How Did I Get Here

I purchased a RAM pickup and an Oliver Elite II travel trailer in October, 2015, retired on December 31, 2015, and left on my first lengthy camping trip on January 22, 2016. I traveled for about size weeks and explored what has become one of my favorite destinations, Big Bend National Park, for a couple of weeks before continuing my journey along the border with Mexico in New Mexico and Arizona. This became an annual tradition that always includes visits to Marfa, Texas, Big Bend National Park, Patagonia and Ajo in Arizona and many other wonderful places. I traveled with the Oliver for 4 years and decided I wanted a camper that was designed to conquer more rugged terrain. That led me to purchase the aptly named South African camper, the Conqueror! I gave up a lot in this transition: a kitchen, toilet, shower, a fixed bed, etc. After one month-long trip, I decided the Conqueror was not what a 70-year old traveler needed. That led me to the purchase of a 2021 Kimberley T3 Kruiser that was manufactured in Australia. It arrived at the port in Baltimore, and I picked it up in Ohio in January, 2022 and immediately left for my winter camping trip. The T3 is aptly nicknamed the "King of the Off-Road". It is a very capable and rugged camper with incredible creature comforts. I have enjoyed the T3 immensely, but I decided that at my age, I needed a smaller RV. The RAM 2500 diesel pickup and T3 had an overall length of 45 feet and as I anticipated my desire to continue to lead this lifestyle into my 80's, I began to explore having a Sprinter van custom built. I began my research in June, 2025, and the owner of Dicot Designs delivered Mesa to me in Iowa on January 22, 2026.