Newbie But here to Vandwell!!!

[IanT720]

Hi guys I'm Ian new here, anyway as a kid I always liked the idea of living in a van and, now 18 I decided to check it out. &nbsp;I was amazed of the possibility that I don't need to buy an apartment, I really can live out of a van and have way more fun and adventures. &nbsp;Mostly since I'm not tied down but also since I will be saving a good amount of money from rent, which I could spend on eating out, concerts etc... &nbsp;I have a full time job working as an Auto zone Parts Manager, and my baby is an 86 Fiero SE that I rebuilt ground up, and did a custom engine swap... I'm from Michigan and plan on moving to Texas, then California, always working full time. Vandwelling for me is basically a cheaper more adventures option then an apartment, thats all. &nbsp;I truly just want to work then come home to sleep in my van, saving lots of money <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> I don't have a van yet but I'm looking for a late 90's LWB Cargo van, standard Height. &nbsp;I will have a bed running the width of the rear, cabinets, microwave, cooler, TV, etc... For bathroom and shower I will use the local places, and my $10a month Planet Fitness membership respectively. &nbsp;My van will be my DD, and place to rest, that is all. &nbsp;It will also force me to get out in the world on my days off. &nbsp;And I will keep my Fiero in storage back in Michigan <img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">. &nbsp;So Thats about it, looks like a cool forum, take care.

 

[VanTrekker]

Hello!&nbsp; Sounds like a good plan.&nbsp; <br><br>I've been using my van for a rolling bedroom / kitchen for close to two years.&nbsp; Most of the time spent in it is sack time... Otherwise, I hang at McDonalds, malls, work, etc. until time to watch TV and sleep.&nbsp; <br><br>A long wheel base would be nice.&nbsp; Mine is a short wheel base but I make do just fine.&nbsp; Heck, some people live in a car!&nbsp;&nbsp; Like you mentioned, I use other people's bathrooms (Anytime Fitness).&nbsp; I keep laundry bottles and a Luggable Loo around for emergencies.<br><br>So are you a PSM for Auto Zone?&nbsp; I was once... and a salesperson at O'Reilly and a driver at Advance...&nbsp; LOL.&nbsp; Had to make the rounds.<br><br>It sounds like you've got some fun dreams and plans in store.&nbsp; Enjoy!<br><br>Bradford aka V.T.

 

[bk2valve]

Hi Ian, welcome and good to see a guy figuring this out at a younger age...good for you...<br><br>Sounds like a great plan and I wish you well with it...<br><br>cheers,<br>Bri

 

[papas34]

Welcome<br><br>Sounds like a great plan

 

[IanT720]

Hey thanks for the support! Actually a short wheel base might work, I designed a rough design on Sketchup that worked to 10 feet length of cargo space, for my bed I want it running the width of the rear, with a wall that has a shape cut out of it to crawl in through to get to the bed. I think it would make the living area seem bigger because of the "2" rooms. I'm having trouble making electrical calculations, anybody have good formulas? And too let on some more, I'm a huge car nut, and already have a good background in auto. I plan on moving to Texas to work on custom cars, and think I'm going to stay for ahwile. The fact that I can be mobile, and save a ton of money seems so attractive to me. I also love camping, rustic. So this adventure I know I could pull off, after all I'm a firm believer in the little things! Cheers.