A couple of Questions ~

[CarCampire]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; color: #cc99ff; font-size: large;">Salutations Mobil dwellers!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I&rsquo;m Sue,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I used to live in a Winnebago with my mother but as I got older I started renting - only to loose my apartment and &ndash;a good majority- my belongings hurricane Sandy &ndash; including the apartment. I tell you this not to gain any kind of pity &ndash; <em>Goodness knows, as a female I had too many shoes to miss anyway</em> (lol)- I bring it up to let you know my situation and ask If I can join your forum. I also have a few general questions before I start my conversion.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1^st and foremost; <span style="color: #cc99ff;">May I join?</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I didn&rsquo;t see anything in the rules preventing onlookers from joining. It was mainly &lsquo;Be respectful&rsquo; &ndash; &lsquo;No trolling&rsquo;- that sort of thing. I can abide by those rules and the no Ponies thing is a <em>no brainer</em>. I&rsquo;m actually more curious if this is a &lsquo;van dwellers only&rsquo; sort of forum. Again; I don&rsquo;t have a mobile living space-<em>yet-</em>so I feel it necessary to ask.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2.... I&rsquo;m female and I see other females on the forum &ndash; which gives me hope but I have some concerns and I would greatly appreciate suggestions/opinions from those of you already living in van&rsquo;s &ndash; particularly females but males responses are welcome too.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Basics:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I&rsquo;m in my 20&rsquo;s and im kind of scrawny. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have a gym near my word for bathroom / shower facilities and the majority of my meals come from my workplace and snacks I keep in my car/canned soup.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The type of van Im looking to convert is a cargo van (changed my mind from a 12&rsquo; Uhaul with over cab attic) for stealth.</span></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: medium;">With the increase in crime near where I live - due to the hurricane panic/aftermath; <span style="color: #cc99ff;">Im wondering if this is a good idea or not.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know how to be inconspicuous &ndash; park inconspicuously &ndash; move the vehicle daily &ndash; <em>heck, if you strap a ladder on the roof and have it windowless so no curtains show I figure im golden </em>but the increase in crime still worries me - so <span style="color: #cc99ff;">Im looking for suggestions for inconspicuous &ndash; good MPG &ndash; reliable/spacious cargo vans and tips and tricks for staying in stealth. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know that may be asking for a wall of text but knowledge is power right? Any info you can spare would be GREATLY appreciated! <em>Gotta plan &ndash; before I do. </em>Figured I would ask the people who know what their doing already.<img src="/images/boards/smilies/crazy.gif" /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I think those are my two main questions for now. I&rsquo;ll be browsing forums for the next two weeks as Im staying with a friend until either my real-estate agent finds me another apartment or I decide to buy a van and convert it on weekends. I see you guys have everything from posting your pictures to cooking &ndash; nice little community. <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; color: #ff9900;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[Insert thumbs up here]&nbsp;<br /><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; color: #cc99ff; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Please keep me posted! ~ Thanks.</span>

 

[Seraphim]

Welcome to the tribe!

Ask whatever questions you wish and someone has probably dealt with the issue already lol. A fast way, if you're in a hurry, is to check the tutorials on the main page, and then search the forum. Then you can ask more specific questions. Either way works.

There is also a 'female only' category recently opened. I have NO idea what goes on there lol.

Good luck, and I look forward to hearing about your adventure.

 

[HoboBerg]

Welcome to the group! There is a lot of info across these pages.

 

[katelyn]

<img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honestly, when I was in my van this spring/summer testing out what I need and didn't I actually felt safer than I did when living alone in an apartment. Main reason is I could always drive away, and if someone were to try and break in I'm pretty sure my dog would scare the crap out of them.&nbsp; But city dwelling I'm not familiar with, but there are lots of nice people on this forum that are more than willing to help ya out with questions. <br />&nbsp; good luck to you<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />&nbsp;

 

[Coffee Tim]

Hi and welcome. Lot's of good information for you here and on the websites.

 

[Pikachu711]

Welcome to the group Sue!

 

[Bodhi]

Hey Sue...

Welcome to The Forum. I am currently bound to sticks and bricks... but I am inching closer to the open road of adventure. Everyone here is so supportive of whatever you are endeavoring to accomplish you have no need to fear rejection from this group. That could be translated to "their standards are very low" but, hey, it keeps them from tossing me out! Yea!

Also, I am so sorry to hear of your current situation, actually sorry to hear how you got there. Storms can really be a game changer. Living on the Gulf Coast, we have seen more than our share of windy wet walls of disaster. "IKE" left some of my co-worker without power for 3 weeks and when you work nights and it is 95* all day; it is hard to keep plugin' along. Keep your chin up and just think... this could be the kick in the backside you needed to something totally off the grid a month ago!

This could be the start of your personal NEXT BIG THING!

Stay strong and carry on!
Bodhi

 

[CarCampire]

<span style="color: #ff99cc; font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Thank you all!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I really appreciate the warm welcome and advice.</span>

 

[Doc T]

Welcome to the tribe Sue! You don't have to waitfor a van,if you don't want to. I live very comfortably in a PT Cruiser!

You will get tons of great information and sharing of experiences here. You may also wish to visit http://Travelbuddies-mentorsforvandwell.webnode.com

 

[blueberry]

Welcome, Sue - so glad you found this place! I'm fairly new here myself and still learning the ins and outs while I save up for a cargo van. There's lots of great information, as others have said, and everyone is super helpful. Chime in with all your questions!&nbsp;

 

[Lostinspace]

Not a problem being a wannabe.&nbsp; I'm one. Just trying to figure out what's fits me best.&nbsp; So ask away any questions that occur to you.<br /><br />Welcome to the group.<br /><br />Wade in NW Florida

 

[Les H]

Hi Sue, welcome. Last year, my house in upstate Ny was damaged mildly by Irene, while i had moved south after volunteering to help out with the tornados that destroyed much in the south. There were 10 fatalities within a mile of where i live... We are glad you are here, mobile or not. I am a part timer, cant go full time for another couple years, but i love this site, check it several times a day, and share any info that i can. Glad you found us, and hope to be of some help to you.

 

[peacetara]

Hi Sue!!!<br /><br />1) as far as I know, yes, I'm not a mod or anything, I'm fairly new here myself, but there are lots of people that are at the very beginnings of their change.&nbsp; I myself just started in august <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />2) I'm female, mid 30's tall and thin. living full-time in a Cargo Van.&nbsp; I feel super safe in my van as well.&nbsp; My windows have a metal cage on them, and I have a big metal wall (with a door) between the front seats and the cargo or living area.&nbsp; So even if someone broke the glass trying to get in, they would still have a heck of a time getting into the living area.&nbsp; In the meantime I'd be driving away, if I was in my van already! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />I feel very safe in here!<br /><br />I bought a 1999 Ford e-350 diesel extended van. The living area is 12' long by 6' wide and 4' tall.&nbsp; There is a conversion forum on here, and you can see pictures and stuff there.<br /><br />I have a TON of room, I don't really worry about space at all.&nbsp; When my part-timing friend joins me, we are a bit cramped for space, but not too badly <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />anyways, Welcome to the forum, I agree check out Bob's book, and the main website, and then ask questions!!<br /><br />With Love,<br />Tara

 

[blkjak]

welcome from s.w. florida .... blkjak

 

[joey]

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