Eastern America Nomad Network

IMHO, YMMW, I am not your group admin... but:

For online community to thrive, it needs to be discoverable online (findable by google search) - which private gogle group is not, by definition.

Also, 90% of people will be lurkers, at least at firsts, and for those registrations with opaque vetting proces is a serious red flag and not worth the time.

Best would be to have open subforum here (where the eyeballs are), and also private google group for private info, like campouts, if it makes sense and cannot be shared in the open. Promote the link there in your forum signature.

I recall at least one mailing list for east coast vandwellers with free campouts on public lands/state forests.

Seems there was momentum from Bob and HOWA toward expanding their reach to the eastern states shortly before COVID hit. I remember discussion about buying a large tract of land for an RTR east back then (2018-2019). Does anyone remember that discussion? I think Missouri was mentioned. I'm trying to remember if that was Bob and HOWA involved.

Also, nature lover mentioned something about a meeting in Florida he missed. Was that involving HOWA, nature lover?

Anyway, everything was put on hold due to COVID. I'm bringing this up, because I think there are many (myself included) who would benefit from (and participate in) a van build closer to where those in the Midwest and East live. That said, I feel a little self-serving for mentioning it. Especially since I can't fix much of anything.

I've never been to a build, so I don't know what positions are needed for volunteers. I've watched videos and noticed that people sew. What other "jobs" are there?

Does anyone else think there would be much interest in a van build in the east?

Carla618 said:

I think there are many (myself included) who would benefit from (and participate in) a van build closer to where those in the Midwest and East live. That said, I feel a little self-serving for mentioning it. Especially since I can't fix much of anything.

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Carla618 said:

Does anyone else think there would be much interest in a van build in the east?

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I would attend a van gathering to meet folks and giving back always feels good...

Watching YouTube videos can make it seem like one needs $150k or the skillset of a master carpenter in order to participate in #vanlife. That's unfortunate, because doing a van build doesn't require construction skills or a big budget. Just design simple systems and build to the best of your ability. Spend the minimum amount of time and money needed to get an acceptable result. Then hit the road. Modify as your wants, budget, time and skill allow.

keebler said:

years ago i wanted to go a rebuild . just wanted to have power for fridge. gonna be a week there. organizer said NO. they had power at sight. but NOT for helpers.. i told guy. im NOT coming to help.. whole thing collapsed i was told.,oh well.
have a great weekend. finally the sun is shining.
keebler in Va.

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I've wanted to attend them, too. Just couldn't afford to travel that far and/or my truck needed work. Both times. Same with RTR. Just couldn't manage to make it.

I wonder why they couldn't help you with power. I'm guessing that was not a CRVL build.

Wish the sun would return to Illinois

I live in Kentucky and I'm a newbie!! So far I've camped a week about 30 miles from home because I wanted the kids to help get me set up. I have a little Coachman rv and would love to camp with people who already know what the hell they're doing!! lol I know how to camp just clueless about RV's. It would have been nice to join this East group but I don't have a google email acct and I'm not tech savvy. I remember Bob talking about having an East group sometime and was wanting someone to start it up. Good Luck, I hope this group flies big and broad!! Have Fun & Save Travels Everyone!!

afblangley said:

Watching YouTube videos can make it seem like one needs $150k or the skillset of a master carpenter in order to participate in #vanlife.

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That's how I ended up with a topper from a junk yard. I finally realized I was trying to plan something I couldn't afford (on disability). Even after managing to buy a decent (enough) TC a couple years ago, there were expenses I couldn't afford after the purchase. Proper tie downs, for one. So I drove using ratchet straps. Now I have a topper and even it has issues I have to face. But they are less costly than those with the TC.

moderator “Southbound” told me the other day that a subforum here for Eastern nomads is under consideration by the moderators, per my request last week.

I asked her to let me know once a decision has been made.

sparkinprogress said:

I have a little Coachman rv and would love to camp with people who already know what the hell they're doing!! lol I know how to camp just clueless about RV's.

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That is how I felt when I bought my TC. I also know how to camp and how to make do with very little. It's the mechanical stuff that I have problems with.

Carla618 said:

That is how I felt when I bought my TC. I also know how to camp and how to make do with very little. It's the mechanical stuff that I have problems with.

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That is the number one compliant I have about my 7 year old Class A. And that is the primary reason I went the DIY route with my van. If it breaks I know how to fix it because I built it.

WanderingRose said:

moderator “Southbound” told me the other day that a subforum here for Eastern nomads is under consideration by the moderators, per my request last week.

I asked her to let me know once a decision has been made.

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I'd like to join if that's approved. I currently live in Nashville, TN and am looking to go full time sometime in the next 8-12 months.

There will be no ”joining”, it will just be a subforum here where threads on nomad travel East of the Mississippi will reside.

Terriffic! Great to have this subforum. Thank you.

Well, we don’t have a subforum yet.

But, there is this thread.

WanderingRose said:

moderator “Southbound” told me the other day that a subforum here for Eastern nomads is under consideration by the moderators, per my request last week.

I asked her to let me know once a decision has been made.

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That's good to hear that the Admin/Mod's are enhancing the forum. Hopefully they do more improvements like private sections actually being private.

I am/was worried the form would be used for $$$ generation only and never be improved.

I think the East coast has been largely ignored in Van life and it has a lot to offer.

Any news on the subforum? I'd love to connect in anyway possible.

It hasn’t appeared here, and I haven’t heard anything, so it may well not happen.

But, there is this thread.

that's to bad.

If people want to talk about east coast nomadism ... why don't they just go ahead and talk about it?

I will be traveling to east coast within the next year. Not sure what the site would offer but I would be looking for a place to reach out to that might offer advice on locations to stay.