I split from my fiancée & sold my belongings to live off-grid in a camper truck – but it feels like I’ve hit the jackpot
A MAN is travelling from the UK to Australia in his truck - and says it is his "salvation" after hitting the jackpot two weeks into his journey.
Bobby Bolton, 31, from Wigan, made the bold move to jump into life on the road after his 11 year relationship broke down.
He left behind a stable paycheck from construction and architecture businesses before things came to a halt.
Not knowing what he wanted to do with his career, Bobby realised the only thing he wished to avoid was a "ball and chain" dragging him down.
Now, he is eager to travel the world with his adorable pooch Red.
"The truck has not only given me a new purpose but it's been my salvation," Bobby told Livernation on YouTube.
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"Ending an 11 year relationship sucks.
"I wanted to find my purpose, I didn't want to be in the rat race for no reason, worrying about paying the bills, it's not what life is about."
He gave a tour around his 18 tonne, four-wheel-drive, "boujie apartment on wheels", which used to be a bowser truck.
There's plenty of outside storage boxes as well as an awning, slide out BBQ and outside shower - powered by a £60 eBay boiler.
To help with security measures, Bobby installed lots of lighting around the outside to make it shine "like a football stadium" if needed.
"The truck feels more secure than a van, this feels like a vault I could be driving for the rest of my life, it feels sustainable which gives me happiness," said Bobby.
"I turned it around to this in six weeks flat out, non-stop working."
It also boasts just under 1,000 watts of solar, which can power air con and other necessary amenities inside.
Bobby spent around £35,000 to £40,000 on the truck, but claimed it was worth it.
Inside, the camper is cosy and stylish, a stark contrast to the meaner looking exterior.
There's a proper shower similar to that you would find in a regular house, as well as a waterless toilet.
Bobby enjoys the home comforts of a fridge freezer, and working kitchen with a two ring hob and large sink.
For convenience, there's overhead locker storage all the way around the truck.
Meanwhile, a generously sized seating area can be used to eat meals around - and it turns into a spare bed.
Bobby has a double bed for himself, and plenty of charging points available.
Under the cosy bed is a little "dog cave" where Red sleeps.
"Don't say 'one day', do it now," urged Bobby to others who are considering making a similar lifestyle change.
Bobby is sharing his travels on social media, under the handle @one.life.truck.it.
JACKPOT
After arriving in France just two weeks into his journey to Australia, Bobby actually found two more companions.
He met Marie Deleval, 28, who dropped everything to join the vanlifer with her dog Rubia.
The loved-up pair have now travelled 14 countries so far and plan to hit 30.
Fans hailed Bobby for his jump into life on the road, one wrote: "Love his enthusiasm.
"Doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s all part of the story. Rock on buddy. May you run out of miles before you run out of smiles."
"What an absolute inspiration. Love his go with it attitude - so refreshing," penned another.
A third added: "A prime example of turning a negative into a positive what a top bloke."
"Good for you mate. Good luck to you and Red on your travels," posted someone else.
It comes as plenty of other people are joining Bobby in vanlife.
One couple were fed up with the rat race of their "mundane" lives so packed up everything into a tiny home on wheels.
Dave and Emily felt disillusioned with the monotonous routine of waking up early, stressing about work, and skyrocketing bills.
Some Brits are embarking on the same journey to save money on bills as the cost of living sees millions across the nation struggle.
A man who made the bold move said he loves the freedom of going off-grid - and escaping the cost of living crisis.
Paul, aka, The Off Grid Nomad, was fed up being left with just £100 to play with at the end of every month amid soaring bills.
The proud "lorry life" community member now travels across the British countryside in his ex-military converted truck.
Meanwhile, another couple converted an old van into their dream tiny home on wheels.
Tom and Iz, known as the Lost in Transit duo on social media, share what life is like living on the road.
Another woman revealed she lives in a van and absolutely loves it because she can travel and save money.
Meanwhile one vanlifer opened up on how easy and care-free his life is while living full-time in a converted camper.
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Posting on TikTok, Richard (@indi_van_a_jones) revealed what his day-to-day life is like while living in a 2019 Volkswagen Crafter.
Plus, a family of four had the same idea and ditched everything to live in a van.
