Any Build Gatherings Happening This Summer?

[hipsterreplacement]

Specifically places within a quick drive of Davis, CA as I'll have a volunteer work gig and won't be able to get away for more than a 3-day weekend for a while.

While I've been car camping for years, I know nothing about trailers and RVs. Yet my most affordable housing option for grad school might be a trailer park. They have rules for what can be there (must be no more than 20 years old). With that limitation, my disability, and my miniscule budget, it's going to be tough finding something I can afford that's ready-converted or that I can simply convert myself. I have to ask them whether a cargo trailer is allowed, but if it is I think Bob's suggestion of converting a cargo trailer might be my best bet. I lucked out finding an already converted cargo trailer I might jump on, but it's basic. Including no insulation. Davis, CA is not a good place to live without insulation.

I can sew :thumbsup: so I was hoping maybe at one of the gatherings where a sort of barter and community "van raising" goes on, I might be able to help someone and get help in return and wind up with something livable by Fall when I'd need it.

 

[B and C]

The only one that I am aware of is Enigmatic Nomadics has a van build every year but I think it is in November.

 

[maki2]

There is most likely going to be a van build in Medford Oregon in late May through June. But it is not the kind where you can bring your own vehicle to have it worked on. They are working on one of the HOWA "Home on Wheels Alliance" vans. It is a different kind of van build program. You can keep up on that activity through their website.

In the summer time it is hard to find locations to build where the weather is just right, not too wet and not too hot and close to lumber and hardware supplies.

 

[becida]

Probably not what you're looking for but give some thought to a used travel trailer (or class C). Something with just enough (does not leak)... bed, kitchen, table, shower/toilet & couch AND an RV park that will take you & has affordable long term rates. You're looking at getting thru grad school.
I'm sure you can get someone to move a travel trailer in for you and it's easy to move when you are done with school. Between the Sacto area & the Bay Area (craigslist) you ought to be able to find something that will work & within your budget.

 

[owl]

Having spent many years in the Davis, Sacramento area, I will tell you I don't think your plan is feasible. Cali is way expensive and the local restrictions will drive you crazy. You spend lots of dollars only to see them go down the drain when neighbors turn you in. There are lots of states way more receptive to what you want to do. Look into relocating and good luck.

 

[hipsterreplacement]

There are cheaper places within California, but Davis is where I'll be going to school so it's non-negotiable. I've already found a kind grad student who will be letting me park in his driveway for free for the summer (although I will pay him summat because I feel I should).

At the time I made the post, I wasn't sure I was admitted to Davis yet so I was just looking for the summer. I've been told (still waiting on paperwork) that I *am* admitted so now I'm looking for an affordable travel trailer or converted cargo trailer or toy hauler so I can rent at one of the nearby trailer parks.

I've been up late looking all over Craig's List in Sacto, SFBay, LA, Bakersfield... RVTrader, Ebay. Haven't found anything I can afford that doesn't smell like a scam. And while bells & whistles of RVs appeal, I think the more motor/electrical/plumbing that's involved, the more that can go wrong$$$. I did see one converted cargo trailer listed but it had no insulation so it was a no-go. Thus why I was asking about builds. While I can sew, my hands are not up to tearing out paneling and adding insulation. I thought maybe I could work out some barter.

 

[Cammalu]

Be aware that some parks won’t allow you to stay unless you are in a legit camper.

Check Facebook marketplace for campers.

 

[bullfrog]

Does your school allow you to park a van or truck overnight and sleep in their parking lot. If so a gym class takes care of a shower, cafeteria takes care of cooking and library takes care of internet living room. A well insulated van with a comfortable bed is all you really need.

 

[highdesertranger]

you don't tear out the paneling, you remove the screws and the paneling comes right out.

way back when I was in school just as long as you were a student you could use the gym as long as no classes were going on and the showers were open for all students.

highdesertranger

 

[hipsterreplacement]

>Does your school allow you to park a van or truck overnight and sleep in their parking lot.

No. Unfortunately the rising number of students who are homeless or at-risk or just damned poor increased the amount of people doing this so it's harder to fly under the radar. I mean, I'll check again, but everything I saw on their parking pages made it look like this was not possible.

>way back when I was in school just as long as you were a student you could use the gym as long as no classes were going on and the showers were open for all students.

I definitely plan on using the gym, but I don't believe they have it open to all students. I'll have to pay, but that's okay. I want to do physical therapy exercises there as well.

>you don't tear out the paneling, you remove the screws and the paneling comes right out.

Good to know. I know if I were to have to convert my mini-van, though, it'd involve some tearing... Wish I had the energy for it. Sleeping in the car in Davis in summer will be very roasty. The bright side is that the place I'm doing my summer learning experience has a deeply shaded place to park. So at least for most of the day it won't be heating up as badly.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Fwiw, the easiest, cheapest overall cost for residence is probably going to be share/rent a room within walking distance of campus. Quick look on Craig's Davis shows some at $500-700.
Buying, converting something and renting an RV spot plus utilities, gas, vehicle maintenance isn't going to be as cheap as you would think all in.
And as mentioned, living in a driveway may not last if any neighbors complain. Back to square one. Find out if it's allowed.
And finding parking for a cargo trailer won't be easy, not RV park friendly, and they are theft and break-in prone, especially in high traffic crime and Urban areas.

As you have a minivan, that is the lowest cost option by finding stealth overnight parking. Arrive late, leave early, spend the day on campus, Shade parking during the day. If you can get away with it, and it's risks of course.
There are lots of YouTube videos on minivan conversions and you don't need to tear out anything or full build out. See will prowse basic minivan setup on YouTube..
But there is no easy cheap answer as you are finding.
You're going to have to get creative, night time sleeping security job, etc...
Focus upon one obstacle and find low cost alternatives and solutions that work for you.
Example, if you could find a secluded paid parking working spot overnight.

But then all in, are you any cheaper or better off than renting a cheap room?
No hassles, secure and no worries.
And here's a tip, post room wanted with a great profile, pic, in shared rooms on Craig's stating you're a great guy and what you want and pay. There are lots of people who don't post their room to the general public but might offer to the right person. Have references to support and you should find something.
Isn't there usually a lodging directory on campus as well of postings?
Best of luck to you, but then effort and knowledge trump luck.

 

[hipsterreplacement]

>Fwiw, the easiest, cheapest overall cost for residence is probably going to be share/rent a room within walking distance of campus.

I have several disabilities to accommodate. From experience, I know these are easier for me to accommodate living alone than living with others.

I've done my research. I've entered housing lotteries and am on waiting lists. Trying to figure out what my options are for mini-van conversion and possible trailer conversion is part of me trying to make sure I have insurance. Thus the topic of the thread.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

That's it, keep at it. :thumbsup:
Seek and ye shall find!