Hi from Cali

[karen]

Hi.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved the idea of living in an RV: all the time camping out on the streets for free. Now as adult in my 40s, I've now been revisiting this idea. Though now that I know better it seems that a stealthy cargo van convertion is the way to go even though I'd love to be able to stand up, I'd rather not stand out out as someone living in their vehicle.

Even though right now, if I had a van, I'd still live where I'm at now, but that isn't going to stay that way forever. Right now I have a 2007 Toyota Matrix that I'm thinking about selling it and buying the van and doing the conversion and some test trips in it. Then when I have to move, I'll just move into the van.

So at this point I just need to know what make van I should get and research that. (any feedback there would be great)

 

[peacetara]

Welcome!! I am from Cali as well, and have been doing this full time since August <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

I wish you lots of success ! I posted on your other topic about my van.

Wish you lots of successful adventures!

With love,
Tara

 

[karen]

Thanks Tara and OM!

 

[blkjak]

<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>welcome .... blkjak</strong></span>

 

[Pikachu711]

Welcome to the group Karen!

 

[KayakGirl]

Hi Karen --- I am new to the forum as well. Can't wait to puruse the forum and get some ideas for starting my dream.

 

[caseyc]

Welcome to the club from another Cali member. Various peeps here will periodically poo-poo on the Golden State, but it's all in good jest. Well, for the most part.

Casey

 

[PastTense]

No one has addressed Karen's question as to what make van should she get. The general consensus here is to get one of the standard makes: Ford, Dodge, GMC/Chevrolet as parts are easily and cheaply available both new and from the junkyard and the vast majority of mechanics are acquainted with them. Most people here are getting vans from the early 1990s to 2005 or so as they are cheap--newer vans get pricy. The key thing is to get any possible acquisition checked out by a mechanic before buying. Karen, what kind of budget do you have in mind?