Zoe and Kelby Jecker embarked on an unconventional journey in 2021 when they purchased a battered truck camper for just £2,500, setting the foundation for a lifestyle centred around travel and adventure. The couple, both only 23 years old at the time, faced considerable uncertainty as they lacked both financial resources and expertise in living on the road. However, they made the bold decision to embrace this lifestyle, driven by dreams of exploring the vast landscapes of the western United States while alleviating the burden of rent.
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Reflecting on their motivation, Zoe explained, “At the time, it was partially for the cost savings of not paying rent, and partially to travel the western U.S.” She continued, acknowledging the steep learning curve ahead, “We didn’t know anything about RVs, living on the road, travelling full-time, where to camp, where to dump, or where to get water. But we learned once we moved in!”
The Jeckers’ 1990 Lance truck camper was far from ideal, requiring nearly five months of transformation before it was road-ready. After hitting the road, they traversed a myriad of states, including Arizona, Utah, and California, all while searching for a location that felt like home. Zoe shared how this lifestyle opened up a realm of freedom for them, expressing, “Living on the road allowed us to live a life that felt free and wild.”
In parallel to their travels, the couple began chronicling their experiences on social media, initially sharing their adventures with friends and family who they believed would find their lifestyle unique. To their surprise, as their audience expanded, so too did the opportunities presented to them. By 2022, Zoe revealed that their content creation efforts were enough to cover their minimal expenses, transforming their passion into a viable career. This unexpected turn of events led the Jeckers to reconsider their plans for traditional employment, ultimately choosing to continue their journey without the need for additional jobs.
As their travels continued, the couple eventually settled in Lake Tahoe, although their affinity for the open road remained strong. Opting to upgrade from their first camper, they invested in a new truck camper before ultimately selling both to afford a custom-built van—a 2022 Ford Transit AWD extended model that would serve as their new home. This transition marked a significant new chapter, and in the spring of 2023, they undertook the considerable task of completely remodelling the van within just 30 days, a timeline that usually stretches over several months.
Zoe described some of the difficulties faced during the rebuild, noting that the intricacies of van construction present unique challenges, such as uneven walls and the need for durability on rough terrains. Nevertheless, with their extensive experience living in various campers, they tailored the van to their lifestyle priorities. They invested in a large solar and battery system to facilitate remote work and included a spacious sink and cooling fan for summer excursions. Comfort was also key; they installed a king-size bed, pull-out storage for outdoor gear, and a three-burner stove to allow for outdoor cooking.
The couple spends a significant portion of each year on the road, with a typical day beginning around 6 a.m. Their mornings involve coffee, breakfast, and several hours of work before venturing out to partake in activities like hiking or climbing. Evenings are often spent searching for campsite locations, where they prepare dinner and complete any remaining work for the day. Zoe emphasised their intention to maximise daylight hours, stating, “We really strive to work during the dark hours so we can fully maximise each day.”
Their online presence has burgeoned substantially, amassing over 718,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 570,000 on TikTok. The engagement from their audience has deeply resonated with Zoe, who characterized their community as filled with individuals who cherish nature and adventure. “The response online is incredible,” she remarked. “We’ve built a network of people who want to live a life in nature.”
One of the core messages Zoe hopes to convey through their social media presence is that exploration does not need to be expensive or perfect. “Everyone belongs outdoors,” she affirmed, encouraging both seasoned adventurers and newcomers to embrace the great outdoors. “You don’t need the newest gear,” she advised, suggesting that anyone can start their journey with what they already possess or by sourcing second-hand equipment. Her message is simple: “To be outdoorsy, you really just need to go outside.”
As the Jeckers continue their journey, Zoe expresses her hope that their story can inspire others to pursue fulfilling lives in nature. “I hope we can inspire more people to live a life they love outdoors,” she concluded. This couple’s journey, which began with a modest investment in a dilapidated camper, serves as a testament to the possibility of creating a life rich with adventure and connection to the natural world.