New Truck, New Home Behind The Scenes Episode: 01
A lot of people wanted more than just the video — so here’s the real story behind Episode 01: from deciding on the Moonlander to the decision to live out of it.
The Build That Changes Everything
When I committed to living full-time on the road, I knew the truck had to stay simple, tough, and adaptable enough to handle thousands of miles — and me calling it home every day.
So I didn’t just pick a camper — I made the bigger choice to build my life around it.
The Radica Moonlander nailed it: a lightweight aluminum shell that’s wildly adaptable and built to handle years of backcountry use. Bed mode, couch mode, stow mode — it flips between all three without tools, turning my short-bed Frontier into a rolling cabin that feels like home anywhere.
No frills. No pop-outs to tear or leak. Just a purpose-built aluminum shell and an interior that works as hard as I do.
I drove all the way out to Radica’s Denver HQ to have the Moonlander installed by the team who built it — including a Renogy solar system mounted and wired on-site. After the install, I didn’t point it back to Phoenix just yet — I turned toward the mountains for a proper test run.
To reach my first campsite, I drove up and over Cottonwood Pass, testing everything on steep grades and dirt roads. I spent my first night living out of the truck at Taylor Reservoir, high in the Colorado backcountry. From there, I dropped south and returned to Phoenix, where River Outdoors finished what Radica started: suspension, tires, awning, electrical fine-tuning, and all the custom systems that would make living in this truck possible.
Once that drill went through my bed, I knew there was no turning back.
What’s On the Truck
This build isn’t about bolting on flashy gear — it’s about picking pieces that do real work every day. Light, practical, and ready for life off the grid.
Here’s what’s on the truck so far:
Radica Moonlander X: Lightweight aluminum, simple, wildly adaptable, a full queen sized bed, couch and over cab storage.
Renogy Solar System: Mounted and installed by Radica for dependable off-grid power.
EcoFlow River 2 Pro: Runs the camper’s interior systems.
Goal Zero Yeti 700: Backup power in the cab for work and charging.
Anker EverFrost 2: The fridge, easy to reach through the passenger rear door.
OVS XD 270° Awning: Quick shade and rain cover for the tailgate and fridge area.
DECKED Drawer System: One big drawer for tools and daily-use gear, plus open storage behind it.
Dobinsons Leaf Springs + Eibach Suspension Lift: Handles the extra weight and smooths out rough trails.
Falken Wildpeak AT4W Tires (285/70R17) + 1” Z1 Spacers: Ready for pavement, mud, and back roads.
Radica built the camper; River Outdoors keeps everything else functional as I dial it in for daily life on the road.
Where It Went First
After Radica finished the Moonlander and solar install in Denver, I crossed Cottonwood Pass for my first true mountain pass run, then spent the first night at Taylor Reservoir — my first real night calling this truck home. After the Colorado shakedown, I dropped back to Phoenix so River Outdoors could finish the job: suspension, tires, awning, final wiring, and the custom systems that would make living in this truck possible.
In Episode 01, you’ll see:
The Moonlander install at Radica in Denver
That moment when the drill committed my bed for good
Crossing Cottonwood Pass
First night at Taylor Reservoir
The first real miles of what’s now my rolling address: somewhere down a dirt road
The route:
Phoenix → Denver for the install → over Cottonwood Pass → Taylor Reservoir → back to Phoenix for River Outdoors → next stop: Mammoth Lakes, CA (Episode 02).
A full route map, favorite camps, and a detailed build sheet are coming soon.
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just an install — it was crossing the line between dreaming about road life and actually living it.
If the Moonlander and this setup can handle high passes, rough trailheads, and daily life for months on end, it can handle whatever comes next.
Episode 02 picks up at Mammoth Lakes — the first real taste of life on the road with the new suspension and tires dialed in.
Watch the Episode
Haven’t watched yet? Catch Episode 01: New Truck, New Home on YouTube — and subscribe if you want to see how far this road really goes. The more people following along, the more stories I get to chase down.
Links & Next Steps
Radica Moonlander → Check it out
River Outdoors → See more
Gear List & Build Sheet → Coming soon
Full Route Map → Coming soon
Stay Wild
This Way Wild is about stripping life back to what matters: one truck, an open road, and the kind of stories you don’t find sitting at home. Glad you’re here for it.
Learn more, dive deeper: www.thiswaywild.com