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Put Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) on your calendar if you’re a part of the nomadic community or considering embracing the lifestyle. This annual event connects nomads from all walks of life and helps to inform and educate them to help them have the best possible experience.
The nomadic community is incredible, and this event does a fantastic job of showcasing it.
Today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about Rubber Tramp Rendezvous and why it’s worth attending. Let’s get started.
About the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous
The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous started over a decade ago, toward the end of January. It brings thousands of nomads together each year and helps educate attendees on boondocking and living minimally while also building community. While the event’s target audience is newbies, it’s open to all types of nomads.
The event includes two classes per day and a break-out session over lunch. Like the nomadic life, the event is extremely casual, and guests can attend as many or as few of the events as they wish.
However, if they want to learn about safety, maintenance, and finding free camping locations, they’ll want to attend as many as possible.
While you could easily pay a couple of hundred dollars to attend an event like this, you won’t have to. This event is free, including 14 days of dispersed camping.
There’s no registration for the event; attendees can show up and be ready to learn and interact with other nomads.
Who Founded the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous?
The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous is the brain-child of Bob Wells and the Homes on Wheels Alliance (HOWA). The group aims to provide financial and social support to the nomadic community to prevent homelessness.
This event is just one of the many programs that HOWA offers. Bob Wells is the co-founder and president of the HOWA.
You probably recognize this name if you’ve been in the nomadic community for long. He’s been living the minimalist lifestyle since the ‘90s and inspired many people to embrace the nomadic lifestyle.
He runs his YouTube channel, Cheap RV Living, where he shares stories of fellow nomads and his adventures.
Where Is the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous Held?
The 2023 Rubber Tramp Rendezvous goes from Jan. 13-20 in Quartzsite, Ariz. The event occurs at the Quartzsite Town Park Baseball Field near the library.
Attendees will gather around in the outfield for all of the presentations.
What Happens at the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous?
You’ll have plenty to see and do during the event. Fill your schedule with all the official and unofficial happenings.
Let’s look at what you can expect to experience at RTR.
Classes
RTR offers some of the most knowledgeable individuals on various topics to help nomads. Classes offered include camp etiquette, road safety, basic vehicle maintenance, and even a presentation from Bob Wells on the philosophy of nomadic living.
However, many more classes will help all attendees grow their knowledge of nomadic living and make the most of the lifestyle.
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Activities
Another great thing about RTR is the list of activities that occur throughout the event.
One of the most popular activities is the Free Pile, an opportunity for nomads to share quality stuff they no longer need. You never know what you’ll find when you visit, as attendees constantly take and leave items.
Other activities include an art table, on-site sewing services, and food and drink vendors. However, many sporadic activities occur throughout the event.
Attendees are constantly finding things to do and inviting others to participate.
Community Building
Rubber Tramp Rendezvous provides attendees with many opportunities to connect with other nomads. Sitting around and sharing stories from adventures can make for an incredible time.
This is one aspect that many nomads love about RTR but many other events like it. The community connections made at this event can last for years. It’s a great opportunity to meet others and follow their adventures on social media.
Women’s RTR
While RTR is for everyone, HOWA also offers another event called Women’s RTR. This event occurs at the same location as Rubber Tramp Rendezvous but a week earlier, from Jan. 7-12.
This is a safe and inclusive event for women in the nomadic community.
It’s a great opportunity for females to network, share information, and develop key skills that make the nomadic life possible.
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Who Can Attend the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous?
The event is specifically designed for anyone who enjoys boondocking and calls a tent, van, or car home.
While the primary audience is individuals new to the lifestyle or those considering it, the event is open to everyone.
It’s an inclusive environment that welcomes anyone with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Attend the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous to See What All the Hype Is About
Don’t just take our word for it regarding Rubber Tramp Rendezvous; experience it for yourself. It’s an incredible opportunity to discover the nomadic lifestyle and meet like-minded individuals from all walks of life.
You’ll likely leave the event with knowledge and relationships that’ll help you to live life on the road as smoothly as possible. You never know when the skills you learned or the relationships you formed at RTR will come in handy.
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and add attending RTR to your future travel plans!
