We have lived in the lorry now since September, apart from a month in a flat in Germany over Christmas, so this is a bit of a yarn about what its like to ‘downsize’ from a 3 bedroom house to a truck !

Firstly the issue of ‘life’… we wanted a vehicle that would serve as a home on the road in any conditions, hence the choice of a truck. We are 2 adults and one 5 year old (and we set off with a dog, but sadly he’s no longer with us). The transition from the house to the truck took a while, getting used to moving around each other in a small space, and being aware of the need for personal space. If you are in a house and you want to get away there is always another room/shed to hide in, not here ! Unless you tow something for that occasion !

So we have adjusted, and its amazing what you get used to.. what we are going to do with the contents of the house that are in storage I have no idea.

The things that have made this work are the fact that the truck layout really does work.  We spent a lot of time planning it and it’s paid off. Many layouts have a huge bathroom and a cramped kitchen, or the layout seems to make the place feel cramped. We have managed to get it right, which is a relief as if it didn’t work we may have had to move back to a house..
The woodburner has made a real positive impact on living, especially through a cold winter, but even on a June day when its been raining, you can come ‘home’ and fire it up and dry everything, just like you would at home.  Sitting in by the fire reading a book looking out at people huddled in a tent does it for me !
So many overland set ups, in my opinion, forget about daily living and comfort, its not just about driving off road. But then every trip is different..
Having a proper mattress and full size bed is important, just like at home. A cooker with oven, and space for the daily essentials of life and leisure ! We have 3 bikes, biketrailer, surfboards and a couple of cupboards full of toys, as well as too many books and clothes.
I met a German couple in Tunsia in 1993 who had travelled all over in their old Merc 710 Truck and their philosophy was go on a motorbike and take very little or go in a truck and take everything, there is no in between !! I am inclined to agree, especially after our recent trip to Bad Kissingen – big trucks rule ;-)

Many people raise the issue of fuel consumption.  We get 12-15mpg, which when compared to a loaded up Landrover or Landcruiser getting 18-20mpg is not much of an issue, especially when you consider what you are actually carrying- in our case a 2 bedroom apartment with supplies to keep us self sufficient for a couple of weeks.

And that’s the other thing – self sufficiency. Having a shower and toilet, plenty of water and food, we really do feel independent.  No panics if you cant find a loo or place to ‘camp’ makes life on the road much less stressfull.

So a mortgage and a 3 bedroom house or a truck and the open road……?