photo by Lili Medrano

Why I Live on Wheels

I have been doing this independent documentary work since 2016. For years, there were critical human rights, social justice, and environmental stories I simply could not afford to tell because I was funding everything out of my own pocket and not getting paid.

Paying for long distance fuel, rental cars, and hotels on my own dime kept crucial narratives out of reach. So I began to scheme, and that is where the idea of going mobile came to life.

I found a van in May of 2020 that was already built out. On June 1st I bought it, moved into it full time, and have been in the van for over six years now, rolling ever since.

Living on wheels changed everything. It empowered me to be able to show up and invest in communities and stories, because my work has always longed to be so much more than showing up as an outsider chasing a headline. I am here to be part of the movement, to build genuine trust, and to cover the nuances of issues and stories that go way beyond the headlines you see on the news or social media. That is how you tell true stories from the inside.

So, what is van life? For many, it is a way to simplify life, see the world, save money, or get away from the norm and break free from a nine-to-five routine to live life differently. All those things appeal to me and are benefits of van living, but my journey started from a different place. I already had not worked a nine-to-five for three to four years. Moving into a van was more of a means to an end, giving me a way to eliminate rent entirely.

I have not necessarily been hoarding a bunch of cash while on the road, since I do not have a regular job and fund this life through a fluctuating Patreon and random gigs. But dropping rent meant that money could go straight toward travel, funding new journalism gear, humanitarian relief, aid, and the high cost of gas to get me out to the stories, which is crucial when your home on wheels gets ten to twelve miles to the gallon. In this stage of life, I am not overly tied down to anything, allowing my work to thrive in a new way through the freedom of living nomadically.

Peregrin my cat rides shotgun, and together we navigate the country one gravel road, one community gathering, and one unfolding story at a time.

The van is a 1995 GMC Rally STX. When I got it, it came with two 100 watt solar panels, a bed, a kitchen with a sink and running water, a small fridge, two ceiling fans, and storage under the bed, under the sink, and above your head on both sides of the van.

Since moving in, it has gone through pretty regular upgrades, repairs, and remodels. I have added shelving, extra storage, a collapsible desk, a mini mobile table, a rooftop deck, and other little accessories to make it more livable and usable. I have also upgraded my solar system from 200 to 400 watts, and currently run two 100Ah batteries, though I may upgrade again soon to a single 320Ah battery. I might completely gut it and do a full rebuild soon(ish), though to be fair, I have been saying that for over a year now.

Living this way makes a traditional stationary job impossible, so I rely on monthly Patreon donations to make this journey sustainable.

I’m inviting people who support this vision and my work to consider supporting my journey and the stories of Humanizing Through Story. You can become a monthly sustainer on PATREON (as little as a $3 a month, you can also join for free) or make a one-time donation HERE on my website Venmo: @jonstegena / CashApp: $yourstorymatters

WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I?

Back in Sep of 2021 I was a guest on Holly C. Priestley podcast. LISTEN HERE