Living Cheap While Broken Down

[Binxie]

This is a question for the future rather than today. I want to plan for next time, should such a situation come up again.

My van broke down in West Texas. Now I'm in San Angelo, Texas, and my van is parked in a dealer lot while I wait for a part to get shipped in. Daily, I'm blowing money on Motel 6 and a rental car. It sucks financially, but whatever; I'm resigned. I was in a situation and made the best accommodations I could under pressure. That said, I'd like a plan to live more cheaply should such a thing come up in the future.

How might ya'll deal with a situation? Are there places I can park the broken van to live in while awaiting a part and/or fixing? Alternative accommodation and transportation options that work with dogs? (I've got two dogs with me.)

Hopefully, something like this won't ever come up again. But that's optimistic. I want a plan.

Thanks!

 

[rvwandering]

Sometimes the dealer will allow you to stay in your RV or van while you're waiting for parts. Doesn't hurt to ask. If you're self contained they may let you stay in it while repairs are underway.

Another option is to buy a small, cheap tent and camp at a local park. We had our RV towed to a RV park which, in a fortunate turn of events, happened to directly across the street from the repair shop. When the parts came in they towed it to their shop.

 

[TMG51]

That happened to me in Newport News, Virginia. It took two weeks to get the parts. I moved the van somewhere it could stay for that duration and spent that time walking for any groceries etc - I still had a house that worked. When the parts arrived, I got a motel room while the work was done.

In my case the van was barely able to drive. If the van had been totally not able to drive, I still have roadside assistance that covers towing. Worst case would have been tow it to the mechanic and stay there. Call around first and explain your situation and you might find a mechanic willing to work with you (maybe even stay in the back lot while parts are on order).

 

[bigsallysmom]

I've stayed at a possibly cheaper KOA in San Angelo, but it tends to be a bit too far from food places unless you have a bike.

 

[Gary68]

offer the dealership a cheap rate for a night watchmen

 

[nobodyG17]

Get a motorcycle carrier or bike rack.  Now you have two forms of transportation.  I'm biased toward the moto.

I will second the tent.  Way cheaper than an hotel.   Most RV parks have a small tent camping space so you can have showers/power/wifi as well.

 

[GotSmart]

I was towed to a spot in the desert where I could live in it while I fixed the engine.  (RTR 2015) 

1,000 lbs of tools come in handy sometimes.

 

[HarmonicaBruce]

I like having a bicycle in the van.  If you needed to just park and wait a few daysfor parts, I'd guess your local moose lodge would let you park in their lot, provided you're a moose of course.  I'd be happy to sponsor anyone who wants to join the moose.  Its a great organization.

 

[minimotos95]

I towed my van to the RV Park I'm staying at now, one that caters to more long term residents. And I was able to rebuild the motor without the parks management complaining. But my van still isn't running.... Because it's a small town nearly everything I need is within a short walk or bicycle ride. You should be carrying a backup shelter and means of conveyance(even if only a good pair of boots).

 

[SoulRaven]

When I was driving newer vans, I spent a LOT of time in repair shops. If they didn't let me stay in my van before and during repairs, they didn't get my business.

Since switching back to older vans, the need for repair shops is almost non existent.

 

[Binxie]

Thanks for all the great advice, Folks! It's really kind of obvious now that I see the options in print. But at the time, with the surprise and stress of developing events, it was hard to think clearly. Now I have a kind of lodging and transport priority list in my head and lots of alternatives. That's just what I needed! ... Ah, experience.

Oh, another tangential thing I learned: You can mail order junk yard parts. My delay in San Angelo, TX, is because Chrysler doesn't have any replacement wheels in their supply chain, and Chrysler is, so far, the only maker of wheels for the new 2015 Promaster City. The model has a unique wheel configuration that no one else makes and is on no other model, so I learned. (Why the heck even do that?!!!!) But a buddy in the parts business found me a wreck in Indiana with perfectly good wheels. I ordered two rims and hubcabs, and they'll be cheaper together than one new wheel, even with shipping. Pretty damned lucky finding those for a new model that hasn't sold widely!