Click the link below to access the FREEDOM video how tos
https://thirtyspoke.com/freedom-howtos

*Close roof vents (front and back)

*Bungee refrigerator

*Latch cabinets and door

*Power off inverter

*Power off sink pump

*Shut all doors, windows, drawers

*Stow all loose items…my MacBook has a nice dent in it now from forgetting to put it away one time…oy vey

Outdoorsy the mobile version

GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest and nearest fuel

Campendium find dispersed and boondocking locations with reviews of campgrounds

Freeroam non-profit focused on helping folks find campgrounds and enjoy nature in a respectful, sustainable way

Waze subsidiary of Google that provides satellite navigation…and the self-reporting feature lets you know if there’s a wreck, speed trap, or object up ahead

CoTrip (and any other state you’ll be traveling through) for road conditions, closings, wildfire alerts

Level-set expectations for the trip and assess your physical, mental, and emotional strengths and limits. Vanlife is fun, but it’s just a notch or two up from tent camping.

Both along the route and during your stay at the destination, check:

Weather forecasts, road conditions, and road surfaces

*Download 511 apps (or dial 511) for traveler information from state departments of transportation

*Use the paper atlas to locate unpaved roads

Cell service connectivity

Fuel stations

Ronda will message you via Outdoorsy and text you about a week before you are booked to leave on your trip asking to confirm:

*Date for Pick-Up

*Time for Pick-Up

*Location for Pick-Up

She will also message and text you a night or two before arrival to check in.

Please expect about 1 hour for walkthrough at time of pick-up and key exchange.

We will have all paperwork printed, including the insurance card, and welcome any and all questions.

We will confirm drop off date and time and Ronda will message and text you a day or two before return to confirm again. We are flexible with pick up and drop off if you give us notice.

Do Wear Seat Belts
We—and all the other stuff inside the van—are just projectiles in motion after all!

Don’t Use DRIVE-THRUS
Van dimensions may not fit the space, such as under drive-thru awnings. Check the clearance first…better yet, just park, stretch your van legs, and go inside to order.

Do Keep A Half Tank of Gas
Foul weather can happen unexpectedly. Top up the fuel tank at halfway and especially whenever you know are going remote. Use GasBuddy to help you plan.

Do Check Your Water Stores
Water is life. The two blue cubes each hold 7 gallons. Estimate using 1 gallon of water per person per day, and double it if you plan to engage in physical activity. There are two stainless steel, reusable water bottles.

Don’t Drive on Bad Roads
Although FREEDOM is a tough Ram van, she is limited to 2WD expectations. Please do not navigate FREEDOM through potholes, foul weather, large puddles, or anything else you wouldn’t do in your elderly grandma’s car.

Don’t Smoke In FREEDOM
The older we get, the more allergies we have. Please keep the smoking outside…and consider where your campfire might be blowing too…are FREEDOM’s windows up?

Breaking when driving a fully loaded van requires more stopping distance and time. Use the rule of seconds that commercial drivers abide.

*Van length = 19 feet long

*Under 40 mph, maintain a minimum of 2 seconds of distance

*Over 50 mph maintain a minimum of 4 seconds of distance

*Add more time for snow, ice, or heavy rain

Per Colorado Passenger Vehicle Chain Law…

The van must have tire chains or alternate traction devices (ATD) installed on two or more drive tires. It is unlawful to proceed when a state highway is closed or to proceed when a restriction is in effect without the required chain/ATD equipment installed. Violators may be given a citation, which comes with a $100 fine and $32 surcharge. That jumps to a $500 fine with a $156 surcharge if a violation results in the closure of one or more traffic lanes.

There are tire chains in the tote.

TIP: Figure out how to put the chains on before you are knee deep in snow.

Call 911.

There is a first aid kit in a marked tote. There is a flashlight with extra batteries in the top right drawer.

Stay in the van and wait for help.

Listen to your instincts. If it doesn’t feel safe, leave immediately and go somewhere else. Don’t second guess your gut.

Arm yourself if needed with the baseball bat behind the driver’s seat.

FRESHEN UP YOUR MAP READING SKILLZ

Cell phones get lost, service may be hit or miss, and batteries die. Check the maps tote to find the paper atlas (as well as topographical maps). Get to know the map in case you have to analog it.

CHECK YOUR HEAD: BE MENTAL HEALTH AWARE

For the single rider…it can get lonely out there. Bring some entertainment. Take up a new hobby. Fill a new journal. Download some podcasts and books.

For two riders…it doesn’t take long for the van walls to close in and magnify the little things.

Discuss how to communicate when you need alone time.

Consider delegating duties so you can work together as a team.

STAY ORGANIZED TO STAY SANE…AND ALIVE!

It can’t be stressed enough: put stuff away in the same stow place right after you finish using it.

When traveling at 50 mph, your laptop and everything else hanging out on the bed is just a projectile waiting to fly through the air in the event of a hard break, a hairpin mountain turn, or even a collision.

Batten down those hatches, ye vanlife pirates!

BEFORE YOU GET TO CAMP

Top off the fuel tank.

Check water and food supplies.

Drop a pin and send a text to a relative or friend to share your latest location.

WHEN YOU GET TO CAMP

Know camp etiquette. Don’t be that annoying camp guest!

Lock the doors and stow the keys in the same spot every time. There is a small mirror with key hooks above the sliding door for this purpose.

Use the sunshade at night too.

KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ‘EM

If there are animals acting weird…i.e., moose, elk, deer are rutting, babies are in tow, weird humans driving by your camp slowly, repeatedly, and side-eyeing…listen to your gut. You can always find another, safer spot to camp. Lock the doors. Get the bat. Take care of yourself.

Terms and Conditions

Physical Damage Coverage

Insurance