initial cost

[RoryOrmiston]

Hello, like minded people. I have been researching mobile living and haven't seen a lot of talk about loaning out money for the initial cost. I am not worried about the monthly cost, there is enough evidence that it is cheaper than renting. But say my van is $4000 and Then i must spend another 4000 insulating and buying utilities such as stove, solar, and fridge. This is a rough number but I believe 8000USD is fair. I live in Canada so 10,000CAN let us say. To me this is a lot of money, and I would most certainly would have to take out a line of credit. Does anyone else have anything further to add to this topic? I think it needs to be talked about more.  :-/

 

[BradKW]

Well, I think this is at least the 3rd thread on financing an RV this month, so fair to say it gets talked about

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Pay-Rent-or-Finance-RV?highlight=financing

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Financing-the-purchase&highlight=financing

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-RV-Financing-for-Full-Timers&highlight=financing

Welcome to the forums!

 

[VanKitten]

The costs that I estimated were closer to $13,000.  But I included solar panels and all the accompaniments.

The manner in which I am making this happen....I saved the initial &5,000.  Then I am financing the remained from monthly income.   I expect to be complete enough to hit the road by January (still thinking I can get to the RTR). 

I might have to wait for solar till I arrive out west, but working some everyday will get the rest done mostly with my own hands.   

The work is progressing based on the cash available, and the time after my regular job to work on the project.

 

[Rugster]

There are also many different ways to get started. There is no rule saying you have to have the perfect set up and you can actually have everything you need for a very low investment. You could then spend some of the money you saved every month in upgrading your equipment.

A person that used to post here made a post on his website that outfitted a van with everything you need for $300. It was pretty basic but it covered bed, food, storage and lights.

 

[highdesertranger]

yep, you don't need everything on the wish list right off. spread out the pain of equipping your self. some stuff can be bought at garage sales. other stuff can be repurposed. if you set what you think is a impossible goal it will be impossible. highdesertranger

 

[cyndi]

My van cost $4200. it was a conversion van so the bed, uncomfortable as it was was in place. I purchased a bucket, stove and cooler. I'm sure those things didn't cost over $100 all told. That's all I felt was necessary to hit the road.

The van is a work in progress so renovations and accessories are added on little by little. Saving for solar and a fridge, now.

 

[RoryOrmiston]

Thank you for the fast posts. I think the idea of starting of with something cheaper and saving to upgrade or reno is a great idea. I'm just afraid of debt, not a bad thing i guess.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard Rory!
All you need to get started can cost WAY less than you think.
Used furniture like a desk and chest of drawers maybe a office chair and a chunk of foam , a bucket , a few jugs of water , a cooler and a sleeping bag ....you're out there doing it !

Taking on debt will add a lot of stress to the picture ..... keep it simple and add as you go !