Making Plans

[Jen Alexander]

My name is Jen and I live in the State of New Jersey. I'm starting to take baby steps for a cross country adventure with all the ups and downs involved. I have a 2005 Cadillac CTS and do not have a home at the present moment. Eventually, I would like to get a cargo van and do a no built build for it. I have a storage locker that I like to downsize it for financial reasons. I'm 49 years old and my two daughters are young adults now. I have a part time job of 15 hours a week and I'm on disability. I have some things set up already due to my present circumstances. I have so many ideas and etc. I'm not stuck in New Jersey. I can visit places instead of reading about them or watching videos about them. I'm going to Michigan first and then after that, I don't know. I would like to get hooked up with a women's caravan at some point. I need some guidance and some encouragement.   I [size=small]I have so many ide[/size]

 

[Jen Alexander]

I forgot to add some details that I want people to know about me. I'm a citizen video journalist, a first amendment advocate, and an advocate for disability rights. I'm also an amateur photographer. I'm a animal lover.

I'm looking forward to my next adventure even though I'm scared. I just have to believe in myself and in my Higher Power. I'm doing my own thing for a change. I don't want to go back to my previous life. I'm not perfect by a long shot. I have changed my life for the better even though my family isn't sure of it.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Jen to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

Highdesertranger

 

[nature lover]

Welcome Jen. I’d like to get hooked up with a woman’s caravan to but they all know me too well. Yes I’m not politically correct to my humor. I wouldn’t invade your privacy. Hope you find what you’re looking for my only advice to you is it may not be in New Jersey. There I might so a little prejudice. Good luck to you. I left some information on another post of yours. But I have limited experience on car living, but have lots of opinions. I am the worlds best expert on my own opinion.

 

[vgilbert]

Hello and Welcome!
I have spent some time in Michigan, north of Lansing is awsome! But it gets COLD up there! Manistee National forest in lower Michigan and 3 national forest in the UP. All are 14 day free.
Have been in 18 states and Mexico already and am currently camped just south of Quartzsite AZ.
I admit that I was a little nervous at first but after 7 months on the road I am SOOOOO glad I took the leap. You have found a good place already! Everyone here will help in any way we can.
Good Luck
God Bless

 

[crofter]

Welcome to the forum!

I looked up the blue book for your 2005 Cadillac CTS and it may be between $4,000 and $7,000, about the price of a used minivan. Is your car mechanically sound, or does it need work?

Plan A: Install a hitch on your car for about $200 at u-haul or other shop. Tow a small travel trailer behind your car (You have only 1000 pound towing capacity).

https://www.curtmfg.com/trailer-weight

Plan B: Build out your car for maximum comfort while camping in it. You will need a comfortable bed, place to go to the bathroom, and a place to store and prepare food. 





Plan C: Buy a mechanically sound used minivan after selling your car. Build out the minivan for maximum comfort while camping in it, same as above.



New Jersey is too cold to camp in the winter safely, unless you have winter gear to keep yourself from freezing ( think living in Alska). Better to travel south to places where nightime temperatures are not freezing. 
Keep in touch and have fun on this adventure!
-crofter

 

[tx2sturgis]

My name is Jen and I live in the State of New Jersey.

{snip}

I need some guidance and some encouragement.   I [size=small]I have so many ide[/size]

Go west young lady!

 

[Jen Alexander]

Praying for this to happen...



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[JasonMcD]

Congratulations on your first steps towards the nomadic lifestyle Jen. I hope you find a caravan that suits you. On your way to Michigan, let me know if you need any advice coming through Ohio.

 

[Jen Alexander]

Thank you very much for all of the encouragement...!!

 

[Jen Alexander]

Welcome to the forum!

I looked up the blue book for your 2005 Cadillac CTS and it may be between $4,000 and $7,000, about the price of a used minivan. Is your car mechanically sound, or does it need work?...

Keep in touch and have fun on this adventure!
-crofter

The van deal came through for me...!!

 

[bullfrog]

Even southern Texas is pretty cold today! Lol!!!