I quit my job to live in lorry with my hubby – yes, we bicker but we have a double bed, TV & air fryer, it’s all we need
A WOMAN quit her job to travel the US in a truck with her husband and despite bickering a lot, the pair wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mila Horton, 29, grew up dreaming of travelling the world – but until she met her now-husband, Jermaine, 31, she had never considered doing it in a truck and making it her home.
Now she’s able to be a ‘passenger princess’ as her husband drives nearly 500 miles a day delivering refrigerators.
In 2021, the pair decided to put their possessions into storage and ditch their home to transform the truck into their tiny home.
Mila, a content creator who documents their travels on TikToks, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, US, said: “Trucking wasn’t part of my plan – it was never a desire of mine.
“But I also never thought I’d be able to see nearly all 50 states in a year – so it’s been a dream come true.
“We still make sure we get out and do things – we always told ourselves we wouldn’t let it stop us having fun.
“A lot of people see us online and think our life is fake because it looks so fun – but it really is great.”
They’ve been to every state except for Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
They decorated the small living space in their truck so it’s cosy – with a rug, fairy lights, plants, wallpaper and personal photos – because it’s where they eat, sleep and relax.
They use truck stops to shower and exercise before sleeping in the cab on a built-in bed.
While Jermaine drives, Mila cooks for them – as they have a small kitchen space with an air fryer, electric skillet and instant pot on board.
The couple – who married in 2019 – spend every day together but say they still make time for dates and quality time.
Mila – a self-confessed “passenger princess” – said their unusual arrangement works for them and the best part is “seeing the country with the love of my life”.
Jermaine works for a flexible company so he gets to select which deliveries he does, and the company allows for a passenger – so Mila can stay on the road with him the whole time.
The pair have a full-sized double bed and TV in their cabin where they relax before bed each night.
We used to always shower together but there were days where I said ‘actually I need my own time and I want my own shower today.
Mila Horton
As they spend most of their days in very close quarters, Mila said at the start sometimes caused them to “bicker”.
But over time they have established an effective system to ensure they get space apart.
She said: “At the start it would be little petty things, misunderstandings, and bickering that went on too long.
“But we realised we would need our own space – sometimes I sit in the back while he drives playing his music and podcasts.
“We used to always shower together but there were days where I said ‘actually I need my own time and I want my own shower today’.
“We learned ways to find time for ourselves, so we can respect each others boundaries.
“When you’re together 24/7 you need strong communication and to have each others backs. So we work through arguments together.”
Jermaine and Mila met while she was working at an airport as an electric cart driver in 2017 – while Jermaine was working locally – and they began dating in 2018.
They moved in together then got married in July of 2019 – with him working 9-5 truck driving in the city doing short-distance journeys.
But both of them were keen to see more of the world, and in 2021 Jermaine suggested they pack up their home and live in a sleeper truck.
Mila agreed so Jermaine bought a Peterbilt 579 sleeper truck and in October 2021 they hit the road full-time.
Jermaine works for a refrigerated goods transportation company and typically travels interstate – meaning each journey can take several days.
So the couple live on the road, stopping at truck stops each night to shower and exercise before sleeping in the truck.
Most of the routes are interstates and back highways – long roads stretching miles across the country.
Throughout their days, while Jermaine drives, Mila cooks for them – from pot roast to mac and cheese and quesadillas – in their small kitchen.
She said: “I take on cooking and cleaning because Jermaine drives.
“I’ll typically be cooking while he’s driving so when he’s done for the day, the food is ready.
“It can be hard because the truck is moving and it’s very difficult to wash dishes while it’s moving too – but now I’ve got in the groove.”
Mila – who documents their travels on TikTok @coupledbythemiles – added a priority for them both is getting away from the truck to spend time together.
They “turn as many things as possible into a date” – such as scouting out restaurants at their rest stops and planning days out when Jermaine has a day off.
A lot of people say trucking isn’t fun but we put in effort to schedule things, go on dates and get out of the truck.
Mila Horton
Utah and California have been their highlights for this – and have had day trips such as to the beach and to a theme park.
The couple said trucking won’t be their life forever and have plans to settle down, buy a house and start a family when they’ve saved up enough.
But for now, they’re more than happy living on the road together.
Mila said: “A lot of people say trucking isn’t fun but we put in effort to schedule things, go on dates and get out of the truck.
“Living this way has brought us closer than ever and we’ve learnt so much about each other.
“The best thing about it is I get to see the country with the love of my life.
“I get to see what my husband does on a daily basis and it’s led me to develop a new respect for him and all truckers.”
Jermaine added: “I love the fact I get to travel – I always wanted to, and truck driving allowed me to do that.
“When I found out Mila wanted to go on the road, it was amazing.
“It does take a lot of effort because it’s a smaller space, and there was petty stuff at first because you’re on top of each other.
“But you have to learn to adapt and respect each other’s space when you need it.
Is it legal to live in a van?
IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.
However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.
There could also be restrictions on where you can park up to sleep in your van.
For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.
It could also be unsafe to stop in certain locations, particularly at night-time.
Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.