Q&A with Wayfarer Wanderer – Rich Eaton

Wayfarer Vans –
Where are you from, Rich?

Rich –
Bennington, Nebraska.

WV –
Since owning your Wayfarer Van, where has been your favorite place you’ve gone?

Rich –
Eleven Mile Canyon in Lake George, Colorado… it had stunning scenery.

WV –
What was the first thing you learned when you took your Wayfarer Van out on its maiden voyage?

Rich –
The first thing I learned was how much quieter it was while driving, the kit really makes a difference that way.

WV –
What has been the biggest challenge while traveling in your Wayfarer Van and how have you overcome it?

Rich –
As I’m 6’7” tall I couldn’t get the driver’s seat back far enough with the kit installed. I have plans to remove half of the bench box, but until then I just leave it loose to accommodate me as I travel, then set it up when I reach my destination.

WV –
What has become the most essential item you keep in you’re Wayfarer Van?

Rich –
Right now my most essential item is my Orca 20 Cooler (like a Yeti), who was recommended to me by another Wayfarer Van owner Shanna, @averagewhitevan, thanks for the tip Shanna!

WV –
Do you have any big trips planned in your Wayfarer?

Rich –
The next trip I have planned is for the Ozark’s, then in the Fall I’m headed Southeast to the Smokies, then eventually down to Florida.

WV –
What has been the most memorable experience, or a pleasant surprise while traveling in your Wayfarer Van?

Rich –
After several short trial camping trips with my Wayfarer Van, I just did a full week fishing trip in far northeast Iowa, called the Driftless region. It’s called that because the glaciers missed that area, so it’s composed of towering rock cliffs, canyons and crystal clear, spring-fed trout streams. Many streams are located in Iowa Wildlife Management Areas, therefore it’s prime no-cost boon-docking. With a cooler of food, the Wayfarer kitchen boxes filled, and a sleeping bag, it was easy to fish and stay the night far from the crowds. Having a few of the components from the Wayfarer recommended list also made it easier to be self-sustained. Planning longer road trips now!

WV –
What is it that you love most about your Wayfarer Van?

Rich –
I now have a RV that I can drive for a daily vehicle, it gets really great gas mileage and it is relatively comfortable even for somebody my size.

WV –
Why did you choose a Wayfarer Van and what advice would you give to others?

Rich –
I had an awesome customized Silverado 4×4 that sat in the garage because I didn’t want to get it dirty and it only got 12 mpg. It was useless for camping although it was great for getting into back roads areas. I either wanted to get a pick-up topper or a van for camping. In doing some research for vans, I ran across the Wayfarer Vans’ YouTube channel. I was sold instantly, traded in my Silverado for my PMC, and ordered my Wayfarer kit. My advice to others…? Be careful… there is always something to buy to complement the van… coolers, lighting, sleeping bags, solar, ventilation, etc. Get out and use the van before you buy too much in order to decide what you need vs. want. (Oh, I had a single burner back pack propane stove. My Stansport 2 burner stove arrives today! A want, not a need!)

WV –
To check out more of Rich’ travels follow him on Instagram at @seniorvancamper.

Also, if you’re interested in visiting some of the cool places Rich has been so far we’ve included some links to these areas: Eleven Mile Canyon in Colorado and the Driftless region in Northeast Iowa.

Eleven Mile Canyon and State Park

Northeast Iowa RC&D