Hey there nomads!

[myconerd]

Hi

I'm Brad and have been watching Bob's youtube channel for a while now and have recently been "forced" into making the switch to the nomad life.
My grandmother passed away due to covid-19 and our finances were a bit entangled. She had a lot of debt... so now I've got to make a choice. I've decided to sell everything I can and buy a van! I need a pretty good amount of space (enough for my daughter and I) so I'm looking to get a cargo van.

I've never converted a van or car before but have done some amateur carpentry and building with wood so I'm confident I can whip out a pretty decent rig. 

I said "forced" into making a decision because I have liked the idea of the nomad life for a while but wasn't really sure if I could do it. Nothing like necessity, right?

We went on a 2 week camping trip recently and I realized that having a van would be like camping but with more space... lol.

So here we are, researching and planning.

 

[RvDreams]

Welcome Brad (myconerd) to the CRVL forums! 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.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[nature lover]

Welcome to the forum Brad. Sometimes we need a little push to get going. Sounds like you’ll do well since you like camping. How does your daughter feel About it? I really likeD taking my children camping and it seems to have worked well because they all like to camp now. My second oldest son loves to hike he and his wife hiked the Muir trail recently. Well last year thank God before the fires. I think the nomad lifestyle would be a great way to raise and educateChildren. I admire those who are unschooling. Seeing the national parks, Learning how to live in several different types of environments, being in nature most of the time is a healthy way to raise kids. People wonder why cities with no trees or grass are full of delinquents. The less exposure to nature kids get the worst behavior. That’s been proven. A great book to read his last child in the woods, saving our children from nature deficit disorder. God bless the nomads young and old.

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forum  

Once you get your estate matters put to bed,  you'll be able to put things behind you and everything will be in the rear view mirror from then on.   Finding the cargo Van or step Van may be the option for space.  An awning on the side will help expand space when it's nice out.   You may have watched Bob's video showing using a cargo trailer pulled up beside the Van with an awning connecting them to have a small shaded breezeway.  You are only limited by your creativity. 

With your carpentry skills I'm sure you can do a build out that would be acceptable to you and your daughter.  And remember.....it's always a work in progress.   Do you have any small power tools ?  Drill, cutter grinder,  skill saw & saber saw,  sander, etc and hand tools.   Places like Harbor Freight have them at affordable prices,  some Pawn Stores specialize in construction tools,  There are some stores like Goodwill and those like Goodwill that specialize in used building materials.  Then there are yard sales where you can make some finds.

In the meanwhile let me invite you to look thru the two sites below for some ideas on your build.  The bottom link is a portal of information to make your travels more safe, convenient, and comfortable.  You can use it at home to pre plan or while out on the road to plan or re plan. 

Good luck and all the best.

 

[myconerd]

  How does your daughter feel About it?

Hey Nature Lover

She was not very excited at first. But the more we talk about it the more excited she gets. We cant wait to do her "schooling" on the road! 

I'm going to look for that book. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[myconerd]

Welcome to the CRVL Forum  

Once you get your estate matters put to bed,  you'll be able to put things behind you and everything will be in the rear view mirror from then on.   Finding the cargo Van or step Van may be the option for space.  An awning on the side will help expand space when it's nice out.   You may have watched Bob's video showing using a cargo trailer pulled up beside the Van with an awning connecting them to have a small shaded breezeway.  You are only limited by your creativity. 

With your carpentry skills I'm sure you can do a build out that would be acceptable to you and your daughter.  And remember.....it's always a work in progress.   Do you have any small power tools ?  Drill, cutter grinder,  skill saw & saber saw,  sander, etc and hand tools.   Places like Harbor Freight have them at affordable prices,  some Pawn Stores specialize in construction tools,  There are some stores like Goodwill and those like Goodwill that specialize in used building materials.  Then there are yard sales where you can make some finds.

In the meanwhile let me invite you to look thru the two sites below for some ideas on your build.  The bottom link is a portal of information to make your travels more safe, convenient, and comfortable.  You can use it at home to pre plan or while out on the road to plan or re plan. 

Good luck and all the best.

Ya, I have things like power drill/driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw... and maybe a sander. I didn't know that Goodwill has used building materials. I'll have to check them out.

And thanks for the reference to the links.

 

[eDJ_]

Yes,  these recycled building supply places are catching on.  You can find remnants of paint, (half full cans)  plywood,
windows, counter tops, cabinets, domestic appliances (fridge, stove, dish washer, etc)  shutters,  lighting fixtures,
carpet remnants, window coverings, paneling, lumber, roofing shingles & guttering, and many other unexpected things.  And all for cheap.  Some of this is used and some donated surplus from retail business, contractors, and home owners.

Your Goodwill store may know of such a place in your area.  Facebook may be another source.   But you shop this stuff just as you would at Walmart, Lowe's, or any other supply store.  And the savings can be major.

Habitat for Humanity runs the "Restore" in my community.