Hello everyone...

[Ocean]

Hi everyone...I'm really not very good at intros but I'll give it a shot. Circumstances being what they are, I have found myself in a situation in which I'll be living out of my vehicle in about two weeks. While I was initially hesitant about the idea this forum has gone a loooong way to help me and now I'm really looking forward to everything. Still working out a few logistics and such...I have a dog that is simply my best friend and, since I refuse to give her up, I'm working on ways to make her as comfortable as possible. Getting rid of a BUNCH of stuff...donating most of it to charities. Prepping my vehicle to be comfortable, stealthy, etc. Lots to do in a short amount of time but I think it will all work out. I'll be living in a '05 Chevy Colorado pickup with a camper shell on the back. I was thinking of trading it for a van but my truck has low miles, new tires all around, is paid off (thankfully!)&nbsp;and I've camped out of it fairly extensively so I'm familiar with living out of the back of it. I've been doing lots of reading and researching here on the forum...if anybody has any advice, insights, or can offer me a little reassurance I sure would appreciate it. Change is good...but a little scary nonetheless. Thanks for reading! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Noah]

Welcome Ocean!&nbsp; I must say, the Colorado is tied for my favorite midsized pickup. My other favorite is an 01 Nissan Frontier crew cab.&nbsp; I think you can make your truck quite comfortable with some practice and a few simple modifications.<BR><BR>Others on this board have explored the idea of building a sort of platform in the truck to sleep on, while storing their stuff underneath.&nbsp; <BR><BR>As far as being new to the lifestyle, keep in mind the adventure of it all for the first month or so while you work out the kinks.&nbsp; I think a lot of people get frustrated early because they aren't having fun.&nbsp; <BR><BR>Good luck and keep us posted!!<BR><BR>-Noah

 

[Ocean]

Hi Noah...thank you so much for your response! I'm really a little nervous about everything and reassurance from folks that have done this sure does help. I've been thinking about a platform myself...I'm only 5'2'' tall so I really don't need&nbsp;a lot of room to stretch out. I may be able to sleep parallel to the cab. Going to take measurements now! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>Thanks again!

 

[fluffabear]

Hello and welcome!<br><br>I have lived in a few vans, but will be getting a dodge ram pretty soon, and plan to do a camper shell. Vans are terribly convenient and easy to make stealthy for sure, but I'm rather excited about moving to a truck. Good luck and stay safe!

 

[wagoneer]

Like the other folks welcome to the forum being a newbee miceelf your questions will get answers..

 

[Ocean]

Thank you everyone for such a warm welcome! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[cyndi]

Ocean, the summer RTR (Rubber Tramp Rendezvouz)&nbsp;is right around the corner. Good for all the confidence building, networking&nbsp;and reassurance you could possibly need<br><br><a href="/post/Summer-RTR-2013-Schecduled-6281083" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Summer-RTR-2013-Schecduled-6281083</a>

 

[bobbert]

<p>Dude, you can't go wrong with a Colorado... I commend what you're planning!&nbsp;</p><p>I had a 2010, &amp; regret selling it (actually, I almost gave it away, I lost that much $ when I sold it).<br><br>Be sure to maintain the metal brake line-hoses. I would consider undercoating them&nbsp;thoroughly&nbsp; once each year, after winter. GM tends to make brake lines that are&nbsp;susceptible&nbsp;to rust/corrosion.&nbsp;</p><p>What would be really great though, is to have an extended cab pickup truck. That way, when you sleep, you can pull out the passenger seat (altogether), migrate to the back w/o exiting the truck, &amp; simply lie down at the back of the cab !</p><p>If I didn't already live in my Subaru Forester, the Colorado would be the first vehicle I would buy (specifically a four-wheel-drive w/ an extended cab). Less windows to have to cover up for stealthy city-street-dwelling.</p><p><strong>Oh, btw... The current issue of Motor Trend Magazine has an article/write up, that says GM is gonna make two diesel motors for the upcoming Colorado! A 2.5L AND a 2.8L!&nbsp;</strong></p><p>I'm waiting with my popcorn to see if GM will make that come to fruition <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="bbc_img"></p>

 

[stude53]

<strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Welcome, Ocean! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif"></span></strong><br><br><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I think you should review the build Johnny Canuck did on his pickup/capper for some great ideas.</span></strong><br><br><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="/post/Simple-Survival-Expedition-5172482" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Simple-Survival-Expedition-5172482</span></a></span></strong><br><br><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Bob</span></strong>

 

[Pikachu711]

Welcome to the group Ocean!

 

[blkjak]

<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>welcome from s.w. florida .... blkjak</strong></span>