New Girl On The Block

[Roc]

Hi, all. I'm considering RV living, but am unsure if it's realistic for me or not. <br />It's something I want to do, but I have serious concerns about my safety as a female travelling alone; as well as the fact that I can't fix or build things on my own...<br />I have tons of questions, so I'm here to get answers to make this lifestyle a reality for myself. <br />I've tried to talk to a few close friends about doing this, but they don't understand and seem to think I'm...crazy or something.

 

[sl1966]

Hi &amp; Welcome to the tribe Roc!&nbsp; First off, you're not crazy. Second, people either get it don't when it comes to this.&nbsp;There are lots of great people here with all kinds of advice and answers to your questions so don't be shy and ask away.<br /><br /><br /><br />

 

[SirJoey]

<br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>Welcome aboard, Roc! </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>May U find what U seek here!&nbsp;<img src="images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /></strong></span>

 

[stude53]

<strong><span style="color: #008080; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Welcome, Rac! <img src="../images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />&nbsp;&nbsp; Edit:&nbsp; OOPS! I meant Roc ... go figure? Thanks, Steve for the heads up***</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #008080; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Bob</span></strong>

 

[VanTrekker]

Greetings Roc...&nbsp; You're among friends here.&nbsp; There are plenty of people who are contemplating traveling or living in various vehicles.&nbsp; Check it out, ask a lot of questions, and have fun along the way.&nbsp; It's not for everyone but sleeping in a vehicle can be enjoyable and pretty safe.<br /><br />VT

 

[cargovanconversion]

Howdy and welcome aboard. Glad you joined us and hope you enjoy the site.<br /><br />Post your questions and many of us will be pleased to answer. However first thing you should do, is rent a small RV once or twice and see whether you like it and can handle it. At the campground, talk to other campers and listen to them about their experience. If you still like it, start asking questions here and teach yourself how to change a tire and other basic repairs.<br /><br />Van.

 

[Les H]

Hi Roc, welcome. Questions? Ask away. We will even do our best to give you the right answers! :0)
Seriously, we all had to start somewhere. I , myself, have been a traveler and a nomad almost all my life, so it's a natural fit for me. Others struggle a bit to come bye it. Hang in there, and we'll be here for you when you need us.

 

[sl1966]

<strong><span style="color: #008080; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Welcome, Rac! <img src="../images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #008080; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Bob</span></strong>

<br /><br />OMG Bob ... LOL! I hope that's a typo and not a freudian slip.&nbsp;<br /><br />

 

[Willy]

Don't matter if you're a gal or a guy, gotta keep your wits around ya and.. welcome to the forum. ..Willy.

 

[Roc]

Thanx for all the warm greetings. <br /><br />I'm trying to figure out what kind of vehicle would be best for me... that I can afford; also, what material possessions to keep, sell, or give away. Most of it has to go, because I'm truly a minimalist at heart. I feel like the stuff weighs me down. I can't really explain it, but I feel more free without it. I only need what I need, if you know what I mean.<br /><br />I've already started giving some stuff away, but I need to be smart about it and sell as much as possible, too. I've decided I'm gonna make this happen. For sure.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;

 

[giulialatini]

Hey Roc, I've been van dwelling for years now and so far, so good. I'm a woman solo, but I also am somewhat mechanically inclined and have had to do some of my own, small, repairs over the years. But I just learned as I went along. I made a list a few years back of what is necessary but that takes time since it is so personal. Wine was high on my list but may be totally optional for you! Top 5 things? Water, fire, light (head lamp), shovel, toilet paper. And don't be nervous about being alone in the wilderness. It's beautiful out there!

 

[katelyn]

i'm also a solo female traveler, somewhat, i have a big pup to keep me company and also i feel extra safe when he's with me.&nbsp; I'm also not mechanically inclined but through experience and problems is the only way to grow and become confident. You'll be surprised at how much stuff you really need, and yes it is worth all the freedom!&nbsp; Any questions are welcomed and this forum is a wonderful place to ask, they are very welcoming and non-judgmental<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[travelingchic]

Hi Roc,<br /><br />In a couple of days I am heading out to start my vandwelling experience. &nbsp;I'm a solo female traveler who doesn't have any mechanical inklings at all. &nbsp;Nor can I build. &nbsp;I bought a minivan since I wasn't ready to drive anything bigger. &nbsp;I have had certain frustrations since I am unable to build a bed. &nbsp;Instead, I laid out a tarp on the floor after vacuuming and shampooing then put my twin mattress on top. &nbsp;I have a narrow aisle by my bed for storage. &nbsp;It's not perfect but it's what I'm capable of doing so it's better then not doing it at all and letting my dream die. &nbsp;I haven't been able to feel confident in figuring out power so I bought a battery operated personal fan and a spritzer that sprays a fine mist of water as well I got a flash light. &nbsp;<br /><br />So for you I would suggest the same kind of thinking. &nbsp;Do what you can do and don't concentrate on what you can't cause that will just frustrate you like it did me. &nbsp;I am going to buy road side assistance and budget in vehicle repair costs. &nbsp;<br /><br />As for safety, I think it is bigger problem in our minds then it really is. &nbsp;Lucy, who has a blog and is a solo female traveler posted about her first night sleeping at walmart. &nbsp;She talked about how paranoid she got at any sound she heard outside her door. &nbsp;I know that safety is an issue but our mind can play tricks on us too. &nbsp;<a href="http://girl-in-a-van.blogspot.ca/2012/06/psa-for-anyone-interested-in-this-life.html">http://girl-in-a-van.blogspot.ca/2012/06/psa-for-anyone-interested-in-this-life.html<br /><br /></a><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://girl-in-a-van.blogspot.ca/2012/06/psa-for-anyone-interested-in-this-life.html"><br /></a>know what you are prepared to do to keep yourself safe. &nbsp;I had a friend telling me to get a gun but a gun is so foreign to me that it's not an option I am willing to take. &nbsp;Below, &nbsp;Suanne on her blog lists safety and security measures she takes&nbsp;</span> <a href="http://suanneonline.blogspot.ca/2010/02/safety-and-security.html">http://suanneonline.blogspot.ca/2010/02/safety-and-security.html</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />I have the same worries as you but there are others out there vandwelling and believe it's worth it all in the end for the freedom.&nbsp;<br /><br />Hope that helped and feel free to message me if you want to chat.<br /><br /><br />

 

[Kevin H]

<div>Hi Roc - We're here to exchange info and help each other. &nbsp;I read your original post and thought you were just saying a general "Hi" and outlining your plans.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>You asked if you are crazy for doing this? &nbsp; Yup, you are! &nbsp;It's a great crazy. &nbsp;Most everyone on this forum is similarly crazy and as Maxwell Smart used to say "And..loving it!"</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>I'll give a little background and them some ideas that may provide some answers before you ask.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>We have always had a wanderlust. &nbsp;I spent a while in the military. &nbsp;I got to travel quite a bit. &nbsp;After that I drove for Greyhound and then big trucks. &nbsp;Always on the move.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Before we got married, Robin did a lot of rambling about too. &nbsp;She hitchhiked from Indiana to California when she was a teen. &nbsp;Later she moved to Wyoming where we hooked up.<br><br>We decided to give truck driving a go. &nbsp;We sold/dumped everything and hit the road. &nbsp;Our home was an 8x8 box that rolled 24/7.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>We drove a truck together for a year until we decided it was not for us. &nbsp;Both went to school. &nbsp;Robin became a nurse. &nbsp;Me - IT.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Robin joined a traveling nurse agency. &nbsp;We dumped again so her job could move us about for a short time. &nbsp;We traveled to and fell in love with Austin, TX. &nbsp;We stayed put for 20 years - BUT we knew we wanted to travel when we retired.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Four years before retirement we literally stumbled across our motor home. &nbsp;We sold our golf-course condo and all the blah - blah that was associated.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>I am just illustrating that we went through the "sell everything and hit the road" scenario multiple times. &nbsp;Daunting each time but we had to fulfill our wanderlust.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Everyone thought we were crazy. &nbsp;Now, we think those who remain tethered to 'stuff' are a bit shaky.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>If we had stayed with conventional thinking, we would still have the $2k/mo mortgage, car payments, etc. &nbsp;We would not have been financially <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>able</em></span> to retire.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>We dumped EVERYTHING we could. &nbsp;Moved into the 8 year old (at the time) motor home and continue, now almost 6 years later, to be having the time of our lives. &nbsp;Yup, we're crazy - blissfully crazy!!</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Notice all the exclamation marks - there are there for a reason - our life now is one great big exclamation mark!!!</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>You may be thinking we made a lot of money selling the condo. &nbsp;Nope - barely walked out of the closing without writing a check. It was right when the bottom fell out of the market.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Now - let's talk about downsizing and purging:</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Take a look at what you NEED. &nbsp;Don't worry about wants for the time being. &nbsp;Your wants will certainly change as you settle into the lifestyle. &nbsp;You basic needs pretty well remain the same.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>You need shelter - your rig</div><div>You need water and food - no change there</div><div>You need money - that may change, don't know your circumstances. &nbsp;We can talk about that a bit later.</div><div>You need safety - being mobile provides this - move to and park where you feel safe</div><div>You need companionship - Hey! &nbsp;We're here for ya!</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Material needs: &nbsp;Do you really need 10 pairs of shoes? &nbsp;I have three (sneakers, crocs and hiking boots)</div><div>Clothes - You don't really need to put on clean clothes each day. &nbsp;A couple days wear between washing is no problem, unless your activities require it. &nbsp;A neat thing you will realize that no one cares about your clothes. &nbsp;Most of us will see you only for a couple days at most. &nbsp;We certainly will not be around enough for a full rendition of an entire wardrobe</div><div>Kitchen utensils - I've never understood having settings for 8. &nbsp;How about a plastic cup and a plate and bowl. &nbsp;One set of silverware. &nbsp;A multi-use pan/skillet. &nbsp;The eggs don't care if they are cooked in a 6" skillet or a 10"er. &nbsp;Get one that does it all.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>See a pattern here? &nbsp;Once you begin really examining every item you own you will realize how many are redundant and how many are truly unnecessary. &nbsp;You can begin making lists of Needs right now, before you make any changes.<br><span style="font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></div><div>The purging process will be daunting at first. &nbsp;Craigslist will become your friend. &nbsp;There is a caveat - YOU think your stuff is way more valuable than anyone else out there. &nbsp;You have to decide how long you want to try to sell that old hat that you KNOW is worth $10 but everyone shopping thinks it is worth a buck. &nbsp;That will happen with most every item you are purging.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Goodwill is your friend, as are the other donation oriented businesses. &nbsp;We donated a LOT of stuff in order to just get rid of it. &nbsp;The money they would have brought, if any, was far less than the effort and headaches involved to just get rid of it.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>As you see, I can ramble on ad nauseam, but again, you get my drift.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Jump right in and "Git 'er done!"</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Ask specific questions, no matter how simple they may seem. &nbsp;It is a lot easier for us to answer specific questions. &nbsp;The answers will be much shorter and to the point. &nbsp;Or else you get long narrations like what you just suffered through!!</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Good Luck and Happy Trails!!</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>-- &nbsp;Kevin</div>

 

[Lifemagician]

For me safety in the van, is the same as safety at home.&nbsp;&nbsp; Just that at home I had multiple rooms to worry about.&nbsp; Use common sense and follow your gut instinct.&nbsp; I can honestly say that I never felt unsafe, though I did worry once or twice.&nbsp; I do not have an animal.&nbsp; And this septuagenarian grandmother has no idea how to fix or build anything.<br><br>As for being crazy - yeah! sure, we all are.&nbsp; My kids are convinced I have lost my marbles.&nbsp; But they are getting used to their mother's travels.&nbsp; Deep down I suspect my wanderlust is inherited from my father.&nbsp; It must have taken a lot of courage / adventure for him to pick up a wife and eight children, and take them from Europe all the way Downunder, just after WWII.<br><br>This forum has been invaluable for me.&nbsp; I am sure it will be for you too.&nbsp; Read everything, no matter how irrelevant it may seem.&nbsp; Good luck.<br><br>Lifey

 

[lampliter]

I once knew a female DJ who drove a car from Florida to LA alone, and back, I asked her if she was ever afraid; she said, I never really thought about it but now that you mention it.<br>She was extremely intelligent and stupid at the same time.<br>Quite a lady.<br>Go for it.

 

[lampliter]

Keep what you want; give away what you don't.

 

[blkjak]

welcome from s.w. florida .... blkjak