Jayco (or similiar) van prep for FT w/ a CAT

[palebluedot78]

As of Nov. 1st I am month-to-month renting at nearly $1K/mo in Dallas and i am so sick of wasting all this money! I was going to get an efficiency for 6 months before hitting the road, but I just can't see myself here that long. I want to leave March or April. I'm looking at a Jayco M-5 17' Class B. (or something similar) It's more of a camper than a class b though but really just looks like a conversion van (most folks don't see the ac or fantastic fan). it has full bed in back,1 burner stove, sink, mini fridge, (microwave, lol), no toilet, no shower.

Gym membership no issue. Getting luggable loo and using peat moss for solids and using my Go Girl for liquids. Here's my issue.... my best friend, my feline. No issue w/ his temperament, he does really well inside cars, traveling, etc. This issue of course is stealth. If he's seen in the cab, the jig is up. I have looked into cargo barriers, but ideally I would like one w/ a door, but those are pricey and then i have to worry about fitting it in there, etc. I would love to find a cargo van that's already insulated, etc, but I don't have time, nor the resources/knowledge to set it up. I only want to urban stealth camp until Spring. That would help me save a nice chuck of change. What about going to a junk yard looking for a cargo barrier, I could get it cut to fit - THOUGHTS? IDEAS?

Also, I know that Dallas winters are fairly mild but I will still need a Buddy Heater w/ a hose and portable tank. During my lunch break I can go check on him and crank on the heater to warm the van up before going back in to work. So kitty won't ever be alone for more than 4 hours at a time.

I am limo tenting all the back windows, scooping out overnight spots, getting bear/pepper spray (i'm a female), getting reflectix for the windows. I'm only taking what I need for work (dress clothes, shoes, etc.) and leaving the other stuff i need when I hit the road w/ friends & family. Since there's hardly any storage in that thing as it is. Whether I plan on keeping the van after I leave my job is yet to be determined, so I don't want to invest too much money into it.

I am trying to think of things I am forgetting. I don't think I need to worry about solar at this point, that's for later. I like to read at night so I need to make sure I have a small reading light that is undetectable.

[other things i need: dehumidifer, CO alarm (although I think it comes w/ both alarms), 12v fan.]

 

[palebluedot78]

If I can find one like this (but cheaper) that'd be good. this one is pretty low miles but gives you an idea of what I'm looking at....
http://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Sauder-Motors-2946394/listing/1998-Jayco-M-5-17-115925187

 

[akrvbob]

I'm sorry but I'm not clear on your plans. You are only buying a Class B until April to stealth camp while you are still working, then you are going to sell it and buy something else to full-time in, is that right? Will you get a bigger RV then?

Have you considered getting whatever you want to end up in and putting it in an RV park until spring? Then you won't have to buy and sell and buy again and you won't have to worry about stealth or heat and cold.

Just a thought.
Bob

 

[rvpopeye]

Bob just posted my suggestion.......and welcome to the forum.

 

[Stargazer]

Can Kitty go in a crate while you are at work? That would also have the advantage of keeping him/her from dashing out when you open a door. In addition, if Kitty is alone and loose inside, running a heater may not be safe. What if (s)he gets too close to the heater? I never run my Mr Heater Buddy unless I am between it and the dog.

Just my thoughts.

Best wishes!

 

[dhawktx]

If you get a larger dog crate, it usually has a puppy wall to control the interior size as the dog grows up. I have used that type of crate with the puppy wall set up as an upper level with scrap carpet zip tied on it. Cat sleeps/plays above and litterbox, food and water are on the lower deck.

With that set up you can also use a domed cat bed on the upper deck. The cats own body heat will keep it toasty in one of those.

 

[Wanderer]

Here's my issue.... my best friend, my feline. No issue w/ his temperament, he does really well inside cars, traveling, etc. This issue of course is stealth. If he's seen in the cab, the jig is up.



Frankly, that type of vehicle screams (Someone is sleeping in this) because of the size and what it looks like (A van where people sleep in it) and so your "Stealth" is not so stealthy.

 

[palebluedot78]

I'm sorry but I'm not clear on your plans. You are only buying a Class B until April to stealth camp while you are still working, then you are going to sell it and buy something else to full-time in, is that right? Will you get a bigger RV then?

Have you considered getting whatever you want to end up in and putting it in an RV park until spring? Then you won't have to buy and sell and buy again and you won't have to worry about stealth or heat and cold.

Just a thought.
Bob

There are only 2 parks in my area and last I checked they were full. Also, one costs $560/month! Which is the same as an efficiency apt. (which were full as well) I don't know if I will upgrade after leaving, eventually, yes something bigger of course, but for now i need to get the hell outta dodge.

Sorry, I usually give too much info instead of just asking a simple question.

 

[palebluedot78]

Here's my issue.... my best friend, my feline. No issue w/ his temperament, he does really well inside cars, traveling, etc. This issue of course is stealth. If he's seen in the cab, the jig is up.



Frankly, that type of vehicle screams (Someone is sleeping in this) because of the size and what it looks like (A van where people sleep in it) and so your "Stealth" is not so stealthy.

And your suggestion would be?

 

[Wanderer]

And your suggestion would be?

Just pointing out that people who own houses don't like people sleeping on the street in "Their" neighborhood.