It -really- sucks when you look for support here and there is none

[mocean]

You know, it really sucks when illness prevents you from converting your own van and you're forced to look for others who will do a good job without ripping you off. I've been ripped off already. Bob with all his big talk about he and his forums helping people and here I am, without even the most remote suggestions, referrals, ideas etc. I hear crickets.  I don't know why you're all here, except to entertain each other.

I've helped so many people in my life yet, when I look for the tiniest support, I get nothing in return. I didn't know the people I helped. I just helped them. I guess here, if you're not an established part of the herd, you're nothing.

 

[B and C]

I'm stuck in Houston and have been for 19 months now. If you are still looking in the fall when it cools here, stop on by and I'll help while you look after my wife.

You were given ideas for where to find help, it's up to you to act on them. Deleted

 

[user 423]

You asked all of 2 hours ago. And you didn't even indicate where you are located.

Few people walk away with instant gratification in life.

You're in Prescott. I'm 300 miles away. Many more members are probably 1000's of miles away.

Have more patience,please. There are some good people on this forum.

 

[B and C]

Most people do their own builds or help friends to do the builds with them. The people probably most willing to help physically, are on the road. I know when we traveled, I didn't spend my time in nature on the forums. The people here are very knowledgeable and willing to give advice but probably didn't have one built by a conversion company. I've built my own in the past but couldn't get everything in it we wanted without getting a full on RV and it would have cost more too. We have a class B+ that we used and I will use when my wife passes.

Jamie Damon has a van build in the fall. He has a youtube channel nomadic fanatic. You provide the materials and lend a hand where you can but that is probably out too as you are ill. It has gotten so popular that he will only schedule one thing to be done so if you are wanting solar or something else too, you will have to pick. There are a lot of on the road (and part time) people volunteering there.

Deleted

 

[desert_sailing]

Howdy mocean,

I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with illness. That in itself can be stressful let alone doing a build out of your van.

The message board here can take some time to get a response.  Please don't be discouraged. People are not intentionally ignoring your need for assistance..there really aren't  that many people who are active on this site on the regular.

Maybe the HOWA can help you directly? It is an affiliate with Bob and a few other folks that I don't know the names of.  I am posting the contact info below for you. There is also a telephone number and so maybe you can call as well as fill out the contact info. Maybe that will get a faster response.

https://homesonwheelsalliance.org/contact-us/

I know absolutely no one in AZ and have nothing to offer. I would start calling churches to find a craftsperson. They are always willing to lend a hand to those in the community even if you aren't a member of their congregation.

I also checked the craigslist for carpenters.. I know you said you are a bit leery of that site but not everyone is a liar and scammer that use that site.

Here is the advert for a fellow who claims to build cabinetry and maybe he is a good find? Give him a call and see what you think. The link is here below.

https://prescott.craigslist.org/lbs/d/prescott-handyman-hero-plumber-roofer/7121078608.html

Another good option could be speaking to someone at the lumberyard or a small hardware store. Lots of part time craftspeople work in those places and may welcome the chance to make a little side money as well as helping someone out.

Don't give up. We all want you to be healthy AND to get your van ready for living.

Wishing you  nothing but the very best. I wish I could do more.

 

[mocean]

Never mind. Great group of people here. Looking for referrals is too much to ask. I shouldn't have bothered.

 

[desert_sailing]

Never mind. Great group of people here. Looking for referrals is too much to ask. I shouldn't have bothered.

I posted a few up above. Please scroll up and take a look. I think the HOWA is going to be a good resource.

Many people who use this site are also looking for info and various forms of assistance. It would be great if there was a list of providers for each State. A network of van build out providers is desperately needed.

Call the HOWA number in the morning they are the ones who are most active in doing build outs.

We are all rooting for you!

 

[user 423]

Looking for referrals is too much to ask.

Converting vans is a niche business. In a smaller location like Prescott there's not going to be a lot to choose from.

You're 100 miles or so from Phoenix. Have you checked for any companies there that might do that kind of work?

And as B and C pointed out, not many of us on the forum have used a company to do a conversion but did it ourselves or bought rigs already fitted out.

Good luck.

 

[travelaround]

I've had my van for a year and it still isn't built out.. no paneling, no kitchen, no ceiling fan... I have a floor and insulation I glued to the walls and ceiling last winter in desperation to try to be warmer, and not much else. I sleep on a cot. Sometimes we have to make do with what we have. Nobody is coming to my rescue and I don't expect it.

 

[rvwandering]

I deleted a few of the unhelpful posts. Please be kind to each other.

Mocean - I'm sorry that you're having problems getting your van finished but many of us on the forums do our own work so we can not give you referrals. I'm sure that if you were camping with a group of forum members and needed help you would get it. I've seen that happen many times but since no one knows exactly where you are or what you want to be done it's hard for anyone to offer to help you. The coronavirus situation makes it even harder. Almost everyone that I know on the road right now is self-isolating. There isn't any visiting inside of each other's rigs so working in a small space with an unknown person is really out of the question.

You can live comfortably with furniture from a thrift store and bins from Walmart. That might be the best thing for you to do until you find someone to build out your van as you want it.

 

[maki2]

.....

Jamie Damon has a van build in the fall.  He has a youtube channel nomadic fanatic.  You provide the materials and lend a hand where you can but that is probably out too as you are ill.  It has gotten so popular that he will only schedule one thing to be done so if you are wanting solar or something else too, you will have to pick.  There are a lot of on the road (and part time) people volunteering there.

Jamie Damon just announced he is quitting full time van life. His youtube channel is "engimatic fanatic". Here is the video where he talks about the changes in his life and what that means regarding future van builds.

 

[B and C]

Too many youtubers to keep up with and a brain that has CRS (can't remember sh**)

Thanks for the correction

 

[nature lover]

Yes, wasn't that a shock? He said he is headed to Appalachia. That is a far cry from the deserts of the south west, but its where I am heading at the end of June or July. Hillbillys are my kind of people. Any place there are more trees than people is good for me.

 

[highdesertranger]

"wasn't that a shock?"

not really I heard he just got married. LOL

as to the original poster, did I miss something?
is there another thread where you asked for help and nobody replied?

I am on very spotty internet at the moment but I don't recall anything from yesterday.

give us time and more info. like,

location
what you need done
etc.

highdesertranger

 

[dixonge]

Jamie Damon just announced he is quitting full time van life. His youtube channel is "engimatic fanatic".  Here is the video where he talks about the changes in his life and what that means regarding future van builds. 

wow - thanks for making me lose an hour of my life for that *LOL*


:dodgy:

 

[Bobhdus]

If you can’t handle the pressure of “diy”, and/ or dealing with strangers then you’d probably be better off buying something already built out or a budget cheapie vintage type class C etc. I’m in Missouri right now and there isn’t anything support or otherwise for the “vanlife” types here. I’m building out a Stepvan and it’s tough getting any help. Only thing I have to offer is cash and that’s limited. So I try to do everything myself. It can get stressful but it’s not my daily driver and it’s more for hobby/ fun. Good luck![emoji1374]


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[nature lover]

I was blessed to have a neighbor family with 5 boys ages 4 to 17. When I moved out of my home a few years ago I gave them most of my tools. They love to help the old man. There are many things that they have helped me with over the last several years. i could not do it without them - it was worth the cost of all those tools. Your not having any help makes me appreciate them more. I think its time to buy a couple of boxes of ice cream for them. Of course I will have to have some too.

 

[GypsyJan]

If your health prevents DIY, perhaps van life will not be feasible either. I know I am hoping to stay healthy enough to still be able to be a nomad in a few years when I retire and even then, am not sure how long I will be able to continue. I'll give it my best, though.

 

[DannyB1954]

I think the OP went off in a huff. She didn't get an answer that she wanted within two hours of asking it.
This thread was about telling people of her disappointment.

Her original thread was started at about 7pm, Anyone know someone who could build a few things in my van. Two people answered her, but apparently they did not tell her what she wanted to hear, so at 9pm, (the same night), she told us how disgusted she was with us.

 

[LERCA]

If you’re like me and can’t do anything it’s best to buy a pre-made RV and the newest most expensive one you can find because you won’t be able to work on it if it’s old and breaks down. And I agree nomadic life isn’t for everyone. It isn’t for me but I had no choice. I was in her position once so I’m cutting her some slack but lashing out at people is not the way to get help. And especially when you get the kind of major help you might get on here.