Countdown to Freedom!

[gypsygirl]

Hi all,<br><br>I have been a fan of this website for a couple of years and today I Finally signed up as a bonafide member. I have been a full-time RVer for years at a time in 4 different travel trailers, sold the last one in the Fall due to not wanting to tow anymore. I am now living in a small rental until I make my break at the end of the year. I have been researching van living for quite a while now and believe it would suit me and my 2 little dogs (Chihuahuas) just perfectly. I can't seem to decide upon the right van and I do not have the skills to make my own. I have bought new RVs before, but this time I want to be more practical and hang on to most of my small nest egg. I also don't want to buy someone's "problems" and find out somewhere in the middle of the desert that this or that fails to work. Sometimes I just think a bed and a grill would be fine! <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">&nbsp;(think Blue Highways). Once I find the right van and tie up all loose ends (give up job, garage sale, etc.) then I will be off to the open road which has always called to me.<br>One question I have for you guys and gals is how do you make money along the way?? I have 3 years to go before SS (and yes, I am taking it early and spending every dime before there are any more cutbacks). I am a medical professional and can do relief work (in CA) from time to time if needed, but I would rather not and be totally free of the work that has drained too much of my spirit.<br>Another thing I think about is how great it would be to be around people who are like-minded. Do the vandwellers get together in places? Needless to say, most of my current collegues think I am crazy as a cat for wanting to live in a van, but I know there is nothing like the feeling of real freedom to live where you please and how you please.<br>Looking forward to hearing from any of you.<br>

 

[Guest]

Welcome to the forum....glad to have you and hope you find the answers you are looking for....<br><br>If you haven't take a look on Yahoo for <br><br>http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/VanDwellers/<br><br>There some good Files etc. there and you can search the archives for a lot of the questions you might have....<br>Good luck,<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[KatieinKansas]

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial">Welcome gypsygirl,</font></span><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'd say that you've voiced the thoughts of most of us. &nbsp;...Well put.</span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Glad you're with us,</span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Katie</span></font></div>

 

[Seraphim]

Welcome aboard.<BR><BR>I constantly recommend older Class Bs, like our Intervec Falcon. 80s to 90s models can be found in nice condition inexpensively. They already contain all the necessities, including a sit down tub/shower, which we prefer to public campground showers.<BR><BR>Propane tanks permit cooking, heating, etc. without plugging in. The only thing 110v is needed for is the microwave and AC - and occasional battery recharging. A generator would handle the microwave and recharging, if needed. We've never needed one.<BR><BR>Some photos below:<BR><BR><A href="http://jglennhart.wordpress.com" target=_blank target=_blank>http://jglennhart.wordpress.com</A><BR><BR><BR>

 

[twokniveskatie]

hi, and welcome to the group! you sure have come to the right place and as brian pointed out, the vandwellers yahoo group is a good source of info.<div><br></div><div>vandweller types are always getting together, either at informal meet-ups and campouts, and also at more "official" events like the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous held in Quartzsite this past january. there is one in loose planning stages in the midwest coming up, and hopes for some eastern ones, too.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>visit often, and you'll see lots of opportunities......</div>

 

[gypsygirl]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. Yep, I think I have found my place with this group...a bunch of like-minded gypsies who yearn for ultimate freedom and who hear the soft whispers of the open road beckoning new adventures! I have been van-shopping online, local lots, craigslist and have not found "the one" yet, but I am confident it will appear. I think my bigger challenge will be to have the confidence to cut loose from the safety of a good income in exchange for my freedom to travel, get together with friends, and to chase my long dream of being a writer.<br>Smiles,<br>gypsygirl<br>

 

[Seraphim]

Have you tried <A href="http://www.rvtraderonline.com" target=_blank target=_blank>www.rvtraderonline.com</A>&nbsp;?<br><br>Search for 'Class B'.<br>

 

[Tara]

Hey, check out smartpassiveincome.com for money ideas.