Newbie

[Badger]

My first post. At some point over the next year I will be parting ways with my roommate and I cannot afford to keep the apartment myself. I am retired, living on fixed income and cannot afford to rent in Massachusetts without having to go back to work which I would rather not do, I've been working all my life and enjoy my time to myself, but I may have to. Until I can get a job and find a place I can afford to rent, I will have to live in a van, there is no other option for me and I have to stay in Massachusetts to stay close to family and friends. I have owned three vans in my lifetime, never had to live in one but always appreciated having emergency shelter if I needed it. The biggest problem with a van is low head room, can't stand up to put my pants on. I will have to insulate if I'm going to live in the van and that takes a couple more inches off the head room. So I was wondering if anybody has any experience insulating a van floor from underneath instead of on top of the floor? I'm thinking about spray foam and keeping it away from the hot exhaust system. I would probably have to find a way to degrease the underside first and clean it really well, don't know how well spray foam (the kind that comes in little cans at Home Depot) would adhere to metal. Would appreciate any advice and thank you in advance for any help.

 

[Rugster]

I am as far from an expert as you can be, but from what I have read, spray foam is not good, it will create rust. I'm sure there will be more replies on insulating your van with good ideas.

Welcome to the site, lots of good people and good information here

 

[cyndi]

Badger! Welcome to the CRVL forums! I'm fortunate to have a dear friend who rents me a room in a very high priced community, in MA, from May to October. Even with the affordable rent, I can't save a dime while I'm there. It's a relief to get out west, every fall, and begin saving again.

I don't know anything about insulation, etc, (another reason to head to the southwest) But there are threads in the heating and Cooling forum with all kinds of information about insulation
https://vanlivingforum.com/Forum-Heating-and-Air-Conditioning

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!

 

[Badger]

Badger! Welcome to the CRVL forums!  I'm fortunate to have a dear friend who rents me a room in a very high priced community, in MA, from May to October. Even with the affordable rent, I can't save a dime while I'm there. It's a relief to get out west, every fall, and begin saving again.

I don't know anything about insulation, etc, (another reason to head to the southwest) But there are threads in the heating and Cooling forum with all kinds of information about insulation
https://vanlivingforum.com/Forum-Heating-and-Air-Conditioning

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started.   We look forward to hearing more from you.

Thank you cyndi. I've lived all but five years of my life in the Boston area, the North Shore has been my home for the last 50 years and I love it dearly (except for Lynn where I've been stranded for the last 4 years). All of Massachusetts is a high priced community. Boston has always been in the top three most expensive housing markets in the country jockeying for position with New York and San Francisco. Were it not for family ties and obligations, I would be out west too. I lived in Montana for three years as a kid and we visited a lot of the west while there, am itching to get back. When I get into the van I can stealth boondock here no problem and if I have no van payments, I can live off my retirement income and still save five hundred bucks a month. That would give me enough money to travel. I will check out the link to heating and insulation and the tips & tricks.

 

[Txjaybird]

hello badger and welcome, i am also a newbie having just joined in 12/15.  iv'e learned a lot by just reading all the posts on different subjects.  iv'e owned 3 vans but that was a 100yrs ago!  have you considered a high top van?   also there is a publication called " Caretakers Gazette" if you're  interested you might find a gig in your area that would keep you warm and dry and add some $$ to your van fund, "WORKAMPER NEWS" is another publication that could possibly assist you in your quest to remain in your current area.  good luck and happy hunting,          texas jay bird

 

[cyndi]

Thank you cyndi. I've lived all but five years of my life in the Boston area, the North Shore has been my home for the last 50 years and I love it dearly (except for Lynn where I've been stranded for the last 4 years).

Love the North Shore. My sister has lived in Ipswich for 30ish years, so I've spent a lot of time there, as much time as possible. I spend a week in 
Gloucester every summer and head to the Causeway for fried clams as frequently as possible. 

The North shore, is horse country. I would be looking at the many stables and barns as a possible place to park, without being stealth.