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[user 22017]

Left monday for Fremont Ca. to return defective Jackery that Fed-Ex said was hazmat inproper. Sent in the same box that Jackery sent. That done headed out for Pahrump to visit some old friends I haven't seen in 3 years. Got to San Jose & figured out there were to many wrong turns to make heading south, so I back tracked to Sacramento which I know how to get to Reno, & south to Pahrump. Was one block from the freeway entrance when pickup backfired. Broke the stud holding the wingnut down on the air cleaner lid, causing a fire, that got put out quick enough, but the muffler split open with a hole big enough to fit 2 other mufflers. The fire melted the plastic spacer between the air cleaner & carb. But also caused the rpms to max out & not idle at all. Then the darn thing started to overheat every time it sat at a light or heavy traffic. Made it back home to Washington coast tonight, sick, lame, & crippled. Only made it by using manual choke to feather the throttle. The good news? only spent a little over $1400. all except a ham & chesse crosant & 4 cups of coffee went on gas.
$88.47 left in checking, I guess it's more beans & rice for the next year. Was looking forward to seeing other people in Quartzsite too.

Wow. So sorry for the crazy vehicle malfunctions. My only piece of advice: remember that time heals all wounds It will get better... sucks for now, tho. Cheers.

 

[user 22017]

Don't know if any replys will ever be posted again, just got notice that another post was denied. Questioning the reason. Nothing mentioned about my opinion on religion, politics, or what a good time I had with so & so's mother, (it was a fun first date)

It's ok to type out replies when everything is going wrong and you are upset... just don't hit the "Post Reply" button Instead, learn how to highlight everything you wrote and hit the Delete key. It helps!

 

[maki2]

Don't know if any replys will ever be posted again, just got notice that another post was denied. Questioning the reason. Nothing mentioned about my opinion on religion, politics, or what a good time I had with so & so's mother, (it was a fun first date)

Not always easy to know exactly why it is that moderators sometimes take down postings. Sometimes it is not about what you said but something you wrote in a thread where a chain reaction causes a number of comments to get removed for purposes of continuity so that there are no strange orphaned postings left without a parent posting to support them.

Of course moderators are not always the ones to initiate a complaint about a posting. Various people have sensitive trigger points to certain things that get said. Sometimes that happens, other times the same thing has no reaction to it.

 

[wb8vyn]

Thinkin again ?
Well, I've been outside, sitting on the steps, It's dark out, stars look nice. --Oh-- It's almost 3am and just poured my last cup of coffee for the night, too lazy to make another pot.
Here is some news - some one got my bank card number and did three hits for over $200, Called the bank and had them shut off my card. They told me they would see if they could track down where the money went and that I'd get a new card in the mail.
Turned out to be a bad time but not totally bad. I use my debit card for gas, propane and groceries, and repairs if and when needed. so until my new card gets here I'll have to use checks which I hate. Locally that will work fine but as I travel toward Quartzite, I'm sure I'll have cash flow problems to deal with.
I wonder if others have had similar experiences and what others have done about it?
Something else just popped into the vacant space between my ears. As I travel, towing my 19 foot trailer, Where can I stop for a while (few days) if money runs short till my next pension and social security deposit hits my bank, I don't want to dig into my savings for day to day expenses, That's just for emergencies like getting hit by a metro or stray bird or rock.
And I don't want to drive around endlessly looking for a temporary place to hole up along the way?
Not to say that I can't press on if need be but I'd rather not. Getting old ya know, being 83 with a new birth day coming along in a month or so means that I don't have boundless energy like I did when I was a younger 70 year old teen ager and I have no desire to roar around like a cat with a flaming tail.
So far I've covered most of the every day things but just being able to park and get some good sleep and time to make something to eat while parked, Well you get the idea.
Once I get to some BLM or LTVA places, I'm sure I'll be ok as I can then unhook and make a run to town for groceries and stuff.
Been seeing too many comments about not expecting too much from Walmart other than a quick stop for shopping, then off again to a remote lay over for sleep or just a delay to keep fuel cost under control.
The high daily cost for "trailer parks" has me apprehensive. Saw some comments about very high costs for such places, lots of them.
I'm self contained with solar and fresh water tanks and such so I can go several days just parked just about anywhere.
I don't think it's a good idea to use truck stops for over night parking, those drivers need those spaces for required breaks and sleep, They don't need some old guy like me hogging up a space they really need and plan on. Besides we all need what they haul.
Been thinking that If I drive at night, I might be able to use the space during the day for sleep and just get out of the way at night. But even that would be a stretch since I'll run out of energy before the night is over--- and then what?
I've heard that some states have laws that only allow 2 hours at rest area's - I think Virginia is one of them could be others or I might be mistaken?
For my part, I am alone and don't need groups of people around all the time. Some times it's nice to chew the fat but I can get along fine alone and not afraid of being done in or robed or anything like that.
Anyway, I'm going to be taking off very soon, probably near the middle of the month. Everything else is in place by this Friday, then just a matter of stowing everything and putting the old pickup in gear
Thanks
Ken

 

[rvwandering]

Don't know if any replys will ever be posted again, just got notice that another post was denied. Questioning the reason. Nothing mentioned about my opinion on religion, politics, or what a good time I had with so & so's mother, (it was a fun first date)

Your post was removed along with a bunch of other posts because they were off the thread topic. If those posts had been discussing some aspect of van dwelling we would have moved them to a new thread but they were completely off-topic so they were not saved.
You should have been notified that they were deleted because they were off-topic though. If this is not happening please let a moderator know.

 

[rvwandering]

Ken, most Walmarts are fine for an overnight stop. It's the big city Walmarts that are posting signs.
Check out this site: https://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm

Lots of free camping along your way too. https://freecampsites.net/

If you need some help finding overnight spots along your route please ask. Somebody will probably know a good spot.

 

[user 423]

I've found that the Allstays Walmart info doesn't stay very up to date. Maybe if you pay for the pro version it's better..IDK.

 

[Morgana]

some one got my bank card number and did three hits for over $200, ... I wonder if others have had similar experiences and what others have done about it?

Credit cards have a lot more security protection than bank cards. Most advice that I've read recommends against using bank cards for general purchases. I only use mine to withdraw cash.

If you must use a bank card, check whether your bank allows you to set the maximum daily withdrawal. That way you can at least limit your risk. Make sure you have a good PIN and don't share it with anyone. And just be aware that you've chosen a risky practice, and use it carefully.

So many things nowadays involve a trade-off between convenience and security, with no 100% ideal option. Without knowing your exact circs, I'd say "get a credit card" or "use the bank card to get cash, then pay for your purchases with cash,"(*) but YMMV.

Be sure you know the network of ATMs that will allow you to withdraw cash for free, too. Those ATM fees are tolerable in an emergency but they could sure add up.

Good luck!

(*) caveat: I don't do that and haven't seen it advised, but it seems like it would be better than using the card at multiple locations

 

[user 423]

Credit cards have a lot more security protection than bank cards. Most advice that I've read recommends against using bank cards for general purchases. I only use mine to withdraw cash.

Be sure you know the network of ATMs that will allow you to withdraw cash for free, too. Those ATM fees are tolerable in an emergency but they could sure add up.

^This. I use mine only at Walmarts for cash back with no fees.

 

[maki2]

Ken, I strongly suggest you start watching some of the videos made by Bob Wells that are shown on his YouTube channel “cheaprvliving”. You are exactly the person he has made them for, someone who has never done this nomadic lifestyle and has a ton of questions about things such as finding free camping, safety while traveling, hygiene, making friends to travel with, even dating. If you make it to Quartzsite in January you can also attend in person seminars on all the topics relating to how to live this lifestyle. Plus while you are in Quartzite you can camp for free with one of the Homes On Wheels Caravans and make new friends to travel with to free camping spots. From your postings it sounds like caravanning with others for a while is what you might need to help you get comfortable while you gain confidence, sort though the basics and make some new friends.

 

[maki2]

Cold, meaning in the low 50’s all morning. . Also cloudy, windy and with a few chances of intermittent showers. Ok, I give up, my hands feel cold so its time for some winter season survival tactics. I am firing up my heater and making winter comfort breakfast foods meaning hot oatmeal and hot coffee. Then maybe some indoor chores. Or maybe I will run away from home for the afternoon.

 

[wb8vyn]

Ken, most Walmarts are fine for an overnight stop. It's the big city Walmarts that are posting signs.
Check out this site: https://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm

Lots of free camping along your way too. https://freecampsites.net/

If you need some help finding overnight spots along your route please ask. Somebody will probably know a good spot.

Now ya see - that message about Walmart had some meat to it.
Of course I'm a bit nervous- but I'm a guy so taking a chance on the unknown Is what I've always done.
At the end of it all we all push up daisy's anyway.
Thank you so much
Ken

 

[wb8vyn]

Ken, I strongly suggest you start watching some of the videos made by Bob Wells that are shown on his YouTube channel “cheaprvliving”. You are exactly the person he has made them for, someone who has never done this nomadic lifestyle and has a ton of questions about things such as finding free camping, safety while traveling, hygiene, making friends to travel with, even dating. If you make it to Quartzsite in January you can also attend in person seminars on all the topics relating to how to live this lifestyle. Plus while you are in Quartzite you can camp for free with one of the Homes On Wheels Caravans and make new friends to travel with to free camping spots. From your postings it sounds like caravanning with others for a while is what you might need to help you get comfortable while you gain confidence, sort though the basics and make some new friends.

I've been watching cheap rv living for some time now. I see mostly interviews and unboxing stuff, although I have seen camp ground reviews and so on, mostly van living and very remote places to camp where I won't be able to go or those with big ol' motor homes, those with unlimited funds to live the high life that I can't do and don't want to do.
Also, some of those that I've seen on cheap rv living have just disappeared to start their own channel where I find them just selling the heck out of stuff, NOT real any more.
Just watched Bob Wells about Quartzite groceries being very expensive and 20 minute showers at a laundromat costing $10.
And the cost of water and dump stations.
Sounds to me like PT Barnum, You won't know about that.
I've been a long haul truck driver for many years, before the interstate system and was forced out at 79 years old by insurance requirements.
I still have faith in people but not those that are selling something in a parking lot. I'm sure there are others out there just like me, Ya know, until two years ago MY wife and I were a team, Now I am a team of one. So my plan is to take advantage of people like you who really wish to help me get my feet wet without drowning myself, or stepping in something nasty.
By the way, I've noticed that very few on here say who they are or show their face. I can understand that, that fear factor of getting hurt or taken advantage of in some way.
I'm a klutz that way and have not been hurt badly over the years.. Maybe when that happens, I'll hide too.
Mean while, What ya see is whatcha get.
Thank you so much for responding- Ya see encouragement does not cost anything.
Ken

 

[wb8vyn]

Credit cards have a lot more security protection than bank cards. Most advice that I've read recommends against using bank cards for general purchases. I only use mine to withdraw cash.

If you must use a bank card, check whether your bank allows you to set the maximum daily withdrawal. That way you can at least limit your risk. Make sure you have a good PIN and don't share it with anyone. And just be aware that you've chosen a risky practice, and use it carefully.

So many things nowadays involve a trade-off between convenience and security, with no 100% ideal option. Without knowing your exact circs, I'd say "get a credit card" or "use the bank card to get cash, then pay for your purchases with cash,"(*) but YMMV.

Be sure you know the network of ATMs that will allow you to withdraw cash for free, too. Those ATM fees are tolerable in an emergency but they could sure add up.

Good luck!

(*) caveat: I don't do that and haven't seen it advised, but it seems like it would be better than using the card at multiple locations

Really gun shy about credit cards. I'm going to my bank who I've been with for 60 years and discus the idea with the lady that has taken care of me for many years. Thank you for your input
Ken

 

[Morgana]

I'm a guy so taking a chance on the unknown Is what I've always done.

At least half the people giving you advice on this forum are gals who have taken chances on the unknown.
You might as well say "I'm a fish so eating and pooping are things that I've always done."
We all take chances. It's not a guy thing.

 

[maki2]

As to people not showing their face or saying who they are..we’ll neither have you. Your reasons for not doing so are likely much the same as other people’s reasons.

 

[Camper]

I've used credit and debit cards since 1965 and never had one problem.

 

[maki2]

Older photo but I look much the same. The last 2 years in the Southwest sun have added more sun damage with lines next to my eyes. But I have been fortunate in my early 70s to have missed out on the grey haired senior thing and only have a bit at my temples that does not show. This photo has been seen here in this forum now and again and is already out there on the internet.

I like being single and have been so for over 20 years and plan to remain that way. Could be why I do not feel old, think old, act old or look my age

 

[abnorm]

Older photo but I look much the same

HAHahahahaha..........Now that's FUNNY

 

[maki2]

HAHahahahaha..........Now that's FUNNY

Yep… the reality is I once looked 20 years younger than that photo. But it is not fair to give old guys a major attack