Steve from Kernville, CA

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S Cello

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Dec 11, 2017
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Hi all,

I've been following Bob's videos for awhile and recently gutted the backside of my 2000 Ford E350 15 passenger van to the metal.
I have placed wiring, plumbing, insulation and wood surfaces to the floor and ceiling so far. I picked up a solar system, battery bank, dometic refrigerator, mattress, heating and fantastic fan. I mostly tried using Bob's links to Amazon for these buys so he could make a few pennies. He seems like a person who helps so many.

Many years in construction trades have taken a toll on my 62 year old body, and this build/project seems to moving at a snails pace. Nonetheless, I plan to attend my first RTR next month in a partially completed van.

Honestly, after open heart surgery in August, 2016, I found myself sitting in this house not able to work anymore due to multiple health issues. I was waiting to die. This project and my plans to travel have reinvigorated me, given me a reason to put on my boots in the morning. I am loving life again.

Bob has said, "go with what you've got", I believe. LOL, I had the van and I have a 5 year old great dane named Spottie. I was thinking about making a perimeter with caution tape around the small area where he might be occasionally tied up?

Anyway, I have been reading for awhile on this forum and have picked up tons of useful information. I sure get a kick out of some of the personalities on here! There are a few of you that I hope to meet at this RTR.

I will probably put some photos of the van build up in the proper section of the forum when I get the time.
 
Hi S Cello - I'm new around here too and am planning to attend RTR for the first time next month.  I just wanted to say HI because I was so inspired to read your story and that you are so passionate about your van build and the places you'll be able to go.  Good on you!!  I'm from S. Cal too and just have to mention that I spend every September (for the last 15 years) in Kernville camped riverfront at Rivernook.  Great town, great people. Just wanted to say Hi to you and go for it.  Happy Trails!
 
Welcome to the CRVL forums Steve! Sounds like you're making great progress on your van. I'm glad you're planning on attending the RTR even though it won't be completely finished.

Caution tape around your camp sounds like a good idea. Great danes are so big! :-D You may have noticed that some members are skittish around strange dogs. The tape will give everyone a bit of warning so they aren't surprised.

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.
 
Welcome! Glad to see you still pushing forward after a big surgery!

If you are bringing a dane to the rtr my wife would love to meet him!
 
Welcome S Cello, I hope to attend the RTR also. I will be on the lookout for the caution tape and drop by to say Hi! Have a safe trip.
 
Thank you all for such a warm welcome!

Please do look for the yellow caution tape and stop in and say hello, maybe have a cup of coffee. I hope to park out a ways from the center of things. This RTR is sounding like it may be quite large (poor Bob!). I don't want to be a bother.

I may not have my 640 watts of solar panels on the roof in time, so I may have to run my Honda 3000i generator a fair bit to charge my small 215 amp hour battery bank. I won't be able to afford the 2 more 6v batteries to double the amp hours before I come. From what I've read here in the solar section, I might be ok using the batteries for a week before adding the 2 more.

Where I live is a beautiful place, here in Kernville. There are a few free places to boondock by Lake Isabella, just a few miles from me. I have seen on videos that there are also alot of nice places that are free not to far away, I just never been there, but I sure look forward to going to them.
 
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