Overwhelmed

[BrentFinn]

Well this site has been a great find for me even if it has provided me now with more to think about than just buy a van and hit the road.
My wife and I have enjoyed camping out of our Honda pilot for the last two summers so now we have decided to move into van dwelling. We have sold our house and are renting now till I build a van conversion and are ready to depart. We really want to travel and see the continent while we have our health, life is short.

I am still on the choose a van part of the next phase of our life. I thought it would be as simple as buy a sprinter van and away we go but they seem hard to come by and expensive.  I also keep reading posts and see there are so many other considerations that I hadn't thought of like repair costs etc... Eventually I will just have to choose something and that will be our van.

Great site I look forward to reading about build tips and peoples experiences travelling.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Brent! We're here to help you with decisions and build plans so please feel free to ask about anything and everything. Take it one step at a time and you'll get there.

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.

 

[AbuelaLoca]

Welcome, Brent! You'll know her when you see her!!

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums      

I agree that it can be overwhelming at first especially if your experience with camping & travel is limited.   Starting out in a vehicle of some form and going camping is a great start though.   There are all levels living this lifestyle.
I started with just a Van with a bed & kitchenette (shown in my website below on Van Conversion) 

In time I adapted it to my Corporate Career as I moved around the country to the different divisions of my Company on short notice.   I could load my Van (converted for camping) with a lot of "nomadic" furniture, and my econo car that I towed behind it with the most important stuff.  Thus when I got to my new digs I could unhitch the car and unload it to set up an inflatable bed,  kitchen, and bathroom to stay the first night and have the car to go to work in the next morning.   On Monday night I'd come home and unload the Van to begin setting up the new place and have the Van back to a camper.  I'd then find a storage facility to empty the Camping set up into to have the Van back to an empty Cargo Van to use in my work when needed.  If I wanted to camp or day trip on the week end I could throw the camping stuff back in it and go from there.

Flexibility & a more minimalistic view of what you need can carry you far.  I noticed so many campers who looked like they were going Homesteading with all the stuff that they hauled along.  

But all of this is to say,  that while you are out there look around you and take note of things you like that you would consider replicating for yourself.  Take photos, sketch detailed drawings etc.  Then begin to talk with people about their outfits and the components that they are using.  What they wouldn't do again in particular, or equipment that they wished they hadn't purchased.   Then you will have a better idea of what to take Boondocking. 

I'm not as interested in Boondocking on long term as I am traveling.   But the Van & Cargo Trailer I've designed for myself will use a Generator opposed to Solar. (so I'd charge my batteries via generator or engine alternator.  But my needs for electric won't be that great)  But I suggest keeping a note book to jot down ideas when you see interesting things.  From these you can evolve your own design that would serve your needs.

 

[Gardenias]

BrentFinn, Welcome!

Like AbuelaLoca sentiment, I'm sure it will eventually show up and you'll know it!

From one Bob's writings, he suggested to acquire as you need.

 

[BrentFinn]

Thanks for the input and greetings everyone. I look forward to being part of the community and giving advice to other newcomers in time as I myself learn skills and make mistakes to pass on to others.
I guess I should start with making a van layout and seeing what van will fit the items we want plus the ability to stand up is also a must .

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard !
There are so many different vehicles to choose from.
The perfect one IS out there someplace.
Will you find it the first try?
Probably not , but very few do .
Your plan sounds good .

 

[frater secessus]

I thought it would be as simple as buy a sprinter van and away we go but they seem hard to come by and expensive.  I also keep reading posts and see there are so many other considerations that I hadn't thought of like repair costs etc... 

Welcome!

Have you looked at the Ford Transit yet?  It is functionally and physically quite similar to the Sprinter only 1) widely available 2) less expensive to purchase and to maintain.  

The Mid Roof version has 72" standing room so if you and the spouse are 5''8" (?) or less you could stand in it even after interior finishing.  It's also less expensive than the high roof.  If either is taller than that you might need the High Roof which is 81".  Most of the tall Transits you see are likely the Mid Roof;  around here it's about 10:1 mid to high ratio.  

One can also add a high roof to a standard cargo van (Express, E-250, etc).

 

[BrentFinn]

Thanks,
I am considering a high roof as there is a company close that sells/installs them. I am just trying to research what size vehicle I am going to need for weight after a high top is added and a simple conversion is done.

 

[CautionToTheWind]

I guess I should start with making a van layout and seeing what van will fit the items we want plus the ability to stand up is also a must .

Started your long $$ list yet? Keeping the inside minimal?