2017 | 1st RV Solar Installation
Tom started a YouTube channel in June 2017. He had decided to sell all his belongings, purchase an RV, and travel the United States for 3-5 years before settling back down and returning to a regular job. He intended to fund his travels by work-camping or taking on seasonal positions. Back then there were only about a dozen or so YouTuber’s posting content about full-time RVing.
In September, Tom posted his first YouTube video about the solar system he was installing on his travel trailer. At that time, there were maybe one or two YouTube videos regarding RV solar, so Tom had to figure it all out by himself. He researched, and researched, and read detailed component manuals to determine which components he needed to be able to camp comfortably without the cost of RV parks.
2018 | Full-time RVing Begins
In June 2018, Tom was finally ready to start traveling full-time! He set off for the Florida Keys in his solar-powered travel trailer, where he work-camped at the beautiful John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. After his contract ended, he traveled in the southeast United States. Towards the end of 2018, he upgraded from a travel trailer to a smaller Class B+ motor home, an Itasca Viva.
2019 | 1st RV Solar Installation for a Client
Tom had enjoyed the affordability and flexibility of boondocking, and so of course he designed and installed a solar system for the new-to-him Viva as well. His RV solar content had been garnering a lot of attention from other frugal full-time RVer’s! One such follower reached out to Tom and asked him to install a solar system on his RV, which was a very similar model to Tom’s Viva. Despite his apprehension, Tom agreed, and the install went smoothly. He realized that this was a much-needed service that he could provide to fellow campers.
2020 | Paid RV Solar Installations
In 2020, more and more people wanted to get outside, and away from the crowds often found at RV parks. Tom performed several RV solar installations this year, on a number of different types of RV’s. He found the work exciting and challenging, and it became clear this was a way to fund new travels. The YouTube channel was growing steadily, and that little bit of income helped as well.
2021 | Official RV Solar Business
During his third year of full-time RVing, he installed more and more solar systems onto followers’ RV’s.
When his travels came to a natural close at the end of this year, he returned home and prepared to open the eastern US’s first RV solar shop, and the second one in the country.
2022 | RV Solar Installation Shop
The RV solar installation shop opened at the beginning of the year, with Tom’s best friend (who conveniently had years of electrical experience) training to be the main installer.
Elyse managed the business administration and then the clients as she learned about the fascinating world of RV solar.
2023 – 2024 | 200+ Installs at the Shop
We had found our people! Working at our RV solar business put us in contact with over 200 clients who often shared our love of dry camping and solar power. We worked with young RVer’s transitioning to full-timing, retirees who had worked hard and now had an opportunity to leisurely explore the States, athletes who traveled extensively in their own rigs, and even a tour bus for a rock band. The work was steady, engrossing, challenging, and rewarding, but neither of us felt 100% fulfilled – we missed the adventure of full-time travel, and the peace of remote nature.
We tried to manage the business remotely and travel part-time, but it was difficult and not always satisfactory for the parties involved. What were we to do? Walk away from a successful business that we had made a lot of sacrifices to build? How would we support ourselves? After years of working for ourselves, it would be a step backward to work for someone else again.
2025 | RV Solar Business Sold
Earlier this year, someone recognized the value of all Tom’s ingenuity and our successful entrepreneurship and they made us an offer to purchase the RV solar business. So this year, we’ll be returning to full-time traveling and Tom will be returning to full-time YouTube-ing!
