Gills on Wheels: RV Living with Shane & Patty
From suburban & military life to full-time travel across America
Shane and Patty Gill share their journey of embracing life on the road through Gills on Wheels. After raising a family and living in a large home in Texas, they chose to simplify, downsize, and explore the country in an RV. Their blog, videos, and social media channels showcase the realities of RV life, from campground reviews to downsizing tips and the practicalities of managing daily living in a few hundred square feet. Their story resonates with empty-nesters and anyone seeking freedom through mobility.
At-a-Glance:
Web Name: Gills on Wheels
Name: Shane & Patty Gill
Generation: Gen X
FI Status: Financially secure via military pension, seasonal work, and content creation
Travel Type: Full-time RV living
Travel Regions: United States, with a focus on Alaska and seasonal travel through southern states
Media Platforms: Website, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Linktree
Backstory:
Shane served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, which brought a life of frequent relocations and adaptability. Patty dedicated much of her time to raising their two sons while managing family life during Shane’s deployments. Once their children became adults, the Gills began to feel the pull of travel again. Their first steps into RV life began with a 42-foot fifth wheel, which quickly shifted from weekend trips to a more permanent lifestyle. Selling their 3,500 sq ft home in San Antonio marked a turning point: they chose to live with less, in order to gain more freedom.
The Shift:
What began as a recreational pastime evolved into a full-time way of life. They spent 4.5 years in the fifth wheel, learning the ins and outs of RV living, before moving to a truck camper for two years. In 2025, they transitioned to a Jayco Eagle 28CRT fifth wheel, balancing comfort with mobility. This change reflects their desire to explore at their own pace while staying connected to the RV community and documenting their travels online.
How They Made It Work:
Shane and Patty fund their lifestyle through a combination of income sources. Shane’s Air Force pension provides a stable base, while Patty works as an online English teacher and manages content creation for RV brands and campgrounds. They also take on workamping, temporary seasonal work at campsites, which helps offset expenses. Collaborations with companies such as Camco and RVLock have grown from their authentic gear reviews and tutorials, turning their lifestyle into a sustainable model.
Where They Travel & Why:
The Gills travel extensively throughout the U.S., often following seasonal weather. They have set a goal to visit all 50 states within five years, with Alaska standing out as a highlight of their journey. Their travel plans are guided by a love of scenic landscapes, national parks, and the freedom of exploring new places without being tied to one location. They share detailed campground reviews and travel insights to help others plan their own routes.
Challenges & Real Talk:
Their blog is open about the challenges of RV life. Downsizing from a spacious house to an RV required a major adjustment, both emotionally and practically. Mechanical repairs, weather extremes, and internet connectivity can pose difficulties on the road. Content creation adds additional demands, with the need to balance travel and work. The Gills emphasise that RV living is rewarding but requires problem-solving and adaptability.
What Keeps Them Going:
Shane and Patty are motivated by the independence of waking up in a new place and living on their own terms. Shane enjoys the technical aspects of maintaining their RV, while Patty thrives on connecting with their audience through storytelling. For them, RV life is not about escaping but about designing a life filled with experiences rather than possessions.
Advice to Readers:
Their website and videos focus on sharing real experiences rather than prescriptive advice. They publish detailed guides on creating functional RV workspaces, managing moisture and power, and selecting essential gear for the road. By sharing what they have learned, they enable readers to adapt these insights to their own circumstances.
Links to More:
Web: Website
YouTube: YouTube
Instagram: Instagram
Facebook: Facebook
TikTok: TikTok
Disclaimer: Income, income streams and financial independence details & status are drawn exclusively from publicly available sources. No inference, harm, or misrepresentation is intended toward any individual or entity.
