I Traveled Cross Country Buying and Selling Campers for 7 Months With My Poodle. Here’s What I Learned.
- Trail South
- May 23
- 3 min read
Locations: Everywhere in the south and mid-west
Vibe: Grit, growth, and dog hair in the front seat
It started with one camper.
A $6,900 fifth wheel in South Carolina. Brake lights didn’t work. Tires were crusty. But Kala — my standard poodle, co-pilot, and road wife — hopped in like she knew it was ours.
From there, we hit the road. And just… kept going.
Over the next 7 months, we:
Traveled 24+ states
Stayed in campgrounds, parking lots, and more questionable hotels than I care to admit
Flipped campers in multiple states
Got Level 2 RVTI certified
Ate everything from gas station sushi (never again) to smoked brisket on a Mississippi porch
And learned more about America, the road, and life with a dog than I ever expected
🐾 Lesson #1: If You’re Not a Real Dog Person, Don’t Try This
I’m not talking about “Instagram dog parents. "I'm talking about:
Pulling over every few hours so your dog can pee on the same damn tree
Rationing water so they don’t explode in your truck seat
Skipping detours because your co-pilot needs a real walk
Picking up poop while you’re covered in axle grease
It’s not cute. It’s real .And unless you truly love your dog — like, ride-or-die, “I’ll change my trip for you” love — this lifestyle will break you.
The solution?
Embrace it.
Stop.
Force yourself to find a trail.
Let them sniff. Sit at a picnic table.
Do some laptop work.
Eat something good.
Watch them be a dog and stop always rushing.
🛻 Lesson #2: America Is Big, Cheap, and Full of Weirdos (My People)
People in California think they know the South.
But until you’ve:
Paid $2.60 for diesel
Bought 3 meals for under $15
Gotten lost and someone gave you home-canned peaches
Had a full political debate while getting your tires rotated...you don’t really get it.
It’s diverse.
It’s booming in weird little pockets. And it’s so much more friendly and open than West Coasters expect.
🌉 Lesson #3: Everyone in the South Hates California... Unless They’ve Been
I’ve seen it first-hand.
If someone went to San Francisco:
“I've never seen that many homeless people in my life. Gas was $7. A burger was $25. I’m out.”
But if they visited family in Morro Bay, hit the coastline, or did a wine country road trip?
“It was incredible. The views. The food. I get it now.”
Moral of the story:
Californians underestimate the South, and the South misjudges California. But meet in the middle — on the road, at a rest stop, under a shade tree with a leashed dog and a greasy map — and suddenly, the world gets smaller.
🧠 Final Lesson: The Road Changes You
I flipped trailers, installed a toilet with one hand while holding back a curious poodle with the other. I learned which towns are full of heart and which ones you should never stay overnight in.
But mostly?
I learned that slowing down, trusting the road, and sharing it with someone who can’t speak — but always understands — is the most freeing feeling in the world.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely. But I’d pack more tires, more dog treats, and maybe — just maybe — and take my time coming back.
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💬 Ever hit the road with a dog or a dream?
Tell us. If it’s funny, we’ll post it. If it’s tragic, we’ll make it funny and post it.
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