In these strange times, this might be your best bet for an off-the-grid luxe vacation.
When the pandemic hit, millions left American cities for less crowded, less expensive suburbs and smaller towns. It was called the death of the city, but that’s not how it ultimately panned out. Big cities lit up again as offices opened up and people moved back in. Now the rents are much higher, not just in New York and L.A. but also all across the country. The housing shortage in the U.S. has disrupted the lives of buyers, too—prices have gone up more than 30% in the last few years.
It doesn’t stop there. With rising inflation and skyrocketing gas prices, Americans are paying higher utility bills. In New York, 1.3 million households are at least two months behind on utility bills, according to The Guardian, and the energy debts will increase over the next months as consumption goes up in winter.
And don’t forget that climate change is raging, and we’re all constantly struggling with some new chaos—new viruses, wildfires, floods, heatwaves, droughts, and hurricanes. Natural disasters lead to power crises and blackouts that are demanding hefty charges and still depleting natural resources.
So it makes sense that people are going off the grid to manage the myriad risks of modern living. The New York Times highlighted how Californians are making the switch, but people in different parts of the world are taking the self-sustainable route.
Living Off-The-Grid
Not being connected to government electricity and water supply form the basis of this kind of lifestyle, but going off-grid doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some build homes that produce their own electricity and depend on rainwater harvesting or wells. Others use RVs or even a yurt. And you will find many who are also disconnecting from technology (though those who work remotely can’t afford to do that).
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As charming as it may seem to switch off from the world, it’s a hardship to let go of the comforts, especially if you’re also growing your own food and managing multiple challenges yourself. That’s why there are also communities of off-gridders who share the experience and the burden.
Related: Try Living Off the Grid in These 11 Communities
There have always been people who have lived off the land, but the number is growing. Over the past decade, the cost of solar panels has dropped significantly. The pandemic has also renewed interest in this sustainable lifestyle that eases the burden on the land, and with government policies (like the recently passed Inflation Reduction Bill), it is becoming achievable.
For those worried about their carbon footprint and dreaming of a scene where they don’t have to depend on an inconsistent electric grid (that goes out fast when an emergency strikes), there are options other than building a sustainable home.
This solution is worth $340,000!
Enter: Living Vehicle
RVs became the way to travel during the pandemic. So, updates were expected. This is where Living Vehicle wheels in.
The 2023 Living Vehicle defines itself as a luxury travel trailer. This energy-independent camper features a queen-size bedroom suite that can turn into an office, a fancy “spa bathroom” with anti-fog shower and bidet, a deck, and a lounge and kitchen area. There are options to customize this trailer with a bunk bed, an Apple suite, or a home theatre in the bedroom ($340,000 is the starting price). Buyers can also opt for a dishwasher, washer and dryer, and vacuum, and there is an option to enhance its air conditioning and heating capabilities.
By far, the most distinctive feature of this trailer is its ability to produce water out of thin air. Living Vehicle comes with the Watergen System, which takes moisture from the air to produce drinkable water—up to five gallons every day. It’s the first mobile home or RV to have an atmospheric water generator, designed for the purpose of reducing dependency on campground resources. This can truly allow you to live off-grid.
For electricity, there are solar panels on the roof that produce 1.4-3.4 kW of power every day. Lithium storage of 14.4-57.6 kWh and 5-20 kW of inverter power means you won’t face blackouts living or traveling in this vehicle.
With three different models, Core, Max, Pro, and Pro EV, you can choose what fits your living style and get customizations. The cost can shoot beyond $500,000, and you will need a full-size truck to take this trailer for a ride. Once you order yours, it will take 10-12 months for you to get your hands on it, but you can also buy a pre-owned vehicle.
This is an energy-efficient solution if you’re worried about climate change and rising costs, but you will still have a carbon footprint. (The Slate has published a great article to understand if off-grid living can be sustainable and how.)
So, grab your bug-out bag and relax in the ultimate survivalist’s vacation home.