2 months & 24 days until Freedom

[LauraGrace4410]

Hi everyone! We're excited to be here and so thankful for all of your shared knowledge and support  

My wife and I are currently planning our escape. Our lease in the Detroit, MI area ends on October 31st and we will be beginning our journey towards the Southwest. We currently have a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country (towing capacity about 3500lbs), 5 doggies, and a lot of uncertainty! We are hoping to buy a light weight travel trailer or hybrid camper so that we can keep our current vehicle. Our long term plan in the next 1-2 years is to purchase land and set up an off grid homestead (advice and tips appreciated on this process as well!). 

We would love any feedback or suggestions on how to make the rig work, tips for living mobile with dogs, and anything you wish you knew before embarking as a full time RVer/vandweller. 

Can't wait to escape the cold and city life forever  
:heart:

 

[LauraGrace4410]

Replying to add:
We also are aware we may not find something light weight enough to tow with a mini van, so the other option we're looking at is a small motorhome. We're on a limited budget and want to spend as little as possible up front ($2-4k depending on vehicle type) to ensure we have some savings in the bank as we go.

 

[LauraGrace4410]

Hi everyone! We're excited to be here and so thankful for all of your shared knowledge and support  

My wife and I are currently planning our escape. Our lease in the Detroit, MI area ends on October 31st and we will be beginning our journey towards the Southwest. We currently have a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country (towing capacity about 3500lbs), 5 doggies, and a lot of uncertainty! We are hoping to buy a light weight travel trailer or hybrid camper so that we can keep our current vehicle. Our long term plan in the next 1-2 years is to purchase land and set up an off grid homestead (advice and tips appreciated on this process as well!). 

We would love any feedback or suggestions on how to make the rig work, tips for living mobile with dogs, and anything you wish you knew before embarking as a full time RVer/vandweller. 

Can't wait to escape the cold and city life forever  
:heart:

 

[Qxxx]

Replying to add:
We also are aware we may not find something light weight enough to tow with a mini van, so the other option we're looking at is a small motorhome. We're on a limited budget and want to spend as little as possible up front ($2-4k depending on vehicle type) to ensure we have some savings in the bank as we go.

Welcome to the forum, LauraGrace.

You're not gonna buy much of a motorhome for $2-4K down, without significant long term payments, and have quite a lot of sleeping beings there. An interim solution might be to buy a small cargo trailer, say 4'x6', to carry most of your stuff, and put a mattress in the back of the minivan for the 7 sleepers. Good luck, .

 

[RvDreams]

Welcome LauraGrace to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Travelmonkey]

How about a pop up trailer? Some of the larger ones are still too heavy, but I think you can tow models with 10’ box. I had one for camping for 10 years and it towed great. Set up is not bad but breaking down was always a hassle, I found. When set up, it is roomy. I did camp in the 30’s and the furnace kept us warm, but it ran frequently.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable towing a travel trailer or hybrid with a mini van, personally.

 

[bullfrog]

If you look at Teardrops and Tiny Trailers foamies forum and know how to use a paint brush you may be able to enclose a small utility trailer. The cheaper utility trailers will require strengthening so you are better off to buy a better utility trailer to start with which should be less than $1000. The box say 6’x8’ foamie should be less than $750 in materials. Your target weight should be 1/2 the towing capacity of your vehicle as you will end up putting lots of stuff like a portable kennel in it in my opinion. Your budget will not pay for a dependable camper or motor home. A factory built cargo trailer will most likely be too expensive and weigh too much for your van.

 

[bagabum]

I'm not suggesting what you should do, but is converting the car an option? Its a 13 year old car, little resale, could you remove the back seats, sell them and perform a conversion on that large area. Another words flatten it out with 1/4" plywood stiffened here and there with 1x2 white pine (light weight). Carpet it. Cut holes here and there to get to the foot wells for storage, etc. Tri fold mattress. Add a large aluminum carry basket for extra storage. A small camper would definitely be more comfortable if you can find an affordable light weight one. Good luck!!

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forum

I'll mention this to you about off grid. Some places will allow and others won't. BUT....to be "on grid" you may only need one utility (such as Cable Internet) OR a land line phone provided it is cheaper than cable and you are close enough to a Tower so that your cell phone could be a "WIFI hot spot" to get internet service.

One Architect I've been following since the late 60's is Michael Reynolds...the father of the Earthship home. It is made with recycled (he calls it upcycled) materials, makes it's own heat, air conditioning, catches it's own water from rain to stored in a cistern,
solar panels produce electric and heat water and the green house on the front allows you to grow vegetables all year around.

Earthship Youtube videos

Part 1

Part 2

Reynolds design uses old tires rammed full of dirt as building blocks....but there are other ways of doing it that are faster. I toured one in central Ohio and the owner stated he had no furnace or Air Conditioning units in the house and when it was -10 degrees outdoors all day it didn't go below the mid 60's inside. Similar when it was 100 degrees outside in the summer it stayed around 60 degrees inside all day.

As for your going on the road, I invite you to check out the two links below. One is for setting up a Van rig, a utility trailer, or a Bug Out Car (back seats removed and bed installed) and rigged to get very high gas mileage.

The site below it is for planning your travels when at home or.....using it while on the road to be safe and comfortable.

Good luck and all the best !

 

[jacqueg]

Replying to add:
We also are aware we may not find something light weight enough to tow with a mini van, so the other option we're looking at is a small motorhome. We're on a limited budget and want to spend as little as possible up front ($2-4k depending on vehicle type) to ensure we have some savings in the bank as we go.

If you do find a motorhome for 2-4K, my best advice is DON'T BUY IT. That's way too cheap for anything decent. Unless one of you is an experienced DIY mechanic/plumber/electrician. 

A Casita or Scamp might work for you, and I'm sure you could tow the smallest models with a minivan, but one in decent repair will most likely cost more than 4K, as they are popular.

Check out youtubers "Slim Potatohead" and "Elsa Rhae & Barron".

Were I you? I'd trade the minivan in for a cargo van, and buy a big tent. Two adults and 5 dogs in a small rig will be difficult during rain/snow season.

What will you be doing for an income while you are traveling?

 

[LauraGrace4410]

Welcome to the forum, LauraGrace.


You're not gonna buy much of a motorhome for $2-4K down, without significant long term payments, and have quite a lot of sleeping beings there. An interim solution might be to buy a small cargo trailer, say 4'x6', to carry most of your stuff, and put a mattress in the back of the minivan for the 7 sleepers. Good luck, .

Thank you! We will definitely have to consider this option. We've been wishfully thinking we can make the finances work in the timeframe we have, but we may need to take a few extra months to save before making a motorhome purchase. 

How about a pop up trailer?  Some of the larger ones are still too heavy, but I think you can tow models with 10’ box.  I had one for camping for 10 years and it towed great.  Set up is not bad but breaking down was always a hassle, I found.  When set up, it is roomy.  I did camp in the 30’s and the furnace kept us warm, but it ran frequently.


I wouldn’t feel comfortable towing a travel trailer or hybrid with a mini van, personally.

Thanks! We've looked at pop up trailers as a pretty realistic option in terms of our budget and ease of towing so it's reassuring to hear this may be a good option.

 

[LauraGrace4410]

If you look at Teardrops and Tiny Trailers foamies forum and know how to use a paint brush you may be able to enclose a small utility trailer. The cheaper utility trailers will require strengthening so you are better off to buy a better utility trailer to start with which should be less than $1000. The box say 6’x8’ foamie should be less than $750 in materials. Your target weight should be 1/2 the towing capacity of your vehicle as you will end up putting lots of stuff  like a portable kennel in it in my opinion. Your budget will not pay for a dependable camper or motor home. A factory built cargo trailer will most likely be too expensive and weigh too much for your van.

Thank you! This is really helpful info. We're fairly handy, and that's a great way to expand our space while keeping the van. 

I'm not suggesting what you should do, but is converting the car an option? Its a 13 year old car, little resale,  could you remove the back seats, sell them and perform a conversion on that large area. Another words flatten it out with 1/4" plywood stiffened here and there with 1x2 white pine (light weight). Carpet it. Cut holes here and there to get to the foot wells for storage, etc.  Tri fold mattress. Add a large aluminum carry basket for extra storage.  A small camper would definitely be more comfortable if you can find an affordable light weight one.  Good luck!!

Thank you so much! It's definitely an option, but we don't think it would be comfortable long term for all of us so it's hard to consider putting the time and effort into the conversion. Love the idea for the extra carry basket if we do have to go this route temporarily!

 

[LauraGrace4410]

Welcome to the CRVL Forum 


I'll mention this to you about off grid.  Some places will allow and others won't. BUT....to be "on grid" you may only need one utility (such as Cable Internet) OR a land line phone provided it is cheaper than cable and you are close enough to a Tower so  that your cell phone could be a "WIFI hot spot" to get internet service.
 
One Architect I've been following since the late 60's is Michael Reynolds...the father of the Earthship home.  It is made with recycled (he calls it upcycled) materials, makes it's own heat, air conditioning, catches it's own water from rain to stored in a cistern,
solar panels produce electric and heat water and the green house on the front allows you to grow vegetables all year around. 


Earthship Youtube videos


Part 1


Part 2


Reynolds design uses old tires rammed full of dirt as building blocks....but there are other ways of doing it that are faster.  I toured one in central Ohio and the owner stated he had no furnace or Air Conditioning units in the house and when it was -10 degrees outdoors all day it didn't go below the mid 60's inside.  Similar when it was 100 degrees outside in the summer it stayed around 60 degrees inside all day.


As for your going on the road,  I invite you to check out the two links below.  One is for setting up a Van rig, a utility trailer, or a Bug Out Car (back seats removed and bed installed) and rigged to get very high gas mileage. 


The site below it is for planning your travels when at home or.....using it while on the road to be safe and comfortable.


Good luck and all the best !

Thank you so much for the insight and links! We have recently heard of the earthship homes and are excited to learn more and understand how to build them. Incredible! 

If you do find a motorhome for 2-4K, my best advice is DON'T BUY IT. That's way too cheap for anything decent. Unless one of you is an experienced DIY mechanic/plumber/electrician. 


A Casita or Scamp might work for you, and I'm sure you could tow the smallest models with a minivan, but one in decent repair will most likely cost more than 4K, as they are popular.


Check out youtubers "Slim Potatohead" and "Elsa Rhae & Barron".


Were I you? I'd trade the minivan in for a cargo van, and buy a big tent. Two adults and 5 dogs in a small rig will be difficult during rain/snow season.


What will you be doing for an income while you are traveling?

Thank you! Really appreciate the feedback. As we've been shopping around (really just getting started), we've seen some small motorhomes around $4-5k and wondered if the price means there's something wrong but were staying hopeful haha. We are pretty handy with household tasks, but have basically no mechanical experience with cars or RVs. We'll keep an eye out for Casita or Scamp and check out the youtubers you recommended. 


We do both have remote jobs that just require laptop+internet, so income is steady (although not large). 


A pop up trailer or tent is looking more and more likely the more we learn  


We would love to upgrade to a cargo van or truck so that we are capable of towing a more livable RV long term. We may focus on replacing the current minivan and living out of a pop up / tent until we can afford a fifth wheel or travel trailer after a couple of months. 

 

[WayOutWest]

Your project sounds exciting! I wish you the best on figuring it out as you go along!

What is your plan vis a vis your vehicles and/or trailer...is it just to get set up to go someplace, or is it to live out of for a while?  Is it a temporary living situation until you can construct a permanent home on your own land?  
I would say it depends a lot on what your longer term plans are, regarding what you might look at vehicle-wise.  I'd spend more time thinking about the details of what your goals are with your vehicle/s so that you can figure out the best options.  

5 dogs is a lot.  It seems to me that if you want to live just out of your minivan, and have a trailer just to store things in, this will be difficult to do with 5 dogs for very long, unless you find spots where you are comfortable living outside the van much of the time in a campsite perhaps with canopy tents set up.  The heat of the summer could be very difficult in the southwest, so think about how you'd get set up to not be dealing with that, by the time next summer comes.

 

[tx2sturgis]

We also are aware we may not find something light weight enough to tow with a mini van, so the other option we're looking at is a small motorhome. We're on a limited budget and want to spend as little as possible up front ($2-4k depending on vehicle type) to ensure we have some savings in the bank as we go.

You are not going to find a decent motorhome in that price range...unless you meant that is your downpayment....but then you are on the hook for years of payments. Ya'll need to save up a LOT more money....

OR...

With your existing mini-van, I'd suggest you consider one of the smaller a-frame pop-up trailers. 

A regular pop-up tent trailer, is...well....its a TENT.

Yeah, it's up off the ground and has a sink and a stove, but...they really are drafty in the cold weather, leaky in the wet weather, let noise IN and OUT (non-private) and are a bit of a pain to set-up and take down every day when actually traveling. They are pretty much a one or two season trailer. But they do have a lot of room inside, gotta give em that. 

At least an a-frame pop-up (like an A-liner) has hard sides, and you can buy them with dormers for slightly more interior room. They will withstand a bit more wind and cold.

And the smaller a-frames are within your towing capability and if you find one used, they are probably in your budget.

 

[Qxxx]

5 dogs is a lot.  It seems to me that if you want to live just out of your minivan, and have a trailer just to store things in, this will be difficult to do with 5 dogs for very long, unless you find spots where you are comfortable living outside the van much of the time in a campsite perhaps with canopy tents set up. 

Yeah, the thing about a van is that they always say "you don't live in it, you live out of it". So, unless someone goes 100% into a large RV, you're gonna be spending most of the time outside in any case. I have a regular Savana cargo van, and it's fine for ONE person, but would already be cramped for two.

So, living out of a minivan for 2 people and 5 dogs means you just have to find a way to adapt, probably meaning a large tent or two. And as far as seasons go ... south in the winter and north in the summer. But given the situation,  I still like the idea of pulling a small cargo trailer with most of the stuff inside there. For one thing, setting up and taking down tents in wet weather are a really big PITN. Although the following are a possibility too.
https://www.google.com/search?q=car+top+tents&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X