Introduction
When I first discovered Candice & Jeremy of Fair Winds RV, their story immediately intrigued me. Candice and Jeremy of Fair Winds RV immediately captivated me. Their platforms and conversations painted a vivid picture of life on the open road, revealing a transformative journey that resonated with my appreciation for exploration and unconventional living.
After Jeremy’s more than 20 years in the Navy and years of homeschooling their kids, they made the bold leap to full-time RV life.
While Jeremy had seen so much of the world during his military service, there was still so much of his own country they hadn’t explored together as a family.
Like many of us, the chaos of Covid and skyrocketing home prices sparked a ‘why not now?‘ moment. Within just two months, they sold their house, downsized nearly everything, and hit the road in their Grand Design Solitude fifth wheel.
Since then, they’ve built a life on the road, created a business to support other RVers, and found a sense of community they’d never imagined.
Their story is a reminder that it’s never too late to chase a new kind of adventure, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Table of Contents
The Leap: Trading Bricks for Wheels
Like many RVers, Jeremy and Candice had been dreaming of going full-time “someday.” But when Covid hit and house prices skyrocketed, someday turned into right now. The idea of waiting any longer just didn’t feel right, especially knowing that an entire country was left to explore.
In true go-getter style, they didn’t waste time: they contacted their realtor, listed and sold their house, and cleared out nearly everything they owned, all within two months.
With only a small storage unit left behind (mainly for keepsakes and a few things saved for future grandkids), they packed up their lives and moved into their Grand Design Solitude 375.
Trading in the stability of a house for the freedom of the road was a leap of faith, but one they’d never regret. It marked the beginning of a whole new chapter, combining adventure, family, and the opportunity to rediscover their backyard.
Finding the Perfect Rig
Like many RV families, they didn’t start their journey with the biggest or fanciest setup. Their first taste of RV life came with a Vintage Cruiser trailer, perfect for weekend trips and short getaways.
But once they decided to dive into full-time travel, they knew they’d need something more substantial, with dedicated living spaces, a spacious kitchen, and room to spread out.
After touring multiple fifth wheels, they fell in love with the solid build and welcoming design of the Grand Design Solitude 375. It offered separate kitchen and living areas, which they were craving, making it feel more like a true home on wheels.
After three years in the 375, they realized even more storage space would make life on the road easier, especially with their growing collection of tools and gear for their mobile RV service business. That led them to their current rig: the Solitude 390, complete with a rear kitchen and wrap-around underbelly storage that checked all their boxes.
They’ve also installed some incredible systems to protect and manage their rig, such as a RainPoint innovative water valve paired with Govee water sensors. Using Alexa routines, they can automatically shut off the water if they leave or if a leak is detected, getting alerts through the Govee app to keep everything safe and dry.
Their thorough teardown checklist is another lifesaver; each family member has their responsibilities, and they check in with each other to make sure nothing is missed before hitting the road.
It’s these smart upgrades, combined with experience, that have helped transform their RV into a comfortable, efficient, and safe full-time home.
The Places That Captured Their Hearts
The Fair Winds RV family have already covered some incredible ground in their years of travel, but mentioned a couple of destinations have truly stood out. Utah, with its majestic, almost otherworldly beauty, left a powerful impression on them.
The dramatic red rock landscapes, sweeping canyons, and national parks were unlike anything they’d ever seen, making it a place they can’t wait to revisit.
Michigan was another surprise, revealing an entirely different kind of beauty. With the lush forests, sparkling lakes, and charming small towns that it has to offer, Michigan can give anyone a whole new appreciation for the Midwest!
Looking ahead, their sights are set on heading back out west to explore Arizona, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, and Montana in greater depth. There’s still so much of the country left on their bucket list, and they’re determined to soak in every bit of it.
Life on the Road: Work, Balance, and Slow Travel
For Candice and Jeremy, the freedom of RV life has always been about flexibility, but over the years, they’ve learned that slowing down can be just as valuable as moving on to the next big adventure. These days, they prefer to stay in one place for at least a month at a time.
This not only gives them the chance to settle in and explore truly, but also supports their growing business, RoamStead Mobile RV Services, which offers mobile RV technician and inspection services to help other travelers stay on the road.
In addition to their business, they’ve found a rewarding way to share their knowledge by giving educational seminars at RV rallies. Topics like RV Electric 101 and Trip Planning have become their specialties, helping fellow RVers gain skills and confidence for life on the road.
By striking a balance between work, learning, and leisure, and giving themselves permission to take things at a slower pace, they have built a rhythm that feels sustainable, meaningful, and true to the spirit of full-time travel.
The Community and Connections
One of the greatest gifts of full-time RV life for their family has been the incredible community they’ve discovered on the road. From rally events to casual campground meetups, they’ve met countless people who have become lifelong friends.
Following the RV rally circuit has been a highlight of their travels, giving them opportunities to reconnect with familiar faces and make new connections along the way.
They especially enjoy sharing their knowledge through educational seminars at these events, helping others navigate RV life with greater confidence while building meaningful bonds in the process.
Whenever they can, they stay in touch with fellow travelers they’ve met, sometimes planning routes that allow them to cross paths again throughout the year.
Whether it’s spending a weekend near someone’s home base or running into each other at a rally, those friendships have become a vital part of what makes their RV journey so fulfilling.
Surprising Lessons and Insights
After four years of full-time RV living, Candice and Jeremy have discovered that they genuinely need far less “stuff” than they ever imagined.
Even now, they continue to find things to purge as their routines shift, their gear evolves, and their lifestyle becomes more streamlined. It’s a constant reminder that experiences matter more than possessions, and that simplicity can actually feel freeing.
They’ve also learned how powerful a sense of community can be, both through their involvement at Grand Design rallies and the countless friendships they’ve formed on the road.
Those connections have shown them that, no matter where they go, they can find support, encouragement, and people who understand this unique way of life.
Their journey has reshaped their goals and mindset, reminding them to slow down, stay open to change, and cherish the relationships and adventures that come with every mile they travel.
Advice for Future Full-Timers
If you’re thinking about going full-time, the Fair Winds RV family have one piece of advice: you can absolutely live with far less than you think. Downsizing feels intimidating at first, but once you’re on the road, you’ll find that “stuff” quickly takes a back seat to experiences, memories, and the freedom to move whenever you want.
They also encourage those transitioning from a home-based or career-driven life to give themselves plenty of grace.
Adjusting to a smaller living space, a new travel rhythm, and the unpredictability of life on the road takes time. Let go of the idea that you have to get it perfect; part of the magic is learning as you go.
And even four years later, they’re still editing what they carry with them, letting go of things they thought were must-haves (like a vinyl record collection) and replacing them with what better fits their lifestyle now.
Full-time RV living isn’t about perfection; it’s about growth, discovery, and the willingness to adapt.
Following Their Journey
If you’d like to keep up with Fair Winds RV as they continue to explore the country, you can find them here:
- Blog: Fair Winds RV
- YouTube: Fair Winds RV
- Facebook: Fair Winds RV Living the Journey
- Mobile Tech/Inspector Services: RoamStead Mobile RV Services (currently under construction)
Their story is a wonderful reminder that adventure is waiting just around the corner and that community, courage, and curiosity can take you further than you ever imagined.
Conclusion
Candice and Jeremy’s family journey is such an inspiring example of what’s possible when you trade “someday” for today. Their courage to leap into full-time RV living, downsizing, adapting, and finding a supportive community along the way shows how rich and rewarding this lifestyle can truly be.
If you’re dreaming about hitting the road yourself, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Full-Time RV Living for even more tips, resources, and inspiration to help you plan your own adventure.
