Current:Home > FinancePoinbank Exchange|Peek inside this retired couple's semitrailer turned into a permanent home -Capitatum
Poinbank Exchange|Peek inside this retired couple's semitrailer turned into a permanent home
Burley Garcia View
Date:2025-04-06 13:48:07
After fantasizing for more than 30 years of taking life on Poinbank Exchangethe road together, Clayton Balabanov and Teresa Davies turned their dreams into a tractor-trailer sized reality.
When it was finally time to plan the next chapter of life, which would come after their retirements, Balabanov began to look for the perfect golden years’ home. He came up short, failing to find the right fit for their grand vision: an environmentally friendly, cozy and spacious semi trailer that would last the rest of their lives.
Instead, they went with a 73-foot “blank canvas” and built a full-time home, fondly nicknamed “Nomad Monster,” to travel the continent.
The five-year project took up so much time, and Balabanov has wondered if he overcommitted to making it absolutely perfect, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. Balabanov, who had worked on one other trailer before, was responsible for the actual build while Davies handled the materials, they said.
Balabanov also posts videos about their travels online and has gained a significant Youtube following.
“When I do things, I like to do it right, which always takes a long time,” Balabanov said while laughing. "And, uh, perfectionists never finish anything.”
American Heartland Theme Park:Can a theme park on Route 66 become the Midwest's 'anchor tourist destination'?
Inside the Nomad Monster
The two finally moved into their uniquely tailored trailer, which includes a spiral staircase leading to the second floor, an office, modern kitchen, garage, "movie theater," bedroom, library, and bathroom (with a jacuzzi bathtub!), about a year ago. The induction stoves and most other appliances even run on solar power since the entire roof is covered in panels.
At this point, they say they’ve lost track of how much money has been put into the converted trailer, but estimated about $181,100 or 250,000 Canadian dollars. Balabanov bought the trailer on Ebay for an undisclosed amount. Balabanov owned a taxi company and sold it when he retired. Davies owned and ran a tea room with her sister.
“A lot of people look and ask questions and a lot of people stop to see into the trailer when we're on the road. We've given tours at rest stops and parking lots, so people are interested,” Davies said.
In July, they parked their trailer at a friend's house to work on some upgrades, repairs and renovations for the coming year.
Nomad life has a lot of ups, but some downsides include leaks in the roof, solar battery issues and melting wires.
“By the fall we'd be finished up and off we go again,” Balabanov said.
Despite waiting decades until retirement to make the move to mobile, mostly due to money, Balabanov advises people to live their lives the way they want to, if they can.
“Don't wait till the timing is right because it never will be,” he says. “If you wanna do it, do it now.” “You don't live forever, so, uh, get on the road, just do it.
Zillow Gone Wild:This church-turned-mansion breathes new life into former gathering space
veryGood! (1)
Related
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Tia Mowry Sets the Record Straight on Relationship With Sister Tamera Mowry
- As search for Helene’s victims drags into second week, sheriff says rescuers ‘will not rest’
- Micah Parsons injury update: When will Cowboys star pass rusher return?
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Biden’s student loan cancellation free to move forward as court order expires
- Ron Hale, retired 'General Hospital' soap opera star, dies at 78
- NYC accelerates school leadership change as investigations swirl around mayor’s indictment
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Why Zendaya Hasn’t Watched Dancing With the Stars Since Appearing on the Show
Ranking
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Ex-Houston officer rushed away in an ambulance during sentencing at double-murder trial
- Get 30 Rings for $8.99, Plus More Early Amazon Prime Day 2024 Jewelry Deals for 68% Off
- International fiesta fills New Mexico’s sky with colorful hot air balloons
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Drew Barrymore Details Sexiest Kiss With Chloë Sevigny
- Senators ask Justice Department to take tougher action against Boeing executives over safety issues
- Brandon Nimmo found out his grandmother died before Mets' dramatic win
Recommendation
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Greening of Antarctica is Another Sign of Significant Climate Shift on the Frozen Continent
Ex-Houston officer rushed away in an ambulance during sentencing at double-murder trial
Why Andrew Garfield Doesn't Think He Wants Kids
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: What to know about new Nintendo Switch game
Welcome to the 'scEras Tour!' Famous New Orleans Skeleton House adopts Taylor Swift theme
Supreme Court to weigh a Texas death row case after halting execution