Tiny Living Under $20K: This Person Built an RV for Himself and He’s Living Life to the Fullest! See Everything Inside and Out
Joe Nicks is the definition of someone who’s fully embraced the tiny living lifestyle. Three years ago, he decided to take matters into his own hands and build an RV from scratch. What started as a dream of living a more minimalist lifestyle quickly became a reality. Joe’s journey has been about far more than just building a mobile home—it’s about reclaiming freedom, independence, and the opportunity to travel while embracing a minimalist way of life.
“It’s been three years since I built my little RV. Thousands of miles, many travels and trips, I’m loving life!” Joe shares. In this blog post, we’ll take you through every inch of Joe’s DIY RV, from the kitchen to the living space, and give you a peek at how this humble creation is helping him live life to its fullest. Whether you’re curious about tiny living or looking for inspiration to start your own RV project, this post has everything you need to know.
Joe’s Journey: From Idea to Reality
Before diving into the details of Joe’s RV, let’s take a moment to understand his journey. Joe wasn’t always a DIY expert. Like many of us, he once lived a regular life with a regular home, but something about the idea of living in a tiny, mobile space appealed to him. His passion for the outdoors, the urge to minimize his possessions, and the desire to live a more flexible life were all factors that led to the decision to build his own RV.
Joe didn’t have prior experience building an RV, but he approached the project with a clear vision and an eagerness to learn. Over the years, he’s traveled across states, explored nature, and discovered new places. His DIY RV is more than just a house on wheels; it’s a reflection of his lifestyle. He built it with the purpose of freedom—freedom to travel, to live simply, and to experience the world on his terms.
The Kitchen: Rustic Charm Meets Practical Functionality
Every tiny living space needs a functional kitchen, and Joe’s RV doesn’t disappoint. The heart of the space is a rustic kitchen designed to meet all his needs without taking up too much room. The reclaimed wood on the walls and counters creates a welcoming vibe, and it’s clear that Joe carefully chose each material to make the most of his limited space.
The sink is a compact stainless-steel model, ideal for washing dishes and prepping meals on the road. Above the sink, open shelving provides easy access to kitchen essentials like spices, cups, and plates. The cabinets below offer ample storage, and the space is designed with efficiency in mind. Joe’s minimalist approach means he only keeps what he truly needs, and it’s clear that the kitchen has been perfectly tailored to his mobile lifestyle.
The Living Space: A Cozy Corner of Comfort
Living in an RV doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, and Joe’s living area proves that. With reclaimed wood lining the walls, the space feels warm and inviting. Joe has created a cozy seating area with a small table for meals or relaxation. The layout makes the most of the compact space, with a smart design that keeps everything accessible and organized.
For Joe, this small living area is where he relaxes after a long day of travel. Whether he’s reading a book, enjoying a coffee, or just watching the world go by, this space serves as his sanctuary. It’s a perfect example of how tiny living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or style. In fact, the simplicity of the design only adds to the peaceful vibe that makes RV living so special.
The Exterior: A Reflection of Adventure
Joe’s RV is built for adventure, and its exterior design shows it. The bold black color contrasts beautifully with the natural wood accents and mountain-themed decals. The exterior features a unique combination of modern elements and rustic charm, with the stone-like panels on the sides adding a rugged, outdoorsy feel.
But it’s not just about looks—the exterior is designed to be functional too. The RV is built for easy mobility and durability, ensuring that Joe can take it wherever the road leads. Whether parked in a campsite, near a beach, or surrounded by mountains, Joe’s RV is designed to blend in with nature while standing out as a statement of his adventurous spirit.
The View: Living Close to Nature
One of the best parts about living in an RV is the ever-changing view. Joe’s RV has a stunning view of a serene lake, with the beauty of nature just outside his door. Imagine sitting by the open door, sipping coffee as the sun rises over the water—this is the kind of life Joe has built for himself.
The ability to wake up in a new location every day, with new landscapes to explore, is something Joe treasures. Whether he’s in the mountains or by the beach, the RV allows him to experience different environments and wake up to a new adventure each day. The connection to nature is a key reason why RV living has been such a fulfilling choice for him.
Reflections on RV Living: A New Way of Life
Joe’s journey isn’t just about the physical aspects of RV living—it’s about the mental and emotional shift that comes with embracing a minimalist, mobile lifestyle. For Joe, building this RV and living in it has been transformative. It’s allowed him to break free from the constraints of traditional living and fully embrace the freedom of life on the road.
Living in an RV has also taught Joe to value experiences over possessions. While many people find joy in accumulating things, Joe has found that living with less has brought him more happiness and freedom than he ever imagined. From cooking his own meals in his tiny kitchen to sitting by the lake with a good book, Joe has created a life that’s all about simplicity and connection.
Practical Tips and Advice from Joe’s Journey
Building your own RV is no small feat, but it’s incredibly rewarding for those willing to put in the time, effort, and planning. Joe’s experience offers valuable insights into what it takes to transform an idea into a functional, livable mobile home. If you’re considering building your own RV, here are some practical tips to help you along the way:
Maximize Space: One of the biggest challenges in RV building is making the most of limited space. Joe recommends being strategic with your design. Think vertically—use tall shelves, overhead cabinets, and compact furniture to save space. Multi-functional pieces, like a foldable table or convertible seating, can also help you get more out of every inch. It’s about being creative and using every nook and cranny for storage.
Choose the Right Materials: The materials you select will have a huge impact on both the aesthetic and functionality of your RV. Joe suggests looking for durable, lightweight materials that can stand up to the wear and tear of road life. Reclaimed wood, for example, not only adds a rustic charm but is often affordable and sturdy. When it comes to countertops and floors, look for materials that are easy to clean and maintain, especially since RVs experience a lot of movement.
Think About Insulation: One thing Joe learned early on is the importance of insulation. Whether you’re traveling through cold climates or hot weather, a well-insulated RV will make a big difference in comfort. Consider investing in high-quality insulation for the walls and ceiling to keep temperatures manageable throughout the year.
Tools for the Job: Joe’s DIY project involved using both basic and advanced tools, and he stresses that you don’t need a fully stocked workshop to get started. Basic tools like drills, saws, and screwdrivers will cover most of your needs. For more intricate work, Joe recommends researching specialized tools, like a circular saw or jigsaw, which are essential for cutting materials like plywood.
Take Your Time: Joe’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. One key lesson he learned is that rushing the build isn’t worth it. Take your time to plan, design, and research before jumping in. Whether you’re building the RV yourself or hiring help for certain aspects, a solid foundation and thoughtful decisions will pay off in the long run.
Utilize Online Resources: Joe leaned heavily on online communities and resources during his build. Websites, forums, and YouTube videos offer step-by-step guides, reviews on materials, and tips from people who have gone through the process themselves. Joining RV and DIY groups can also provide support when you run into challenges.
Budget Wisely: While Joe’s RV was built for under $20K, he suggests being mindful of your budget. Plan for unexpected expenses and always keep track of costs. Sometimes, small compromises in materials or tools can save you significant money without sacrificing the overall quality of your RV.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success in your own RV build. It’s a journey that requires patience, creativity, and problem-solving, but the payoff is a truly unique and personalized living space on wheels.
Take the Leap: Could Tiny Living Be for You?
Joe Nicks’ DIY RV adventure is proof that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life on the road without sacrificing comfort. His story is inspiring to anyone who’s ever dreamed of downsizing, living simply, or traveling full-time. Whether you’re inspired by the design of his RV or the freedom of RV life itself, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with a little creativity, planning, and determination.
Are you ready to take the leap into tiny living? Joe’s journey shows that with the right mindset, you too can build a life that’s full of adventure, exploration, and freedom. Start small, dream big, and see where the road takes you.
