Setbacks, plans change, back on schedule

[SoulRaven]

My story might give you an idea of what kind of "expected" and "unexpected" expenses you might encounter. In some ways I'm pretty lucky, but the "unexpected" changed my plans quite a bit. Best of luck to you.

I bought an 1989 Class B RV for $3000. I put about $1000 into remodeling it and repairs/maintenance to the engine. The radiator was due for replacement (they just wear out after several years), and since I was in there I did some "might as well" maintenance (hoses, belt, spark plugs). The tires were over ten years old so I bought two new ones (I should probably buy two more for the back). It was wondering around the road (steering issues) so I replaced the front shocks as well.

But then the engine started dieing for no reason. I determined the ignition system was failing. So new ignition coil and some other parts went in. Fixed that, about $75.

Then the RV fridge wasn't working. A replacement (used) was about $750. I replaced it with a household style dorm fridge (2 cu feet) that I got for free. But then I needed an inverter ($100). Did I mention that the RV didn't come with a house battery? That's another $150.


That got me on the road. After about three months I came back to base to make repairs and more upgrades.
The black tank was leaking (gross, right?). I repaired it myself with fiberglass resin that I got for free from Dad. The propane furnace wasn't working. I removed it and cleaned it up (there was some kind of abandoned insect colony in there. But then I learned the motor needed to be replaced (another $150). The roof over the bed was water damaged so I replaced it with a nice piece of oak plywood ($30), and stained and poly'ed it with free stain and poly from Dad's workshop. I did a lot of painting too, again, free paint thanks to Dad! I added a 2.5 gallon water heater ($150), and new plumbing PEX, ($50). Oh, and I decided the 2 cu foot fridge was too small, so I bought another dorm fridge, this one about 3.2 cu feet, about $150.

Then I was ready to head back to the road. I got about 300 miles away when the engine crapped out (blown head gaskets). I was very lucky to find the nicest people in Missouri to help me find a shade-tree mechanic who replaced the engine with a used one for $1000. That plus the U-hual rentals ($600) and buying a temporary car ($1200) shot my fuel budget for the trip. I returned to base and I've been working the last three months at a temp job, living in the RV in a friend's backyard once the engine got replaced. When the temp job is up in August I'll be set for a while, but I'm going to have to find location-independent income to keep this 10mpg monster on the road.

If the AC or generator crap out those are both big ticket items. Otherwise I'm in a good spot financially.

Your story reminds me of exactly why I do things the way I do.

I buy a cheap window van, move my house in, and drive it until it needs repairs that cost more that the van is worth. Get a new cheap van, move in, and I'm done. Other than the van itself, there is practically nothing to break in my house, that can't be replaced by myself both cheaply, easily, and almost instantly. I don't do simple just because it's cheap. I do it because it's almost maintenance free and foolproof. My black or grey tanks can't leak, my plumbing can't leak or freeze, my toilet can't break, my water pump costs $1.00 and I carry spares. My ice chest can't break, my camp stove is easily replaceable. I think you get the idea.

All those modern conveniences may be nice, but are they REALLY worth all of the headaches they can cause?

It's not necessarily a money thing either, it's a convenience thing. I don't want to be stranded, and I want to sleep in my own bed EVERY night.

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Read Bob's post for today. 5/30.......sounds perfect for you! Good Luck! ! !

Okay, I guess I'm a dummy, but just exactly where is that post?

I read this all the time to read this or that, but without a URL how is anybody supposed to find anything.

 

[concretebox]

@Off Grid 24/7: To each his own. To me, I think the modern conveniences are really worth it. At least that's how I feel now. Everyone's definition of cheap is different, so to me, buying a new vehicle whenever I need one isn't cheap.

I do miss the simplicity of living as "true vandweller" sometimes, but right now I'm happy with the decision I made to have all these modern conveniences. I have a place to eat, a place to cook, a place to poo, and a place to watch TV and play video games. It's pretty much exactly what I had before in my studio apartment, but now I'm mobile and living a lot more cheaply.

If I could change anything I think I would opt for a shower and no toilet, just a poo bucket. Then I'd feel cleaner (than I do now just taking "sponge baths"). I'd also feel better dumping my gray water anywhere (even if that's not exactly legal, at least it wouldn't be toxic sewage).

 

[SoulRaven]

I think people confuse simplicity with comfort. You see I have everything you listed above, plus a shower, and a Euro style swivel rocker/recliner.

You can add a shower pretty easily if you want one. Mine is an indoor/outdoor one, and I'm pretty sure it cost me under $20 and it's easy to build. Almost all of the parts are available at dollar stores.

 

[PastTense]

What's this $1 water pump?