Tramp - RTR

We have been seeing signs for this RTR Event in Quartzsite and had no idea what it was. While out exploring the landscape, we happened upon a man who was volunteering at it. He explained that it was an annual gathering for people that live a mobile lifestyle. The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) has been welcoming people to this gathering each year since 2011. It’s aim is to bring together experienced nomads who are willing to share their expertise with those that are starting out, helping them succeed. If you live in a car, van, bus, or motorhome, you are a nomad, or in terms from the 19th and early 20th century, a Tramp. It appears to be more geared towards people living in converted vans, or Class B or C RVs, but they accept anyone no matter the size.

I got to experience the event by tagging along with a few people today. It was a fun seminar where people in the audience got up in front, sharing their favorite gadgets with the crowd. The more interesting ones were solar cookers, driveway sensors, a folding walker with wire shelves that doubles as a table or stand, and watertight ice storage bags. Everyone seemed to enjoy the parade of devices. This was just one of many seminars they presented this week centered around community building, sharing resources, and learning about the nomadic lifestyle.

I think the more impressive part of this group is their Home on Wheels Alliance: a nonprofit organization that helps seniors, the working poor, and others dealing with homelessness use vehicles such as vans and buses as their home. They provide educational materials and support services to improve the lives of nomads, current and aspiring. I think it is a powerful way to help both people that are choosing this lifestyle (such as us), and those that have been forced out of traditional housing. It can change and improve people’s lives.

When they first started, they were building out vans as homes on wheels for people, but for insurance reasons they had to stop doing that. They have transitioned to a Build Your Own Vehicle (BYOV) program that helps those who own their vehicle but can’t afford the materials or the labor costs for a build. They have provided solar panels and power banks to help people manage without having to pay for electricity.

Some other laudable programs include an Emergency Fund that helps people with needs such as repairs to rigs, groceries due an unexpected cash short-fall, or gas funds to get to a job.

Their We Care Gift Program, started out by one donor, has given out small cash awards during the holidays to meet additional seasonal costs. They also provide cold weather gear like coats, gloves, and blankets for those that can’t otherwise afford them.

By sponsoring small gatherings (Caravans) at dispersed camping sites they encourage new people by having them camp with experienced nomads for up to 2 weeks. This gives them a chance to learn valuable skills.

They’ve organized clean-ups of public lands that have been littered with garbage and cast-off items like furniture and appliances. In one cleanup near Pahrump, Nevada, they filled the 30-yard dumpsters provided by the BLM office more than three times. Cleaning up trash is something we do quite often at campsites or along the road, although usually not to this scale. Reading about their endeavors reminded me to take a shopping bag with me on my walk today, filling it with litter I found along the roadway. It was a small dent in the trash problem, but every little bit helps.

Researching this organization has reminded me how one person can make a big difference for a lot of people. This all started with one man’s idea, and look what it has turned into. They help people survive in difficult economic situations and try to improve society as well as the earth. It inspires me to want to give more, help more, and care more. It also drives me to continue our practice of cleaning up litter. We would be open to new nomads following us for a week or two if it would ease the stress of starting out. It sounds more civilized and heartwarming when humanity helps each other when in need, wherever and whenever they could. I know I feel better and more alive when I do it.

Yesterday was a day for patience. We waited all day for Lynn’s new refrigerator to be delivered. They had set an appointment for 11 am, so Tom had everything ready for the install. After she called FedEx, they said it would be the next stop and would be there at 3:45. Finally, at 5:30 it arrived. The box had some damage, but that particular area looked okay once the box was off. However, the lower left trim was was damaged and bent out of shape. We hammered it back into position, wrestled the fridge into the back of the van and got it set in place. The setting needed a little adjusting this morning, but it is cooling great now. Today, I went to the RTR while Tom stayed with the dogs and got some things done around the RV. Exercising, going for a walk, and the blog rounded out the day.

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