Another new guy

[bailman]

I'm 45 and from Michigan.&nbsp; I currently run a 24/7 business and have been doing it for 5 years. I'm burnt out, stressed, depressed. Tired of the rat race!!<br /><br />I'm thinking about just selling my 1/2 of the business (est. $17.000) and buy a nice used budget Class C and start living cheap. <br /><br />I read all about selling stuff and downsizing. <br /><br />My only problem is, <br /><br />1) Income <br />2) RV park rental fees<br /><br /><br /><br />

 

[HoboBerg]

Welcome to the site I am new here as well. Been van dwelling for almost 3 years now. Only paid to stay 1 time and that is because I wanted to be able to walk to the grand canyon in the morning. Otherwise all national forest and blm land. Your allowed a 14 day stay. Thats&nbsp;at least&nbsp;my experience in the south west states. Far as work theres always something even if temporary. I have a friend in Deming he pays 150 a month for a rv park plus electricity. Good luck if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

[bailman]

Thanks

I also have my own tattoo equipment. So that might help

So your sayn that alot of National and State parks r free??

 

[blkjak]

welcome .... blkjak

 

[Pikachu711]

Welcome to the group Bailman!&nbsp;

 

[HoboBerg]

National forest yes. State parks spendy

 

[josephusminimus]

Welcome bailman.

 

[sl1966]

Greetz and Welcome to the tribe Bailman!<br /><br />If you're looking to stay out in the sticks there is so much free dispersed camping you can take advantage of. If you wanted you can stay at an RV park in a city/town while you work and then spend the rest of your time boondocking (free camping).<br /><br />

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome!<br /><br />&nbsp;There have been a few changes for dispersed camping in national forests , basically about where you are allowed to drive and how far off of an established road you are allowed to camp but there are still almost unlimited opportunities to camp for free.<br /><br />&nbsp;Check here for the new road rules and maps -<a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml"> http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml</a><br /><br />&nbsp;And here for a cool interactive US map with all of the forests marked - <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/locatormap/">http://www.fs.fed.us/locatormap/</a>

 

[bailman]

Cool

Starting to make more sense now.

 

[bailman]

Well I've talk to the other owner, Im taking a buy out within 30 days

First stop- Tennessee

Im gonna start looking for a tow behind trailer on Craiglist
I'm keeping my Dodge Ram. Lol.

 

[Coffee Tim]

Hi Bailman, welcome to the forum; I'm Tim. Glad to meet you.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Good luck buddy, business ownership can be rough.&nbsp; Even part of one.&nbsp; Are you pretty good with that tattoo gun?&nbsp; I think if you keep it cheap and present a very clean appearance you can probably pull in some side cash<br /><br />I would avoid the rental sites as much as possible, there is a lot of free stuff around, even walmarts all over if you are on the move.

 

[bailman]

I keep my tattoo supply very steril, new needles every customer

I will only charge $25 small. Maybe $40 for medium ones, just to make side cash.

You can actually camp out at a walmart.
I will keep my eyes open for all the free sites, is there a big list on this forum??

 

[angeli]

Hey bailman,<br /><br />Welcome!&nbsp; There is a lot of info here and over on cheapgreenrvliving.com.&nbsp; If you have something to give you a bit of side money, and know how to be frugal, you should do just fine!&nbsp; Keep up updated on how you are doing.

 

[rvwandering]

I don't think there's a list of free camping sites on this forum but here's a list of the sites I use.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm">&nbsp;http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm </a>Walmart - You can't actually camp at Walmart but you can stay overnight in a lot of them. Just keep it low key - no chairs out, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parking-locations">http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parking-locations</a> Casinos - same as Walmart but sometimes you have to sign in<br /><a href="http://freecampsites.net/usa/"><br />http://freecampsites.net/usa/</a>&nbsp; Great site - free and cheap camping -site belongs to one of the forum members<br /><a href="http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/Recreation.html"><br />http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/Recreation.html</a> - BLM - similar to national forests but fewer restrictions. Keep clicking on the map and you'll get to the camping spots. Even developed ones are free sometimes. Don't go to recreation.gov. Those are the fee campgrounds.<br /><br /><br />Other places to stay overnight - Flying J truck stops , Cabelas , Rest areas in New Mexico ,Washington state and Texas. Picnic tables in Texas.

 

[katelyn]

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm<br /><br />not free but a good investment...have fun!!!!

 

[bailman]

THANK YOU

out date 11-3-2012. New life

 

[VanTrekker]

<p>Welcome Bailman!&nbsp; <br /><br />You will get lots of free advice (well worth what you&nbsp;pay for it or even more!) in the forum.&nbsp; There is plenty of expertise in here.&nbsp; Your journey will be the most exciting time of your life!<br /><br />Have a good one!</p><p>V.T.</p>

 

[bailman]

Thanks to everybody that has given advice and warm welcomes.

My journey should begin in about 2-3 weeks.

1995 28ft Jayco

I downloaded the RV parks n Passport American apps. Also bought Woodalls.

The reality of going off the grid is starting to come to light.