New minivan-er on the road since July 1

[frodar]

Hi y'all
I been CheapRVLiving subscriber for a couple of years now. I started with Nomadic Fanatic before that.  Left Billings July 1st, driving a 1994 Ford Areostar with145,000 on it. Set it up like Robert W. had his Caravan inside. 100watt Renogy roof mount, Walmart Everlast Maxx 29 house battery, Wanderer controller,750 watt Everlast inverter, brand new tires, rotors, brakes waterpump,,hoses, belts.
Also added a continuous duty solenoid, but still need to wire it up. (bought the wrong cable, Lowe's 2 guage housewire) 
Alternater just went out. Only $500 buck's, dag! Just got to Sante Fe National Forest. Broke now. Then found out I was going to have to move and managed to bust a new tire looking for the dispersed camping site,, double dang! 
Living on SSDI, guess I'll be awhile before I can meet you folks at Erhindale.or the RTR. Cheers for now.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums frodar! Sounds like a nice setup. Hope you get everything fixed in time for the RTR!

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. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[frodar]

Yes, i get to learn the hard way, when things go bad.  no $3000 backup bank account for me. as per our big friend. But I wish all the best for everyone who has to struggle.

 

[MikesGonenoMAD]

Yes, i get to learn the hard way, when things go bad.  no $3000 backup bank account for me. as per our big friend. But I wish all the best for everyone who has to struggle.

Sorry to hear about your problems but Happy your living your life as you want to! I've been preparing for 3 years now but have family responsibilities most importantly caring for my Dad (Alzheimers) If I could make a suggestion your driving an older vehicle which is great I have a 1994 Suburban so I understand I would try to do a couple things like purchasing A Chiltons Auto Guide it will be your new friend if you can learn a couple of easy maintenance routines like changing oil and filter adding Fluids Anti-Freeze-Brake Fluid and even be help in Diagnosing whats wrong when you hear a new noise. Plus let folks here know when somethings wrong someone may suggest an easy fix or at least tell you what the repair should cost. I'm buying a special 220 amp alternator for my truck so it can easily keep up with charging my Batteries $220 New and I'm sure yours "Retail" the garage charged you was way more for 1/2 the amps, Also they are pretty easy to replace I'm doing mine and I only learned how to change the oil last week I'm not trying to make you feel bad but if your on a tight budget and not traveling with a Tribe the more you can learn and do yourself the better. At the risk of sounding like an imitation Mr. Goodwrench I would also check your hoses and belts go on line and I'm sure someone has a video on how to check them. In closing I hope you enjoy your new life keep everyone up to date I'm new to this Forum but there are some very kind and knowledgeable folks here that want to share and help others. By the way I love the Areostar it stands out from the cookie cutter vans today! Peace & Blessings
MikesgonenoMAD