rondaj
Member
Hi everyone,
I just want to say hello and to also ask a question. I have been a follower of this site for a while (and others … Suanne, Interstellar Orchard, RV Sue) and have read Bob’s book and watched Without Bound, all of which are extremely inspiring. Yay!
I am currently in the market for the right vehicle for me for some long term traveling. I am leaning towards a van although a 4wd with Bel-Air type camper shell is also appealing. Decisions. Whichever one I end up getting I’ll want a modest build out – insulation, lightweight wood ceiling and walls, vinyl or linoleum flooring, wiring, LED lights, AGM batteries, inverter/converter, solar, Fantastic Fan with rain sensor, refrigerator. I have been an outdoor enthusiast for many years and have accumulated quite an assortment of gear over the years, so will use what I already have for the time being for cooking, sleeping, showering, bathroom, etc.
My partner, Bill, and I moved from Charlotte, NC to Hillsboro, OR (Portland area) in March for his job. Our house in Charlotte was in an old quiet neighborhood on a cul-de-sac with woods, trails, and lots of wildlife. We now live in a tiny too expensive apartment in a very busy area with constant noise, crazy traffic, other apartment dwellers, and very little of anything natural. Bill loves his job, works in downtown PDX, takes the MAX to and from work every day, enjoys the crowds etc. and isn’t planning on retirement for another 5-7 years. I took early retirement a couple of years ago and I love being out in nature and on the road exploring. We have explored all over the East Coast backpacking, hiking, biking and sea kayaking. Since moving here in March I have already bought a new set of tires and put an additional 8,000 miles on my Subaru Forester just in Oregon and Washington. So much to see!
I (and we when Bill joins me) sleep in the back of the Forester quite comfortably by pushing the front seats all the way up, then filling in the gap with coolers and then our air mattresses on top etc. I cut out Reflectix and screens for the windows and bought a DAC Explorer 2 tent that we use when we aren’t stealth camping. I also tow my SPACE trailer when we need extra storage for bikes and kayaks, etc. Attached are a couple of photos at a Forest Service campground along the North Santiam River. The Forester has worked out well for us for short duration trips, but now it’s time to upgrade to something larger.
All that said, can anyone recommend someone in the Portland area that I could hire to help me with the build out? I took a basic construction skills class in early 2014, so I have basic skills, but I need a mentor that also has tools and a place to do the work. I’m very much looking forward to being hands on with the project.
Thanks for any input, and I (and maybe we) hope to join you guys at the January RTR!
Ronda
View attachment 4131
I just want to say hello and to also ask a question. I have been a follower of this site for a while (and others … Suanne, Interstellar Orchard, RV Sue) and have read Bob’s book and watched Without Bound, all of which are extremely inspiring. Yay!
I am currently in the market for the right vehicle for me for some long term traveling. I am leaning towards a van although a 4wd with Bel-Air type camper shell is also appealing. Decisions. Whichever one I end up getting I’ll want a modest build out – insulation, lightweight wood ceiling and walls, vinyl or linoleum flooring, wiring, LED lights, AGM batteries, inverter/converter, solar, Fantastic Fan with rain sensor, refrigerator. I have been an outdoor enthusiast for many years and have accumulated quite an assortment of gear over the years, so will use what I already have for the time being for cooking, sleeping, showering, bathroom, etc.
My partner, Bill, and I moved from Charlotte, NC to Hillsboro, OR (Portland area) in March for his job. Our house in Charlotte was in an old quiet neighborhood on a cul-de-sac with woods, trails, and lots of wildlife. We now live in a tiny too expensive apartment in a very busy area with constant noise, crazy traffic, other apartment dwellers, and very little of anything natural. Bill loves his job, works in downtown PDX, takes the MAX to and from work every day, enjoys the crowds etc. and isn’t planning on retirement for another 5-7 years. I took early retirement a couple of years ago and I love being out in nature and on the road exploring. We have explored all over the East Coast backpacking, hiking, biking and sea kayaking. Since moving here in March I have already bought a new set of tires and put an additional 8,000 miles on my Subaru Forester just in Oregon and Washington. So much to see!
I (and we when Bill joins me) sleep in the back of the Forester quite comfortably by pushing the front seats all the way up, then filling in the gap with coolers and then our air mattresses on top etc. I cut out Reflectix and screens for the windows and bought a DAC Explorer 2 tent that we use when we aren’t stealth camping. I also tow my SPACE trailer when we need extra storage for bikes and kayaks, etc. Attached are a couple of photos at a Forest Service campground along the North Santiam River. The Forester has worked out well for us for short duration trips, but now it’s time to upgrade to something larger.
All that said, can anyone recommend someone in the Portland area that I could hire to help me with the build out? I took a basic construction skills class in early 2014, so I have basic skills, but I need a mentor that also has tools and a place to do the work. I’m very much looking forward to being hands on with the project.
Thanks for any input, and I (and maybe we) hope to join you guys at the January RTR!
Ronda
View attachment 4131
