Cody and Ryan renovated their vintage Airstream trailer - lovingly called Silver Sausage - over years to create that perfect off-grid cozy and capable home that it is today. Their rig has all the luxuries you could think of (and some more) and we're honored to be part of their comfort with a Dwarf 3kw!
Who are you? Please introduce yourselves
My name is Cody and I live in Truckee, CA with my husband Ryan and our pup Mavis.
What did life look like before you moved off-grid/nomadic/tiny?
Actually, we moved BACK into the Sausage (1973 Airstream Sovereign 31’) after the current rebuild. We purchased it in 2010 and lived in it off and on between Upstate New York and Key West, FL while we chased summer for our stand up Paddleboard business.
When we found an apartment for the same rent as parking the airstream, we decided to store the old girl. I spent almost 5 years rebuilding it from the rubber up with the plan to live full time in the Sausage. Future goals include finding property of our own to build a cabin while living in the Sausage.
Tell us more about your space!
Some details in previous answer but we bought it in fairly rough but usable condition. Currently it is completely rebuilt and reimagined.
All the comforts of home including 32”tv, dvd + Starlink, stereo, oven/stove,12v 10cft fridge, espresso machine, dry head with a separate shower, bidet with heated water and seat (one of the most cherished morning additions), ac, diesel heater (backup and quick morning start) storage space ventilation fan, dehumidifier, 400ah lithium battery, 400 rooftop solar + 300 on the truck, last but certainly not least our 3k Dwarf Tiny Wood Stove.
Tell us about something you love about your space!
Comfortable, cozy and capable anywhere we park!
What are some improvements that you want to make to your space
Want to make? Pretty much already made all of the design improvements and happy with the result. I refuse to crunch numbers to get a total reno cost but as it was over 5 years, it didn’t break the bank. There are a few finish details that I need to button up but nothing critical.
What are the biggest challenges with this type of lifestyle? And what are the biggest benefits?
Finding our own land (especially in an area where we desire) to live in the Sausage as we wish. As far as RV life, the long term parks tend to not want wood stoves in our area.
As for benefits, it’s ours. When we spent time in Teton National Forest, we found the exact use/place/peace we dreamed about while renovating. We can comfortably take longer trips and feel more at home (obviously) when exploring.
What does a typical day look like and how did your routine change with changing your lifestyle?
Day to day is the same at this point. Dog, breakfast, work, dog, dinner, relax, sleep repeat. Our adventuring is certainly more frequent now though!
Tell us about your heat solution!
The dry heat and the ambience are exactly what we were lookin for. The only concerns we face now are space for a winters worth of wood and making sure the rv resort will allow our stove use.
What does your Tiny Wood Stove setup look like?
Sourcing wood up in the mountains isn’t too difficult. We have friends who manage properties and need fallen dried trees removed. Perfect! Storage is another matter. For now we cut 7-8” rounds and store them in the truck till we split for use. Yes, our secondary smear source is an oil electric radiator and our third source is a diesel heater. They all have their uses and optimal times of use.
Has your Tiny Wood Stove solved your heating problem?
Definitely fulfilled our expectations. Differently, it sure if chance anything. Thankfully, I had the time and resources as well as the Tiny Wood Stove support to work out the concept pretty well I think.
Finances can be a major crux for getting into this lifestyle. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to get started but overwhelmed by all the expenses?
Slow and steady. Understand it will cost much more time and money to renovate (with a solid finished product) than you may believe. Buying. New or newer won’t necessarily save you any money either. If you have the resources to do it right, you are your only limiting factor. Also, University of YouTube is fantastic, as long as you understand that there is great and terrible information out there but if they/we can do it, so can you!
What is one question you frequently get asked about your lifestyle?
Is it hard on your relationship living in a small space? Not at all. We have lived in small apartments and tiny houses together and after 18 years, we work well together.
Do you have kids? How are they adjusting to the new space?
No kids, one pup though. She likes the stability of having our home wherever we go.
Is there anything else you want to add?
Just wrapping up winter and will miss the stove this summer!
Interested in a small stove for your tiny space? Contact us on the form below and we can help you sort through all the details in getting the perfect stove and installation configuration for your unique space!
