Tips for Bus Life Beginners: What we wish we knew before hitting the road
Table of Contents:
Routine & Hobbies
Fueling Up
Boondocking
Driving your Rig
Securing Your Stuff
Diesel Engine 101
Building Your Crew
Essentials
Cleaning
Cherishing Every Moment
1. Routine & Hobbies: So, about keeping a routine on a bus? Well, let me tell you, it's not the smooth transition you might think. You've got to put in some extra effort, and especially when it comes to bringing your hobbies along for the ride. It can take some real planning (for me it's trying to find lap pools on the road to keep up with swimming). Not all recreation centers allow nonresidents and it can be a challenge in remote areas. It means setting more intention and planning for those obstacles.
2. Fueling Up: Now, when we first hit the road, we were all about those big truck stops and "diesel only" lanes. Turns out, they're not all they're cracked up to be. Crowded and confusing. Those diesel stations with their double-sided pumps? Honestly, even after three attendants have come out to help us on separate occasions we often times still have trouble with the machines that were meant for semi trucks & gas cards. Our secret? Smaller gas stations. More rewards points and fewer headaches, my friend. If you drive a 40 foot rig like us, that means getting comfortable with taking up multiple pumps and doing the best you can. On the bright side, you'll almost always get compliments from strangers at gas stations!
3. Finding Boondocking Spots: Let's talk free camping (boondocking). We're all about it and even in those tougher parts of the country, when there's a will there's a way. iOverlander, Campendium, and The Dyrt are our go-tos apps for finding those free boondocking gems. The Dyrt, by the way, has some cool articles without the subscription (or the app). Just throw a search into google like "best boondocking near Seattle The Dyrt," and voila! A top 10 list you can cross reference with iOverlander. I've included a screenshot of some of my favorite apps to use on the road here.
4. Driving Comfort: Getting comfy behind the wheel of your rig? Yeah, it's a journey. Emergency brake checks, turning experiments—you've got to know how your rig behaves, especially around turns. More importantly, learning how to take them slow as to not cause chaos in your home! Alan's got a head start on driving big rigs from his firefighting days, but for most of us, it's a learning curve, and that's okay.
5. Securing Your Stuff: Now, when it comes to strapping things down, get creative. Bungees are your best friend. Ever tried wedging a shower curtain rod to keep drawers closed? Works like a charm. Even with drawer magnets, we've found it's ALWAYS best to go the extra mile. Child locks are great for the refrigerator and can prevent a gallon of milk from busting on the floor (true story).
6. Diesel Engine 101: Diesel engines, my friend, don't be intimidated. You don't have to be a mechanic, but recognizing when something's off with a quick visual check? That's a skill worth having.
7. Building Your Crew: Social media? Oh yeah, it's not just for memes. Connect with fellow bus lifers online and meet in person. Seriously, having a community to throw questions at and make friends on the road? It's everything and can help you if you're stuck. Not only that, but life on the road can get lonely, and everyone needs community.
8. Essentials: Every top 10 list of items you need for van/bus life includes a dang fruit hammock, BUT safety is non-negotiable. Carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher balls, and a security system you can rely on. ALWAYS CARRY AN EXTRA WATER PUMP, they all seem to have a short(ish) lifespan and there's nothing worse than scrambling for a pump. Finally, invest in an air compressor/jump starter, it'll come in handy.
9. Cleaning, a lot: Let's talk dirty, literally. A top-notch battery-operated vacuum is a game-changer. No matter how many precautions you take, those floors get messy fast. And trust me, a daily cleaning routine? We swear by it. Waking up to a clean bus? Changes the whole vibe.
10. Cherishing Every Moment: Here's the deal with bus life—things won't always go as planned. It's life on the road and almost everyone's entry into this life is ROUGH. There will be bumps in the beginning whether it's issues with solar or yet another broken water pump, and they'll build the problem-solving skills you'll need on the road. Embrace the chaos, go with the flow, and find joy in your surroundings. It's an adventure, my friend, and you're living that dream you once only imagined.
