Greetings

[IanC]

It's an odd twist that I ran into van living videos. I have a small business (I'm a leather craftsman) and last year I had decided to give it one more year to become sustainable. After that I would sell the house, buy a trailer and camp out in Florida until I croaked (I'm 59). Well , the year has come and gone -business has improved , but being honest with myself, I am not supposed to be in business anyway. It's way too complicated for my simple brain. The idea of sitting on my butt in Florida has lost it's appeal too.
Then I ran into THE video, and the possibilities a life on the road and have now become obsessed with making it happen.
Trying to decide on the route to take, I saw the rig that Bob Wells has. I already own a 6x10 Wells Cargo. I bought a year ago but have never used it. Funny because I often thought about making a camper out of it, but now the reality is obvious. I will be selling my  Harley to pay for the conversion, trade my truck for a van, spend the summer building it out, put the house on the market and then I'll be ready to go. Hopefully I have enough equity to carry me through until  SS kicks in.
So that's my plan. In the meantime I'll be taking advantage of all the knowledge in the forums  that all you folks are so generously sharing. Thanks much, everyone.

 

[cognitive dissonance]

Wow. When someone sells their Harley to finance the conversion, you know they're serious!

Welcome, IanC!

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard Ian !
1 Get the clue
2 Make the plan
3 Git 'er done
4 Just go
5 (you fill this one in)

 

[IanC]

Wow. When someone sells their Harley to finance the conversion, you know they're serious!

Welcome, IanC!

It's going to involve a lot of pain, that's for sure

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Ian! Would it be possible to set up a work area in a section of your trailer and make small items to sell at craft fairs or on the internet? I don't know if there's an interest in either venue for hand crafted leather items but it might be worth a shot.

Keep us updated on your plans and post pictures of your build progress please!

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.

 

[Almost There]

Welcome!

If I may, just some suggestions!

If the truck will pull the trailer, use it instead of trading it for a van. If you do this, you might/maybe be able to either build out the trailer in such a way to haul the harley or put it in the truck bed. If it will fit in the trailer then a cap on the truck will provide much needed storage space.

Before you sell the Harley....ouch, ouch, pulling hair out painful ouch - do a serious study and figuring on what it will cost to put together the interior of the trailer so that it's comfortable for you. You might be pleasantly surprised as to how little it will cost.

If the figures don't work for you, might some of the money for the build out of the trailer come out of the equity in the house once it's sold.

Me, I'd do anything but sell the Harley and I've never even owned one....

 

[IanC]

I know. I think I can swing the build without having to sell the bike. I'd like to get a van because of the storage and it would also be a more comfortable ride for my big old dog. The thing with the bike is that it's not an off road motorcycle - also very heavy for unloading solo. Anyway I'll proceed with the build without selling - plus it's my main transportation in the summer, so Id miss it big time . Lots to think about, anyway. I have a shop loaded with leather machinery to liquidate too. Boggles the mind .

Welcome!

If I may, just some suggestions!

If the truck will pull the trailer, use it instead of trading it for a van. If you do this, you might/maybe be able to either build out the trailer in such a way to haul the harley or put it in the truck bed. If it will fit in the trailer then a cap on the truck will provide much needed storage space.

Before you sell the Harley....ouch, ouch, pulling hair out painful ouch - do a serious study and figuring on what it will cost to put together the interior of the trailer so that it's comfortable for you. You might be pleasantly surprised as to how little it will cost.

If the figures don't work for you, might some of the money for the build out of the trailer come out of the equity in the house once it's sold.

Me, I'd do anything but sell the Harley and I've never even owned one....

 

[IanC]

I'll definitely bring an abbreviated kit of leather tools, plus I might bring one sewing machine that sews awnings and tarps - might be a good barter option doing repairs .



Welcome to the CRVL forums Ian!  Would it be possible to set up a work area in a section of your trailer and make small items to sell at craft fairs or on the internet? I don't know if there's an interest in either venue for hand crafted leather items but it might be worth a shot.

Keep us updated on your plans and post pictures of your build progress please!

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.

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!

 

[Yogidog]

Welcome! Great place to be

 

[SaltySeaWitch]

Hello and welcome!