my future as a nomad

[jmartin1962]

Hello my name is Jeff, I've had this dream for Going on 30 years to see the beauty of this country, Explorer! About 3 years ago I stumbled across Nomad videos on YouTube, I knew this was the answer! Since then I have research this topic. Unfortunately I'm still in a stick in Brick! But working on not being in a stick in Brick! My family thinks I want to be homeless! They just don't get it, but I do! Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! I'm certain that the nomad life is the answer to my happiness! My target date, next spring! But a lot of hard work between now and then! I have $8,000 of debt that must go away! It's been lingering for way too long! Not enough extra money to make any real gains! So I have decided, a second job, my regular job is 4 10 hour days. And I sit here Friday, Saturday and Sunday thinking I need to be making money! So I found another job working Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12 hours each day, so basically that will be two full-time jobs! 76 hours a week! And that's a lot for an old man (58) to take on! But I'm in good health, I see no reason why I can't! That would be an entire paycheck for paying off debt. I can pay it off in 4 months! What a blessing Bob Wells has been for me! Shaking his hand is on my bucket list! Wondering if anyone had any advice on the Astro van tiger conversion I've owned three different Astro Vans, and I love the reliability that I always had with them. the 4.3 is tough as nails! I know they haven't made the Tiger in a long time. That's what concerns me it would be an old van! I'm an experienced carpenter and mechanic. I can do whatever work would be needed. So that's the van I'm interested in. Guess I'm rattled on long enough, but that's my story.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Jeff 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.

they company that converted the Astro's are still in business, they are called Provan and they still make the Tiger, only it's not based on an Astro van anymore.

highdesertranger

 

[Shera77mclovin]

Hi Jeff, I found this guy online an I honestly think my parents met him camping 20 yrs ago an, spoke to him an I was just a young tagalong.But, I had rekindled my desire to do more free camping.An then just my desire to pay my debts off, an find my way out of the rat race.I figured I'm middle aged I really don't see anything but bigger debt an more health expenses an stress in this lifestyle.An I want what is best for me an my dog.I want him to be able to run everyday whirl he is able, an just be a happy boy.So far he has only been on one very free camping trip were he was able to do as he pleased.An he is such a loving dog I only have to watch out for coyotes an birds of pray for him.He knows how much he likes the cozy beds mom has for him. He really doesn't just wander for no reason.He does like bunnies I do keep a eye open in case he may get enamored.But really I have over 10,000 in garnishment debt, as well as two grand in hospital debt,two in student loans, a thousand an about eight in car repair cc debts on my name.It's suffocating an I am ready to dig out harder.I did barely find a hm in a used travel trailer that is old damaged, an chained to a park.The shower leaked an ruined my bath flooring an some surrounding areas,my bathroom sink leaks to an it has done cabinet damage an a small amount of flooring damage.I just don't see the light of day.This kept me near jobs an is very affordable I have my gym for showing, but I have a used van that I seriously although I'm scared to could do something with, I saw a build done with my sized van mid sized short roof. 07 Dodge grand caravan cargo so that metal division saves some effort in keeping stuff from flying forward in a accident.But, with my ptss an depression certain types of people an things can get to me after awhile in a more serious an debilitating way.It is better for me to feel I can come an go freely...That hostage thing is a fight or flight response I jump to quickly an even when it's not even that serious of a situation or worse I don't react instead.Both still are likely to require a bigger burst from me to get out.That is hard for the public to relate to an treat respectfully an frankly you know I'm in my late 30's have no patience, an don't care. I was forced to hide my feelings for decades at hm and can't do it at all anymore.When it's time for air with me it's usually feels like it's past time...That means I'm easily distracted an can get irritated.Im spent yrs carefully learning to artfully explain to others to get away but not everyone picks up in that.....that does mean issues do come up if they keep doing it.Feelings get hurt ect...I don't mind having a person that I came to see or wk with or two there for that but if I have no business with you planned I will ditch all my plans to get that person away from me.I do worry about my life being overly judged.An I get nasty an fire back when just like anyone else if it gets to judgy I am defensive an I want out of to fight out is better if I can't get the person to understand I wont put up with more.I don't run as often an quick as many would so that leaves me pleading with a unreasonable type.Who is lacking that coming social curtosy,And getting angry.I do what I can if I come off that way to make it clear it's not a judgement on them an tend to give chances others just won't to do the same thing....Not everyone gets the memo.Some want to be really mean.Some miss the point.

 

[squire]

Good luck with your journey to become debt free. If you have $8,000 debt (little to no saving, otherwise the debt would be gone), a few months to pay that off and buy a "rig" is a tall order. Just get started and plan.

 

[eDJ_]

Since you do carpentry and mechanical work,  do you think you could build out Vans for people who would bring them to you ?  Build them out as a stage 1, 2, or 3 with one being a bed and kitchenette, plywood covered floor w/carpet etc.  Stage 2 with insulation and some wiring (basic) and stage 3 full all season.  OR....Trailers built out similarly.  Doing this may pay better than a second job and help you retire your debt sooner.  If you collect scrap 2x4's or 6's that are suitable for reuse in a build out it may make a more profitable job. 

A lot of people come here desiring a rig but have no tools or know how to undertake a build out.  They could drive, camp, and enjoy the lifestyle once they have a usable rig fixed up for them.

I've often thought it would be nice if we had some people who are facilitate finding used Vans from companies who have fleeted them and now want to sell them for reasonable prices. Each individual would then have some sources in their area
to deal with.  A lot of new people here don't even know how to go about getting the raw vehicle to start with. 

But I'm sure most cold take a semi build out and finish installing insulation and finishing of the interior to suit themselves.

 

[jmartin1962]

I certainly appreciate your input Sofisintown! My mom says, what are you thinking, you can't work that many hours! My response, well I'm going to try! Nice to hear you have your rig paid off! Being a few months behind, like you say, it's all relative! If someone were to approach me saying I want to do this or that to my van mechanical or carpentry it wouldn't be a problem for me, maybe I need to get my name out there for this sort of thing. Thanks again!

 

[maki2]

The best advertising for building out vans is posting photos of your work.

 

[LivingOurPeace]

Hi Jeff!
My Hubz and I are in the planning stages, as well. It all feels so overwhelming at the beginning, doesn't it? We're so impatient to get out of here and on the road that every obstacle not only feels like a mountain but like it adds 6 months right now.
Seeing you say you wanna work all those hours reminds me very much of my husband. I often have to remind him that we're not 20 anymore. Even thought I know he COULD work those kinds of hours, I also don't think it would be wise in our situation. I'd like him to be healthy and in one piece when we hit the road, even if it's a few months later than we really want to go.

Every day we save a dollar or take another step forward is further than we were yesterday, right?

No matter what you choose, take care of you. Would love to meet you down the road one day.

 

[LERCA]

Off-topic but in response: if you have a dog in the desert Southwest please don’t let it wander off leash there are scorpions, spiders and rattlers. Our local vets can treat this but you need to be minutes away. Please be careful and watch your pet!