Hello from Oregon!

[jonesy250f]

Hey everybody!
My name is Ryan, I'm 26 years old, and I currently reside in Portland, Oregon. I've been a fly on the virtual walls of these forums for over a year now and I've finally decided to sign up! I own a 1987 Dodge B250 that I'm currently building up with plans to move into it full time within the year. I've got big plans for it, but big plans cost money! By signing up for cheaprvliving.com I hope to get many more ideas on top of the ones these pages have already given me and be an active member of the community.
Anybody else on here in the Portland area? Anybody in the area around my age in my area? It would be great to get to know some more people my age that are interested in the idea of the van life.
It seems like such a taboo for folks my age. I lived in my van for about 4 months last year and I didn't even want to tell anybody, because they just started feeling sorry for me or treated me different for it.
Anyway, I'm off to work. Take care everybody! I'm glad to finally be a part of the community!

 

[akrvbob]

Hi Ryan, glad you're here and joining the crowd!

All those people who can't understand are just trying to hide how jealous they really are and wish they had been as smart and brave at 26 as you are!

I know I'm jealous!
Bob

 

[mockturtle]

Welcome, Ryan! Glad you joined us!

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Ryan! It took me way to many years to realize what other people thought doesn't really matter. Make yourself happy. No one else can.

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.

 

[Aniwen2060]

Hey everybody!
   My name is Ryan, I'm 26 years old, and I currently reside in Portland, Oregon. I've been a fly on the virtual walls of these forums for over a year now and I've finally decided to sign up! I own a 1987 Dodge B250 that I'm currently building up with plans to move into it full time within the year. I've got big plans for it, but big plans cost money! By signing up for cheaprvliving.com I hope to get many more ideas on top of the ones these pages have already given me and be an active member of the community.
   Anybody else on here in the Portland area? Anybody in the area around my age in my area? It would be great to get to know some more people my age that are interested in the idea of the van life.
   It seems like such a taboo for folks my age. I lived in my van for about 4 months last year and I didn't even want to tell anybody, because they just started feeling sorry for me or treated me different for it.
   Anyway, I'm off to work. Take care everybody! I'm glad to finally be a part of the community!

Hi Ryan:

Welcome! I am new. I am in Tallahasse, FL, and I am looking forward to a Fresh Start. May God Bless You!

 

[Canine]

Heck Ryan, look at UTube videos about vandwelling, you're in the sweet spot age wise. Most of who I see is your age or not much older. Anyway, you have a great forum backing you with more ideas than you could build into 5 vans, so choose carefully. Keep it as simple as possible, watch your weights and try to make it not look like you live in it as much as you "camp a lot" if that's possible.

I lived in Beaverton for 6 years, really liked Oregon. Beach in 90 minutes and mountains in 90 minutes... Just ice storms in the winter...

Get a roof vent, a Mr. Buddy propane heater, minimal insulation, a couple Walmart blue 4 gallon water containers, some storage tubs, figure out a bed frame (even crates works), think about a marine battery for your house, and read, read, read on the forums before you do anything. There's so many mistakes you'll avoid...

Have fun and let us know how it's turning out.

 

[jonesy250f]

Heck Ryan, look at UTube videos about vandwelling, you're in the sweet spot age wise.  Most of who I  see is your age or not much older.  Anyway, you have a great forum backing you with more ideas than you could build into 5 vans, so choose carefully.  Keep it as simple as possible, watch your weights and try to make it not look like you live in it as much as you "camp a lot" if that's possible.

I lived in Beaverton for 6 years, really liked Oregon.  Beach in 90 minutes and mountains in 90 minutes... Just ice storms in the winter...  

Get a roof vent, a Mr. Buddy propane heater, minimal insulation, a couple Walmart blue 4 gallon water containers, some storage tubs, figure out a bed frame (even crates works), think about a marine battery for your house, and read, read, read on the forums before you do anything.  There's so many mistakes you'll avoid...

Have fun and let us know how it's turning out.

Thanks everybody for the replies!
Dusty, I've got the Mr Buddy. Last winter I was crashing in the van full time for about 3 or 4 months and we had one hell of a cold front come through it was in the 20's at most at night. Thing literally saved my life on those nights (Thanks Mom!)
I've got some pretty big plans for my van come this summer. I work at a brewery so the big money comes with the sun. I plan to have most of the work I want to do to her done this summer. Solar will probably have to wait but I'm going to keep my eye out for a totaled high top that gives me enough space to totally stand up inside. If I can't find that I'm just going to fab up a roof. I've got the tools and the skills to do it, but a fiberglass roof would be so much easier! Then I've gotta do a little kitchenette and redesign my bed and I'm good! I'll have to post some pictures to show you guys what I'm working with.
I'm excited to show everybody the progress!