Howdy

[DennisTheNomad]

Dennis the Nomad here.  Been lurking for a while, finally signed up for a forum account.  I'm a semi-retired software developer who road-trips across the country between Wisconsin and California 3-4 times a year for work.   Staying in motels has gotten old, so I'm trying out car-camping in my Mazda CX-5 this trip.  Spent a pleasant night in the Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie, WY last week (though I need to pad my bed a bit more).

Haven't got a van yet, but I'm lusting after a Ford Transit, so I'll probably buy one of those before the end of the year.  I'm planning on showing up to lend a hand at the Build Out Your Van party at Lake Havasu next month, so maybe I'll meet some of y'all there, and pick your brains on how best to fit out my van when I get it!

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Dennis to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you. sounds like you will do fine. that's great you are going to try to make it to the build out. see you on the road. highdesertranger

 

[Wabbit]

Hi Dennis and welcome! If you've been lurkin' then you already know we love pics of build outs... Best of luck on yours!

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard Dennis !
My only option was living in motels and tour busses for 25 years , after 1 year I built a camper on my pickup. I am a total believer in this lifestyle now.

Don't be shy about asking questions .

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRLV Forum  

I'm sure you'll realize you've made a good choice to become active here.

Yes I lust after a Transit myself.   I'm still running a lower mileage E 350 high top extended for now.
I think you would really do well to have something like that opposed to a car.   You may want to see
how much extended warranty you could get on a transit too if you purchase new.   I'm seeing Transits
which are even purpose built as RV's now on the road.   Whatever would suit your needs.

I got started in this a long time ago and have traveled quite a bit in my earlier years.  To have a mobile office
where you could work/camp and travel comfortably with a tax advantage (self employed) would be ideal.
Just to be able to write off your Van's fuel could be a winner.  Then the only thing you would be paying for would be your vehicle and maintenance,  food, clothing, and a few miscellaneous cost. (such as a Gym membership where yo could clean up, recharge your cell,  work out some, and relax...things like your Cell and onboard office should be cost of biz)    When I'm around the Malls I see a lot of large RV's towing trailers full of clothing samples where the salesmen who own these outfits stay on the parking lot at night and entertain buyers in them.   I've been wanting to talk with some of them and see how they have their taxes set up.

You're welcome to view my sites below to see how I set up my first basic Vans for travel and recreation. 
The second site is like a Swiss Army Knife of helpful info to use once you are on the road planning your travels.

These are enough to get a newbie into a Van and on the road so he or she will feel secure and comfortable
and feel like they are in control of their travels with a plan and not just lost and wandering. 

Good luck !