Wheels of Freedom

Setting a type of trucks apart is the “SPV” designator. Made to order and to address the needs of a very specific tasks, special purpose vehicles are a class of their own. Called RV, Recreational Vehicle, this type of truck might have to carry the code VSPV – Very Special Purpose Vehicle. I would even go so far as to say that we need to a new name for that type of truck. Essentially, it is an enabler, a vehicle that makes dreams come true. The dream, of course, is that of being free from an address that ties one down to one single location.

We have only interviewed a few owners of these motor homes, but every time the same transpires: it is one big adventure and having left behind a brick and mortar home, the sense of freedom is what drives these people. I guess it might start small with just a camper van and weekend trips. One could experience what it means to be flexible in terms of location and to explore an area without having to go through the hassle of booking hotels. I like hotels. However, one thing I miss is that any hotel room is lacking my personal touch. Sure, the décor is meant to appeal to the traveler, but it is not home, never will be. Cut to the camper van and it can be a reflection of the personality of the owner.

What appeals to me is the independence. Those I have interviewed do not have a schedule. Unless of course, they need to cross a border on a certain day, have to have the vehicle serviced or got a ferry to catch in order to get to their next destination. Other truckers are rushing here and there while those opting for a life on the road simply stay for as long as they want or their visa allows them to. The last couple we interviewed got stranded in Malaysia for over a year and they enjoyed their time tremendously despite all the trouble that the pandemic threw at them. Others have slowly made their way from?Europe to Mongolia, taking a year. Your parcel could go from Malaysia to Paris in a week in contrast.

Typically, being on the road for a year, a decade or as some told me “the rest of our lives” requires planning. Whereas transport companies spend considerable effort in planning routes in the most efficient ways, these travellers would need to consider quiet a lot more. Just crossing certain stretches means that there might not even be roads, fuel or other supplies. It is easy enough to call for the tyreman to fix a burst tyre on the North-South Highway, but I would not want to imagine running out of fresh water when crossing the Gobi Desert. Where do you wash your clothes again? And what about renewing your driving licence?

The sight of one of these big military trucks turned condo typically evokes joy. Not once have I heard about such traveller being met with hostility or unfriendliness. Maybe they are the next happiest type of truck one can see besides a fire engine. Who doesn’t like a fire truck? Locals would typically want to get to know these people that criss-cross their country in an odd-looking vehicle. Just the shape and purpose is a great conversation starter. That is even before one gets to discuss the benefits of having a bunk bed that folds away versus one that has a thicker mattress that is fixed. We say in German that “S/he who travels will have stories to tell.” I would certainly miss my friends, but if you are happy to have time-limited connections besides your travel buddy, I guess that is fine too.

In order to be travelling by truck for many years, one would have to have set aside a considerable amount of money. No matter how cheap fuel might be, no vehicle runs without service and maintenance. Most truckers would drive with the aim to have more money in their pocket than they did before the trip. Not so the explorers in their RVs, the Very Special Vehicles. As they stack up miles and experiences, they are in constant need to feed their endeavour. The financing of the never-ending tour also takes years and a lot of discipline. Forgoing every little pleasure for the sake of another month on the road would be taxing too, as I would imagine.

Would you want to trade your house, your anchor point for the freedom to roam the planet? It may be a dream only very few of us can live though. I can see the same excitement in each trucker I interview though. Every single one of them likes the idea to be away from an office and to be in charge of the journey. No matter how short the ride might be and that it may not yield the same stories about mountains being conquered and deserts crossed. We all find a little freedom behind the steering wheel.