Ideal Build-Out Location?

[Vagabound]

This topic could apply to most any vehicle, so I stuck it here.  Thinking ahead ...

Let's get the obvious non-applicable location out of the way first.  The ideal build-out location is behind your house, in a large climate-controlled garage, filled with every type of modern tool imaginable, down the street from Lowe's and Home Depot, while being retired, and griping about all of the cardboard boxes of cash you have to keep moving out of the way.  However, that isn't available to many here and that includes me now.

Eventually, maybe this thread can evolve into a larger one with build-out recommendations all over the U.S.  However, if you don't mind, let's please stick to the criteria below in the beginning as I'm hoping to get some info that I can put to use myself.

Assume the following:

• Located in the U.S. Southwest
• Not too cold in the winter for outside work
• Project might be done alone (not able to link up with build-out party, etc)
• Access to civilization is a bonus, especially aforementioned Lowe's and Home Depot, but it doesn't have to be right around the corner.  Short trips ever couple of days might be enough.
• One scenario can assume a generator or solar powered tools are available, but another without both of those is possible.

So, knowing that, what can you suggest as an ideal build-out location (city, area, and specifics)?  Please feel free to add info on both where and how (setting up a build-out friendly site, etc).

Vagabound

 

[LeeRevell]

Some miniwarehouse storage places are good for this. In my military days, I shared a two-bay shop with a friend, where we worked on our musclecars. Inside storage, and others doing the same kept vehicles outside too. No fence, so we had easy access. AC power, lights, an outside water spigot and a nearby bathroom - toilet and sink.
Nowadays most are fenced and gated, so access might be more limited. Maybe you can get a gate key?
I knew folks who ran businesses out of these storage units. We even had an old drunk living fulltime in one. Gave us Hell sometimes for our noise, banging out bodywork. He'd call the law, my Deputy cousin would come and tell him to STFU. Good times!

 

[cyndi]

Ehrenburg, where the tribe will be gathering shortly.

 

[firebob]

I built mine out of a 1 car garage at the apartment complex i was living at. It had 2 15 amp circuits. I was to high to fit the van part way in, but i could park it close by. My build out took about 50 days when i was working full time with the help of my g/f part of the time and using all battery operated tools.

There was a Lowes up the road, but i only made 3 large trips to get 90% of what i needed.

 

[waldenbound]

Honestly, I think the ideal would be to go to a local community college, talk to the trades instructors, and see if they need a project for their class. I would have like to done that with my alma mater, but they gutted the trades programs.

 

[LeeRevell]

If your AO has a Vo-Tech school, they have auto classes.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

If you currently live in a van I find the Home Depot parking lot a good place. I always park out of the way... near the back.

 

[ArtW]

If you were near me, I'd say my yard would be perfect, plenty of room, no codes, no HOA, electric available for power tools, running water and sewer
Other than that, sounds like the 'back forty' of a home improvement store would be best

 

[Vagabound]

If you were near me, I'd say my yard would be perfect, plenty of room, no codes, no HOA, electric available for power tools, running water and sewer
Other than that, sounds like the 'back forty' of a home improvement store would be best

Thanks, Art.  Very kind of you to say.

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OK, we've done OK so far collecting "methods", such storage units, Home Depot parking lots, etc.  What about geographical locations that match the original criteria in the first post?

One so far:
Ehrenberg, AZ (from Cyndi)

Vagabound

 

[highdesertranger]

I would say the "ideal" location would be on private property. but we don't always get the ideal, so we do what we have to do. highdesertranger

 

[Reducto]

For those who rent a storage unit and do it there - do you tell them what you plan to use it for? Are there some types that are ok with that sort of thing and how do you tell?

 

[Vagabound]

I would say the "ideal" location would be on private property.  but we don't always get the ideal,  so we do what we have to do.  highdesertranger

I agree, and tried to describe that in the first post.  But, that aside, where would you, others, go if you wanted to start a fresh van build-out and could pick any town in the SW of the U.S., and planned to do it during November and December?  Assuming free camping, but low-cost campgrounds might be an option.  Don't want to get kicked out of a campground for using a circular saw though. ;-)

Bit surprised ... I figured this part would be the easiest, and there would be a bunch of town names and hidey-hole locations flying hot and wild in the thread.  Hmmm.

Vagabound

 

[Vagabound]

For those who rent a storage unit and do it there - do you tell them what you plan to use it for? Are there some types that are ok with that sort of thing and how do you tell?

I don't know what people are doing, but I've thought about this.  Haven't done much of it in my life, but I have very little tolerance for pretending, hiding, and skulking around.  My plan, were I to select a storage unit (high on the list of options), is to be direct with the management prior to renting.  Better a problem then than in the middle of a project.  Might take a bit longer to find a willing storage place, but it would pay off later in piece of mind, I think.

Vagabound

 

[paradiceau]

I think Pahrump Nv. would be worth considering for several reasons:

There is a lot of real estate sitting idle and you could probably find something you could rent or utilize for a reasonable price.

There are lots of retirees there who probably would be amenable to letting you work on their site, maybe just for the benefit of something interesting to do and someone honest to chat with.  Many of those people have skills which would be helpful to a builder....  Plumber, electrician, space ship driver, etc. etc.....

Hot in summer, cold in winter....  Windy on occasion...  Great air quality and sunsets...  

There is a Home Depot, and at least one independent hardware store in town.  

The Smiths Grocery Store is very clean and the employees are really nice to deal with...  

If you wish to dispose quickly of your hard earned dollars there are slot machines just about anywhere...

The senior coffee at McDonalds is good, and sometimes free....

You never, know you might run into Bob W. or other Rubber Tramps hanging around there.....

Paradiceau

 

[Vagabound]

I think Pahrump Nv. would be worth considering for several reasons:

... [ cut, list of good reasons ] ...

Paradiceau

Paradiceau, now that's the kind of description I was looking for ... full of wheres, whats, whys, and wherefores.  Really helps the unfamiliar understand and choose.  Nice!  And thanks.

Anyone else have something similar to offer for other potential sites?

Vagabound

 

[LeeRevell]

Thanks, Art.  Very kind of you to say.

----------

OK, we've done OK so far collecting "methods", such storage units, Home Depot parking lots, etc.  What about geographical locations that match the original criteria in the first post?

One so far:
Ehrenberg, AZ (from Cyndi)

Vagabound

These "methods" are available in nearly every location with a population of a few thousand or more.
But specific locations are good too. But I tend towards the general, to cater to the greatest number of members. We are a spread out lot.

 

[GotSmart]

Ideal would be Jay Leno's garage.     Lots of paid professionals and tools.  

I have done it in many locations in a lot of states.  The last place was the parking lot of my apartments.  As long as I kept things clean, and did not start real early or work real late.  Nobody minded.   As long as it is not raining, I can do it anywhere. 

Shade is always nice, as well as low wind.

 

[highdesertranger]

in almost any small town in the west, I could get permission from a business or private property owner to do the work. I know I have done it more then a couple of times. in fact I could go back to these locations and do it again. highdesertranger

 

[Vagabound]

These "methods" are available in nearly every location with a population of a few thousand or more.  
But specific locations are good too.  But I tend towards the general, to cater to the greatest number of members.  We are a spread out lot.

Yeah, I tend to agree with you. However, I think you'd agree with me that the American Southwest is pretty stinkin' general. I was thinking of going with Western Hemisphere, but I did decide to indulge myself and be a little selfish.

;-)

Vagabound

 

[Vagabound]

Ideal would be Jay Leno's garage.    
...

Brad, is that you?  Untie GS and stop playing around. ;-)

Vagabound