Hello!

Kurgan · Feb 15, 2013

Hi there, My name is Eric, and I've been lurking around this site for quite some time now.  I currently do not own any form of a RV, camper van, or any other sort of vessel capable of sustainable living. However, my goal is to eventually have one! Specifically, I would like to convert a van into a livable space. The thought of this first occurred a couple years after I had lost my job due to the company filing bankruptcy, and could no longer afford my rent. I have been fortunate enough to have friends and family in the area that were able to provide some forms of work such as landscaping, pet sitting, and even working at a bakery. Along with that, I moved into a place with a friend of mine which we both were able to afford. Although my lifestyle wasn't changed too dramatically even while having substantially less income, I learned a great deal about myself, and what I actually need and want in life. I began looking around at all the things I owned, and realized how little use I get out of things, and that my perceived emotional attachment only came down to the fact that I had spent money on it, therefore it is of value to me.  So, I had a yard sale. I cleared out many many things that I thought I would never let go of.  I didn't make much money, but felt very much alive and free just by not having so many attachments. It was to the point that family and friends were concerned about my mental well being, thinking that I have lost connection with the world, and was giving up. It was very difficult to explain that I was freeing myself, and trying to make it easier for me to experience life. I was left with a lot of empty space in my small bed room. In the past, I would have thought of the wonderful things I could acquire to fill this empty space. Instead, I looked at the space as unnecessary. I began looking into small dwellings, and watched numerous youtube videos of people living in very small houses, apartments, etc. And how they made the best use of their space. It was nearly by accident that I came across some videos of a van dweller documenting his lifestyle.  That is when I became really interested in a different path in life. I searched the endless corners of the internet for websites, videos, blogs, etc.. of people living in and building camper vans. I even contacted the Roadtrek company for some info on their manufactured sprinter builds.  I researched different style vans, looking at their positives and negatives, and found the Sprinter to have the best match for what I was looking for.  The reasons that brought me to that decision are a bit too much to list in this already probably too long of a read. I was excited to start visualizing how the van could look, and the lifestyle I could take on while living in it. All fully knowing that it would realistically be years until I could actually make that happen. Knowing this, I started a blog to sort of document my thoughts over time.  http://vanbuild.blog.com/ I know very little about plumbing, electric, and all those fun things needed to make it all work. As I learn things over time, I try to keep track of not only what I now know, but what I mistakenly thought in the beginning.  So here I am now. My current situation is this... I am working full time at a grocery store, renting out a room in my brother's house. In April, I am leaving Northeast PA and driving my car (1997 Nissan 200sx) across the country to the Portland, OR region. I am doing so mostly because ever since losing my job, I have been feeling trapped here for no good reason. I am willing to take the risks, and deal with the difficulties of starting a new life. I have some friends out that way; however, it will still essentially be just me, my car, and some gear heading out there to find something new. I plan on making a new blog about the progress of that adventure as well. My objective remains to eventually have the ability to build a camper van. The trip out west is what I hope to be the staging area for that to become a reality. I hope this westward bound adventure is a stepping stone to realizing that I can deviate from my comfort zone, and get a taste for life on the road. Apologies for the long read if you've made it this far! Anyways, happy trails, and thank you for making this such an awesome site!! Eric

c_hasbeen · Feb 15, 2013

Welcome Eric! I wonder if you could trade off the car and start on the camper van and live and make the cross country trek in your new dwelling?

Cold Brian · Feb 15, 2013

Welcome, Eric. Good luck on reaching your goals.

Kurgan · Feb 16, 2013

I did want to swap the car with a van at first, but found a way to sleep in it comfortably if tenting isn't an option. I removed the passenger seat and built a platform that extends to the back. Also have just enough room for storage. It isnt ideal, but i'm hoping after this experience a van will seem like a luxury house on wheels <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

bk2valve · Feb 16, 2013

Hi Eric and welcome from New Mexico. Glad to have you with us. After seeing your Halloween pic I am thinking a Mad Max Road Warrior type van will suit you fine...LOL Bri

ShesJustJodi · Feb 16, 2013

Welcome! I joined recently and the topics here have shown me I can go much smaller than originally planned. Yay! I look forward to getting to know all of you!