The journey to creating the perfect home on wheels isn’t easy. Less Junk, More Journey‘s new RV has been a huge undertaking, and Nathan and Marissa are feeling it.
After two years of building an RV from the ground up, they completed proto one. But now, as they move on to proto two, the RV they’ll be living in, they’ve realized they have a list of 99 problems—literally.
If you’ve ever taken on a project that felt overwhelming, you’ll relate to the highs and lows of their latest adventure.
A Home-on-Wheels in the Making
Watching your future home take shape is thrilling, but it also comes with a fair share of nerves. Marissa admits that this build feels different—more personal, more real.
Since their last visit, they’ve made 99 changes to the design, tweaking and refining every detail to make proto two the ultimate full-time RV.
One major adjustment was the cargo capacity. Initially, the weight calculations only allowed for 2,000 pounds of cargo—far less than what they needed.
The solution? Adding a third axle bumped their cargo allowance well over 3,000 pounds, making a huge difference in their ability to carry everything they need.
HOT TIP
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The Emotional Connection to RV Life
For Nathan and Marissa, an RV isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a home. Over the years, they’ve made memories in every rig they’ve owned, which makes saying goodbye to one and moving into another an emotional experience.
Even their kids have grown attached to their RVs. They recall how, when they picked up their last Grand Design Solitude, JJ was small enough to run under the kitchen island. Now, he towers over it.
They recognize that an RV is more than a mode of transportation—it’s a companion through adventures, challenges, and unforgettable moments.
Solving Problems One by One
Customizing an RV is no small feat. Every change affects another, leading to constant problem-solving. Some of the biggest challenges they faced include:
- Lighting Issues – The beautiful light fixtures Marissa picked out were too heavy for the RV’s structure.
- Storage Space – Balancing windows with adequate cabinetry was a tricky decision.
- Deck Weight – Their side deck, while amazing, added significant weight to the RV.
- Unexpected Modifications – Some windows were missing, leading to nervous moments about whether last-minute cuts could be made.
Despite the challenges, Nathan and Marissa have learned to trust the process and rely on their team to bring their vision to life.
A Fully Customized Living Space
One of the biggest perks of this build is the ability to customize the layout to fit their lifestyle. In the kitchen, they had to get creative with storage solutions. They opted for:
- A smaller pantry to keep much-needed natural light from being blocked.
- A booth with storage underneath to maximize space.
- Large drawers for pots and pans instead of a traditional trash bin cabinet.
- Additional overhead storage balances practicality with aesthetics.
Every inch of the RV is being meticulously planned, ensuring that it not only looks beautiful but also functions efficiently for full-time RV living.
The Kids First Look
After weeks of planning and refining, it was time for the kids to look at their future home for the first time. The reactions were priceless—especially when they discovered the outside deck, TV setup, and bunk areas.
The excitement was contagious as they envisioned their new space, from where their toys would go to where they’d sit for family movie nights.
Hensley, their daughter, was particularly excited about curtains and shelves—small but meaningful additions that made the space feel like home. JJ, on the other hand, was thrilled to have his TV and bathroom. For a traveling family, these little luxuries make all the difference.
Next Steps: Off to Paint
With most of the major construction complete, proto two is now off to paint, a process that will take about three to four weeks. When it returns, it’ll be fully finished and ready for its first big adventure.
The Journey Continues
Building an RV from scratch isn’t for the faint of heart, but Nathan and Marissa are proving that with patience, adaptability, and a little humor, it’s possible to create a home that fits your dreams.
The big reveal is coming soon, and if proto two is anything like their previous builds, it’s going to be something special.
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