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Full-Time RV Life with Truck Campers is Nothing Without Action.
Episode Summary: In this episode, we welcome Ashley and Grayson from Our Full-Time Adventure YouTube channel. The couple, along with their two dogs (Braden and Oreo), share their unique journey into the full-time RV and truck camper lifestyle. From choosing a truck camper over a trailer to becoming brand ambassadors for the Cirrus Truck Camper line by nüCamp RV, their story is full of adventures, challenges, and surprising twists.
Join us as we dive into their RV journey, including the crazy moment their camper was totaled, their insurance adventures, and their love for the road—plus what it’s really like living full-time in a truck camper with their two dogs!
Key Highlights:
- Introduction & Background:
- Meet Ashley and Grayson and their YouTube channel, Our Full-Time Adventure.
- The couple’s decision to become full-time RVers after searching for a home in their expensive Florida hometown.
- Grayson’s background in construction and the couple’s initial choice of a travel trailer before transitioning to larger rigs.
- The Transition to Full-Time RV Life:
- The couple’s story of moving from a travel trailer to a 5th wheel and their decision to take it on the road for a year to explore the U.S. before committing to a permanent home.
- The unforeseen “incident” with their first 5th wheel led them to rethink their living situation.
- Oreo’s Accidental Camper Catastrophe:
- How their dog, Oreo, caused a flooding disaster in their camper after learning how to turn on the water faucet while the couple was away.
- A humorous but important lesson on keeping things away from curious pets.
- The Transition to a Truck Camper:
- After multiple campers and experiences, Ashley and Grayson finally decided to try a truck camper.
- Grayson’s long-time desire for a truck camper, planting the seed in Ashley’s mind back in 2019.
- The couple’s move from a large 40-foot 5th wheel to a smaller truck camper and cargo trailer combo.
- Ashley’s initial hesitation, followed by her growing affection for the compact yet functional truck camper lifestyle.
- Life-Changing Experiences:
- The story of their near-catastrophic propane explosion at a Cracker Barrel in the Smoky Mountains.
- The Propane Explosion: What started as a typical morning on the road turned into a life-altering event. Grayson recounts the day they woke up to a propane explosion, sharing details about the propane detector, the absence of the usual smell, and the green light that suggested no gas leaks. Despite all precautions, they still don’t know the exact cause, though they suspect a small leak or regulator failure. The insurance company couldn’t pinpoint the issue, leaving them with a totaled camper and no clear answers.
- Life After the Explosion: After the traumatic event, they spent weeks living in various Airbnbs and figuring out their next move. The experience led to a renewed desire for a truck camper, but with very specific stipulations: no propane, no renovations, and it couldn’t look like a typical truck camper. This was no easy feat in 2021, when solar-powered rigs were rare and many truck campers shared similar designs.
- Ashley’s burns and the emergency response that led to her being airlifted to Nashville.
- The silver lining: after five weeks of recovery, Ashley was eager to return to the road, and the couple bought a new truck camper.
- Full-Time Life with Two Dogs:
- A glimpse into life on the road with their two dogs, Braden and Oreo.
- Why the couple now feels they have “too much stuff” in their Cirrus truck camper, reflecting how full-time RVing has changed their perspective on minimalism.
- The Role of Brand Ambassadors for nüCamp:
- How Ashley and Grayson became brand ambassadors for nüCamp’s Cirrus Truck Camper line.
- A look at the perks and challenges of representing a camper brand while living full-time on the road.
- Insurance & Camper Troubles:
- The couple’s positive experience with Progressive RV Insurance, including how they managed to get more than they paid for after their first camper was totaled.
- The importance of good RV insurance, especially when living full-time on the road.
- Finding the Perfect Camper: While in Nashville, Grayson and his wife stumbled upon a 2017 nüCamp 820, just two hours away from home. Despite initial reservations about the price, they discovered a great deal, and it was exactly what they were looking for: a fully solar-powered camper, with no propane, and no need for renovations. They also discovered the previous owner was a medic on a flight crew, who had used it for housing during shifts on a reservation.
- The nüCamp Transformation: Grayson converted the 2017 nüCamp into a fully solar-powered unit, adding 800 watts of solar on the roof and 400 amp-hours of lithium batteries. They installed a diesel heater, removing all propane from the system. This became the perfect setup for their full-time adventures, with no worries about safety and reliability. The truck camper became their home for countless adventures, including a memorable trip to Alaska, and became a testament to the quality and durability of the nüCamp product.
- Building a Relationship with nüCamp: After months of using and loving the camper, Grayson and his wife were contacted by nüCamp. They were thrilled to work with the company and share their experiences. After working with nüCamp, they realized how much they aligned with the company’s mission and values, especially their focus on customer service and building long-lasting relationships.
- A Great Deal & Amazing Customer Service: As the 2017 nüCamp 820 was sold, Grayson reflects on the incredible warranty service provided by nüCamp. The third owner of the camper received excellent customer service and a brand-new window replacement, even though the camper had been lived in for years. This reinforced their love for the company, and it became clear that nüCamp wasn’t just about selling campers — they truly care about their customers, past and present. Their seven-year, no-deductible warranty is one of the many reasons Grayson and his wife became such loyal advocates for nüCamp.
- The Importance of Customer Service: In the world of RVs and campers, Grayson emphasizes the value of excellent customer service. nüCamp stands out not only for their high-quality products but for their dedication to their customers. In a world where companies often cut corners, nüCamp goes above and beyond, offering unmatched customer support and standing behind the quality of their products. They are the only company Grayson knows that has more customer service representatives than salespeople, showing just how much they prioritize their customers.
- Takeaways:
- Quality Matters: The nüCamp 820 has proven to be a reliable and durable camper for full-time living, offering peace of mind after a potentially devastating situation.
- Customer Service is Key: A great product is only as good as the service that comes with it. nüCamp’s focus on customer care is a major factor in their long-term success.
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The propane explosion was a life-changing event, but it ultimately led to the discovery of a product and a community that they love and trust.
- Closing Thoughts: While the propane explosion was a terrifying moment in their lives, Grayson and his wife now look back on it with gratitude. The journey they’ve had with nüCamp has not only provided them with a reliable and safe home on the road, but it has also given them an amazing partnership with a company that cares deeply about their customers. Their story is a reminder that sometimes the worst moments lead to the best outcomes — you just have to keep moving forward.
Notable Quotes:
- “I’m always looking for the best deals on Facebook Marketplace, and I’ve bought every one of our campers from there except for our latest one.” – Grayson
- “It’s funny—after 4.5 years, we realize we have more than we need in our truck camper now. It’s like, we’ve just accumulated so much stuff!” – Ashley
- “I never thought I’d say it, but I’m really loving the truck camper lifestyle. It’s life-changing.” – Ashley, on adjusting to full-time living in a truck camper
Links:
Connect with Ashley & Grayson:
- Instagram: OurFulltimeAdventure
- Facebook: OurFulltimeAdventure
- YouTube: OurFulltimeAdventure
- TikTok: OurFulltimeAdventure
Sponsor Shout-Out: This episode is brought to you by nüCamp RV. Grayson and Ashley share their positive experience with nüCamp RV, their products, and their customer service.
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