old grey dog said:
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]My budget is around $1000, the longer I wait the more I can add to the budget. I'm thinking that in the fall/winter there may be more bargains out there.[/font]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Almost There, yes I have thought about converting a van, I followed building Arabella" from one woman to another [/font][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]you have mad skills girl. You are part of the reason I think I can do this, your comments like "google and you tube' and "if it doesn't work try plan B" made me picture doing it. Also following One Awesome Inch has been great.[/font]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]There is also a cheap truck camper, am going to check it out this weekend, should I post about it in this thread or truck forum? [/font]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]I know I am all over the map with regard to which vehicle I want...The last year has been rough, dealing with a brain injury and PTSD has been one hell of a ride. My biggest fear is home security, low income, no job, big dog = no place for you. If I had a home on wheels no one can kick me out or tell me to get rid of my old grey dog
[size=small]Whatever vehicle it turns out to be for sure it will be purchased after being posted here for questions and comments.
thanks again[/font][/size]
Why thank you - I am sincerely glad that I can be an inspiration to others.
One of the things I went through in deciding what type of vehicle to find was a process of elimination. It took some serious thinking about the lifestyle I wanted and what my costs were going to be to decide that a full size van was the way for ME to go. I was like Goldilocks - this one's too small, this one has no 'living space' - only sleeping space, this one uses too much gas, etc. etc.
Maybe put on paper all your different choices - Class A, B, C, van DIY conversion, truck camper, car and small trailer, cargo trailer conversion. Do all the pro's and con's and then let it rest in your mind for a while. Once you've decided what you want then and only then can you make an enlightened decision of what is right for you. Some people like to switch vehicles on a regular basis. Me, I like to try to ensure that what I've got is going to be a long term plan. Lady Arabella should last me well in to the next decade.
It took me a while to find the right vehicle at a price I was willing to pay. It's hard not to get discouraged when you're looking but buyers' remorse is worse IMO....
Keep in mind that you're going to get more bang for your buck with an empty vehicle than one that has already been equipped. And there's nothing wrong with using an empty vehicle to camp OUT of while you outfit it to live in. Most if not all of the pieces needed can be found either in thrift shops or Dollarama! I scored the other day when I found enough vinyl laminate flooring to do the van at the Habitat for Humanitys' Restore - $30.00 for the two boxes that would normally have cost me close to $130. with taxes in.
One thing I did when looking at vehicles was to make a list of what to look for. I surprised/dismayed many a car salesperson when I showed up with a clipboard and a check list...
When looking at a vehicle don't ever be afraid to take a first good look at it and then haul one of those mechanically inclined friends or a licensed mechanic back to look at it. And if you don't do a good job at bargaining, get someone with you who will
By all means, don't be afraid to post the link to anything you're looking at, either in one thread so you can keep them all together or separately.
Drivers' license first and I'd suggest getting your passport as well!
Cross homeless off your fear list - you and the dog will find a place to call home!
