Slowing Down: Early on, they moved too fast, checking destinations off a list. Over time, they learned the value of staying in one place longer to fully experience an area and avoid travel burnout.
- How Work Influenced Their RV Choice: If Jessi was not working full-time, they likely would have stayed in a Class B RV. But with a full time remote job, having a separate workspace in the camper became a necessity.
- Your RV Choice Will Change with Your Season of Life: Ari and Jessi emphasize that there is no such thing as a forever RV. The best rig depends on your current lifestyle, needs, and travel style.
- Future RV Plans: While they love their travel trailer, they remain open to other options, from downsizing to another Class B RV, finding a smaller trailer, or even exploring hybrid setups that combine van and trailer life.
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