My grand plan

Deano · Feb 21, 2011

Hello everybody! Well I've been lurking here long enough!  Time to join the party! Just a quick get to know me introduction.  While I won't tell you my occupation, I will tell you that I work in the midwest, but I can live almost anywhere.  About the only limitation is that I have to be able to get to a major airport once a week to get to  and from work.  I fly for free, so it's just a matter of how much time I want to dedicate to getting to and from work.  My better half also works, but her employment is much more 8-5/M-F type work.  We have been married for over 20 years and never had kids.  We had dogs for most of our marriage, but they both passed away within the last year.  I began researching van dwelling about a year ago, after my wife was layed off for the third time in about 18 months. (Her current job market is made of contract work that ranges from 90 days to 18 months, very few permanent positions.) All these factors have created a climate which seems to not only allow us to full time, but actually encourages it. I approached my wife with the full time idea, and after discussing it for a few months, she's totally on board!  Our initial plan includes getting our savings replenished and pay off some debt before starting down this road. We need to simplify, just like all of you have done.  A quick overview of our plan is as follows: Purchase Ford E350 extended van Have hightop installed Insulate walls and top Cork for the floor Build typical bed/cabinets etc Install electrical system       400-500 amps of batteries       pure sine wave inverter       250 watt solar panel       Honda 2000 watt generator       continuous duty solenoid Porta Portie propane system for furnace microwave for cooking Fresh/gray water tanks Fantastic fan  Screen room off the side of the van for extra room Still working out the shower/hot water and a/c aspects We will travel around North America when she's not working, and plant ourselves when she is.  We know that a van will be tight for two of us, but I'm gone about 3-4 days at a time, so that will give her some breathing room.  Also, we purchased a very inexpensive house for the mother-in-law a few years ago, and we can use this as a home base if we need to get off the road occasionally. So that's it, that's our plan in 500 words or less.  I look forward to getting to know all of you in the coming months!

Guest · Feb 21, 2011

Hi Deano...great plan and I look forward to watching it develop...good luck and keep us posted and if we can be of help, be sure to ask.... Bri

rvwandering · Feb 22, 2011

Sounds like a really good plan! Please post pictures when you get the van and start building.

Deano · Feb 22, 2011

We plan to document the conversion process with lots of pics, maybe create a blog or something. My background includes working as both a automotive machinist (rebuilding engines) and a regular machinist.  I also weld and fabricate.  Also a lifetime car guy, so lots of general automotive knowledge.  The wife enjoys carpentry and has made some nice furniture.  She also sews.  We are finishing up the finishing of our basement and did all the work ourselves.  This includes putting in drainage tile, egress window, framing, drywall, mud, paint, electrical, plumbing, and tile. (whew!)  She did most of the work while unemployed, while I was at work.  She just researches it online then goes and does it!  (Yes, she is awesome!)  So I think we have the skills to do the conversion ourselves, and maybe add to the available wealth of info online.

Guest · Feb 22, 2011

It sounds like you two have a lot to offer. I am sure you will do a job that I would love to see! You are a fortunate guy to have found a bride who is so handy....and is into the traveling life.. I'll be watching for some good reports...<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"> We have a lot of members who are just starting out in the world of DIY and mechanical endeavors...I am sure you will be able to help some of them along.... Bri

Les H · Feb 23, 2011

Bri was being modest. He is a long time mechanic, now retired who has been known to paint tie rod ends gloss black before installing them...and as a builder and remodeler , I can appreciate the skills it takes to finish a basement decently. The background of my picture is a house I have been rebuilding for a year and a half as time and money allow. Does the CIA allow you to fly commercial while doing assignations? ( I'm KIDDING! Really) the plan sounds great, well thought out and defiantly do-able. I do have to wonder though, at the rate it will eat up cash, would not a class b or small c Rv be more cost effective? Or is it the satisfaction of a job well done? I really look foreword to mor of your posts.
Les

akrvbob · Feb 23, 2011

Deano, sounds like a terrific plan, and I too am looking forward to seeing the reports. I should tell you that usually, taking a van and turning it into a Class B generally costs more than just buying a good used class B like a Roadtrek. In your case, it sounds like you are actually going to enjoy the conversion process, and it does let you design it just the way you want it. I would suggest you start watching for Class Bs for sale and go look them over for ideas. Some of them are very ingenuis in their use of space. The more you look at the more great ideas you will find. Bob

Deano · Feb 24, 2011

Hey Les H I think you're right when you say it might be cheaper to just buy a class b.  I have a couple of reasons that I want to build it myself tho.  First off, I think it would be much easier to maintain the systems since I designed and installed them myself.  Also, we can design the floor plan like we want.  I have a goal in mind of being able to boondock for 7-10 days at a time, so I can design the systems to accomodate that.  Even though it will have a hightop, I still want to be able to have some stealth parking abilities.  When I first started learning about vanliving, I was going to go 100% stealth, just to try it out.  I don't know why, but it just sounds fun. And it will give me a sense of accomplishment to build it myself as well!

Deano · Feb 24, 2011

Akrvbob, I've been watching for some class bs, haven't seen any in the area to go look at yet.  I think the real downside of doing the conversion myself will be when I try to sell it.  Probably not much of a market for a home-built unit.

akrvbob · Feb 25, 2011

I think you would be able to sell it, but you will never get your back from it. A class B on the other hand holds its value very well. I suggest you start looking now for wrecked RVs at junk yards and anywhere you can. Lots of the systems parts should still be good and you can pick them up cheap. Buying everything new will be very expensive. Bob