Big Scary First Step!

[AsphaltGypsy]

Things are beginning to take a different turn in my life, and I am starting to look in earnest at alternative "housing". I currently pay rent and have a 2013 Kia Soul. I am a 58yr old, single woman, with knee limitations. (looking to get replacement on both knees thru VA before I retire). Other than that I am healthy.

Short term solution = buy a Kia Sedona (http://www.rontonkinkia.com/certified/Kia/2016-Kia-Sedona-9012c77b0a0e0ae7513b8f85c1a599e8.htm) using my currently vehicle as a trade in and living full time, (boon docking here in Portland to continue working my job) until retirement kicks in. (2020). This path would reduce my overhead costs to roughly $750 month allowing me to save a substantial amount towards that retirement goal.

Long term = keep Sedona and buy a small TT to tow or sell Sedona and buy a small used class A to finish out my life with living off retirement/workkamping/etc...a decision that does not have to be made anytime soon. =)

I follow this forum pretty religiously and depend on it for a lot of idea's / support / tribe community / etc...
I am wondering if anyone else has used the Kia Sedona and if so, your thoughts/idea's?

I missed the mechanical gene when they were giving them out so I would only need help with setting up the solar part and the wifi part of getting the vehicle "boon dock" ready. I am hoping I can find someone to either trade services with or pay them to help with that.

I am looking for any idea's or thoughts if anyone has a Sedona or used a Sedona in the past and what they thought.

Big scary first step coming up!

:-/ AG

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Is the rear Sedona flexible for living; seats fold down, etc? If I might suggest connecting with a reliable and trustworthy broker (the amount they can save you vastly pays for their fee) or even a dealer that works the auction houses. Many lease returns end up at the auction houses. Network your searching and contacts within perhaps the Facebook group community sections. "Living Portland" or something like that.

I know Bob Wells interviewed a man using a Sedona. Seems workable and livable.

Best of luck on your research and future plans!

 

[TrainChaser]

In Portland, do you have a relatively safe place to park your rig for sleeping? THAT is the big issue for cities, and it's more of a pain than people who've never done it realize. Theory just doesn't cut it. Could you park on someone's private property for the next 3 years? If you're that lucky, pay them some rent, don't use their facilities (ask if you can use water from the outside tap), and don't be a nuisance. Keep in mind that people can change their minds. Suggestion: rather than living in your vehicle until retirement, consider renting a smaller apartment, like a single room. That will also help you pare down to necessities, and also test how well you would live in a small space.

Good luck!

 

[CatCaretaker]

I missed the mechanical gene when they were giving them out   so I would only need help with setting up the solar part and the wifi part of getting the vehicle "boon dock" ready.

:-/ AG

I'm glad I'm not the only one! Actually, I think it's just a matter of lack of experience with building out a camper, dealing with engines, solar tech etc. Men are more likely to have accumulated that knowledge, especially in our generation or older. Given time and someone to learn from, your skills would blossom. YouTube videos sometimes aren't that helpful. In one I was watching the guy went on about how simple his homemade a/c was (fan blowing over ice in an ice chest)...but I have no idea what tool he was using to cut through the thick plastic and he never said what it was! He probably assumed his viewers would know, and indeed any "tool guy" would. 

CatCaretaker

 

[deadwood]

I've learned most of my build as I have gone along. When I put the floor it I read everything I could about what might work. Same with insulation, electric and everything else. You can do a very simple build or get very complex. I have always been handy with tools but I knew nothing about how to build out my own camper van.

For me the fun part has been trying to figure out each step as I go along. When I got my van the first few months I camped in the empty cargo van with a sleeping bag and a camp mat. As I started to use it I got an idea of what I wanted in my build. But I had to learn each step as I went and I'm glad I did. Now that it is getting closer to finished I know exactly how everything in the van is put together. If something goes wrong I should know how to repair it or replace it.

Between the forums and Youtube there is so much info out there to help you figure out how to do almost anything. With that being said if anything mechanical needs to be done I take it to a mechanic because then I am way out of my depth of knowledge.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard !

Read the links at the top of the main page and after exploring through all that.....

Just ask questions as you go along!

Can't help with the Kia but I'm sure someone here owns or has owned one .

 

[chrisbailey]

Here is the video by Bob to maybe give you some ideas.

[video=youtube]

You also can use the forum search function. 

I hope that helps at least a bit to get you started.

Good luck.