Hi all, I'm Faith. Having read the article side of cheaprvliving for awhile now, I thought it was time to join the forum side and say hello to everyone. <br /><br />Living in a vehicle/ tent/ plywood shed isn't completely new to me, thanks to a misspent but amazingly free and happy youth working the west coast Ren Faires; but the closest I ever got to full timing was 3 months in a 10' x 16' mobile storage unit parked in the stable area of the Faire grounds. <br /><br />That was in the 90s, in hippie heaven and... well... it's kind of a blur <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />That said, I am now looking at full time Vandwelling within the next 6 months, due to my work situation and the fact that my boss (and landlord) may close this facility in favor of his property in Louisiana. If that happens, I will likely get 30 days notice, so I am getting ready now. <br /><br />I already made my first BIG boo-boo by panicking and buying an 87 Dodge Ram hi top conversion van on the basis of its size (gi-HUGE-ic), stealth, and price ($950) alone. It is now for sale and I am waffling between a full size van, minivan, truck/cabover, or B class RV. I really want the truck/cabover, but mileage being an issue, I'm leaning toward the mini van. <br /><br />Any and all recommendations and advice appreciated!<br /><br />-Faith<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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VanLifeCrisis
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Hello! My ex and I were really into the ren faire in maryland. Our wedding was in dress and we had a pirate band do the reception <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> It was fun. Left all my clothes/boots behind when we separated (well over 1000$ worth) <img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> The boots are my biggest regret, they were hard as hell to get on but were very comfy once they were on (custom made at the faire for my size 15 feet...dont ask the price <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> )<br /><br />What was wrong with the conversion van that you want to sell it?
stude53
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<strong><span style="color: #008000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Welcome, Faith! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #008000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Bob</span></strong>
Hi VanLifeCrisis<br /><br />Were the boots Bald Mountain by any chance? If so, <img src="/images/boards/smilies/nono.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> on you for leaving 'em!<br /><br />As for the conversion, it hasn't been maintained properly and just isn't mechanically sound. It also has an electrical problem I can't trace and the mileage is... ugh. Too many probs for me to want to tackle this late in the game, so I am looking for something in better shape that will get more than 10MPG. I currently drive a Kia that is almost paid off, so if I sell 'the Beast' and the Kia, I should have enough for a decent rig.<br /><br />PS, thanks for the welcome Bob!
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Welcome Faith <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />,<br /><br /> I personally have owned numerous Dodge vans and most of the problems can be resolved easily/cheaply. I realize that there are some out there that are "trashed/worn-out",but most of them can be saved. I too was debating on what vehicle would be best for the "journey", and for me , I decided to keep the Dodge van as parts are cheap,and easily had. The van is paid for, so no monthly payments. Yeah, i realize the sacrifice in fuel economy, but alot sturdier vehicle for a "home". Things to consider about the minivan is the repair costs ie..engine,transmission, computer,ect...alot more expensive than a conventional/domestic rear wheel drive van would be. Just throwin' in my 2cents worth. if at all possible make sure that a mechanic looks over your potential purchase before buying it. It is hard to trust anyone when it comes to buying a car,ect...GOOD LUCK AND BE SAFE!<br /> Randy<img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /></span>
VanTrekker
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Hello Faith,<br /><br />That is such a cool name. Welcome to our group!<br /><br />V.T.
VanLifeCrisis
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<br /><br />Don't remember the name of the folks that made the boots at the faire. They were very nice though. But I didnt leave in the best of circumstances to pack everything.<br /><br />Good luck finding something else. I seem to attract lemons like a magnet. Unchained said:
Wow, I go away for a few hours... <br />Thanks for the welcomes, everyone! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br /><br />So much to answer <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />sl1966- Believe me, I'm counting the days until I can get out of here, at least for awhile. I love NoCali, but I'm VERY over SoCali after living here for 27 years. It's time to go.<br /><br />sidat202- Probably won't make this RTR, but looking forward to future ones. To answer your question, nope. Born in Ohio, moved to SoCali at 16.<br /><br />Randy- Thanks for the advice, it is very welcome. I think that I could save this van with more time and money than I currently have, but time may be getting very short and I need to have some money in savings before hitting the road. I am seriously considering a late 90s to early 2000s Astro, as they seem to be a nice compromise between a gi-huge-ic (is too a word) van like the Beast and a minivan. <br /><br />VanLifeCrisis- I was just teasing about the boots, and I completely understand about the circumstances. My own marriage imploded rather impressively, leading me to move from the 800 sq ft apt I'd been in for almost a decade to a (rented) 34' 5th wheel that belongs to my boss. Oh well, less crap to get rid of this time around <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br /><br /><br />For anyone curious, here is a pic of the Beast.
Faith, welcome and hope this finds you well... I just want to say their are 6 of us in the Sierra's right now staying till winter... We are at a little place called Shaver Lake (60 mi. east of Fresno) boondocking on NF land... We have 3 girls, 3 guys, 3 dogs and 3 camps 10 min walk from each other... Your more than welcome to come up and stay as long as you like...
Thanks, Steve!<br />3 gals, 3 guys, 3 dogs, 3 camps... would that make me a 7th, 10th, or 13th wheel? Just kidding <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br /><br />I'm hoping my job goes for a few more months (done with car payments in 4), but want to have my van sooner. If that happens, I might just drop in on you all for a weekend van test before winter settles in <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />Rae- thanks muchly!
G
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Hi Faith and a big welcome from southern New Mexico. Welcome to our little tribe of nomads....you will fit in her just fine.<br /><br />Best of luck and I definitely know about the blur of the ages...I am 68 and lived through the 60's and 70's well smoked and dazed. I did however make and sell silver and stone jewelry and herbal paraphernalia at the Old Ren Faire near Eugene, OR now called the Country Fair......<br /><br />Bri
