Hello!

[Ceci]

Just saying Hi to everyone finally. I've been a long time lurker but now that I have my van I figured it's time to join.

I'm a 55 year old woman with a half built 2017 Promaster and I plan to meet everyone in Anza Borrego  later this month. I'm currently spending days at the local park trying out solar gadgets and terrible wi-fi hotspots to see what works. I go back home at night for the excellent internet because I can't quite quit my youtube habit. I did boondock two nights though nothing risky, just parked less than 5 minutes from home. Even so it was exciting to realize after months of planning and binge watching how-to vids that I'm finally almost there.

I bought my van mostly insulated and with a cedar ceiling and thick plywood on the floor over several inches of insulation - the reason I bought it. It saved me a lot of work but the fan isn't working and the solar panel wires have been cut so something's up. I'll figure it out later, I've found I can manage with it as is.

Any ladies or others planning on meeting the caravans in Anza Borrego - I'm driving from the Bay Area in the next couple weeks so if you want to drive together let me know.

The attached pic is what I saw on cargurus which made me buy this van.  It looks similar now but with stuff in it and fairy lights of course. Will go to Joann this week and get a bolt of flowered fabric to cover the walls.

 

[travelaround]

Nice van... a lot of the work is done for you! Happy travels...

 

[QinReno]

Hello Ceci, with a half-built van, you might also be interested in checking out the annual van build in Parker AZ in early November, not far from where the caravans will be. In the meantime, there's no problem with just tossing into the van the basic necessities to go. It helps to get on the road, and learn as you go. Get pointers from other people.
-

 

[Ceci]

Thank you, I am subbed to EN and have considered that route. I may at least try to consult with someone at the build to see where I stand with the fan and solar I already have that isn't working. I brought the van to a Ram dealer for a check-up (still under warranty) but they couldn't touch the fan/solar since it was 3rd party install. All other places around here that deal with that sort of thing were booked solid until next year so I stopped worrying about it for now. 

I do have a sewing machine and plan on bringing it along and EN mentioned needing that skill so it might work out. I haven't reached out to him yet but you've reminded me so I will do so.

 

[QinReno]

I'm sure the people at the van build can give you some very good advice on what to do. If you have the parts they can get them setup for you. And it'll be free instead of $120/hour. Also, Lake Havasu City is a few miles north of Parker, and has a Home Depot there to buy additional supplies if you need them.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Ceci! It looks like the original owner did a good job. Have fun finishing it and camping with the caravaners!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Ceci]

I'm sure the people at the van build can give you some very good advice on what to do. If you have the parts they can get them setup for you. And it'll be free instead of $120/hour. Also, Lake Havasu City is a few miles north of Parker, and has a Home Depot there to buy additional supplies if you need them.

I just sent EN an email about it - thanks for the reminder :shy: Hopefully it'll work out!

 

[Hollis87]

If you can’t make it to the van build and need a RV mechinic for solar power stuff in the Bay Area I can fully recommend Greg at San Leandro RV and Trailer. He did all my solar upgrade work and he’s excellent.

I’m also heading to the caravan site in Anza Borrego from the Bay Area, going down the 5 and heading east by Bakersfield (on the 58) to avoid LA traffic and see some new scenery. I’ll probably be Boondocking a night at a truck stop to cut the trip into 2 shorter legs.

I’ll be at WRTR& RTR too, but have to be back in the Bay Area over Thanksgiving.

Hollis

 

[becida]

 I'm currently spending days at the local park trying out solar gadgets and terrible wi-fi hotspots to see what works. I go back home at night for the excellent internet because I can't quite quit my youtube habit.

I've been using Net Buddy for over a month now & it's been working well. I heard about it here...

https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=32311&highlight=net+buddy

 

[QinReno]

I’m also heading to the caravan site in Anza Borrego from the Bay Area, going down the 5 and heading east by Bakersfield (on the 58) to avoid LA traffic and see some new scenery. 

If you go that way, which I also recommend to avoid LA, you might stop at Joshua Tree Natl Park for a day or two. Very cool. FYI, right outside the south entrance, there is a good BLM area for boondocking. When you get to Anza-Borrego, do watch out where you pull off, as there is a lot of soft sand there to get stuck in.
- https://freecampsites.net/#!505&query=sitedetails

 

[Smitty716]

Welcome to the forum, I know Jim from solar boondocker will be at the RTR as well as others that can help you with that . Nice looking van, good luck on the build . Hope to cry at RTR

 

[Ceci]

If you can’t make it to the van build and need a RV mechinic for solar power stuff in the Bay Area I can fully recommend Greg at San Leandro RV and Trailer. He did all my solar upgrade work and he’s excellent.

I’m also heading to the caravan site in Anza Borrego from the Bay Area, going down the 5 and heading east by Bakersfield (on the 58) to avoid LA traffic and see some new scenery. I’ll probably be Boondocking a night at a truck stop to cut the trip into 2 shorter legs.

I’ll be at WRTR& RTR too, but have to be back in the Bay Area over Thanksgiving.

Hollis

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll give them a call on Monday and see if they can at least take a look and and give me their opinion. I would like to go to the build but am slightly more eager to start caravanning. It makes sense to at least get the fan going before I leave so if it's a quick fix I'll do it if they can find an opening. Otherwise I plan on getting to the caravan around the same time as you so give me a holler. I'm fine with truck stops. I have not yet put up my tent but should probably wait until I reach a campground.

 

[Ceci]

Welcome to the forum, I know Jim from solar boondocker will be at the RTR as well as others that can help you with that . Nice looking van, good luck on the build . Hope to cry at RTR

Thanks!

 

[Hollis87]

If you go that way, which I also recommend to avoid LA, you might stop at Joshua Tree Natl Park for a day or two. Very cool. FYI, right outside the south entrance, there is a good BLM area for boondocking. When you get to Anza-Borrego, do watch out where you pull off, as there is a lot of soft sand there to get stuck in.
- https://freecampsites.net/#!505&query=sitedetails

Soft sand! Agh! I’ll watch out, thx 4 the heads up. 
H

 

[RoamerRV428]

Welcome, hope your van build goes well for you!!