Hello

[kstanzy]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Hi,</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I am probably alittle unique from most here. I am not in my 20s looking to live on the cheap and find great adventure. I am 42, single, never married, with a&nbsp;stable job.&nbsp;I get to travel for my job half the year but other stuck in a cubicle and a job I am bored with.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I have no debt, own my car and live in one bedroom apt. I have always lived a simple life but I have grown frustrated and bored with life. I have always wanted to put everything in storage and challenge myself to live a RV, conversion van type deal and live on the cheap and maybe just quit the job and travel the country.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Where should I start? vehicles? </p>

 

[Les H]

Hi Kstanzy, welcome to the forum. Hope you find a home here.

 

[Guest]

Welcome from New Mexico. <br>You are in a position that many people would envy. Sounds like your first mid-life crisis....you can do whatever you want to do. A bit of self-reflection to find what it is you really want to do and do it....best of luck....<br>Bri<br>

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;Good advice from Brian -find out what you really want to do. If quitting your job and traveling is it then now's a good time to try it out. With no house to sell , no debt and the potential to save quite a bit of your income over the next few years you could go into fulltime van or RV living&nbsp; very easily and comfortably. Taking that step is daunting though and many of your family and friends will think that you're crazy so be prepared.<br>&nbsp;<br>The vehicle is a personal decision. People on this forum fulltime and travel with cars ,motorcycles, vans ,motorhomes and trailers. You'll have to decide what type of lifestyle you want and let that lead you to the best choice. Read through Bob's articles - excellent advice!<br><br><br>

 

[kstanzy]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Thank you for the welcome everybody. I think I am going to be real&nbsp;glad that I stumbled upon this website. I am just starting to read through as much as I can.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I feel like I have been going through a mid life crisis for the last 10 years. I really never understood why we all have to conform to society's image of what a successful life is. House, car, marriage, kids, and career job. I have always lived simply in a one bedroom apt because I've always wanted the freedom to know that&nbsp;I could pack up my stuff in one day and just take off and move to a different part of the country. Like the say the material things in your life ultimately own you because they own you until they are paid off.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>

 

[twokniveskatie]

<div>I've found they can own you long after they are paid off, too. Still down-sizing. It's a process!</div><div><br></div>

<p style="margin: 0px;">Like the say the material things in your life ultimately own you because they own you until they are paid off.</p>

 

[sl1966]

Hi Kstanzy,<div><br></div><div>Sorry to say you're not as unique as you thought. Your life is only different in that I'm paying off the last of my debt and made up my mind to live this life once that's done. Van Trekker, and myself are very close in age to you.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>There are a lot of great and helpful people here who will be able to help get you the info you need to decide if you really want to do this.</div><div><br></div><div><br>Steve</div><div>&nbsp;</div>

 

[cargovanconversion]

<p>Welcome!</p><p>Where to start? Probably first read and then some more reading. You'll find out where your interests are. Then actually try it out a bit, by renting or joining some friends. If you still like it, you'll have gained the basic knowledge of where to start.</p><p><br></p><p>Good luck, Van.</p>

 

[Les H]

Hi kstanzy,welcome to the forum.
There's a saying going round to help combat the " every kid who shows up to the ball game gets an award" thinking that has plagued ( crippled?) so many in our generation. It is-
" I'm unique , just like everyone else is..."
I'm 44, married to my second wife, 4 kids between us, self employed, make about what you quoted between us, and heavily in debt from dropping everything and running when the kitchen got hot for 20 years, beginning when I got out of Hs. I have cut my debt in half in the last 5 years, make a little less, pay out far less, and generally live at or below my means. I have lived in over 30 places that have adresses, and a few that don't. Where we are alike is our age and the tug of the road. I traveled quite a bit up and down the east coast for work, change of pace , time to move on, etc. When our youngest teen finishes school, we will seriously look at traveling and workcamping. Meanwhile, I work as hard as I can, take off when I can, and enjoy " stolen" moments, like today's 9.7 mile
hike with my wife.

We are glad you at here, and hope you feel as much at home as I have over the last coupple of years. This is a great, diverse, knowlagable group of folks with tons to share.
Les

 

[kstanzy]

<p style="margin: 0px;">I love this site. I am glad there are people here my age who have similar thoughts. </p><p style="margin: 0px;">Great to know I am not the only person in his 40s who&nbsp;wants more than&nbsp;what&nbsp;society spoons feeds us everyday. &nbsp;I go to work every day and listen to people my age who are are owned by their material possesions. Their cars, houses, and job titles define their status.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I feel like a 42 year old boy who never grew up. Not sure if its idealism or what but I have never excepted that you need to live by certain guidlines in life.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I am not unique. thats BS. I am unique in that I am the only person I know who has not bought into what society defines as successful. Mariage, mortage, 2.5 cars, 2.5 kids. </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">But I know one thing.... I am tired of being brain washed by the masses. I want the ultimate freedom. But its so difficult because we are surrounded by ignorance everyday.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Live Simply!..So you can simply Live.!</p>

 

[akrvbob]

One thing I would suggest is to go camping. Living in a van is a lot like going camping, except you are in a van instead of a tent. So get a cheap tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad and go spend the weekend in state or national forest. Do you like living in a small space with the minimum of stuff? Do you like being alone in the woods with just your own thoughts? Many people find they can't stand being alone without all their electronic stuff to entertain them. Silence is devastating to many modern people. <br><br>Don't get me wrong, you can live in a city in a van and have all your electronic stuff, but even then you are more alone with your own thoughts ans self than house dwellers. Breaking out of the mold society forces us into, is also breaking out of the security the system provides. That can be lonely and frightening. Going camping will show you if that loneliness and fear is your enemy to be feared, or an adventure to be embraced.&nbsp; <br><br>It sounds to me like for you it is an adventure to be embraced.<br><br><span class="text"><span style="font-size:20px;line-height:24px;">Never forget that life can only be<br>nobly inspired and rightly lived<br>if you take it bravely and gallantly,<br>as a splendid adventure<br>in which you are setting out<br>into an unknown country,<br>to meet many a joy, to find many a comrade,<br>to win and lose many a battle.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Annie Besant</span></span><br><br>An unknown country is calling you!! Bob<br>

 

[sl1966]

No Kstanzy .. you are unique .. just like everyone else&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif"><div><br></div><div>I only meant that you're not unique in age range and like mindedness of others here who are preparing but have not yet started this life. Other than that, Welcome to the beginning of the rest of your life man!</div><div><br></div>

 

[kstanzy]

<p style="margin: 0px;">I actually have alot of camping and survival skills. Former Eagle Scout, scout leader and Outward Bound Survival school. </p><p style="margin: 0px;">I always keep a tent, sleeping bag and surival kit in the trunk of my car. You never know when you need to use it.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I am definately a loner and used to spend alot of time by myself.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">My lease is up in July... And I have already start to take inventory of the stuff I have. Also research Vans/rvs.&nbsp; </p>

 

[Les H]

I actually have alot of camping and survival skills. Former Eagle Scout, scout leader and Outward Bound Survival school.
I always keep a tent, sleeping bag and surival kit in the trunk of my car. You never know when you need to use it.
I am definately a loner and used to spend alot of time by myself.
My lease is up in July... And I have already start to take inventory of the stuff I have. Also research Vans/rvs. 

Sounds like you are several steps ahead of some, or most, that get here one way or another. I'm sure you will fit right in , and can't wait to hear some of your adventures!

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Hi kstanzy!&nbsp; Nice to meet you on here.&nbsp; </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">You're not alone in the demographics...&nbsp; There are more single guys in their 40s than you'd think.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I'm a 46 year old dude who never met a set of tools he didn't fall in love with.&nbsp; I also show people&nbsp;the Iowa fishing license and tell them it's my marriage certificate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">The van camping thing is&nbsp;a nice existence for someone who just doesn't fit the mold... I just never felt like a Ward Cleaver type...&nbsp; (more like an overgrown "Eddie Haskell" with some "Lumpy Rutherford" thrown in)</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I lost&nbsp;a programming job back in '05 and had some health problems shortly after that.&nbsp; For now I can afford not to work and it's been a blessing - I'm getting much healthier and enjoying life again.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Like you, I used to live much of life in a cubicle.&nbsp; The plan is to do it again soon, if possible.&nbsp; A steady paycheck is a good thing.&nbsp; If I can get back to working full-time, there's nothing that says you can't be a loner and live in a vehicle.&nbsp; It's fun!</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">The first days of sleeping in the van were like sleeping in a tent as Super Moderator Bob suggested.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was miserable!&nbsp; It was cold, rainy, and I got&nbsp;sick.&nbsp; But I did it again and again, adding a fan, heater, comfortable bed, TV, and now it is home.&nbsp; I'm unhappy sleeping in a house or motel.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I would recommend looking at a number of blogs from people you see around here.&nbsp; Many of us write how-to tips, travel notes, all sorts of cool stuff.&nbsp; It motivates you!</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Again, welcome!</p>

 

[kstanzy]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Thanks for the welcome Vantrekker.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I guess my thoughts on this type of lifestyle all started when I was a senior in college in 1993&nbsp;&nbsp;in western Mass and I read the Outside magazine article&nbsp;by Jon Krakauer about Christopher McCandless.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I think his story planted a seed in the back my mind. Just the whole challenging yourself, back to nature type of deal.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Then when I read the book, "Into the Wild", then the movie by Sean Penn, it just made me think that I need something like this to awaken me again. I&nbsp;am 42 and I have felt like have been a clone to work and routine that surounds living this for the last 10 years. </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I always had this fantasy of what would be like to not live in my apt but live in a Van or RV situation. I think I am leaning towards a van than a RV becuase I do not want to stick out like a sore thumb. That and I plan on driving across country and I can imagine gas prices will be bad.&nbsp; </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>

 

[VanTrekker]

I considered RVs as well.&nbsp; I'm getting about 16 or 17 mpg at 62 mph or so, fully loaded.&nbsp; I'm not sure what RVs get but I'll bet it's close to single digits.&nbsp; I U-Haul truck gets about 8-12 mpg on the highway.&nbsp; It's probably close to that.&nbsp; The van has gotten even better mileage at 55.&nbsp; The savings in motel and food costs have made traveling more often affordable.<br><br>I'm not sure what triggered the van living curiosity.&nbsp; I knew a guy named Michael that lived in his girlfriend's driveway for years.&nbsp; It cost him basically nothing.&nbsp; He slept in an old pickup truck with a homemade OSB cap (a.k.a. topper).&nbsp; The only heater was a little propane burner.&nbsp; Somehow I found Curtis Carper's page (stealthvandweller.com) and was instantly hooked.&nbsp; It's been fun every since.<br><br>Have you watched the Pat Pepin video called "Livin' at Walmart" ?&nbsp; It's entertaining and fun. <br><br><br><br>

 

[WanderingRain]

You're in good company!<div>I never been happy with a so called "regular life".</div><div><br></div><div>My van is now my home.</div><div>My little treehouse. I'm also a boy who never grew up. I'm simply in a 40 year old man disguise.</div><div>I'm like you and many others. I suspect if it were not for women demanding we live in suburbia and have furniture, more of us men would be happy just living on the road and in small spaces. Who wants to mow grass on weekends? I'd rather be doing a thousand other things like walking a river bed admiring stones.</div><div>I would not return now to my old life. It's something I now view with distaste.&nbsp;</div><div>I can hide in it and sleep like a squirrel in its nest. It's such a wonderful feeling knowing it is all yours without debt.</div><div>We are the modern gypsies and buccaneers (without the pillaging part).</div><div>I love this existence. It is true freedom like I have never known before.</div><div>Each time I see someone excited about van living, yeah, I am excited about spreading the gospel of nomadism.</div><div><br></div><div>Yohoho... the pirate's life for me.</div>

 

[KatieinKansas]

<font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Welcome kstanzy.. Glad you're with us.</span></font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Katie</span></font></div>

 

[Seraphim]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Welcome to the group.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">

Where should I start? vehicles?

</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">If you want to be extremely mobile, a motorized vehicle is preferable to a trailer, imo. A van or Class B built on a van is mobile, and maneuverable. In my experience, better gas mileage. Our old 95 Intervec Falcon got 12 to 15 mpg and was a fully self sufficient home. Shower included. Figure $5 to $9k for one in very nice condition.&nbsp; Just sold ours for $8k; could have gotten more but I hate dickering. It sold in a week.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">If you're planning to stay in a spot a week at a time or so, might do better with a small trailer pulled by a small SUV, which will get better mileage when unhooked. More storage space, as you can keep things in the SUV. More weight equals less mileage, though.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Good luck with your choice, and remember, we like photos...lol</p>