I love road trips! Wind in my hair, Willie Nelson”s “On The Road Again” cranked up on the radio, and nothing but miles and miles of road ahead leading to new adventures and great photography. I’ve found the perfect vehicle for my road trips – my trusty RoadTrek (Sort of goes well with my photography nickname – The Photo Trekker – doesn’t it?) I’ve traveled and photographed most of the Western United States in this unique vehicle. Lots of folks have stopped me while I’m on the road to ask about what I’m driving. And many of my photography buddy’s wonder how I handle my photography trips to the deserts and mountains. So let me take this opportunity to introduce you to my RoadTrek, my perfect road trippin’ vehicle.
The RoadTrek is officially classified as a Class B recreational vehicle. But for those of you who don’t know, it’s far from the giant gas guzzling vehicles that the term “recreational vehicle” or “RV” brings to mind. I picked up my RoadTrek used about five years ago. It’s a 1997 model and is only 19 feet long. Let me tell you, when I park next to one of those “big rigs” my little Trek looks like a minnow next to a whale! Built on a Dodge chasis, it packs a lot of action in a very small space. It drives comfortably which is good ‘cuz when I’m on the road I like to get there. Many times I I drive 10 to 12 hours in a day to get out my destination.
Once I’ve arrived at site, my RoadTrek transforms quickly from road vehicle to my home away from home. I’ve got all I need. A nice comfortable bed as well as my microwave and stove. There is a sink, toilet, and shower. I’ve got my DVD player and TV. I also have a furnace, water heater, and air conditioner. Of course everything is real small – but it’s all there and it’s more than enough for a small space. If I stay in a campground I hook up to external water and power. But the really neat thing is that this Trek has its own generator. I can go totally “off grid” and frequently do. I love to set up my own site away from everybody and everything on Bureau of Land Management land which is all over the Western U.S. http://www.blm.gov That is truly getting away from it all. It puts me in the right place for some great photography.
Speaking of photography, my Trek also works out great as my photo studio on the road. There is loads of storage so I can take all my gear – cameras, tripods, lenses, stands, reflectors – all the storage you need. And with on-board electricity I can recharge batteries without any problem and use my laptop and/or iPad to download and process images (and also keep in touch with friends on-line). I also carry a small printer for some on-site prints (very nice to give to friendly locals who have agreed to serve as models).
I’ve put a lot of miles on my Trek, met some great people, and made lots of great photos. I’m based out of Kansas City and with my Trek I’ve traveled from the “Going To The Sun Highway” in Glacier National Park, Montana on the Canadian border to El Paso, Texas and Nogales, Arizona on the Mexican border. I’ve photographed the California Coast, traveling the length of Highway 1 from north to south. The West is full of great open vistas and wonderful photography opportunities. Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado – my Roadtrek has done it all. It’s truly the ideal vehicle for my Road Trip Photography. !
Can’t wait ’til I get back on the road again. Maybe I’ll see you along the way. Until then – as always – Enjoy the Adventure
Dr.B, The Photo Trekker
(Disclosure – No, I have not been reimbursed by Roadtrek in any way for this review.)
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