Howdy from Phoenix!

[BigGirlLilVan]

Hey everyone! Newbie here. I am 36 and shopping for my van! I have settled on a minivan because it will also be my day-to-day car as well as the idea of stealth camping. Also, I am terrified of driving anything larger! haha! I am a plus size woman hence the name "BigGirl" in a lil van :

I am currently browsing and I found a couple of vans that I like. I know that Stow n Go seats are important so I can switch back n forth between van and home before I set out into the world for a long time. Did anyone part time it until they could go full time? I am thinking about trying weekends here and there and then a half week, then a full week, then a couple of weeks, then a month, etc. but part of me wants to just take off as soon as possible (shooting for the end of January). 

I'm excited to get to know more solo female travelers around my age. I see retirees and younger women on YouTube, but have yet to find someone about my age (bonus if they are going through their third-life (too young for mid life) crisis too!!)

I just wanted to say hi and start making friends while I browse for tips for purchasing and building my van!

 

[Moxadox]

Howdy, BGLVA! Yes indeed, many people start out by part-timing. I personally think it's a really good way to go. That way, you're in beta mode for a good while, trying various configurations out and finding what works for you. If you just jump into the deep end, you have fewer options for making big changes. You're wise to start with weekends and move along as you feel your way.

I'm a big fan of minivans. I had a Honda Odyssey for a few years and absolutely loved it. I was competing with two German Shepherds in Schutzhund (a dog sport), and had their crates side by side in the back. I took out the rear seats and it was cavernous in there--plenty of room for sleeping and living! Plus it had plenty of towing capacity for when I needed to tow.

Looking forward!

The Dire Wolfess

 

[AMGS3]

Hi BGLV and welcome to the forum!

Are you planning on going to the RTR or WRTR? RTR is Jan 9-20 in Quartzsite, AZ.

WRTR (women's RTR) is Jan 4-8 in Bouse, AZ.

Here's a link to the thread about it - https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=33462&share_fid=70271&share_type=t

I wish I could go this year, but it just isn't happening. From what I hear, quite a lot of people show up with just an empty car or van and a sleeping bag and temporary camp supplies. It sounds like sooo much fun. Anyway, welcome to the forum.

Peace,
~angie

Sent from my VS501 using Tapatalk

 

[Smitty716]

Welcome to the forum , as you will find out there are a lot of female van , car , etc dwellers on here. You’ll have no problem getting help. There’s also a ladies only section for you gals to gossip and talk ?. Good luck on getting the van.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums BigGirlLilVan! Starting slowly with weekends trips and adding more time as you get comfortable is an excellent idea. Good luck and keep us posted!

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.

 

[Matty Van Halen]

welcome. lots of good info here

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

Howdy, BGLVA! Yes indeed, many people start out by part-timing. I personally think it's a really good way to go. That way, you're in beta mode for a good while, trying various configurations out and finding what works for you. If you just jump into the deep end, you have fewer options for making big changes. You're wise to start with weekends and move along as you feel your way.

I'm a big fan of minivans. I had a Honda Odyssey for a few years and absolutely loved it. I was competing with two German Shepherds in Schutzhund (a dog sport), and had their crates side by side in the back. I took out the rear seats and it was cavernous in there--plenty of room for sleeping and living! Plus it had plenty of towing capacity for when I needed to tow.

Looking forward!

The Dire Wolfess

Thank you! Yeah I'm looking at an Odessey or Sienna, but I just found a Caravan with my Stow & Go seats I want (and it's actually a really gorgeous van so that was another selling point) but I'm hoping it will still be available when I finally get some time to actually go van shopping lol.

Part timing seems the way to go for me for now. I was hoping the end of January since my lease is up then, but I might get a small studio for a few months and then maybe head out in April or May before it gets too hot here lol

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

Hi BGLV and welcome to the forum!

Are you planning on going to the RTR or WRTR? RTR is Jan 9-20 in Quartzsite, AZ.

WRTR (women's RTR) is Jan 4-8 in Bouse, AZ.

Here's a link to the thread about it - https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=33462&share_fid=70271&share_type=t

I wish I could go this year, but it just isn't happening. From what I hear, quite a lot of people show up with just an empty car or van and a sleeping bag and temporary camp supplies. It sounds like sooo much fun. Anyway, welcome to the forum.

Peace,
~angie

Sent from my VS501 using Tapatalk

I'm hoping to go to WRTR! I will check out the thread. I was thinking about going for the weekends (if that's allowed) since I still have a full time job.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

Welcome to the forum , as you will find out there are a lot of female van , car , etc dwellers on here. You’ll have no problem getting help. There’s also a ladies only section for you gals to gossip and talk ?. Good luck on getting the van.

Thanks! A ladies only section, you say? I'll have to find it!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

Welcome to the CRVL forums BigGirlLilVan! Starting slowly with weekends trips and adding more time as you get comfortable is an excellent idea. Good luck and keep us posted!

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.

Thank you so much! I'll definitely keep everyone posted! I'm just impatiently waiting to get a van!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

welcome. lots of good info here

Thank you! So I'm seeing!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[RoamerRV428]

HI and welcome
part timing is a great way to walk into this lifestyle. Too see how you want to live, what needs you have and what you can drop etc. Great experiment time definitely. You will meet many like minded people on the road, those wanting adventure, freedom, a different lifestyle and more. Chat away and ask questions etc. as you need, we are all here to help.
I hope your shopping for your van goes easy and you get exactly what you want!

 

[travelaround]

Welcome to the forum, BGLV - I am also about to buy a van - expecting this will happen by next spring. Meanwhile, I travel in my car. I hope to be at WRTR/RTR. We'll see. The thought of going through all that "community" while having only a car and tent kind of frightens me. I'd much rather be in a van... but it is what it is and there will be others in cars as well.

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

HI and welcome
part timing is a great way to walk into this lifestyle. Too see how you want to live, what needs you have and what you can drop etc. Great experiment time definitely. You will meet many like minded people on the road, those wanting adventure, freedom, a different lifestyle and more. Chat away and ask questions etc. as you need, we are all here to help.
I hope your shopping for your van goes easy and you get exactly what you want!

Thank you so much!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

Welcome to the forum, BGLV - I am also about to buy a van - expecting this will happen by next spring. Meanwhile, I travel in my car. I hope to be at WRTR/RTR. We'll see. The thought of going through all that "community" while having only a car and tent kind of frightens me. I'd much rather be in a van... but it is what it is and there will be others in cars as well.

That can be overwhelming! My anxiety is high just because I'm such an introvert and trying to submerse myself into a group of people is scary! I'm hoping to make a friend or two that I can cling to while I'm there haha.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[TravelingFamily]

Hey! I’m a young solo female traveler at the moment with my young child. I’m also in the Phoenix area at the moment if you wanted to camp together before the RTR. I’m 6 foot tall and have always been healthy as I like to call it. I’d love to meet you! Good luck in your search.

A better way to reach me is:
[email protected]