Know Anybody in Jacksonville, FL with pet allergies?

[ascii_man]

There is a van in Jacksonville at a dealer. Does anybody know anyone in the area who is allergic to cats and dogs who could spend some time in the van and see if it triggers their allergies?

Ideally someone fairly allergic, but not likely to go into shock or anything.

 

[Gigi]

Would a good detailing and then running an air purifier help with your allergies so this wouldn't be such a deal breaker for you?

Gigi

 

[ascii_man]

Would a good detailing and then running an air purifier help with your allergies so this wouldn't be such a deal breaker for you?

Gigi

Not necessarily. The dander can get in the non-porous surfaces pretty deep. So the carpet, the roof (well, I guess that's vinyl), and even the ventilation system if they do recirculation. Air purifiers have been shown not to help much because people kick up a personal dust cloud when we move.

I took allergy shots for a long time, and they really helped; my allergist said maybe I didn't need to stay on them, but I kept it up until I moved 5 years ago.

I recently met a dog and started having a reaction instantly. But even on maintenance, my ex-girlfriend had 2 Golden Retrievers and sitting on her couch would give me a reaction...and she was someone who kind of liked to clean. The immune system is important and powerful!

I've been dealing with these all my life. Usually I get an apartment which is due for new carpet; that's worked well.

Maybe I should just give up and go back to buying from an individual. But a lot of individuals have pets or have owned the van only briefly, or don't answer their emails (the only form of contact they provide), etc.

I have even considered driving down this weekend (about 30 hours), but they're probably not open on weekends.

The other sad thing is I kind of want a dog!

 

[ascii_man]

I should note that the Goldens died several years before I met the ex-girlfriend (I was, I suppose, their replacement in some ways). But their proteins lived on in her furniture.

 

[ascii_man]

Someone else posted this thread of traveling dog pictures:
http://brightside.me/creativity-pho...took-it-on-a-road-trip-across-america-112405/

I'm going to have to pass on this one due to other commitments. If my theory about bad-faith sellers is correct, this auction will fail to meet reserve again; I'm not surprised if it goes on for months.

I'm not "Bubble Boy", but this will probably be my largest single purchase ever: I would hate to go through all the trouble of inspections and flights and then end up having to post an ad of my own a couple of days later, meanwhile the ideal van gets listed but I can't buy it since all my money is tied up.

 

[SoulRaven]

I'm sorry if this thought doesn't help as I haven't been following your posts but it seems to me that the best option for you is to get a van and start from scratch. That way, everything could be sanitized. I have watched RV ads for years. I see so many that claim that they had no pets BUT having been in RVing for over 30 years, I very rarely saw anyone that wasn't traveling with a pet. Same with smokers, especially among older individuals. One that has had no pets or smokers sells quicker and honesty is hard to come by all too often. Also, we were in a unit once that seemed clean and appeared to have no odors. The salesman said they used, I think, ozone generator. BUT, when I got my nose closer, the bad smell was there. You would just have to be SO careful in buying used with the amenities.

I would also make sure that you read through a report about the vehicle to see how many times it has changed hands in the past since "one owner" can make a unit sell much quicker. Yeah, I'm old and not that trusting. Good luck.

 

[ascii_man]

Thanks, Snow Gypsy; I replied in my main thread here:
https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Purchase-advice-for-ascii-man?pid=187059

 

[gcal]

I should note that the Goldens died several years before I met the ex-girlfriend (I was, I suppose, their replacement in some ways).  But their proteins lived on in her furniture.

Yeah, I love cats and dogs. But the dog we have, now, will be the last. Even with good meds and a non-shedding dog breed, the allergies get worse over time with exposure. I am tired of always feeling like I am coming down with a cold. So, no, I won't be checking out your van. But I do feel your pain.

 

[Almost There]

Since your allergies are severe, I'd seriously suggest that you look at empty cargo/passenger vans that are bare metal inside. Rip out the rubber floormats because of the 'insulation' mat underneath, replace the header in the drivers' compartment and the seats, sanitize the interior metal and plastic and start from scratch.

That way you know what materials are in there and you can breathe easily.

Yes, you'll likely have to pay someone to rip out the mats and header but better that than suffer.

If you're buying anything with an existing interior in it, you are taking a huge chance that somewhere, hidden in the interior is something that you'll react to.

Doing it this way would actually open up more possibilities for you than trying to find a van with a finished interior that you can live with and in.