Just joined, currently converting Ford Aerostar

[lc94fsh]

Hello, my name is Luis, I'm 19, originally from Oregon but just moved back from Hawaii

I am actually here looking for advice as I'm about to embark on a road trip across all 50 states before flying back. I recently got a killer deal on nice Ford Aerostar and am currently working on converting it into a home, and am wondering if there were some good guides/articles/advice you all might recommend to someone just starting out, so many questions..

I was told to try out workamper to locate campsites and jobs on the road, how reliable is it? Is it even necessary? What are other ways of surviving on the road.

What is the easiest way to thoroughly explore each state? Events/attractions/trails etc. What process do you RV livers out there usually use if you want to find cool places to stop?

Anyone out there also have an Aerostar van?

Would love any advice you can offer, or at least a direction you could point me towards. Thanks

 

[sephson]

Welcome Luis!

I don't live in a van or RV myself, but I have done a few cross country road trips from California to Arkansas to visit my dad, my sister and my nephew. With my dad's failing health the last decade of his life, I was always so focused on the destination and spending as much time as possible with my dad that I never really explored the points in between. Last August, my dad finally died. In early September, I drove up to Puyallup, Washington, where my dad grew up to meet with as much of the family as could make it to bury his ashes. Once again, I was so focused on maximizing my time with the family that I didn't take any time to explore. I had two experiences on this trip that really altered my perception of how to enjoy a road trip.

The first was a few days after we buried my dad. I went hiking in the Olympic National Forest with my aunt. It was incredible! There's some incredibly beautiful country to be explored. How many sights like this amazing forest have I missed because I was always focused on the destination?

The second was on my way home. I pulled off at a rest stop just south of the California, Oregon border to use the rest room. When I went to get back on the freeway, I found that the on ramp was closed. This forced me to take a 40 mile detour on some back roads in order get back on the freeway. Again, it was absolutely incredible! There were some amazing views of a canyon with a river flowing through it. I kept stopping at various turnouts to take pictures. This really opened my eyes to some of the things I've been missing by sticking to the highways when I travel.

So my advice to you is don't be in a hurry. Take time to explore. Take back roads when you can. In short, don't get so caught up in where you're going that you forget to enjoy the journey.

 

[lc94fsh]

Thanks for the advice, my goal is definitely to find at least something in each state. I'm thinking of camping out a few days in each state and a month or so if I can get work somewhere. It's difficult to know where everything is though unless you've lived in the area or know someone who has. I would guess maybe a visitor place in the city could have cool pamphlets of stuff maybe?

Anyone got some advice on my main concern which is sustainability during the trip? I'm sure some of you experienced rv livers have a routine when you enter an unfamiliar state/city?

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome!

How long are you planning on staying and traveling on the mainland before flying back to Hawaii? If it's going to be short trip you'll do better to work and save as much as possible before you go to maximize your sightseeing time. If you're planning on being out for years then try working camping or maybe pick up day work at some of the cities that you visit. Sorry I can't help with suggestions about that. Hopefully other people will chime in.

Finding cool places to stop is easy. Any national park is worth a visit for incredible scenery and good hiking. Stop at the welcome centers as you enter each state to pick up brochures and maps. Take a highlighter marker and plan your route so that you can stop at all the places that interest you. This website will give you a bit of a start - https://roadtrippers.com/?mode=plan

Free and cheap camping is important to conserve your money. Good places to stay in cities include Walmart and other big box stores or industrial areas which are pretty much deserted at night. There's a lot public land out west and most is open for free camping. Also try this site - http://freecampsites.net/usa/

Have a great trip!

 

[PastTense]

Browse the forum on Money Matters.
https://vanlivingforum.com/Forum-Money-Matters-Jobs-Banking-Budgeting
For example you will see this thread (and many others):
https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-What-does-everybody-do-for-work-money

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Join a couple of the mainstream rv forums, the ones full of retirees with nice motorhomes.

Every time you are ready to move on, just post something like:

"I'm headed to XX for a month. What should be on my 'Don't Miss' list?"

You will get a TON of suggestions from people who've been all over XX.

Regards
John

 

[Drifted_Cowboy]

You can always work at a daily work daily pay place as you move for gas money. Depending on your Internet and your ability you can do things like mechanical turks, fiver, and cha cha for some extra cash here and there. I know some guys who get food baskets from food pantries as they go. They are able bodied. Debate the ethics yourself but it's what they do.

You could work a seasonal harvest or two and depending on your plans quite a few. From combining grain, corn, hauling beets, and working a plow crew you could be gone by the frost with a serious amount of cash. Farmers will let and encourage you to camp in nearby fields to where you work. Often they feed and water you.

You could buy 500 bucks worth of roadside goods and peddle as you pass.

 

[blkjak]

welcome....blkjak

 

[akrvbob]

At the risk of being self-serving, I'd recommend my book!! Kindle edition (cost $2.99) is here:
http://www.amazon.com/Live-RV---Debt-Travel-Freedom-ebook/dp/B008S129XY/

Hardback ($6.71) is here:
http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-In-Car-Van/dp/1479215899/

I'm not sure about the question, are you asking how to make money on the road? If so here are some thoughts:

1) Every tourist town hires a lot of seasonal workers and it's very easy to find a job. Here is a post I did just a month ago about jobs at Jackson Wyoming. But the idea applies to every tourist town in America, they all hire in the summer and none of them can get enough people.
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/grand-teton-np-photos-come-work/

2) Campground hosting. I did this for 4 years and I loved it. You get a free campsite and get paid for every hour worked. Here is a listing of jobs available right now at the company I used to work for. In fact one of them (Gigantea in the Sierras) is the campground I used to host at. This job is waiting for you right now!! Just call the number of the company and ask for a phone interview with the person who does the hiring at the campground you are interested in. You've got a job waiting for you!
http://www.clm-services.com/employment/job-openings

3) In the fall (Sept through December) Amazon.com hires a bunch of seasonal employees to work in their warehouses. You can get a job there and they pay very well, give you a free campsite and lots of overtime!!

Bob

 

[SoulRaven]

If you are out west check out seasonal work on a golf course. Many have a difficult time recruiting in the Rockies do to the limited labor pool and a short season.

Check out the following website, it’s quite late in the season back in April is when most jobs are posted.

They might even give you a parking spot behind the maintenance building and an electrical connection.

http://www.turfnet.com/jobs/

 

[lc94fsh]

Thanks for the awesome advice everyone