The Big Five Family: Redefining Freedom Through Van Life

June 25, 2025

A Fire Truck Turned Family Camper: The Mercedes-Benz 917AF

Their journey began with a unique vehicle: a Mercedes-Benz 917AF, once a German fire truck, now a fully converted tiny home on wheels. With just 12 square meters of living space, this DIY camper conversion features a compact kitchen, sleeping bunks, storage solutions, and an off-grid setup designed for full-time family travel.

Since hitting the road, they’ve traveled over 70,000 kilometers across 16 countries, including Spain, Morocco, Georgia, Armenia, and the vast landscapes of North America.

Why They Chose to Leave It All Behind

On paper, they had the perfect life: a house, careers, and routine. But something was missing—freedom, time, and purpose. Robert recalls, “Life was passing by in a rush of stress. I needed to truly live, not just exist.”

For Kasia, the motivation was joyfully intentional: “We didn’t run away—we ran toward something. Toward sunrises in new places, toward learning as a family, toward a life without limits.”

What Van Life with Kids Really Looks Like

Living full-time in a camper with three boys might sound chaotic, but for The Big Five Family, it’s a daily adventure filled with purpose and presence.

They homeschool on the go—learning languages, geography, and problem-solving by living it.
They experience new cultures firsthand—from Armenian villages to Mexican deserts.
They find joy in simplicity—meals in their tiny kitchen, evenings under the stars, and stories told from the rooftop deck.

As Kasia puts it, “It’s not one long vacation. We work hard—creating content, running a brand, even making and selling jewelry. But it’s always worth it.”

Making It Work: How They Fund Full-Time Travel

“How do you afford this?” is the question they hear most.

Here’s how they make it work:

They downsized their life—selling their home and cars to become debt-free.
They monetize their journey through content creation, brand partnerships, and creative side businesses.
They prioritize experiences over things—choosing to invest in fuel, food, and memories instead of mortgages and material goods.

Robert shares a mindset shift: “Enough isn’t a number—it’s a way of thinking. The more we let go, the more freedom we’ve found.”

Are They Missing Out? Not at All.

Some wonder if their kids are “missing out” on traditional life. But their lived experience tells a different story:

Their children have explored more cultures than many adults.
They’ve developed resilience, independence, and a deep appreciation for the world.
And most importantly, they’ve built unshakable family bonds through shared experience.

Kasia sums it up beautifully: “Life isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about making every moment count.”