Advice please, change of plans?

[HarmonicaBruce]

Caryn,

I've read your posts and the replies. I think you need something like this:
South Caroline craigslist ford e150 van $4000
It's a 2000, it only has 86000 miles, and was probably a commercial van that was upgraded. It would work real well for stealth, and be easy to get parts and service. You get into an older van and you can have a whole new set of problems caused just by the age of the vehicle. If you baby this van, don't drive over 60 mph, it should last another 100,000 miles. I'd dump the sportgage and get what you can because it isn't going to serve your needs long term, and it won't serve your short term needs very well. You should be able to get the van and still have some cash, and do your thing with your craft. You can bring a tent and use it if you want, or just sleep on a cot in the van. I'm different than most people on this forum in that I don't believe in building stuff in, I like the flexibility of keeping all my furnishings portable.

Good luck!

 

[gypsychic]

rvwandering - Trading would be an option. I really never thought my 2006 Kia would be worth that much. I know I would never get an even trade or close at a dealer. Is craigslist the best bet? I don't know what to look for really in vans or RV's. How do I know if it's a good one? I am very new in all this and am just learning. All advice is appreciated.

Hi. I am currently starting my search for a vehicle, although I have the luxury of time. After recently asking for advice myself and looking through a lot of threads that asked the same thing, I have cobbled together a list of questions that is based off the Popular Mechanics checklist(also recommended from a thread on this sight-TY). I am in the process of double checking that the advice from those who are mechanically inclined was either already included on the PM list or added to it. It isn't complete yet and I was going to add pictures for those who don't know what oil is supposed to look like, or transmission fluid, etc. but take a look. I will post a new thread when it's finished. I hope you find it useful.

Don't be overwhelmed-It's very in-depth, but even if you only use part of it it would allow you to compare vehicles. Then have a mechanic look over your most promising prospect.

GypsyChic


View attachment Usedvehiclequestions.pdf

 

[sassypickins]

Caryn, it must be very stressful having to make a major decision like this and be ready to go in a month. Maybe sharing some of my recent experiences will help you.

About buying a cargo van: Mine is an '02 Ford van similar to the one Harmonica Bruce linked to. I was lucky to find one with a hi-top added, and a clean slate interior. I had little knowledge beforehand, but, like Gypsy Chic, I did an intense crash course and learned enough to make some sense of all my options. This van I found last February fit most all I wanted, so I took an auto-savvy friend with me to check it out and also had another professional mechanic friend meet us at the seller's location. The three of us ran through a list similar to Gypsy Chic's. (Nice list btw!) My preparation helped me understand what they were looking and listening for. On the test drive we stopped by the Ford dealer who had serviced it in the past, to get their take on it, which proved interesting. All that might sound like overkill but I'm glad I did it. I think I extracted just about all the information there was to get!

About maintenance: Sounds like you and I might be on the same page in that neither of us does much grease-monkeying? Once the van was mine, I took it to my own repair shop and had some basic maintenance done to establish a base line. I hung out and probably made a pest of myself, but I took pictures of things he was doing and I made myself a chart of routine care and timing and estimated costs so I could budget for that. I also have AAA, so that is a comfort.

About outfitting: I kept mine pretty simple so I could do it myself. Nothing was super heavy or complicated. And if I hadn't dawdled, I think it probably would have taken about a week to do the actual work -- not counting the planning. I can share with you what I did if you want some ideas. Anyway, the result gives me storage for my stuff well as for spare parts, tools, safety and emergency gear and outdoor stuff. I have more plans, but nothing that can't come later.

About amenities: I've been on some trips and so far I haven't felt deprived without house batteries and wired stuff -- it's more like super comfy camping and I charge my tablet and phone through the car battery. At the moment I use rechargeable batteries for radio, flashlights, headlamp (LOVE), lanterns, etc. and charge up on shore power, so I'm thinking of getting a little solar charger for that until I get a full house system going. I use very little water, so I'm not seeing a need for plumbing. Emptying the gray tank that's under the sink is easy enough and I have a clean water jug above with a spigot on it. The luxury bucket potty is perfect. I have reflectix for all the windows and several spring-loaded curtain rods and various curtains for either just a little privacy or full on heat retention. Also, I added a swivel base to the passenger seat - not a necessity, but very nice to have.

About getting on the road: If you make the choice to sell the Kia and buy a van now, might that leave you temporarily without wheels? Hopefully you'll have someone to take you around to check out vans or get your mechanic to pick you up. When you do find a suitable van, your pre-planning may mean you'll be ready to outfit it -- or maybe you will find one already outfitted. I think you can do this and be on your way and be fine -- especially with the lifelines here to help. There's a lot of info on where to stay overnight and it sounds like you know where you would feel most comfortable, to start out anyway.

If you decide to wait a little while instead of trying to make all this happen in a month, I'll send good thoughts that you'll find a suitable short-term living solution so things can come together for you!

Sassy

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Caryn, you and I are in the same boat. While I don't have to be out in a month, I want to be out - like yesterday! My living situation is not good. it's been 8 years in this place and it's driving me nuts; I can't even smile anymore. I've been trying for a couple of years to get back on the road, but the financial situation has been stressed - a sudden huge dental bill put a stop to everything. I've had two camper vans many years ago; I miss the freedom of that lifestyle. Can't afford the van yet, all I have to go on is a 2003 Jetta Sedan. And 3 cats. The Jetta is in no condition to even sell to raise money for a van. Mechanically, it's fine but the interior is falling apart from Florida heat and the front bumper and quarter panel need body repair. I have a $700 per month pension at the moment - manageable if I just had the vehicle. Vans and teardrop trailers cost more than expected. Tent trailers, even the used ones that would be okay for my car, run in the several thousands. I could never have imagined... A regular tent seems the only answer until I can get to the van. But where to pitch a tent safely is the question. You're not alone. Maybe we'll have a miracle happen? My fingers are crossed. Good thoughts and prayers from me to you. Mary

 

[Gypsysoul]

BobJ - Thank you for the advice. I searched the Blue book value and came up with 2500 dealer, 3500-3800 private sale for the Kia. I would like to list mine at a fairly competitive price as time is of the essence, but at the same time, I need to get as much as possible out of it, I think craigslist is probably the way to go, I am just a bit leary of it.

LucyImHome - Thanks for the advice. I am going to start actively looking. I guess the only way to do this is to jump right in and narrow things down. I have never had much luck with mechanics. Luckily, everyone on this forum is very helpful. I think I will feel more comfortable running things by the folks on here after I check them out on my own.

rvwandering - Thank you. I think I will probably go with a class B. For me right now it seems the most logical and is probably better on gas mileage. Thank you for the link to Van Tramp's. I am amazed at some of the set ups people have. I hope to be that efficient one day.

Harmonicabruce - TY That's a nice van, but I am not sure I am going to be able to swing 4000. I am not really worried about stealth as I think a conversion van will still open up more options to me in the way of parking overnight in a walmart or comparable parking lot. For me feeling safe is a big issue and I think I would feel safer in these locations or in a National park/campground situation. I do believe getting rid of the Sportage is the way to go now. I am just worried about getting something that is not up to par and being stranded as I do consider the Sportage to be very dependable right now.

 

[HarmonicaBruce]

I am not sure I am going to be able to swing 4000.

I was thinking you'd get some money for the sportage and use it.

I am not really worried about stealth as I think a conversion van will still open up more options to me in the way of parking overnight in a walmart or comparable parking lot. For me feeling safe is a big issue and I think I would feel safer in these locations or in a National park/campground situation.

I don't think cargo van draws attention as much as a conversion van. Any place you can park a conversion van, you can park a cargo van. Cargo van is easier to block off the windows, I use garbage bags and magnets.

 

[SoulRaven]

To The Moon, if you use Craigslist always pick a public place to meet anyone interested. A Police Station is a good place. If at any time you feel uncomfortable don't be away from others. I've bought and sold a lot of things from Craigslist, some were at my old house since they were too big to drag around but I was always prepared for the unexpected. Not to sound sexist but if you are a woman then be extra careful. You know this, don't let the excitement of a sale make you forget you may be vulnerable.

As far as vans go, find one and have it checked out before paying. If the seller is legit they shouldn't mind.

Another small thing to consider; If you buy a Class B self contained van it will be titled as a Motor Home. Insurance will be cheap. My liability thru Progressive is $145.00 a year. An Xplorer or something comparable will be your best bet. Mine is not stealthy at all. Hard to hide the air unit and all the hook-up sites, but I have never been bothered.

When I bought mine it was filthy inside and had a mural the previous owner had drawn on the entire passenger side. Jim Morrison. The previous owner is an Old Hippie. While I like The Doors, I did not want a larger than life mural on my van. $600.00 to have it removed and repainted, just the part of the van that had the artwork. Spent several days cleaning the interior, he used it for going fishing and it was mud encrusted everywhere. Kids and Grandkids did most of the work.

Look at Rvtrader and Craigslist, There are a few lower priced B's on Rv Trader.
I know from reading your posts that time is critical but find something workable for you and your abilities. And within your finances. Your mileage with a van is going to be depressing at first, but it's a tradeoff for having a safe, secure place that moves.. Best of luck to you.. Bob J.

---

Just for a laugh.. My van when I first bought it.

 

[Gypsysoul]

gypsychic - tysm , That list is very helpful. I will use it on my hunt as well. It gives me a starting point, where as before I felt like I was in a fog. lol Yes please let me know when you post the new thread. Good luck with your hunt too.

Sassypickens - Yes it is very stressful, but I know I am at the right place for help. This forum is a wealth of information. I am so glad I found it. Thank you for letting me know the steps you have taken in checking out the van before you bought it and what you did after it was yours. Every bit of information is helpful.

I would love to hear about what you did to the inside when you get time. I don't think I would know where to begin, well, after a bed. lol thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts. Right now I am overwhelmed. I m thinking constantly, but it is a lot to think through. I am a survivor though, so I have no doubt that I will figure it out.

sweetmarie1965 - Mary, I understand the need to be happy and not stressed. My living situation for many years was not a good one. I made the initial decision to leave the home I was in because the circumstances were not good for me or my health. My neuro even told me , I could not live like that. The stress was killing me. I know that you have to get out and do what makes you happy. I know that even with bumps in the road and obstacles in the way, I can overcome them and my life in the end will better than before. I have medical issues too but I really feel that once I get this taken care of everything will fall into place. Something has to change for you too and I am sure it will. Thanks for your post. Sometimes you feel alone in situations like these. Good luck to you as well!