CA Newbie stuck in Analysis Paralysis

[Salient0ne]

Not sure what to say here that hasn't been said, I want to thank everyone for the TON of information that lives on this site/forum/blog. I've watched many videos and read blogs, all of which has been inspiring.

I'm in my mid 30's, 15 months ago I completely burned out doing IT for a large corporation. I realize now that I wasted some of the best years of my life doing something I haven't enjoyed in a long time. I've spent this last year trying to extract all the poisonous ideologies that led me down this incorrect path. It was very refreshing to come across Bob's video on the morality of this lifestyle. It was a very similar line of thought I was already exploring, sometimes you need to hear it said by someone else for it to finally sink in.

At any rate, I have a giant worksheet of information weighing the pros and cons of almost everything I encounter on here and on other sites. Think I'm going to go Cargo Van + Cargo Trailer or try to convert a small school bus.  If I ever get over this Analysis Paralysis that is.  

Thanks again.

 

[Vagabound]

I've watched many videos and read blogs, all of which has been inspiring.

...
If I ever get over this Analysis Paralysis that is.  

Hi SO, 

Welcome to the nice, little mountain town of Analysis Paralysis, Population 2 (though I have long suspected the presence of stealth residents).  Around here, we don't say "stuck" ... no, we say "engaged". I guess it's only fair to tell you that I already appointed myself mayor. ;-)

Relative newbie also.  Also assimilating everything I can find on these subjects like the Borg.  Similar background.  Similar approach to solving the problem, except that the giant worksheet was a feature of an earlier release of myself.  Now in some odd form of post-production, morphed, beta release, I don't have the whatever it takes to do that.  Seems the feature was deleted. But being an analysis addict, I still do it in my head, secretly.  (don't tell anyone)

Interestingly, I've also been in and out of all of the choice mazes of type of rig, as I need to choose one as well.  I can see daylight, but I'm still pretty deep in the maze.  Ruled out the bus.  Leaning toward van, with a cargo trailer added when possible.  Tempted by the space, headroom, and normalcy of a Class-B RV, but likely not due to cost and lack of flexibility to customize, mobility restrictions of the vehicle, etc.

Next time we run across each other in this metropolis, might want to have a chat about similar challenges.

Your new neighbor,

Vagabound

 

[wagoneer]

You really won't know what it's like till you go there. the safest bet would be a van and if you can build it a cargo trailer or go with a small travel trailer it largely depends on your destinations and lifestyle, personally I was no good at doing a build so I went modular in a E350 XL hightop used that a few years and learned about my shortcomings as a builder I have a travel trailer a friend is using and I am presently in a truck camper. I can easily tow the travel trailer with my truck camper.

 

[VanKitten]

The analysis paralysis is good for that time while you build up a stash of cash to go shopping with. The spread sheets are good to get all you ideas and thoughts together and provides the time to realize the stuff you may have for got.

BUT, when the vehicle jumps out at you...you need to take that leap.

There just isn't anyway to slowly edge over that cliff.

Buy the vehicle and start the conversion.

 

[jimindenver]

I'd love to even move to A.P. but 30 years ago I thought the grass was greener on this side of the fence and while I was checking it out, someone closed the gate behind me. So I'll be moving on to A.P. but only after some really expensive crowbars do their job and get that gate opened back up.

Until then I see this site like school and there are teachers in every subject. I've seen people using everything from cars to motor homes here, they will give you the ups and downs of each choice. It's better than mentally deciding on a rig and coming back in a few years going that damn thing cost a fortune to keep and it won't go where I want it to. It's to my advantage that someone here has been down that road already.

So until that gate is forced open and I can escape someday-ville, I will just keep absorbing the info.

 

[Vagabound]

I'd love to even move to A.P. but 30 years ago I thought the grass was greener on this side of the fence and while I was checking it out, someone closed the gate behind me. So I'll be moving on to A.P. but only after some really expensive crowbars do their job and get that gate opened back up.

Until then I see this site like school and there are teachers in every subject. I've seen people using everything from cars to motor homes here, they will give you the ups and downs of each choice. It's better than mentally deciding on a rig and coming back in a few years going that damn thing cost a fortune to keep and it won't go where I want it to. It's to my advantage that someone here has been down that road already.

So until that gate is forced open and I can escape someday-ville, I will just keep absorbing the info.

Jim,

Deep, poignant, poetic, hopeful, and a bunch more synonyms.  Truly.  Great advice and way to view and make use of these forums as well.

Vagabound

 

[Queen]

I moved into AP many years ago, it wasn't until we relocated to FL and EVERYTHING planned to the nth degree, all worked out perfectly and DONE! Then it imploded, that I realized I was done with AP, I could move on knowing that most planning was just an exercise, a way to spend time until I could start the next phase in life.

Now that I've moved to HR (Happy Reality) I don't plan or chart or agonize, I just live each day fully and let my thoughts stray to the future now and then. I'll get on the road in a year or two, I'll do it in a tent if needed, but I won't move back to AP because it made day to day harder.

 

[ZoNiE]

We have a travel trailer. works great for a couple. Sometimes I go to events alone, my wife stays home. I Don't need three tons behind me on those trips, and when I do take it, I get mooched off of by others, using the bathroom, sleeping, but not chipping in for the $100-300 in fuel I burn over the long weekend getting to the launch. I am working out the plans for a "mancamper" to support that need. Basically a small cargo trailer with a full bathroom and kitchen, and a little bit of extra storage for the gear I take, in my case, High Power Rockets and the ground support equipment.

I can sleep in the thing alone or sell the truck and get a van that is capable of towing it and the travel trailer when we use that. I can setup the van for sleeping and use the cargo as a support trailer. I suspect this is likely how Bob does it. If I make it small enough, It can be pulled behind my buddy's minivan, and I only need a 5K BTU ac unit to cool it. He will sleep in his van or tent, I'll sleep in the cargo once the gear is offloaded.

A diesel Transit low roof with windows may fit the bill for me. A nice red or silver one...

Designing the camper has me in AP...

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Well, I almost asked you where AP was. Finally reread the thread to figure it out.

 

[jimindenver]

One way to avoid A.P. is to start with your needs and stick to them. I can't sacrifice the ability to stand or stretch out in bed, that eliminates standard vans and side to side beds. I know what kind of roads I expect to be traveling on rules out the big motor homes yet too small and nimble won't afford me the storage I will require. A 4x4 high top extended van pulling a enclosed trailer or 4x4 class C might fit the bill but bill is right when you see the cost. I need to get out of here with as big of a bank roll as possible.

So when you look at only the options that fit your needs you find that there is less to agonize over.

 

[KASibson]

.... a little bit of extra storage for the gear I take, in my case, High Power Rockets and the ground support equipment.

As in model rockets on steroids?
That's SO cool!

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums SalientOne! Great advice from our members! I can't think of anything to add except enjoy planning the journey to the next phase of your life!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Tussah]

A diesel Transit low roof with windows may fit the bill for me. A nice red or silver one...

Designing the camper has me in AP...

Me, too, but my dream van is the medium roof, 130"  Transit cargo van in silver.   Planning for it down to the tiniest details gets me through a lot of boring meetings, let me tell you!  I'm making the mattress for it this week.  Thanks, again!

CA Newbie, getting stuck in AP isn't good, but lots of planning is great!  I use Google docs, so I can work on the plan wherever I am and copy great ideas I read about on the forums.  

In my mind, I'm living in my van and figuring out all the defects and places to improve, all without actually spending a penny or suffering any inconvenience from bad decisions.

 

[ZoNiE]

As in model rockets on steroids?
That's SO cool!

8ft tall, 10" diameter

Me, too, but my dream van is the medium roof, 130"  Transit cargo van in silver.   Planning for it down to the tiniest details gets me through a lot of boring meetings, let me tell you!  I'm making the mattress for it this week.  Thanks, again!

CA Newbie, getting stuck in AP isn't good, but lots of planning is great!  I use Google docs, so I can work on the plan wherever I am and copy great ideas I read about on the forums.  

In my mind, I'm living in my van and figuring out all the defects and places to improve, all without actually spending a penny or suffering any inconvenience from bad decisions.

Yeah, part of my AP is medium roof or low roof... :huh:

 

[rvpopeye]

Why do I think you're not using Estes engines ??????????????????
Liquid or solid?

 

[steamjam1]

At any rate, I have a giant worksheet of information weighing the pros and cons of almost everything I encounter on here and on other sites. Think I'm going to go Cargo Van + Cargo Trailer or try to convert a small school bus.  If I ever get over this Analysis Paralysis that is.  

Thanks again.

As they say in IT: (I did it for a long time)

"Sometimes you just gotta hit the enter key and see what the heck happens."

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!