Complete change of plans

[grandpacamper]

This van dwelling, while unique for others has now become a concern of mine. First, I'm a senior with a few physical limitations. Mostly my balance because of the stenosis. The other health issue along with my BP (managed with meds) is that I'm a Type II diabetic. I realize I focus on it more than others, but that's the nature of the ailment. Your focus is on your diet & counts. It becomes second nature, which is easy for an Asperger. I have been outfitting my van for the eventual venture, something I could've got into if I had been younger. But with youth comes responsibilities your career, your family, your health & your retirement. Now as I have been retired for a few years career, family & health are not show stoppers but must be taken into account.

I spent the last few months, buying & building for the great trek. I realize now that being limited physically would be a disaster especially if I was to breakdown somewhere in the wilds. Sooo, I'm changing my approach completely. I've decided that since finances are not my major concern, I'm not rich by any stretch but do have a few resources that can sustain me. I own land in Idaho, I own my home & pay space rent in Oregon, & with the RTR in Quartzsite, AZ. I can route myself between the 3 every few months with no more cost than I'm paying now except gas. I still am renting the space for my wife who is not as desirous for the wanderlust as I am. We have a good marriage now going into our 48th year. She has her interests & I have mine. My wife did mention that she would possibly go if I had a self-contained trailer.

So now my plans that are a drastic change from the van dwelling is to purchase a dependable 3/4 Ton pickup with shell, I will also purchase a self contained travel trailer with all the do dads. I can still drive & have had previous experience with travel trailers, backing is my only issue. I'm looking at spending Apr-May in ID (wet months in OR), the summer will be spent in OR (mild & beautiful), I'll drive my pickup from ID to OR the 1st of June & spend the the summer months until the end of Sep then drive back to ID & spend Oct-Nov. In Dec I'll pull my trailer to the RTR & spend Dec-Mar in AZ. I-15 will be my usual TT route with the route from ID to OR as my route with just my pickup/shell I'll have to spend the night somewhere in E OR but have traveled it extensively & know the BLM or 'free' stops along the way.

 

[Gunny]

Sounds like a well thought out and workable plan, all my best..

Rob

 

[Ballenxj]

This van dwelling, while unique for others has now become a concern of mine. First, I'm a senior with a few physical limitations. Mostly my balance because of the stenosis. The other health issue along with my BP (managed with meds) is that I'm a Type II diabetic.
<-------->
So now my plans that are a drastic change from the van dwelling is to purchase a dependable 3/4 Ton pickup with shell, I will also purchase a self contained travel trailer with all the do dads. I can still drive & have had previous experience with travel trailers, backing is my only issue. I'm looking at spending Apr-May in ID (wet months in OR), the summer will be spent in OR (mild & beautiful), I'll drive my pickup from ID to OR the 1st of June & spend the the summer months until the end of Sep then drive back to ID & spend Oct-Nov. In Dec I'll pull my trailer to the RTR & spend Dec-Mar in AZ. I-15 will be my usual TT route with the route from ID to OR as my route with just my pickup/shell I'll have to spend the night somewhere in E OR but have traveled it extensively & know the BLM or 'free' stops along the way.

Hey GP Camper, why don't you just have a frame mount class 3 hitch installed on your van? It is certainly heavy duty enough to do so. Then just look for a small travel trailer to tow behind it? You would then have a two room condo on wheels.

 

[grandpacamper]

Hey GP Camper, why don't you just have a frame mount class 3 hitch installed on your van? It is certainly heavy duty enough to do so. Then just look for a small travel trailer to tow behind it? You would then have a two room condo on wheels.

Thought of that, even went as far as asking my neighbor who's son is the manager at Uhaul, (they install hitches).  But again the whole breaking down in the wilds is my concern.  The van is a '95 Chev with a 350 but has high miles (200K+).  I still think I can get the $1,000 investment back especially from many of the homeless, under employed here in OR,  the rental picture is horrendous for anyone trying to find an affordable place.  I can use the bed & frame I built for the pickup/shell.  Everything except the Walmart crates ($60) & shelving unit I built are usable & easy transferable to the TT.   I can store my TT either at my property in ID or at my son's house in N Utah when I'm in OR.  No storage costs.

 

[Dennis]

Experimenting with these builds does give us a better idea of what works best for our individual needs or desires. The high miles and being in the boonies is a concern but can happen with anything. Just a lot less miles and good maintenance of another vehicle would be less concerning.
I prefer more remote locations and in a vehicle easier to get in there and back out but likely to have your same train of thought sooner than later.

 

[DannyB1954]

You could tow the trailer with a 3/4 or 1 ton van. That is my plan. I hope to park the trailer in an area, then use the van for overnight trips.

 

[TrainChaser]

You know what you want, but Idon't see that having a van or even a trailer REQUIRES you to be out in the boondocks. Many camping and overnight places are posted online that aren't too far from (what passes for) civilization. Maybe blend the two concepts and make your own?

Good luck with whatever you decided.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Having some physical limitations myself a lot earlier in life than I had ever anticipated I'm a bit leery of driving older/higher mileage vehicles myself. So I can totally relate where you are coming from. I'm at least improving every month slowly but surely, now that im on the right meds and got the right diagnosis.

I think you'll recoup all your money and the process led you to what will ultimately work for you, and if your wife can tag along some of the time, that's an added bonus.

Look forward to seeing your next rig

 

[grimmal]

We have a one ton van and a travel trailer. It works out well for us. The van is a 1998 with over 215,00 miles. 4,000 of those miles were just put on it last 10 days because we had to go from southwest New Mexico to Northern Ohio and back.   The travel trailer was stored for 20.00 for the month and was in a secure place.
  While I could worry about the van being old and breaking , I just keep it maintained and if it breaks it breaks.  Can always rent a U haul to move the trailer if needed.  Having the trailer as a home base and using the van for trips too far out for trailer has worked well for us.

 

[Ballenxj]

We have a one ton van and a travel trailer. It works out well for us. 

Yup, like I said in post three of this thread, I highly recommend keeping the van, set it up for towing and add a good limited slip unit. His van is what, a 3/4 ton allready?
I put my money where my mouth is with having a 3/4 ton Dodge, added an Eaton Tru-Trac limited slip, as well as the frame mount class three hitch. I have a 24 ft TT, and the van has no problem pulling it.
If GP Camper feels more comfortable with a pickup truck though, that's what he's gotta do.

 

[grandpacamper]

About 2 weeks ago I attempted to create a homemade canopy, & in my larger than life imagination I figured a 10 x 12 canvas tarp would work. I made 4 canopy poles 6' 4" with guy wire hooks, it went up like I thought would with the exception of trying to keep the poles upright. DISASTER! ensued I found I couldn't do it myself. It was probably a 3 man job. Got discouraged then the next attempt was after buying an 6 x 8 easy assemble pop up canopy. My wife helps with that but it soon became apparent I was not well equipped to tackle even that. Finally figuring out the instructions we were able to get it set up. We sat back & discussed my lame approach. It wasn't that hard but once again I was discouraged because of my physical limitations.

Those things are what led to my extreme change of heart about the van. Yesterday I went on several classified sites (craigslist, local listings,,,etc.). I limited my price range for the truck at $6,500 & hoped to buy a t-trailer for $3,500. I never got to looking at the TT when I found that anything in the $5-6.5K range for a pickup was basically what I already had. They ranged from the 90's to 2002. All had high miles & looking at my van I realized that with the service records & how it drives I probably had a vehicle that would perform as well as or better than all of them. I rethought my decision. The van is ready only need to pickup a propane bottle. Everything is complete all the equipment is stored or hung on the walls.

Called the mechanic this morning, his crew were the ones who gave it a look about a month ago. No charge, on Thursday next week I'm dropping it off, having them go through it with a fine tooth comb, replace belts, hoses, pressure test for leaks & replace what needs to be replaced unless it's a major item. Next I called the tire shop for an estimate for a full set of tires, there is some tread but it had been sitting for 3 years & to avoid blowouts from rotted tires somewhere in the great unknown I'm getting all new ones. Quote was $440 out the door mounted & balanced. Then heading over to Oil Can Henry's for a complete lube-oil-filter job. The mechanic shop offers a preventive maintenance, you take it in for a 6 month checkup or if you have a problem you are first served.

I figure that if the first visit to them is less than $500, the tires @ $440 & service @ $60-80 I'm only into it for another $1,000. What is it boat owners say the name BOAT stands for Bust Out Another Thousand. I will then stop in the mechanic shop for a receiver hitch installed in case I ever decide to get a small t-trailer to tow behind like you have suggested. Me & the daughter are heading out for a weekend jaunt in two weeks barring any more issues. We are going fairly close to home but it will be a shake down tour. The Van Dwelling is still on!

 

[OutdoorFT]

That sounds good! Thats a decent priceon tires. Wish mine were that cheap

Depending on size and age of TT, 3500 is kind of low. Thats more of a popup price. Of course, theres always deals to be had. Like you, Ive changed my mind on what Id want. Still deciding and looking at my options for my F350

 

[mayble]

The Van Dwelling is still on!

Awesome! 

 

[Ballenxj]

  The Van Dwelling is still on!

Now you're talking! When you're ready, get a price from a reputable shop on installing limited slip and you're set.

 

[Lotsahorses]

About 2 weeks ago I attempted to create a homemade canopy, & in my larger than life imagination I figured a 10 x 12 canvas tarp would work.  I made 4 canopy poles 6' 4" with guy wire hooks, it went up like I thought would with the exception of trying to keep the poles upright.  DISASTER! ensued I found I couldn't do it myself.  It was probably a 3 man job.  Got discouraged then the next attempt was after buying an 6 x 8 easy assemble pop up canopy.  My wife helps with that but it soon became apparent I was not well equipped to tackle even that.  Finally figuring out the instructions we were able to get it set up.  We sat back & discussed my lame approach.  It wasn't that hard but once again I was discouraged because of my physical limitations.  

Those things are what led to my extreme change of heart about the van.  Yesterday I went on several classified sites (craigslist, local listings,,,etc.).  I limited my price range for the truck at $6,500 & hoped to buy a t-trailer for $3,500.  I never got to looking at the TT when I found that anything in the $5-6.5K range for a pickup was basically what I already had.  They ranged from the 90's to 2002.  All had high miles & looking at my van I realized that with the service records & how it drives I probably had a vehicle that would perform as well as or better than all of them.  I rethought my decision.  The van is ready only need to pickup a propane bottle.  Everything is complete all the equipment is stored or hung on the walls.  

Called the mechanic this morning, his crew were the ones who gave it a look about a month ago.  No charge, on Thursday next week I'm dropping it off, having them go through it with a fine tooth comb, replace belts, hoses, pressure test for leaks & replace what needs to be replaced unless it's a major item.  Next I called the tire shop for an estimate for a full set of tires, there is some tread but it had been sitting for 3 years & to avoid blowouts from rotted tires somewhere in the great unknown I'm getting all new ones.  Quote was $440 out the door mounted & balanced.  Then heading over to Oil Can Henry's for a complete lube-oil-filter job.  The mechanic shop offers a preventive maintenance, you take it in for a 6 month checkup or if you have a problem you are first served.  

I figure that if the first visit to them is less than $500, the tires @ $440 & service @ $60-80 I'm only into it for another $1,000.  What is it boat owners say the name BOAT stands for Bust Out Another Thousand.  I will then stop in the mechanic shop for a receiver hitch installed in case I ever decide to get a small t-trailer to tow behind like you have suggested.  Me & the daughter are heading out for a weekend jaunt in two weeks barring any more issues.  We are going fairly close to home but it will be a shake down tour.  The Van Dwelling is still on!

I'm older too and have some limitations and I think I understand your thinking.  Here's something that might help some.  I ride an Adventure Motorcycle and often am off road with no cell phone signal.  For my peace of mind and for everyone back home,  I bought a SPOT tracker.  A palm sized satellite device that you can put in your shirt pocket or on the dash or on the handlebars.   If you set it to track you, it sends out your GPS coordinates every 10-15 minutes and sends them to the SPOT website so your wife or family can track your whereabouts online with only a 15 minute delay.  There is a button that you can press that says send help.  You use it for mechanical breakdowns,  minor injuries etc.   It tells whoever is tracking you that you need help sent to get you and gives your GPS coordinates.  I used that button once out in the back country of Utah when I had a couple leg fractures that were painful but not life threatening.   My wife back home called the nearest Sheriff's office and they responded and hauled me and the motorcycle out of the back country and used my GPS location to find me.
 
There's another button that says SOS and is for true emergencies like a diabetic emergency.  When you press that one it sends an emergency signal that will result in whatever is necessary to get you whether its a police cruiser, a helicopter or a coast guard boat.   Those can be $30K rescues, but you can sign up for a yearly response plan that costs about $120 that will cover any costs of an emergency rescue. 
There is another button that sends a message that says I'm OK and stopping.  You use that button when you are stopping for a spell or at the end of the day so that everyone knows why you have stopped and that you are OK. 
I'm planning to use my Spot when I travel and camp and I even use it when I make long distance drives so my wife knows my whereabouts if she doesn't travel with me.   The cost of a SPOT used is about $60-80 and the website fee is about $100/year and the SOS plan about $120.    Runs on three AAA batteries and works great and does not require cell phone signal.   It covers a multitude of "what if" scenarios.   Cheers.

 

[vfourmax]

I'm older too and have some limitations and I think I understand your thinking.  Here's something that might help some.  I ride an Adventure Motorcycle and often am off road with no cell phone signal.  For my peace of mind and for everyone back home,  I bought a SPOT tracker.  A palm sized satellite device that you can put in your shirt pocket or on the dash or on the handlebars.   If you set it to track you, it sends out your GPS coordinates every 10-15 minutes and sends them to the SPOT website so your wife or family can track your whereabouts online with only a 15 minute delay.  There is a button that you can press that says send help.  You use it for mechanical breakdowns,  minor injuries etc.   It tells whoever is tracking you that you need help sent to get you and gives your GPS coordinates.  I used that button once out in the back country of Utah when I had a couple leg fractures that were painful but not life threatening.   My wife back home called the nearest Sheriff's office and they responded and hauled me and the motorcycle out of the back country and used my GPS location to find me.
 
There's another button that says SOS and is for true emergencies like a diabetic emergency.  When you press that one it sends an emergency signal that will result in whatever is necessary to get you whether its a police cruiser, a helicopter or a coast guard boat.   Those can be $30K rescues, but you can sign up for a yearly response plan that costs about $120 that will cover any costs of an emergency rescue. 
There is another button that sends a message that says I'm OK and stopping.  You use that button when you are stopping for a spell or at the end of the day so that everyone knows why you have stopped and that you are OK. 
I'm planning to use my Spot when I travel and camp and I even use it when I make long distance drives so my wife knows my whereabouts if she doesn't travel with me.   The cost of a SPOT used is about $60-80 and the website fee is about $100/year and the SOS plan about $120.    Runs on three AAA batteries and works great and does not require cell phone signal.   It covers a multitude of "what if" scenarios.   Cheers.

I also ride an enduro and spend a lot of time reading at another forum dedicated to that pursuit. I know I have seen quite a few post about the "spot" you are referencing to and they are not generally recommended it seems due to reliability issues. Some users have had them replaced under warranty and the new replacements would be defective out of the box. There were several other options that worked the same way but I think the cost was quite a bit higher.
Before I went that route I would do more research as if I were to be using something like this depending on it to possibly save my life reliability would be a number 1 priority.

I have never owned one of these just passing on information I have read of experiences of some people that have owned and used them. I do realize that because some people have had problems does not mean it is a bad product just that I would definately do my homework prior to buying one.

 

[Lotsahorses]

I also ride an enduro and spend a lot of time reading at another forum dedicated to that pursuit. I know I have seen quite a few post about the "spot" you are referencing to and they are not generally recommended it seems due to reliability issues. Some users have had them replaced under warranty and the new replacements would be defective out of the box. There were several other options that worked the same way but I think the cost was quite a bit higher.
Before I went that route I would do more research as if I were to be using something like this depending on it to possibly save my life reliability would be a number 1 priority.

I have never owned one of these just passing on information I have read of experiences of some people that have owned and used them. I do realize that because some people have had problems does not mean it is a bad product just that I would definately do my homework prior to buying one.

My SPOT is now 5 years old and has been bounced from motorcycle to motorcycle and dash board to dash board.   Rained on, sleeted on.  It's always worked and was used when I bought it.

 

[djkeev]

I've traveled coast to coast in a 1986 Volkswagon Vanagon Camper.
Talk about breaking down opportunities!!
But it hasn't happened, despite my worries.....

Sometimes we build up scenarios in our brain and then we worry and fret about them although they aren't real and will most likely never happen.

Carry an AAA card, a credit card and a cell phone, stop worrying about what might happen and go enjoy the trip!

Realize that you're pulling your living quarters with you so if you do break down you've got a dry place to sleep and food to eat!

Don't Worry..... Be Happy

https://g.co/kgs/oIJaVk

Dave

 

[TrainChaser]

Many people are looking for perfection in everything -- and they aren't going to find it. You just do what you can, and do it day to day, and the years will pass.

Don't let Fear be your guide.