Paul Jackman, a factory worker from Lincolnshire, East Midlands, in England, has found his home in Milly, an old ex-military truck that has been transformed into the ultimate caravan. Milly’s conversion was completed in the spring of 2020, just before the world was hit by the health crisis. Since then, Milly has been Paul’s permanent residence and has traveled across the country.
In a recent episode of Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild on Channel 5, Paul, along with other members of the vanlife community, discussed topics such as parking, overnight stays, and how the locals react to Milly’s presence. Paul emphasized that his current lifestyle was a result of his divorce in 2015 and the financial constraints he faced. He couldn’t afford to buy another house while also paying child support.
Prior to living in Milly, Paul had experience living an unconventional life. He started by living in a van on weekends and then moved into a narrowboat. However, his two boys found the narrowboat too slow, prompting Paul to switch to the DAF truck. The 30-year-old military vehicle, which he named Milly, is 8 meters long and 2.4 meters wide. Paul purchased the truck for £6,000 and invested an additional £50,000 for its conversion by professionals at LGF Commercials in Oldham.
The conversion resulted in a fully custom rig that allows Paul to live off-grid for up to a month. Milly is equipped with solar panels, a generator, and a 200-liter fuel tank. Paul plans his food supplies in advance and freezes them to have on the road. He prefers to park in free spots but never stays in one place for more than two nights to avoid upsetting the locals.
When it comes to emptying waste tanks or refilling water, Paul stops at camping sites, where he is charged £5 to £10 for the service. He tries to avoid staying overnight at these sites as prices usually start at £30 per night.
Meet Milly, the ultimate adventure companion for Paul and his two boys. This rugged truck can sleep up to four people and even has a “guard dog” mascot named Roxy. With a comfy king-size bed and a convertible dinette, there’s plenty of space and privacy for their weekend-long escapades.
But don’t let Milly’s tough exterior fool you. Inside, she’s equipped with all the modern comforts of home. From central heating and WiFi to a washing machine and fully stocked kitchen, this van has it all. There are even a couple of TV sets, a shower, and a toilet. And of course, a coffee station because who can live without a good cup of joe?
Milly also offers ample storage, both inside and outside, making it easy to bring along all the essentials. There’s even a terrace on top of the driver’s cabin and a bike rack at the rear. When Paul isn’t using Milly for family adventures, he volunteers as a search and rescue driver, challenging the stereotypes often associated with vanlifers.
Paul and Milly prove that not all vanlifers are bored youths looking for an easy way to make money. They are the epitome of ordinary people living extraordinary lives. As long as his health allows, Paul plans on continuing his vanlife journey, defying expectations and embracing the freedom of the open road.
