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[janfe8027]

Hello! Just found this site today... My family (my husband, 11-year-old son, 3 dogs, and myself) are considering vandwelling (maybe temporarily, maybe not), but I have a lot of doubts about doing it. Hopefully I'll find some nice insight on here.

 

[VanDwellerMod]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Janet! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. This is a great place to look through. You'll find many answers to your questions that way. And, if you don't find what you are looking for, just ask. We look forward to hearing more from you as you explore this vandwelling lifestyle.

 

[PastTense]

I don't think a van will provide enough space for three people and three dogs and you would need a bigger vehicle.

Anyway give us the details of what you want to accomplish and we will have better suggestions as to how to achieve it.

 

[janfe8027]

I suppose what we are looking for is something that is a good balance between having enough space and being inconspicuous enough to park in a small city while I still have my job. My son would be at school during the week and my husband would be around to attend to the dogs and van/RV while my son and I are away. The actual traveling would only take place if the initial van/RV dwelling goes well. We would have a lot of opportunities to be out of the vehicle and would like to primarily use it for sleeping and sometimes cooking, so I'm not too worried about having too little space. What I'm worried about is where to park at night and unexpected things that I'm sure I'm not thinking of at the moment.

 

[PastTense]

So your husband and the dogs are going to be around the vehicle all day?

To me it sounds like you need to rent a spot--either an RV park or post an ad in Craigslist.

Is Colorado Springs, Colorado the place you want to do it?

I am sure some other posters will chime in.

 

[akrvbob]

Janfe8027, we are very glad you are here and we want to be of any help we can to you and your family! If you keep a positive attitude it can be a fun adventure you all treasure for the rest of your lives!! After a divorce I moved into a Box van and my two sons came and stayed with me in it on the weekends. I think they remember fondly!

One of the biggest problems you will run into is heat and cold. Cold can be dealt with pretty easily but there is no good solution to heat. There are lots of tips to help but the best you can hope for is the inside temperature is the same as the outside. Can you live with that where you are?

What I would recommend for you is a Step van or a Box van. They are very stealthy in large parts of a city (but not at all in Residential areas), I lived in a box van for 6 years and never had a problem finding a place to sleep. It will be tight but I think they should give you enough room.

If you can afford it, you will all be happier by finding a cheap RV park to put it or an older RV in.
Bob