Living Off the Grid in an RV: Crystalmarie's FAQ

A year ago, Crystalmarie sold her house, moved into a 250-square-foot toy hauler, and set out to build a life around motorcycles, boondocking, and the freedom to go wherever the road took her. One year later, she looks back on the decision, the hardest moments, and what the year taught her about herself. Here is her story, in her own words.

Before there was a toy hauler or an open road, there was just the decision, and everything that led up to it.

Before the Move

Updated on August 27, 2026

What was your life like before you decided to sell your house?

A lot like the lives of many other people in suburban America today. Working and trying to find time and money to get away from a home I paid for, so I could have fun on vacation, go riding, or go exploring. There isn't really a lot of freedom or adventure in that lifestyle, where work always outnumbers play or enjoyment, and the house always needs some semblance of work or attention, so finding time for adventure was either scarce or very planned out with a significant amount of structure.

When did you first start seriously thinking about living on the road?

As a society, we spend so much time and money trying to get away from a place that we call home, and this mindset really didn't make sense to me. As someone who worked remotely, I saw an opportunity to be able to watch the sunset anywhere I wanted, while still working and being able to do what I love at the same time. So, during the process of selling my house and figuring out "what's next for me?" I realized that what was next was not the quintessential American dream of the white picket fence, the dog, and all the things that went with it, so I started doing research into a way to live out the rest of my years off-grid, minimizing containment and maximizing adventure.

Was there one specific moment when you thought, "I'm actually going to do this"?

I started researching different toy hauler options to see what would make the most sense. At the time, I wasn't 100% sold on the idea, but it was something a few friends and I had chatted about during my house selling process, and it really appealed to me in a way that I didn't think it would have. I had gone to a few dealerships in search of an Intech Black Wing 830-x, and I finally found one in Lancaster, PA. Once I walked inside, I said to myself, "this is it." I had no true intention of actually buying that day, but it was one of those feelings where my gut instinct took over, and I realized that if this Black Wing became home for me, I would never have to work or plan to escape somewhere I called "home" because at that point, home could be wherever I was and wherever I wanted to be. After talking with Stephanie at the dealership that day, I signed on the dotted line, and the Black Wing was officially my new home.

What ultimately made you sell the house instead of keeping a traditional home base?

Stagnation. There's far too much work for a structure and too much time spent planning to get away from a place you call home, only for a few days of enjoyment before getting right back to the grind. One of my closest friends who lived this lifestyle suggested it to me, and the more research I did, the more excited I got about the next chapter.

How did your friends and family react?

It goes without saying that my Mom was sad, as she wanted me to stay closer to home. Some expressed fears in regard to safety as a single female traveling solo, and others expressed excitement and envy at the ability to take the leap. I've had folks tell me that it took "brass ones" to do what I did and take on this lifestyle, and others tell me that they admire the courage and strength that it took to make the decision. Everyone who knew what was next was incredibly supportive and encouraging, which was awesome. One of the great things about this lifestyle? Because I'm mobile, I'm still able to see and keep in touch with all of my friends regardless of where they live throughout the country, which is another incredible benefit of having a home on wheels.

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With the papers signed, the real learning curve began, from that first surreal day to the early weeks of figuring out life in 250 square feet.

Starting the Journey

What do you remember about the day you signed the papers and officially closed that chapter?

It was such a surreal feeling, knowing that I would finally have the freedom to go where I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. I actually didn't have a plan, so there were elements that historically I may have found unsettling, having always been a planner by nature, but in this phase I was actually excited to NOT have a plan, which was surprising to me. It was also surreal to finally have a truck that I had always dreamed about having since I was a little girl. Although little me wanted a Cummins Ram with a 6-speed manual (and a Viper, but that is still a ways away), adult me realizes that manual transmissions in trucks are long since gone, and I'm equally as ecstatic about my Ram regardless of that fact. I don't think I can truly put into words just how surreal it was to hook up and take delivery on that very first day; it's one of those emotions that only experiencing it can truly describe.

Where did you go first?

PA was where my journey started. I bought my RV in eastern PA near Lancaster and then my first ADV bike in Western PA. Western PA was much more appealing due to the mountains because I absolutely love them. Once there, I realized I wanted to look at as many mountains as possible, but since it was so late into the year when this voyage started, I spent a lot of time running from winter storms and ensuring that I would be safe when snow and ice hit the road.

What did those first few weeks living in the RV actually feel like?

It was really weird at first, to go from 3,000 square feet to less than 250 square feet. But honestly? It was really comforting in ways that I didn't think it would be, and it became "home" almost instantly. Those first few nights were the best nights of sleep that I could ever recall having because I felt at peace, and it was absolutely incredible.

Crystalmarie at the door of the toy hauler that's been home for the past year.

What was the biggest adjustment?

Going from a 3,000-square-foot home to living entirely off-grid was the largest adjustment. Boondocking meant learning to conserve resources like water and space, making sure I had everything I needed to stay in remote areas for extended periods, and carrying only what I actually needed. I really loved this part, and I'm still refining things as the year comes to a close.

What did you completely underestimate before starting?

This might sound funny, but the thing I underestimated the most before starting this… was myself. I didn't believe I possessed the skills required to undertake an entirely off-grid lifestyle. I surprised myself with my ability to troubleshoot, fix mechanical problems, and work through both literally and metaphorically through this chapter. If I can do it, so can anyone else! With reference material, you can do everything with ease.

Twelve months and a full range of weather extremes later, this is what the year actually taught her.

One Year Later

What's the biggest thing you've learned about yourself this year?

Just how capable and strong I actually am. I was never the person with a ton of confidence, always the one who put herself last. This year taught me the most powerful feeling: I don't need to be what everyone else wants me to be. I've finally embraced that.

What's something you know now that you wish you'd known a year ago?

That living off-grid is hard work compared to plugging into full hookups at an RV resort. But it's also the most rewarding thing I've done for myself.

What has been the hardest part?

Boondocking in extreme temperatures comes with challenges that you wouldn't experience in a typical house. At this stage of my journey, I've boondocked from -30°F to 115°F and had some challenges with temps at the extremes and in between.

Geared up and ready to ride, after a year of learning what the lifestyle actually demands.

What's been the best part?

Getting to see the sunset in any mountain range I want, at any time.

Was there ever a moment when you questioned whether you'd made the right decision?

Never once. Not when it was 9°F, and I lost my furnace during a blizzard, when I had to repair the generator fuel pump in 115°F heat to keep the A/C running, or when I was manually loading water from 65-pound jugs. Not even towing through curvy mountain passes during an ice storm. I actually enjoy challenges and working my way through problems, and I think that's a mindset you need to make this lifestyle work.

What moment from the past year made you think, "This is exactly why I did this"?

There isn't just one moment. I'm most awestruck staring at the night sky with no light pollution, deep in the mountains, and the stars and fireflies never get old. It's not just life behind the handlebars; it's everything in between the rides too.

None of this works without the bikes. Here's how motorcycles ended up shaping the entire setup.

Off-Road and Street-Legal Adventures

How have motorcycles shaped the way you've traveled over the past year?

Prioritizing riding areas was definitely key. Being able to look at the mountains and see waterfalls and places that you can't get to otherwise was definitely high on the list when choosing places to travel to. Motorcycles also shaped my choice in a toy hauler/home and vehicle, as I needed to be able to keep them with me to increase not only adventure but this lifestyle choice.

What bikes have been part of the journey?

The way my setup is, all of my bikes can come with me. There was a lot of research that went into choosing not only the right toy hauler, but also the right restraint systems to make everything fit well. The truck bed holds the MotoProHQ NiceRack system that can hold three bikes with the gate down or 1-2 with the gate up, and the Black Wing has a mixture of BikeBinderz and PitBull TRS systems for strapping down the other bikes. The total carrying capacity between the truck and the Black Wing, with the way I have it set up, is 5 bikes, so there are no restrictions on what I can take with me.

Golden hour on the Husqvarna, one of the moments Crystalmarie says the lifestyle is really about.

What's your favorite riding/adventure memory from the past year?

It's really difficult to pick just one, but if I had to, I think delving into the world of adventure bike riding would take the cake as the best experience thus far. I used to ride on the road course doing track days as well as coaching them, and while that was a very rewarding experience and the track was fun, there's something far more freeing and exciting about choosing a route or a destination and charting a course from scratch as well as spending the night camping in the mountains that offers a feeling the track would never be able to provide.

How has traveling this way changed the kinds of riding or events you're able to experience?

If anything, it has opened far more doors and opportunities than a traditional static homestead would. I can see events in any part of the country at any time if I so choose. It eliminates the need for hotels or Airbnbs, as my home comes with me wherever I want to go. There are never any moments where I say, "oh no, I left that at home" because home is right behind my Ram, which is also a really fun aspect. Having everything you need wherever you may roam.

What does having the RV, truck, and bikes together allow you to do that you couldn't do before?

When picking out the toy hauler I was very particular with length, style, weight, and height to allow me to access far more areas that were off road than I would be able to with a traditional 5th wheel or Super C. Having this setup allows me to unhook, go into town if I need something, or take the bikes on an adventure and come back to "home base" wherever that may be. This setup also allows for accessing BLM areas where I'm allowed to camp for free, and adventure in those various locations. Some other, larger setups have more spacious interiors but also come with significant weight and height increases, which are both restrictive in accessing certain off-road areas.

Traveling this way comes with its own paperwork puzzle. Here's how she's handled registration along the way.

Dirt Legal

When did Dirt Legal first become part of your story?

A few years ago, I found Dirt Legal after researching a way to register my enduro bike for the road to be able to access more trails. They were incredibly simple to work with then, so it only made sense to make them part of my journey when I wouldn't have an actual address to call home.

What problem were you originally trying to solve?

The original challenge was plating my Sherco 250 SE to be street-legal for more adventures and to be able to ride on trail systems that require bikes to be plated in order to use them. That problem multiplied, or rather, transitioned, into a different challenge when I knew I was going to be living on the road with no address to call "home". Dirt Legal had the answer to all of these challenges, from my truck to the toy hauler, the bikes, and everything in between. Their strategy also allows significant money savings compared to other options.

What vehicles have you used Dirt Legal for?

As of current, my toy hauler, all of the bikes, and my truck are registered through Dirt Legal.

What has Dirt Legal allowed you to do more easily as part of this lifestyle?

Dirt Legal helped me get my custom Husqvarna 701 and my Sherco 250 SE registered as part of my setup, vehicles that took some extra work to title given their builds. On top of that, not dealing with annual inspections and having permanent plates on the RV and the bikes has made day-to-day life on the road a lot easier.

When you're talking to another rider or traveler about Dirt Legal, what do you usually tell them?

I tell them how much simpler it made things: permanent plates, one place handling my truck, toy hauler, and bikes together, and no need for a fixed address to get it all done. For someone living the way I do, that's huge.

What's the biggest misconception people have when they first ask you about your Montana plates?

That it's complicated. Once people hear how it actually worked for my truck, toy hauler, and bikes, and that Dirt Legal handled the details, they usually realize it's more straightforward than they assumed.

One year down, and Crystalmarie already has a sense of what's next, though not a detailed itinerary.

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Looking Ahead

What do you want year two to look like?

Year two is going to be much heavier in the ADV bike content and world but will also include some refinement in the boondocking setup that is ever evolving through each season as I learn more during this process.

Where do you want to ride or travel next?

The best part about this lifestyle is never having anything set in stone or planned; as someone who used to be big into structure and planning as it related to having a traditional homestead, this lifestyle allows you to go wherever you want whenever you want. You can increase stays on BLM land for free so long as you move every so often, and with a lifestyle like this where you are technically always on vacation, there is no real need to plan. I do intend on traveling more, but from a safety standpoint as a female traveler, I never announce where I'll be next.

What kind of RV/adventure content do you want to start creating?

That's a bit of a surprise. I do have some fun stuff in store, but stay tuned this fall/winter as there will be a lot more coming in terms of adventure bike content once the weather dips into some crisp fall temps and the riding is prime.

Are there events or trips you're especially excited about?

With a lifestyle like this, I'm excited every single day. Some may say I'm simple for that mindset, but I'm proud of my ability to smile and be happy despite anything else that's happening on a given day. I do plan to get back out to Arizona this winter, as I owe my friend Beau a visit and the summer just isn't the time to be there, but winter riding in Arizona is incredible! Yellowstone is also on the list as well as the Redwood Forest.

If you had to describe this entire first year in one sentence, what would you say?

I left the life society told me I'm supposed to live and found the life I love living in and am thankful for it, every single day.

Ready to Hit the Road?

A year ago, Crystalmarie traded a house for a home on wheels. She's boondocked through 145 degrees of temperature swings, learned to fix what breaks, and found out she's steadier than she thought. Year two isn't about slowing down. It's about doing more of what already works, one mountain, one ride, and one sunset at a time.

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