Im new to the forum and planning on a 2 month roadtrip

[Martin]

Hey guys, Im new to the forum. Now, I found this by chance while surfing and reading the web.   

Im not a US citizen, but I'll be going on vacation there soon, planning on a 2 month roadtrip. Im thinking of purchasing a cargo van, such as an e350, and a matress to lay on the back, nothing fancy.
Its me and my GF, we want to sleep on the back with just a good sleeping bag as opossed to just camp. I recently just finished a 1 month trip, 10000 miles where I slepped at the side of the road on a tent, and Im done.   

Wanted to ask, im going on winter season, and I am visiting major cities, planning on doing route 66. Im reading a lot of things regarding sleeping in urban areas. 
Where do you recommend on sleeping? comercial parking lots or just plain streets? or should I go to a camp site on outskirts of cities? Do cops usually check on parked vehicles which are left overnight in parking lots?
Im asking this, because, my country is a little bit different, there are no laws on sleeping on your car whatsoever, cops dont even bother with those things, and neither do people. 

Thanks

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the forum!

We just completed a trip on Route 66, from Chicago to Los Angles. The trip log is here - https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Route-66-Road-Trip

 I also made a map - https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&authuser=0&mid=zWUSQ5x4Gi9s.kw7Mg3y1h0_o
 If you look at the map you'll notice blue Ps. We stayed at most of the places marked with a P - a lot of Walmarts, other big box stores, some casinos and a few campgrounds. Most Walmarts (except in some large cities) and casinos welcome RVers so you won't have to worry about being disturbed. They're all close to the route so you don't have to do a lot of unnecessary driving and are spaced about 40 miles apart. The lots are usually much quieter and more level that street parking but you can probably get away with parking a cargo van on the street in most cities - just pay attention to the signs detailing hours and restrictions.

 If you do this trip in the winter you'll probably run into some snow and icy conditions. Check the weather reports every day before you start driving. Conditions will change as you climb over the mountains.

Have fun!

 

[SternWake]

Some concerns of a foreigner owning a Vehicle in the US is getting insurance for it. To be legal, liability insurance is a requirement, and one might run into issues being a foreigner without an address trying to both register and insure a vehicle.

I have no suggestions in this regard.

American bureaucracy can be as ridiculous as anywhere and it is all about separating you from your funds whilst making you as frustrated as possible.

When i bought a vehicle in West Australia in '99, when the registration ran out I told them I was staying in a caravan park. They asked me which site and liability insurance was included in the minimal rego fees and my registration address was a site in a caravan park. It blew my mind.

 

[buckwilk]

As per SW advice about insurance and registration, you probably already know and understand the drill. You will find no problem buying and registering and insuring a vehicle, done thousands of times a year here. Have fun!!

 

[PatsyG]

Welcome, Martin. Enjpy your trip.

 

[Martin]

Welcome to the forum!

We just completed a trip on Route 66, from Chicago to Los Angles. The trip log is here - https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Route-66-Road-Trip

 I also made a map - https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&authuser=0&mid=zWUSQ5x4Gi9s.kw7Mg3y1h0_o
 If you look at the map you'll notice blue Ps. We stayed at most of the places marked with a P - a lot of Walmarts, other big box stores, some casinos and a few campgrounds. Most Walmarts (except in some large cities) and casinos welcome RVers so you won't have to worry about being disturbed. They're all close to the route so you don't have to do a lot of unnecessary driving and are spaced about 40 miles apart. The lots are usually much quieter and more level that street parking but you can probably get away with parking a cargo van on the street in most cities - just pay attention to the signs detailing hours and restrictions.

 If you do this trip in the winter you'll probably run into some snow and icy conditions. Check the weather reports every day before you start driving. Conditions will change as you climb over the mountains.

Have fun!

Hey thanks a lot, this is really useful! Im doing this in winter, this is the time of year we get a possible 2 month window to visit your lovely country. Never actually driven on icy conditions, but Im sure it wont be a problem.  I just need to be prepared.  

Some concerns of a foreigner owning a Vehicle in the US is getting insurance for it. To be legal, liability insurance is a requirement, and one might run into issues being a foreigner without an address trying to both register and insure a vehicle.

I have no suggestions in this regard.

American bureaucracy can be as ridiculous as anywhere and it is all about separating you from your funds whilst making you as frustrated as possible.

When i bought a vehicle in West Australia in '99, when the registration ran out I told them I was staying in a caravan park.  They asked me which site and liability insurance was included in the minimal rego fees and my registration address was a site in a caravan park.  It blew my mind.

Hey, We have family in LA which will provide us with a valid Adress for the registration, as regarding insurance there seems to be a company which usually insures foreigners. We are both 23 , and renting a camper or a van seems really expensive as oposed to buying one, and maybe then reselling at least at 1/4 of the original value.  

But dont worry, im sure Argentinian bureaucracy is far more ridiculous.  
But thanks for the advice!

As per SW advice about insurance and registration, you probably already know and understand the drill. You will find no problem buying and registering and insuring a vehicle, done thousands of times a year here. Have fun!!

We had to choose the state carefully, we read a lot in DMV's page and checked forums. Only some states will register cars without a need for a SSN.

Thanks!  

Welcome, Martin.  Enjpy your trip.

Thanks!!!!  



 

We have a budget of around 2000 to 2500. Now I know it is not much, but we dont want a marvel of a car. I know quite a bit of mechanics as to know what to check when buying a car. The only thing that worries me is transmission. Here in Argentina, cars in majority are manual transmission, which, is at least simpler than automatic. My fear is that I buy a van and the gearbox fails, which would mean a visit to the mechanic.  
We were checking around the Fords E vans, and as well the Astro Vans, any particular recomendation on the most reliable van we can buy which should hold on for a 8 thousand mile journey?

Thanks again everyone for your kind welcome. Im reading every day more on van dwelling and its super interesting.