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About

What Basically Nomads is All About:

I’m Devin, the guy behind Basically Nomads. What started as a personal journey—traveling the country, living in a self-built skoolie, and chasing adventure—has evolved into something much bigger. Along the way, I discovered a passion for building one-of-a-kind mobile tiny homes, not just for myself but for others who dream of life on the road.

But as I got deeper into this world, I saw something troubling: people getting scammed by shady builders who took advantage of the vanlife and skoolie boom. Too many people were left with half-finished, unsafe, or overpriced builds. That experience shifted my entire focus.

Now, Basically Nomads isn’t just about building skoolies—it’s about making sure no one else gets taken advantage of. Whether you’re looking for a full build, trustworthy recommendations, or guidance on your DIY project, I want to help you find the best path forward.

Why I Went Tiny:

The decision to go tiny wasn’t just about downsizing—it was about taking back control. I never liked the idea of the "American Dream" where you work your whole life to afford things that serve more as status symbols than tools for a meaningful life. The thought of spending decades in debt for a house that kept me tied down just didn’t sit right.

So instead of following the traditional path, I chose a different route—one where I could own my home outright, have the freedom to move wherever I wanted, and design a space that truly fit my life.

What started as a personal experiment turned into a lifelong passion. Now, I help others do the same—whether that’s through building custom tiny homes, offering guidance, or just showing people that yes, it’s possible to live life on your own terms.

 

What We Like About It:

Owning my home outright is hands-down the best part of going tiny. No mortgage, no rent—just freedom. Tiny homes cost a fraction of what a traditional house does, which means that instead of spending years paying off debt, I can put my money toward experiences, travel, and investing in my future.

Beyond the financial freedom, living tiny has completely changed the way I think about "stuff." When you only have 300 square feet, everything in your space has to serve a purpose. I don’t waste money on things I don’t need, and I don’t hold onto clutter "just in case." Living this way forces you to be intentional, and that simplicity has been a game-changer.

And of course—mobility. Being able to take my home wherever I go means that adventure is never out of reach. Whether it’s waking up in the mountains, by the ocean, or parked outside a new project site, my home goes wherever life takes me.

 

The Bus I've Called home for Over 6 Years: 

Bus Model: 2001 Bluebird tc3000 

Dimensions: 39ft by 8ft

Square footage: Roughly 300 sq ft

Year Built: Finished in 2018

This bus is where it all started. It was my first full skoolie build, and over the years, it has evolved alongside my skills. What began as a simple DIY project has transformed into a fully off-grid, high-tech home on wheels, constantly adapting as I refine my craftsmanship and discover new ways to improve tiny living.

Originally, the layout was designed around functionality and affordability, but as I gained more experience, I upgraded nearly every aspect of the build. Some of the key features include:

  • 2,000 watts of solar for complete off-grid capability
  • Gaming computer/home office setup built into a custom woodwork desk
  • Bunk beds for guests—because home should be shared
  • A tiled shower with a slight roof raise, giving it a more open feel
  • Double couches that transform into a bed, maximizing space without sacrificing comfort
  • A 100-gallon water tank to extend off-grid stays

This bus is a perfect example of what’s possible with time, patience, and a willingness to learn. It’s been a testing ground for new ideas and has helped shape how I approach every build that comes after it.

Whether it's refining the layout, upgrading materials, or improving off-grid efficiency, this build is a constant work in progress—a rolling representation of how my skills and style have evolved.

Advice for people wanting to go tiny:

Just pull the trigger. We constantly have people telling us that the wish the could do this. And my question is always, what’s stopping you? They never really know. The truth is that it’s a little scary to do anything outside the normal, but its very often one of the most rewarding things you can do. So, the best advice we could give is to overtake your fears. What’s the worst that could happen? One other tip would be not to accrue new debt while going tiny. It’s absolutely possible to go tiny with little to no debt. It may just take a little bit longer and thanks ok!

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