Dreamer Seeking Advice to Turn Doer

[StarDestroyer]

Hello everyone!

Recently I got struck with an insatiable bout of wanderlust and the crazy idea to convert a camper and head out west. (Could have something to do with all the darn snow we're getting!) I've no reservations in admitting that I am completely and totally new to all this, and am currently in the "holy wow, this is all really overwhelming" stage. With that being said, I look forward to making connections with fellow newbies to share the journey with, and hopefully some experienced VanDwellers who can show me the proverbial ropes and pass on any wisdom they may be willing to share.

Frugality is going to be a really important factor for me. I don't have $20k to drop on a van (or even $5k for that matter), so I'm likely going to look into something along the lines of a Chevy Express or GMC safari. From the conversion process to being on the road, I will gladly accept all advice on how to save without sacrificing basic comfort. I've no set plans in mind at this time as far as how long I'm looking to live out of the van on this road trip (at this rate, I'm thinking anywhere from 3 months to indefinitely... ) so making money on the road is something else I'd like to find information on. I'm hoping to leave sometime between June and July, which I like to believe will be doable enough, presuming I find the right van within the next month or so.

I'm really looking forward to meeting you all and hearing your stories! Hopefully by this time next year, I'll have my own to tell...

Thanks in advance,
~StarDestroyer

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome StarDestroyer to the CRVL forums! 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. ask away we will try our best to answer. highdesertranger

 

[sephson]

Welcome aboard StarDestroyer! Love the name by the way.

Given that money is an issue, which I think is something most of us can relate to, do you already own a vehicle other than a van that you might be able to convert to get you started on your way?

Just as an example, while I'm not a full timer, when I'm on the road I live out of my Kia Soul hatchback.

Another member here, Suanne spends months at a time living out of her Toyota Prius.

The point here is that you do have options available to you other than a van.

 

[StarDestroyer]

I'm currently cruising around in a 97 Grand Cherokee, and I wouldn't trust it as far as I can throw it, honestly. :S I'm not sure how well I would manage with such a limited space, either. Even a cargo van will be tricky, but I feel it'll be doable. I'm really passionate about wanting to travel, but I do have anxiety, so I'm really hoping to make my vehicle my "safe place" and somewhere I feel comfortable just lounging out and reading in if I feel too overwhelmed to get out and do stuff that day. I did consider converting the Jeep, but in its current mechanical state, I don't think I'd wind up saving in the long run. I've got my eyes on a nice looking 07 Chevy Express that a company is looking to sell for just under $2k before the end of the year, just to get it off the books. Fingers crossed that that turns out- otherwise we'll see.

Thank you for the warm welcome. StarDestroyer was a nickname a friend affectionately dubbed me about 5 years back and felt too appropriate. ^_^

 

[Bdog1]

I'd start out super basic, get a feel for what it takes for you to be comfortable. Plan a build out after you get a taste for the lifestyle.


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[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums    

Remember,  everything starts with a dream or a vision.   If you don't have that how can you do anything.  Even if you see something  you like and think....I want one of those.....that is a vision that you would intend to replicate.  And that's just as valid.

When I started with my first Van it was the smallest with a small engine and standard shift.  Covered the metal floor with thin ply wood and got a big piece of indoor outdoor carpet remnant that covered the whole floor in the back end.  The front still had black rubber floor mat which was perfect for that area.

I got scrap pieces of 2 x 4 to fit the foundation for a bed frame across the rear wheel wells.   I found a foam rubber mattress that I had cut down and modified somewhat and that completed the bed.   The  Kitchenette was all I needed next.  To be legal and licensed as an RV in the state I lived in back then.  I needed a cook top (burner) and a basin for water. (didn't have to be running water with plumbing)

My next challenge was to take week end camping forays to a State Park and camp by a lake.   These were my "shake down" trips to get a handle on what I would need so I could camp and travel both.  I already knew how to drive across country but living in the same vehicle would take a little extra effort.  I found books in the library like "The Campers Bible" and other such books to study.  Fortunately they had these "List" of things every camper should have along.   So I began to learn how to outfit myself.   In the evenings at camp I was invited to sit around the campfires of other campers and talk and learn from their stories and wisdom......just as you will some day.   And that is how I made the transition.   There are lots of families in these parks and campsites with folks who are wanting to show their young kids a side of life most kids don't get to see. (it ain't all computer games and soap operas for them)  But we all come to this way of life from different orientations.

So,  let me invite you to look at my two websites below.  The  first one is about converting a basic rig to start with.   The second is for how to go about traveling, planning trips & side trips, places of interest to go see,
several applications which will show you the weather forecast, help you find laundromats to clean your clothing from time to time, find auto service should you need and much more.  

So lurk and read and learn from us while you are snowed in.  It won't be Snow for ever and in a few months you'll be able to pursue finding a Cargo Van and fitting it out so you can get on the road for your first experiences.

All the best.

 

[Cheli]

Welcome StarDestroyer!

I can relate to the sudden onset of wanderlust, it hit me hard too. As already mentioned, I think frugality is on the top of most of our list here. I am also planning on leaving for the road by July or August myself and my biggest concern is getting a vehicle that won't eat up all my savings. It sounds like you might have a great opportunity with that fleet van, good luck and I hope it works out.

I don't have any experience "on the road" to help you with as I'm still in the getting ready to leave it all behind stage.

I look forward to following your process and meeting you on the road someday soon.

 

[StarDestroyer]

Thanks, Cheli!

I think perhaps it's the frugality and "simplicity" of the lifestyle that's part of the reason I'm so drawn in to begin with. It's just the getting there and trying to get my head wrapped around the idea that I could very well make this a reality bit that's tricky. Unfortunately I emailed about that fleet van and by morning the post had been taken down. Perhaps too good to be true, anyway. -shrugs- I'm sure I'll find the right van (or it'll find me) when the time is right. Keeping my eyes peeled and learning all that I can in the meantime!

Look forward to meeting you as well! Feel free to send a friend request- I'd love to hear your story and plans sometime!

 

[ArtW]

Welcome, once you get the van, here's one idea for a 'quick and dirty' conversion on the cheap
I am NOT the author of this idea, I just think it's a great idea for a budget conversion requiring no particular skill
http://www.vanlifecrisis.com/2015/09/the-320-1-hour-van-conversion.html

 

[StarDestroyer]

Welcome, once you get the van, here's one idea for a 'quick and dirty' conversion on the cheap
I am NOT the author of this idea, I just think it's a great idea for a budget conversion requiring no particular skill
http://www.vanlifecrisis.com/2015/09/the-320-1-hour-van-conversion.html

Thanks! I think that might be a bit more quick and dirty than I'm hoping to do, but it's nice to know that I do have options! Might consider looking into getting that mattress, especially, though I'll likely use palette wood to build a bed. I'd be curious to see if the full side could be rigged so to fold "futon style", as it's far more cost effective to buy a full than two twins. Would be curious to hear from fellow Cargo vandwellers on what size beds they chose. I'd have to get inside one to really know, but a full seems like it would take up a good deal of room.

 

[eDJ_]

In my first Van I found that I could fit a yard sale cot made of aluminum tubing and green fabric, across the back
over the rear wheel wells.   I had to leave the two end legs fold up against the frame and the center legs in the down position. 

The Cot looked similar to this one. (the legs on mine didn't cross over but had plastic caps on the ends where they contacted the floor) 

Once it was in place it see sawed  at the ends so I cut 2 X 4 and fit them across the tops of the wheel wells and then set the cot back in place.  Now the legs in the center were off the floor by part of an inch.  So I pulled everything back out and "cut" down the sides of the 2 X 4's to remove that fraction of an inch from their width.  Viola !  Now the Cot fit perfectly.  

When I first started overnight camping the Van was "stark".  After I fell asleep I rested ok but not great.
Later I found a Pop Up tent camper that was going to be stripped to use as a utility trailer.  So I got a Foam Rubber mattress out of it and got it cut and sewn  to fit the Cot.  Perfect.  I slept great on it then.

This Cot was just under 30 inches wide and just fine for me.   I always slept with my head over the left rear wheel so that if I had to get up my eyes would see the side doors.

This could get you set up with a bed quickly.  But if it is Cold...real Cold....a canvas cot won't keep you warm
on the side you are sleeping on.  You need a mattress (of foam) for both comfort and insulation.  And plenty of warm covers or a down or "hollow fill" sleeping bag rated for very cold weather.   (then a light weight one for warm weather nights). 

You could just about take care of the rest with card board boxes to contain your equipment & clothing.  Then a Plastic Cooler and a cooking element of some kind could  take care of your food needs.  Just pack your kitchen/mess gear in a box of it's own.  Cans of food items in another. 

That could get you on the road in a few hours even.   But in time you would want to fit out your rig better.
Plywood on the food with a good carpet will give some insulation.  You'll still want some warm moccasin slippers to put on when you get out of bed just the same.

 

[StarDestroyer]

Interesting idea, and very true. I feel that "finishing" it a bit more would make it feel a bit more homey and therefore more comfortable to be living out of for a couple of months. I don't really intend on staying in it during the winter at this point in time. With that being said, how necessary would insulation be? I've heard that insulating keeps it both cool in the heat and warm when it's cold. Is there an alternative (other than running a ton of fans) that would keep it cool during the summer? A certain type of ventilation set up? Or would it be cheaper/more versatile/wise to just go with the insulation? It seems like that's something I could add down the road if need be, but if it's better to do it up front...

Other than that, I think I can handle the bed and kitchen area well enough. Ideally I'd like a solar set-up for power. That's something (electricity in general) that I need to do a lot more research into. I've heard it can get pricey, quick, but I presume it's something that I would really benefit from in the long run.

 

[eDJ_]

I'd say getting some solid flooring down from the front seats to the rear doors in a Cargo Van would be a good start.  Cover that with a good carpeting.  I found a foam rubber backed tight pile nylon carpet at a carpet store that had been brought back from a low traffic installation.  Got it for near nothing.  Didn't tell them what I wanted it for.  

Next if you want to insulate,  this Reflectix metallic double bubble thickness insulation is a snap to work with. 
Scissors and glue will allow you to cut out pieces to fit onto the walls and ceiling of your rig.   As it is silver it will reflect the light well to aid illumination inside.  It's light weight.  Don't need to wear any protective clothing like you would with other insulation.   

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reflecti...87702&wl11=online&wl12=21799669&wl13=&veh=sem

Then you could install your carpet,  bed, kitchenette, Privacy curtain,  etc and have your insulation in place and done.  Then,  you could even decorate to suit yourself.  A colorful bed cover adds visual appeal.  Tea towels on hooks on the kitchenette will add the effect of colorful printed textile and soften the starkness of a wooden cabinet,  An attractive beach towel across the Van behind the front seats mounted on a spring loaded
shower curtain rod will again make the metal structure of the Van appear more upholstered.   Even the carpet
could be a printed pattern so it isn't just a mass of one color.  These elements aren't expensive and can help soften the "machine" nature of the Van and make the living area more like a home.   You can find fixtures now days that look like kerosene lanterns that are battery powered LED lights.  Safe, good lighting, that can add ambiance after dark. If the lantern's "globes" are clear....you could tint them a yellow or rose tone with craft store paints for that purpose. 

Something appealing to your eye ?

Sound is another area to consider.  A small Boombox with an Aux input where an Mp3 player could be plugged into it and even a "headphone" jack so you could lay in your bed and listen to music or "talking books" may take your mind to other places so you won't notice so much how stark your small surroundings may be.  This can make the difference in "so so" with living in your Van and being thrilled to be out and on your own in it making memories you'll cherish for the rest of your life.....and be happy you chose to embark on this adventure. 

Remember,  it won't be the same kind of life you've known while living in the sticks and bricks.   There you are landed and have a different sense of "fixed community".   With Van life you will be more nomadic, meeting new people and seeing new places all the time.  You can travel and sight see, or pull into a free camping area
and stay awhile just to relax. 

If you get to a larger city that you'd like to look around.....you could park your Van and get a City Bus Routes and hop on a Bus and ride around the town's interesting areas to see it.  (just remember where you got on the Bus so you can return there. LOL  It will be cheaper to sight see this way.   But there are websites that will show you a town's places of interest.   This gets you out of the Van for awhile so you won't feel so confined by it.  Likewise,  if you join and belong to some of the nationally franchised Gym's like "Planet Fitness" you can got there and stay as long as you like.  Watch TV in the lounge and recharge your Cell while there...even use the WIFI.  You could use the Gym and then shower and clean up an feel refreshed. 

But this is learning how to live this different kind of life than what you've been used to.  =)

 

[StarDestroyer]

It's so refreshing to talk to people who are honest about the fact that this is very much going to be a different "experience", but who know it can be rewarding! Of the few people I've told my plans to, too many give me that, "are you sure  you want to do that?" look. It will definitely be different, and I'm anxious, but also rather excited.

Decorating is somewhat my forte, actually. I'm highly imaginative and creative, so I absolutely plan on trying to "spruce up" and make the place as much "my own" as I possibly can. On that note, I adore that print. Please tell me you have a link where I can buy a blanket, or tapestry, or some kind of similar fabric with that pattern on it?!

Now, as far as insulating goes, I was reading this article about using Reflectix in the windows and Styrofoam sheets for the rest of the ceiling/walls due to the high R-value. I'd have to look into prices, but it seems like that could be a more affordable option.

I really like the idea of using rose-paint for the lighting as well. I wouldn't have considered something like that, but that could really add some "warmth" to the atmosphere.

As far as in-city transportation, I'd really, ideally, like to bring my bike along. I've thought of removing the passenger seat (I'll be traveling solo, and I've been warned enough about picking up hitchhikers xD) and finding a way to keep the bike set in its place. Granted it's a bit slower going than public transportation, it's virtually free (and great exercise)!

I have a Zune (yes, they still exist! xD) that I plan to load up with music. I'll likely spend most of my time in the van reading, as I'm a bit of a bookworm. (Can I just put a wrap around bookcase in there? )

I have a Planet Fitness membership for exactly this reason!

Appreciate all the advice! Again, it's really great to have found such an understanding and supportive community! I appreciate the patience through all my questions which have probably been asked a thousand times before, heh. I hope to run into some of you on the road!

 

[ArtW]

best way I've found to secure a bike inside a vehicle or enclosed trailer, pedal or motorbike, is D rings on the wal and a strap, running fore and aft, with a blanket between the bike and the wall

 

[eDJ_]

That print was from this gallery website:   http://favim.com/

But I'm sure that upscale carpet companies would find something like it for you. 

I was mentioning using a beach blanket on a spring loaded shower curtain,  positioned above the front seats
so it would provide privacy and or decoration.  It COULD offer stealth too.

Some colorful beach blankets are printed on one side and are white or some plain color on the back side.
So lets say you find a beach blanket with a colorful print that you like where the back side is basically the same color as your Van is painted.  OK   You would only need to compress the spring loaded shower curtain rod a little to take it down and turn the beach blanket around facing the opposite direction. 

What advantage is this ?   Say you have a red Van.  The back side of the beach towel is about the same red as your Van.   You could take a photo of your empty Van through the windshield and get an "Air Brush Artist" to paint the interior view on the back side of the Beach Towel. 

Like so:

With this hanging on the curtain rod facing the front of the Van.....at a distance the Van may look like just
another empty Van.   But the living area is hidden behind it.  See ?

The two dark gray areas at the bottom approximate the front seats but with those areas tucked behind the
seats they would not be seen that much.  But you get the idea.

Now,  this way the printed side of the Towel faces your bed and gives you a pretty curtain to look at.

Maybe something like this. 

Then if you want to travel, you only need to take down the Curtain Rod and turn it around so the Van's Stealth Interior View is facing your living area.  

Just remember,  this works best if it is seen from a distance and other vehicles are around it so that anyone seeing it will most likely only see it from the "front on" position. 

But you are only limited to the extent of your imagination and creativity.   Your resourcefulness can be your greatest advantage.  

In the past when I was traveling in my Van,   I found that I didn't really need that much gear.  By using those
Camping Books like "The Camper's Bible" which contained a List of things to have along I was pretty well able to cover any issue I had by having that gear along.  It all fit in a couple of card board boxes that I hid under the bed.    You could actually have a second Shower Curtain Rod to put up in front of your bed to hang clothes from.  It could double as a second curtain for your bed.

 

[Willy]

Hey.. welcome to the site.

 If you've ever done any hiking/camping, then approaching rubbertramping as doing the same but with more tools and a vehicle instead of a rent may help. I'd say that, especially in June, don't really sweat the details and work out what suits you as things progress. That's essentially what I did, many years ago, just took off and winged it. I read the book 'Roll Your Own', got all fired up, and lit out. The rest is history. ..Willy.
 

 

[eDJ_]

I found "Roll Your Own" in a Public Library and was amazed by it. A must read.  The collection also had this one with it:

"Rolling Homes, Hand Made Houses on Wheels" by Jane Lidz

The information in these two books is quite valuable.  And to think these date back to 1974 and 1979.

I agree with Willy,  "Roll Your Own" is an experience for any anyone considering this way of life.

 

[StarDestroyer]

I practically live at the library, so I will definitely be sure to see if they have a copy of Roll Your Own. The other one looks pretty interesting, too. Always open to learning as much as I can, and adding to the already mounting excitement!

 

[Willy]

The thing about Roll Your Own, and other books like it, is that it's selling the dream of a type of freedom and just goin' out there and 'doing it'. My friend Joni bought me a copy last X-mas and, whenever I feel a need to get centered I grab it and have a read cuz, right now (and for many years), I'm livin' the dream and don't intend to wake up. ..Willy.