Full-Time RV Family: The Peeples’ Inspiring Road Life

What happens when a full-time RV family leaves behind the daily grind to chase freedom on four wheels?
In 2021, Ashley, Rob, and their three daughters traded their Ohio home for life on the road—transforming a one-year RV trip into a full-time lifestyle rooted in adventure, connection, and intention.

What began as a leap of faith has evolved into a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, meaningful encounters, and powerful lessons about what really matters.

In this interview, they open up about the highs and lows of full-time travel: homeschooling on the go, surviving mishaps in the desert, finding magic in national parks, and redefining success as a family.

Ready to be inspired? Climb aboard and discover what it really means to live with purpose—one mile at a time.

Life on the Road: How One Full-Time RV Family Found Freedom, Purpose, and Connection

Hi guys! Could you introduce yourselves to our readers? Where are you from, and how did your journey into van life begin?

We’re the Peeples family—Ashley, Rob, and our three adventurous daughters. We launched into full-time RV life in 2021, leaving our home in Ohio to chase freedom, connection, and curiosity across the country.

What started as a one-year road trip quickly turned into a lifestyle we fell in love with. We now travel full-time in a Brinkley Model G Toyhauler, partnering with brands we love and documenting our journey on social media at @Peeples and Places.

What inspired you to choose a nomadic lifestyle in a van, and how did you prepare for such a significant change?

We were craving something more than the typical routine. We wanted to spend more time together as a family, show our kids the world beyond their backyard, and live a life that aligned with our values.

Downsizing was the first big step—both physically and mentally. We sold most of our belongings and dove into research on RV life. But honestly, we learned the most once we hit the road—lots of trial and error!

Your website mentions your focus on intentional travel. What does that mean to you, and how do you incorporate it into your adventures?

To us, intentional travel means choosing quality over quantity. We love connecting with people, seeking out hidden gems, and prioritizing experiences that align with our values—like spending time in nature, learning U.S. history hands-on, or supporting small businesses. It’s not just about checking places off a list—it’s about creating meaningful memories.

As a family traveling full-time, what are the biggest challenges you’ve encountered, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating uncertainty—mechanical issues, travel delays, or just the daily logistics of life in a small space. We even experienced an RV accident that eventually totaled our rig. We’ve also had to adjust to being together 24/7, which brings both beautiful moments and growing pains.

Communication, flexibility, and a strong sense of humor have been key to overcoming those challenges. And when things go wrong (which they do), we remind ourselves: it’s part of the adventure.

How do you manage homeschooling and maintaining a sense of routine for your kids while living on the road?

We homeschool with a mix of curriculum and unschooling, leaning into the flexibility that roadschooling offers. History comes alive at national parks, and science is hands-on when we’re hiking, kayaking, or learning about ecosystems.

We try to keep a light routine—morning lessons, afternoons for exploring, and evenings together as a family. But we’ve learned to adapt based on where we are and what opportunities arise.

What has been your favorite destination so far, and what made it special for your family?

That’s such a hard one! But if we had to pick, Glacier National Park stands out. The views were jaw-dropping, and we spent two weeks off-grid with no cell service—just us, nature, and total peace. It was the reset we didn’t know we needed. That trip reminded us why we chose this life in the first place.

Planning and logistics are a big part of full-time RV family. How do you decide your next stop, and what tools or resources do you rely on?

We plan around weather (we try to follow 75°F), national parks, Thousand Trails memberships, and fun events across the country.

We use apps like Roadtrippers, Google Maps, and Harvest Hosts to find campgrounds or boondocking spots. But sometimes, the best stops are spontaneous detours based on a conversation with other nomads or a hidden gem we find on Instagram.

Can you share a memorable or funny story from your travels that captures the spirit of your full-time RV family?

In our first year on the road, we were pretty ambitious when it came to boondocking! We decided to camp at Lake Powell in Utah but accidentally took a wrong turn. We ended up stuck in the desert for about five hours in over 100°F heat. Needless to say, it was a big mistake—and a big life lesson! We had to get winched out!!

Your site also emphasizes connection and sustainability. How do these values influence your travel choices and daily life on the road?

We’re big on connection—to each other, to our community, and to the places we visit. We seek out local businesses, stay at campgrounds that care about conservation, and support causes we believe in.

Sustainability for us also means reducing waste and using natural wellness tools like doTERRA essential oils instead of relying on pharmaceuticals. Every small decision adds up.

What advice would you give to other families considering van life, especially those with young children?

Start with your “why.” This lifestyle isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you’re aligned on your reasons for doing it. Don’t wait until everything is perfectly planned—just start.

You’ll learn so much on the road. And don’t stress about having it all figured out—kids are more resilient than we think, and they’ll teach you as much as you teach them.

What are your future plans for Peeples and Places? Do you envision expanding your projects or exploring new formats to share your journey?

Yes, actually! We’ve recently partnered with Bish’s RV, and Rob—my husband—has become a Brinkley RV specialist. Our goal is to help as many families as possible get on the road by guiding them in choosing the perfect RV (Brinkley or not!).

We noticed that in the RV world, picking the right rig for full-time living can be overwhelming—especially if you’ve never owned one before. Rob is incredibly knowledgeable, given that we’ve lived full-time on the road for four years now and this is the fourth RV we’ve had.

He helps people think through pain points or common mistakes—many of which we’ve experienced ourselves—so they can avoid them. We share what we’ve learned so that others can start their own journeys with more confidence.

Thank You, Peeple Family!

Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your time and your inspiring journey with us.
Your story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to choose a life filled with purpose, adventure, and connection.

To keep up with the Peeples family’s travels, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments, be sure to follow them at:
🌍 web: www.peeplesandplaces.com
📸 Instagram: @peeples.and.places