Intro/need advice

[cwendyfly]

Hello all, my name is Wendy, 55/single. I am currently between living situations (staying with family) and needing to jump into van life pretty quickly. I do have some cash to work with, so I would like to ask for suggestions and advice on the quickest way to find a high top van that is clean, prebuilt and ready to go, possibly gently used. I have some ideas of what I would like, such as swivel seats, stealth exterior, composting toilet, wood free if possible for mold/chronic health concerns. It definitely needs to have cab/cargo access. (It's my understanding that some do and some do not.) I have some health issues, both physical and cognitive, so I don't have a ton of capacity to scour the internet. I am hoping to find answers by reaching out to this community. Thanks for your time. Happy trails!

 

[bullfrog !]

Welcome! Vans ready to go and in general are not easy to find and when you do they are usually custom built to suit the person that built them, just so you know.

 

[Sky King]

If you have the cash I'm sure someone can do a build for you

 

[cwendyfly]

Welcome! Vans ready to go and in general are not easy to find and when you do they are usually custom built to suit the person that built them, just so you know.

Okay thank you! I am learning a lot here already

 

[Juan Chacho]

There's a pretty good selection (new and used) on thevancamper.com. Wood is popular, often painted, but if the van is from a dry state or a new build it should be mold free (?). Might need a dehumidifier if you're in a humid place, or a cold place (breath condensation). Most vans have cargo access from cab.

Your first van will be a huge learning experience in your true wants and needs, so just do your best and know nothing's permanent (even the whole van).

For example, I discovered I find a bucket toilet easiest: A bucket with toilet seat topper, garbage bag as liner, and horse stall pellets to soak up liquid. The pellets are very cheap at tractor supply stores. I tie the bag, double bag it, and throw it out. Nothing much to clean. It's like throwing out diapers, but doesn't smell. I do use a pee bottle much of the time to save pellets and hassle.

Sorry to hear you're rushed. Sounds stressful! Do things to ground yourself, breathe, and relax. Don't rush more than you really need to. I think you came to a good place. Another good one is the Homes on Wheels Alliance group on Facebook. Good luck!

 

[cwendyfly]

If you have the cash I'm sure someone can do a build for you

You would think. I was told today that most of the pro builders have six month wait lists. Do you happen to know of anyone (preferably in colorado, but possibly elsewhere) who does quality builds as a side gig?

 

[cwendyfly]

There's a pretty good selection (new and used) on thevancamper.com. Wood is popular, often painted, but if the van is from a dry state or a new build it should be mold free (?). Might need a dehumidifier if you're in a humid place, or a cold place (breath condensation). Most vans have cargo access from cab.

Your first van will be a huge learning experience in your true wants and needs, so just do your best and know nothing's permanent (even the whole van).

For example, I discovered I find a bucket toilet easiest: A bucket with toilet seat topper, garbage bag as liner, and horse stall pellets to soak up liquid. The pellets are very cheap at tractor supply stores. I tie the bag, double bag it, and throw it out. Nothing much to clean. It's like throwing out diapers, but doesn't smell. I do use a pee bottle much of the time to save pellets and hassle.

Sorry to hear you're rushed. Sounds stressful! Do things to ground yourself, breathe, and relax. Don't rush more than you really need to. I think you came to a good place. Another good one is the Homes on Wheels Alliance group on Facebook. Good luck!

Wow, thank you, this is all very helpful

 

[Sky King]

You would think. I was told today that most of the pro builders have six month wait lists. Do you happen to know of anyone (preferably in colorado, but possibly elsewhere) who does quality builds as a side gig?

Sorry no I don't but good luck!

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the Forum Wendy

Take a look thru this site to see how a build would go together. Good photos too.

Nomadsauraus DIY Campervan Conversion

In the top signature link below "van conversion" I've documented how I made my first build....which was basic. But it served my purposes then.

Wood is used quite extensively in Van builds but there are materials that could be substituted foe structural building. With insulation you may find materials that aren't prone to mold or mildew but be careful of vapors that they may emit in warm/hot weather.

But this is enough for you to get some basic knowledge now.

Good luck.

 

[bagabum]

Hello all, my name is Wendy, 55/single. I am currently between living situations (staying with family) and needing to jump into van life pretty quickly. I do have some cash to work with, so I would like to ask for suggestions and advice on the quickest way to find a high top van that is clean, prebuilt and ready to go, possibly gently used. I have some ideas of what I would like, such as swivel seats, stealth exterior, composting toilet, wood free if possible for mold/chronic health concerns. It definitely needs to have cab/cargo access. (It's my understanding that some do and some do not.) I have some health issues, both physical and cognitive, so I don't have a ton of capacity to scour the internet. I am hoping to find answers by reaching out to this community. Thanks for your time. Happy trails!

I would scratch the composting toilet and go with luggable loo and then have a 1 gallon wide mouth/screw on lid jug (Walmart) for storage between dump station spots.

 

[Juan Chacho]

Most of my lessons learned popped up in this video:

 

[rruff]

I would like to ask for suggestions and advice on the quickest way to find a high top van that is clean, prebuilt and ready to go, possibly gently used.

A quick google gave me these sites:

https://thevancamper.com/campervans-for-sale?state=california&country=us
https://vanlifetrader.com/
https://www.vanviewer.com/

 

[cwendyfly]

Thank you!

Sorry no I don't but good luck!

 

[LargeMarge]

...possibly elsewhere) who does quality builds as a side gig?

.
a)
Eugene Oregon.
https://earthtribecreations.com
Our neighbors Keara (excellent welder-fabricator) and Billy (excellent electrician) do one or two conversions each year.
.
While visiting our picturesque burg, tour the incredible MAC'S BATTERIES AND SOLAR with their hundreds of photovoltaic panels stacked to the ceiling in their warehouse... and wait!, there is more! stacks out in the parking-lot.
https://macsbatteries.com/
.
Eugene is also home to the oddly-named GRAPE SOLAR.
Watch for their A-frame on the sidewalk, announcing a clearance sale of excess gear.
https://grapesolar.com
.
b)
Our standard suggestion:
.. acquire a suitable candidate
.. toss in some used yard-sale car-camping gear
.. go have fun.
Allow the conversion to evolve organically.

 

[LargeMarge]

I would scratch the composting toilet and go with luggable loo and then have a 1 gallon wide mouth/screw on lid jug (Walmart) for storage between dump station spots.

.
We think single-purpose equipment quickly turns to clusters of clutter.
.
For solid evacuations, we lay a newspaper on the floor, and squat.
That newspaper wraps the waste including paperwork, then goes in a plastic bag from the produce section at the grocery.
Tie lightly for the first squat; we can usually fit a couple-three squats in one bag.
.
For liquid, we use a laundry detergent jug with the spout knocked out.
That 3.08/7.62cm opening is perfect for containing splashes and sprays.
.
What if you have company?
Any laundromat probably has bins of discard jugs, so no need to wait until your only-holer is available.
.
.
As seen on televisionprogramming:
* "Ask your proctologist if squatting is right for you!"

 

[Cy_5th]

Thank you!

You asked me in chat if I had a dealer you can recommend and I said no I can't. My apologies. The dealer i got my fully built van is La Mesa RV. I'm not impressed with the service so far after getting fully built van. Didn't like the finance manager. He steered me into getting extended warranty. But the salesman was true in his words that I can off the grid with this rig.
I don't need any shore power. He wanted me to get the one with off-road tires and a van up modifications that I can bolt up like extra storage or Jerry cans etc. I didn't really know about solar. I would have gotten more watts if eve that was even available. The solar just tops off the house battery or prevents a drain for example when I'm work.

They have used and new fully built vans. If you can't wait and in a rush like was. I picked the most open floors plan and not regretting it. I see other floor plans and it's seems too tight.

Good luck. And look forward to you joining us again for another chat session Friday night lol. I have to plug the group chat.