going van

taketimeforlife · Aug 5, 2014

For the past two weeks my 15 year old son and I along with our 6 year old golden retriever lived together in a tent and my car in 95-100 temps.

We spent 5 nights in the car (Suzuki XL7) and the rest in the tent. I was originally looking to get into a class c or trailer but it just isn't in the budget.
After this long under the conditions a van will feel like the ritz!

My Suzuki is in good shape and is paid off so hopefully I can get
into something without a lot of cash. I've learned so much about what I can live without and I Love it!
Can't wait to get started!

MrNoodly · Aug 5, 2014

Best wishes for your van search.

light trip · Aug 5, 2014

I of course don't know what your needs are, stealth parking, BLM camping and so on. Although I've done it all, I'm currently in a stick dwelling. I have a car (11 year old Rav 4) that would be small for me alone. But it can pull a small trailer, 1200 pounds.

Small enclosed utility trailers come in at about $1,500.00 new, cheaper used, and empty weight is 500 pounds, which means I could toss another 500 to 700 pounds worth of stuff in it. For myself my Rav runs so good I'd be hard pressed to change to another car or van. I'd have to test temps inside the trailer, but I would hope it would be cool enough for my dog while food shopping. Lots of vents, windows and fans. Before anyone says anything, I would never put my dog at risk,,, would do anything for her. You can get enclosed utility trailer with a side RV door. Of course vans are nice too.

PastTense · Aug 5, 2014

A Suzuki XL7 has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, so I think you should look into the possibility of a small travel trailer or a cargo trailer--assuming you don't need stealth. Right now you have a vehicle which you know works. If you buy a cheap van it may or may not have problems.

Look at some of these cargo trailer conversions:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=converted+cargo+trailer&search=Search

light trip · Aug 6, 2014

Something else that can save you some $$, if your lucky. Sometimes you can find a hitch for your car in a junk yard for less then a new purchase. Don't forget to grab the wirering harness for the trailer lights if you find one. Some junk yards will even install parts if your not sure what you're doing. But some cars, like my Rav are very easy. My receiver hitch had just four bolts, it took me longer to install the wirering then the hitch.