No Skilz Newbie found something....

[Boris Badanov]

Hello all,

When I came across vandwelling, I knew I had found the lifestyle I want to lead. After many weeks of reading and researching, I know I want to do things right fom the beginning. My major drawback is I am not handy. Not just "Not Handy" but "I Hurt Myself Badly When Trying To Be Handy". I'm willing to work within my limitations and know there are handy men, auto body shops and RV service centers that can help. Of course, all that means $$$$. And there's still plenty of things I can do that don't require sharp objects or blunt instruments. I'm all in, as they say. I just need to figure out where to do the work as I live in an apartment building...yada yada yada.

Curiously, while looking for vehicles - I'm leaning towards step vans - I came across this.

http://hartford.craigslist.org/rvs/3847112801.html

It's more than I wanted to pay but it's pretty much done. There are many changes I would make. I don't need to sleep 6 and would change out the bunk beds for a kitchenette. But it's OLD! And I don't know if it's insulated. I live in Northern New Jersey, I have a pretty decent job with healthcare and I'd like to stay put for a while. I could live in this thing immediately.

It looks as though it's pretty low on the stealth factor but I have some ideas about that.

So, am I crazy? I would, of course, have a mechanic look at it, and bring a male friend along so as not to be taken advantage of - cuz, yeah, it's true some men will try to fool the ladies.

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
MM
(Boris is the kat who owns me and the main reason I'm looking for a step van)

 

[Boris Badanov]

Hello? Anybody?

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Have a mechanic look at it first (the odometer thing could be a red flag..).&nbsp; If it is mechanically sound, it looks like a bargain.&nbsp; Just be aware of the issues with that size vehicle and the increased cost of diesel repair, stealth as you mentioned is pretty nill unless you repaint it to look like a bread truck again <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" class="bbc_img"><br><br>Also, this forum has mostly vandwellers so responses may take like a day, because often they only can get to wifi occasionally.<br><br>Id take out the bunk beds and add a sweet bathroom/shower in that bad boy <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img">

 

[Boris Badanov]

Thanks. Of course, I hadn't thought about folks being offline! Oh, the things I don't know!

I was, indeed, thinking about repainting it, and even having a Wonder Bread sign made by a cartoonist friend of mine. You don't think the new windows they installed are a bit of a give away?

Thanks for the reply!

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Yea I was kidding, the windows remove any real chance at stealth (your only chance was too blend in with commercial vehicles and that isn't happening) <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp;&nbsp; But eh, you just have to change your parking plans accordingly.

 

[stude53]

<span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Welcome, MM (aka Boris)! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif"></span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A step van is my first choice for a rolling home, too and this one looks like a fun conversion ... not my choice of floor plans but functional and changes could be incorporated while in use.</span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Mechanical soundness and cost of any needed work is important in your overall decision. A step van gives studio apartment size and walk-around space, and the straight walls and ceiling reduce the complexity of built-ins. I am looking for one with two swing open doors in the rear, not a roll-up door, and I'd not put in windows, just air circulation vents and roof air conditioner to maintain the stealth factor.</span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Good luck with your rolling home (your wheel estate ).</span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Bob</span></strong></span>

 

[Terry]

Hey, they don't just pick on women to try to take advantage of when selling things. Cheats are generally not prejudiced when trying to get money from anyone.

 

[Boris Badanov]

Thanks for your replies!

Terry, I'm sorry about sounding sexist there. You're absolutely right about cheats! I am, unfortunately, prone to being hornswoggled, so it's really having someone protect me from myself.

Bob, I think I'm going to pass on that particular van. Stealth is my top priority and that sweet old camper screams just that, "Sweet Old Camper"! I'll start from scratch like you. And step van is my preferred mode of living in my first foray in vandwelling as I think it will make the transition a bit easier.

Thanks again for your feedback.

MM
Minion to Boris and Natasha

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I wanted to address the conversion and lack of skills.&nbsp; I am pretty much the same way (tho i am getting better the more i help), fortunately i have someone who is a carpenter to help me.&nbsp; <br><br>But you can do a surprising amount with just a drill and screw driver bits, some l brackets and some self tapping screws.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can even do it with less really.&nbsp; You can buy an area rug or runner, a 200 dollar futon and throw it in there (i would add a foam mattress on top), by a couple 3 drawer sterilite container for a mini dresser and storage, some regular storage bins, some duffle bags, a little coleman camping sink, a water cooler with a pouring spigot (like work crews use) secure them in the van with self tapping screws and bungies, and be good to go.&nbsp; <br><br>Here are some examples of what people have done with pretty much spare furniture they have found.&nbsp; You just screw it to the ribs of the van or floor of the van directly or with L brackets.&nbsp; <br><br>In grandmas conversion, she uses old desk and some other stuff she found:<br>https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Grandmas-Chevy-Cargo-Van-Conversion-to-a-Simple-Camper-Van-6014225<br><br>This person took a regular conversion van, and just thru some prebuilt stuff in<br>VanLyfe's Conversion<br><br>I loved this one's use of one of those 6 drawer dressers, he cut it up a little bit and made a great kitchen and storage space out of it.<br>https://vanlivingforum.com/post/My-escape-pods-REDCON-status-5915142?trail=50<br><br>Here is another simple one<br>http://cheaprvlivingblog.com/2013/01/how-toconvert-van-live-les/<br><br>As you can tell i stalk the conversion forum religiously even tho i lack any skills myself <img src="/images/boards/smilies/sneaky.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[creationode]

Yah Boris, you can do all you need to with a drill, drill bits, and adheisives.<br><br>You do not have to build fully dimensioned wood setups to be happy.<br><br>In fact, there are companies that just sell and isntall work van shelving stuff.&nbsp; They run around $1500, and just plop into the van with some bolts.

 

[Boris Badanov]

I really appreciate the time you took to find theses links. I need to stop over thinking and do it. Just reading this different threads have helped build my confidence. And I'm certain that not everyone who has done a conversion was a master carpenter/electrician/plumber. I can already see how this Forum will help me keep my head on straight. I'll mak sure to read through the conversion topics, too.

Good people here! Thank you.

Boris

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Yeah, i am planning to do cabinetry and plumbing etc in my van, but then i realized that it was taking too long to get the money and time together, so i am just gonna take my bed (which we managed to build, and the mattress ordered) and throw my stuff in totes and clothes in my plastic 'dresser' and worry about that fancy stuff later when im not paying bills too.&nbsp; I will be putting in a divider wall though for privacy.

 

[Boris Badanov]

Do you plan to do this full time?

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Yes.&nbsp; I have done it part time in a minivan before, but i will be full time at the end of next month.&nbsp; I set a deadline for September because my lease was up but i negotiated for an even faster deadline with my landlord.&nbsp; So its all in now <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="bbc_img"><br><br><br>I do have fall back plans, should things not work out or in the event of an emergency.

 

[Boris Badanov]

Wow! I plan to live vicariously through your adventures! Congratulations!

 

[blkjak]

<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>welcome from s.w. florida .... blkjak</strong></span>

 

[Boris Badanov]

Thanks for the welcome, Blkjak! I read your thread on your van conversion, warehouse build, motorcycle purchases and change to the cargo trailer with enormous interest. You seem to be a fellow with enormous skills, ingenuity and imagination. I'm sorry to read you're feeling poorly. I don't really know your current status but I do see your a bit of an icon here and I hope to be able to benefit from your extensive experience in the future.

Best,
MM

 

[Boris Badanov]

Okay, cashed in that 401k that had been sitting around for years. Took a hit on the penalty and will get taxed next year but now I know what I have to work with. It ain't much, but it should get me a pretty decent vehicle. Nw to find a place to park and work on it.

I'm excited! Woot!

MM

 

[Pikachu711]

Welcome to the group Boris Badonov!

 

[stude53]

<span id="post_message_1278278968"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">MM (aka Boris)! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif"></span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">As I said earlier, A step van is my first choice for a rolling home, too. Here is a link to a step van build out that I like for it's simplicity ...<br><br><a href="http://www.data-cut.com/grumliner.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.data-cut.com/grumliner.htm</a><br><br>Bob</span></strong></span></span>