I’ve posted on here several times. I’m 3-5 years out from getting out of debt, and about 7-9 years to retiring with a minimum pension. Trying to keep my house is very likely out of the question due to high monthly mortgage (from high taxes and insurance); so, I’m planning on hitting the road to live the RV life!
I’ve gone back and forth on picking a vehicle, mostly focusing on Class A vs Class C; briefly considered a travel trailer. The more I read this forum and watch Bob’s videos (and read his book!), the more a cargo van looks likes like my best choice. I have above average mechanical and construction skills, and am happiest when tinkering or building something! After previous questions, I’m leaning towards a Chevy extended cargo van, as new as I can afford, once I’m debt free.
So here’s my questions/thoughts. 2500 or 3500? Thinking 3500 so I can install solar and a hefty battery system, and have option to tow. As some of you may recall from previous post, being able to bug out in the middle of the night without going outside is important to me, but I’m also a prepper and want to carry enough food and supplies for SHTF.
SO here are my thoughts. I’m going to set the van up with a garage (like Wayne? on one of the videos) including residential AC unit, car radiator exhaust fan, storage for tools, generator, etc. The “house” part will have an extra wide bed with battery storage below (shared some space with garage storage). Will also have computer/entertainment center, porta potty, 12 v fridge, and maybe a microwave or 12v grill/skillet. The van will be set up mostly for sleeping, minimum eating and storage.
As funds become available, I will add a cargo trailer to my setup. The trailer will be focused for cooking/food prep/storage; it will also have solar and batteries. I will have the electrical system planned so the van and trailer can share batteries/electricity. I’m think that the “kitchen” will be in the back of the trailer, facing out the back doors (not ramp); that would be cooler when canning, etc. Maybe mount generator on trailer tongue? Propane stored in kitchen.
Kitchen will be separated from the rest of the trailer by a wall (much like the garage in the van). The rest of the trailer will be storage for food, water, clothes, fishing gear, etc. (maybe a gun safe?). 12v freezer or a small 120v chest freezer. My living space would be outside most of the time, and in the van during bad weather.
I would be boondocking 90% of the time and think this system would let me stay out for extended times. Is anyone else set up like this? I’d appreciate any feedback. I’m trying to get this all worked out in my head and on paper, before I start spending money. Pretty much anything i buy for my house, hobbies, etc. are directed toward this plan. For example, I recently bought the Road Pro 12 oven to heat my lunch at work (using 12v adapter).
I’ve gone back and forth on picking a vehicle, mostly focusing on Class A vs Class C; briefly considered a travel trailer. The more I read this forum and watch Bob’s videos (and read his book!), the more a cargo van looks likes like my best choice. I have above average mechanical and construction skills, and am happiest when tinkering or building something! After previous questions, I’m leaning towards a Chevy extended cargo van, as new as I can afford, once I’m debt free.
So here’s my questions/thoughts. 2500 or 3500? Thinking 3500 so I can install solar and a hefty battery system, and have option to tow. As some of you may recall from previous post, being able to bug out in the middle of the night without going outside is important to me, but I’m also a prepper and want to carry enough food and supplies for SHTF.
SO here are my thoughts. I’m going to set the van up with a garage (like Wayne? on one of the videos) including residential AC unit, car radiator exhaust fan, storage for tools, generator, etc. The “house” part will have an extra wide bed with battery storage below (shared some space with garage storage). Will also have computer/entertainment center, porta potty, 12 v fridge, and maybe a microwave or 12v grill/skillet. The van will be set up mostly for sleeping, minimum eating and storage.
As funds become available, I will add a cargo trailer to my setup. The trailer will be focused for cooking/food prep/storage; it will also have solar and batteries. I will have the electrical system planned so the van and trailer can share batteries/electricity. I’m think that the “kitchen” will be in the back of the trailer, facing out the back doors (not ramp); that would be cooler when canning, etc. Maybe mount generator on trailer tongue? Propane stored in kitchen.
Kitchen will be separated from the rest of the trailer by a wall (much like the garage in the van). The rest of the trailer will be storage for food, water, clothes, fishing gear, etc. (maybe a gun safe?). 12v freezer or a small 120v chest freezer. My living space would be outside most of the time, and in the van during bad weather.
I would be boondocking 90% of the time and think this system would let me stay out for extended times. Is anyone else set up like this? I’d appreciate any feedback. I’m trying to get this all worked out in my head and on paper, before I start spending money. Pretty much anything i buy for my house, hobbies, etc. are directed toward this plan. For example, I recently bought the Road Pro 12 oven to heat my lunch at work (using 12v adapter).
