Chet Hanks, Son of Tom Hanks, Lives in RV in Nashville Trailer Park

Key facts

• Chet Hanks, 35, is the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.
• He lives in a Jayco Eagle RV in a Nashville trailer park.
• He moved to Nashville to pursue a country music career with his band Something Out West.
• He appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on April 28.
• He performed at the Stagecoach country music festival with his bandmate Drew Arthur.
• Tom Hanks attended the Stagecoach performance and was seen dancing in the crowd.
• Chet Hanks owns a condo in Los Angeles but chose not to rent an apartment in Nashville.
• He previously stayed in rental homes and hotels before opting for the RV.

From Condo to Camper: Chet Hanks Embraces RV Life

Chet Hanks, the 35-year-old son of Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, has traded traditional housing for a Jayco Eagle RV in a Nashville trailer park. He made the move to Tennessee to focus on his country music career with his band Something Out West. "I didn't want to get an apartment because I literally just got a condo in L.A. and I furnished it," he explained on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on April 28. "I didn't want to do that again, and I didn't want to furnish it." Initially, Hanks stayed in rental homes and hotels, but the arrangement grew tiresome. After crashing in an Airstream during a trip to Northern California, he decided an RV was the ideal solution. "I just like having my own space," he said. "I got my kitchen. I got a walk-in shower—that's a big deal in trailers." The RV provides everything he needs, and he has found a welcoming community among his neighbors, who are mostly retirees. "I'm probably the youngest person in the trailer park by 30 or 40 years," he quipped, calling his neighbors "great people." He added, "It's all just retirees."

A New Chapter in Country Music

Hanks' relocation to Nashville has already yielded professional dividends. His band, Something Out West, recently performed at the Stagecoach country music festival, a major milestone for the group. The set, which included the song "You Better Run" performed with bandmate Drew Arthur, marked only their second performance ever. "It was a big deal," Hanks said. "It was only our second performance ever, so I'm trying to play catch-up. I was nervous." Videos circulating on social media showed Tom Hanks, 68, in the crowd, bopping along with other concertgoers. The elder Hanks is also father to Colin Hanks, 48, E.A. Hanks, 43, and Truman Hanks, 30. Chet's performance at Stagecoach represents a significant step forward in his musical ambitions.

The Decision to Downsize

Hanks' choice to live in an RV rather than a traditional apartment was driven by practicality and a desire for simplicity. He already owns a furnished condo in Los Angeles and did not want to replicate that expense in Nashville. "I didn't want to do that again," he reiterated. The RV lifestyle offers him autonomy and efficiency, with all essential amenities in a compact space. His experience contrasts with common stereotypes about trailer parks. Hanks has found the community to be supportive and friendly, largely composed of retirees. This environment has allowed him to focus on his music without the distractions of a conventional household setup.

Family Support and Public Attention

Tom Hanks' presence at the Stagecoach festival underscores the family's support for Chet's musical pursuits. The 68-year-old actor was seen enjoying the performance, blending in with the crowd. This public display of encouragement comes as Chet navigates his own career path, distinct from his father's legendary acting legacy. Chet Hanks has previously acted in projects such as the Netflix series Running Point, but his current focus is on music. His decision to live in an RV has drawn media attention, highlighting a unconventional lifestyle choice for someone from a famous family.

What Lies Ahead for Something Out West

With only two performances under their belt, Something Out West is in the early stages of building a following. The band's appearance at Stagecoach, a premier country music event, signals potential for growth. Hanks' commitment to Nashville and his RV lifestyle suggests he is investing in the local music scene. The future may bring more performances and possibly recorded material, though no specific plans have been announced. For now, Hanks appears content with his mobile home and the creative freedom it affords.

The bottom line

• Chet Hanks lives in a Jayco Eagle RV in a Nashville trailer park while pursuing country music.
• He owns a condo in Los Angeles but chose not to rent an apartment in Nashville.
• His band Something Out West performed at Stagecoach, their second show ever.
• Tom Hanks attended the performance and was seen dancing in the crowd.
• Hanks' neighbors are mostly retirees, and he appreciates the community.
• The RV provides him with a kitchen, walk-in shower, and his own space.