Target date to launch: Fall 2020

[RVretired]

Hi all!

I have been retired for 6 years and am tired of babysitting a house and yard.  I am ready to downsize and move on. I camped as a child and as a young adult (tenting) and I love camping as well as traveling.

I have been binge-watching Bob's videos - they are so helpful and have given me the courage to take the plunge, fear aside. This is scary for a 68-year-young single woman. Thanks so much, Bob! I am impressed and encouraged by other females traveling solo. Thanks to you, too! I look forward to catching up with you in the future.

I am giving myself about a year's time to sell/throw out all of my "stuff", sell my house and buy an RVing vehicle. I am leaning toward a converted van or maybe a Class B. Still thinking about the vehicle type. I am on a budget and want to keep it simple to start. I am even considering buying a van and hiring someone to help me convert it if I can't find what I want. 

I am so excited about this!  TIA to all those who post helpful videos, posts and responses to questions.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome RVretired to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

highdesertranger

 

[kygreg]

Welcome! You might consider going to the anual RTR in January, you can tour virtually every option thinkable. Youtube video tours are OK, but real life tours are the best. So many of the youtubers use wide angle lenses that make the interiors look bigger than they actually are. I went this past Jan. assuming I would settle on a cargo van and left eliminating those and going for a step van. Everyone is so nice and are happy to show you their rigs.

 

[RVretired]

Thanks for your suggestion on attending RTR. I live on the east coast so I likely won't make it next year. Yes, I thought some of those rigs look bigger than they should be - now I know how they did that. I think I will try to hook up with local RV groups and get some insights from those members. So glad to know that the folks at RTR are friendly.

 

[bullfrog]

Escapees.com will show you some local folks but they tend to be in high dollar motorhomes or large 5th wheels but still helpful getting started.

 

[eDJ_]

Good luck with the changes you seek.  I'm sure you can do it.

Below are a couple of my websites that may be helpful for you now and into the future.

If you could find a delivery Van that is 5 years old and has been written off the taxes of the
company that owns it...you may find a deal you can afford.  Your build out will likely start  
with fitting plywood over the metal floor and then carpet (nylon indoor outdoor with a foam 
backing if you can find it)   Fitting a couple 2X4's over the rear wheel wells will allow for placing a 
sheet of plywood to rest on those as a bed base.  (Under the middle you can make a box of
2x4's  for center support and storage)  Then if you can find a used floor cabinet to put a top 
on and a sink in that...you can start a kitchenette.  Then you can take week end trips or go 
camping in nice weather.  Often State and National Parks have seniors reduced camping from
Monday thru Thursday.

With this you can continue building out.  Insulation etc for extended season travel/camping.
Thus build as you go.   In the meanwhile you can begin getting your home ready for market
and weeding out old stuff until you are ready to live out of your Van and travel.

All the best 

 

[B and C]

I don't recommend carpet that cannot be pulled out easily for cleaning. I use rubber backed area rugs. You will be surprised at the amount of dirt that is tracked in.

 

[RVretired]

Escapees.com will show you some local folks but they tend to be in high dollar motorhomes or large 5th wheels but still helpful getting started.

Thanks for that info.

 

[RVretired]

Good luck with the changes you seek.  I'm sure you can do it.

Below are a couple of my websites that may be helpful for you now and into the future.

If you could find a delivery Van that is 5 years old and has been written off the taxes of the
company that owns it...you may find a deal you can afford.  Your build out will likely start  
with fitting plywood over the metal floor and then carpet (nylon indoor outdoor with a foam 
backing if you can find it)   Fitting a couple 2X4's over the rear wheel wells will allow for placing a 
sheet of plywood to rest on those as a bed base.  (Under the middle you can make a box of
2x4's  for center support and storage)  Then if you can find a used floor cabinet to put a top 
on and a sink in that...you can start a kitchenette.  Then you can take week end trips or go 
camping in nice weather.  Often State and National Parks have seniors reduced camping from
Monday thru Thursday.

With this you can continue building out.  Insulation etc for extended season travel/camping.
Thus build as you go.   In the meanwhile you can begin getting your home ready for market
and weeding out old stuff until you are ready to live out of your Van and travel.

All the best 

Thanks for this common sense approach and the web links. I will check them out. I am not sure I want a truck or even a step van. This will be my only vehicle. I also don't know that I can find enough support folks to help me build out a truck. So, I may just start with a van, preferably already converted. I will be considering possibilities while I clean out the house. Thanks.