Theresa is here!

[dragonflyinthesky]

<P>@travlingchic&nbsp; what, no mention about your Mt Rushmore picture from me?</P>

 

[travelingchic]

omg I totally didn't see that. &nbsp;ha ha ha. &nbsp;Funny. &nbsp;Thanks for pointing it out. &nbsp;I must have scrolled right by it thinking it was your signature. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Now where did you find that one? &nbsp;Funny enough though out of the blue today I have been thinking of Mount Rushmore and wondering where it is in the states since I guess that is the one top must sees in the states besides grand canyon. &nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div>

 

[Lucy]

Hey Lucy; If I get my van. hehe. I will be heading down to boondock in your area on my slow journey to quartzsite. &nbsp;Do you have any plans this summer for camping?&nbsp;<br>

<div><br></div><div>You'll get it. I thought the search was almost impossible myself before I found a great van. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Oh yeah, I'm heading down to the Sierras for the RTR next month, and I'll probably hang around there in the Fresno-ish area for a while. I'm guessing I won't get back up to WA for a while once I leave.&nbsp;</div>

 

[travelingchic]

Well I won't be heading to Washington till September and I plan to stick around for awhile then slowly make my way south is the plan. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I bet you are going to have a blast in the sierra mountains with the RTR group. &nbsp;Have fun!</div>

 

[Guest]

[QUOTE<span id="post_message_1273681671">Tofino is amazing but I don't think you will find easily places to camp for free there. &nbsp;That place has gone commercial.&nbsp; </span>[/quote]<br><br>My main thought about Tofino is to try the fish tacos from a roach coach there called Tacofino. They were on the cable TV show, Eat Street. Everyone was raving and they looked really good. Hey, I Live to Ride and Ride to Eat! <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>Thanks for the heads up on the free camping problem...I'll manage somehow....I see there are some campgrounds and sometimes even if they are full I can get them to let me set up the cot in a back corner for a few bucks.<br>Bri<br>

 

[Wild_E]

Hey there,&nbsp;<div>Ontario Canada here, used to live in BC for 10yrs, Sunshine Coast, Wistler area and the interior Grand Forks.</div><div><br></div><div>Look to Forestry Campsites, they are everywhere as well, most are free some are only $10-$15 per the night or weekend.</div><div><br></div><div>I full time in my rig this winter was easy, only time I was cold was when the wind was blowing over 30km hr or more!</div><div>Cheers WildE</div><div><br></div><div>Edit:&nbsp;</div><div>If you wait till you go to the US to buy your heater, you will save a ton of money! I suggest the Olympian brand, have a big buddy it eats propane and does not put out a lot of heat really.&nbsp;<br>This winter though I will have a Rocket Mass Heater built in here, a semi portable smaller version, with a backup self made Used Oil Heater. People are giving used oil away, so it is a&nbsp;freebie&nbsp;energy source.</div>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Hey there Theresa. Here's a book that you might be interested in reading/buying: &nbsp;&nbsp; http://www.hikingcamping.com/camp-free-in-bc.php&nbsp; As soon as you get off the Island there are tons of places to camp, especially in&nbsp; the Okanagan/Similkameen (where I am now) or in the intereior. Few places are gated off and tons of logging roads leading to great camping areas. Personally, unless you're primarily interested in fuel economy, I'd stay away from a minivan and get a full sized one, preferably with a straight 6. Anyway, good ta see ya here. ..Willy.<br>

 

[travelingchic]

Bri don't count on it being a few bucks. &nbsp;It's packed full in the summer and the prices are extravagant but I guess it's well worth for the location. &nbsp;I've seen them charging the same price for a campsite in their extra parking space. &nbsp;But I'm sure you will figure it out. &nbsp;I have heard about the tacofino as well since it was featured on the tofino info website. &nbsp;That's cool it's getting so much lime light. &nbsp;However, the real feature for Tofino is the beautiful beaches and hiking in the forest. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Hi Wilderness, There are free forestry campsites on the island just not near Tofino which is the way they like it since it's a tourism money making place. &nbsp;I know it's definitely possible to full time in Canada year round but I would rather follow the sunshine. I am also excited with the possibility to meet up with the people from this forum at the RTR in Quartzsite. &nbsp;Should be fun if I can make it that far. &nbsp;Thanks for the tip on heaters. &nbsp;I'm thinking of buying like you suggested in the states and also get my solar panel there too.</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks Willy I actually have that book. &nbsp;I bought it way back when so it does reaffirm that this is a dream of mine since I have two books, &nbsp;the Camp free in BC and Vancouver Island Recreation Book that gives details of all the parks etc. &nbsp;</div><div>Sadly they are a bit old now so the info might not be perfect but they do have a site now that gives more information. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I was wondering Willy if you think a minivan will have a hard time getting to the dispersed camp area? &nbsp;Since, yes my initial idea was to save money on fuel especially since I plan to head south and not stick around in the same area. &nbsp;What do you mean by a "straight 6"&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>thanks for the welcome all. &nbsp;</div>

 

[Guest]

<span id="post_message_1273701084">Bri don't count on it being a few bucks. &nbsp;It's packed full in the summer and the prices are extravagant but I guess it's well worth for the location. &nbsp;I've seen them charging the same price for a campsite in their extra parking space. &nbsp;But I'm sure you will figure it out. </span>

<br><br>Hi Theresa...Thanks for the info....I do tend to forget how packed the campgrounds are in the summer...all over the place. Well, it won't take me long to get out of town if I can't stay there...LOL...We'll just have to see....<br>I do know that the last time I was in Canada I had to cut that part of the trip short since things cost so much more there than in the US.<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[Wild_E]

Engines come in basically two configurations;<div>straight - inline (pistons in a straight row)</div><div>V as in pistons on either side.&nbsp;</div><div>eg, v8 or v6 different from straight 6 or the old straight 8</div><div><br></div><div>There have been lots of testing regarding power vs fuel economy.</div><div>The V configuration has more power and is more compact</div><div>the Straight configuration has less power but better fuel&nbsp;efficiency.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I think there is not a lot of difference in fuel efficiency in a straight 6 in a larger full sized van vs a V6 in a mini van. There is a big diff in V8 to straight 6 in a full sized van in power and fuel efficiency. So unless you plan on pulling a full sized trailer or loading up the van to the hilt with heavy tools, a Straight 6 full sized van is his suggestion for full timing, and I&nbsp;concur&nbsp;with the suggestion.&nbsp;</div>

 

[travelingchic]

Ahh, Wilderness, I guess I'm only familiar with the V6 or V8. &nbsp;Thanks for explaining that to me. &nbsp;Are there very many with straight instead of V? &nbsp;I wonder. &nbsp;I will keep my eye out for it. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Bri you could certainly head out of Tofino and in about two hours find a nice free campsite to boondock in near Port Alberni. &nbsp;</div>

 

[Guest]

Bri you could certainly head out of Tofino and in about two hours find a nice free campsite to boondock in near Port Alberni.

<br><br>Very good Theresa....sounds good to me. Thanks for the heads up....<br>Bri<br>

 

[Guest]

Here is a nice looking FS campground for cheap enough for me....<br><br>http://freecampsites.net/toquart-bay-bc-forest-service/<br><br>Bri<br>

 

[travelingchic]

yes toquart used to be free I believe but now they charge. &nbsp;Plus did you notice it's quite away from Tofino? &nbsp; But it's closer than Port but I thought you were looking for free. hehe. &nbsp;Definitly worth the $15 (says it's that much on the campground official site) to save on gas and time. &nbsp;Thanks for the link. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[Guest]

I don't mind paying something for a night camp....I would rather have it be free or at least $10 or under but I'll only be passing through...so will find plenty of free spots...<br>Bri<br>

 

[Willy]

<div>Thanks Willy I actually have that book. &nbsp;I bought it way back when so it does reaffirm that this is a dream of mine since I have two books, &nbsp;the Camp free in BC and Vancouver Island Recreation Book that gives details of all the parks etc. &nbsp;</div><div>Sadly they are a bit old now so the info might not be perfect but they do have a site now that gives more information. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I was wondering Willy if you think a minivan will have a hard time getting to the dispersed camp area? &nbsp;Since, yes my initial idea was to save money on fuel especially since I plan to head south and not stick around in the same area. &nbsp;What do you mean by a "straight 6"&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>thanks for the welcome all. &nbsp;</div>

<br><br>&nbsp;I think that the V vs. Straight 6 thing has been explained, but I'd like to add a few things. The straight 6's (300's) are supposed to have more low end torque than a small block (let's say 302) V8 and, because everything is hanging off the side, are somewhat easier to work on. <br>&nbsp;When it comes to minivans.. I just don't like them because of repair/parts hassles and lack of living space. I also tend to think of them as less robust. Fuel economy is all fine &amp; good, but being cramped truly sux. For short term it's okay, but long term living can be a problem. <br>&nbsp;One thong I like about a regular (preferably 3/4 ton) van is the ground clearance and heavier duty suspension/drivetrain vs a minivan. This can be a bonus when in the backwoods and loaded with stuff. It's nothing but amazing how how much all your gear will end up weighing.. especially if you've got tools and parts in case of breakdowns. ..Willy.<br>

 

[Captain Logos]

I love Vancouver Island. Spent a lovely two weeks there in October 2010, exploring everything between Gabriola Island and Tofino. Weather was fantastic. Also fought forest fires in the Kelowna/Chase areas in '03 when I was still with the Canadian Forces. Never had such a great selection of fruits and veggies as I did then.<div><br></div><div>Actually, I was hoping to spend my winters and springs on the Island once I get going full-time and after I get my Journeyman ticket in March 2013. I know that 5 C is a lot colder on the Coast than 5 C in Calgary, but I'm hoping I can tolerate it. If not, think I'll check out the southern States. I think I love the desert heat just as much as I love the mountain chill. Weird.</div><div><br></div><div>Keep us updated on your progress <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div>

 

[Wild_E]

For chilly and wet,<div>remember if you put a good veggy lamp or deep long lasting candle in a metal container, the top heats up and helps to get rid of some of the dampness.</div><div><br></div><div>That is what I have been doing here for the last two weeks as June is April weather, cold, damp and rainy.&nbsp;</div>

 

[yesican]

<p style="margin: 0px;">What vans have straight 6 engines?</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Rae</p>

 

[Captain Logos]

<p style="margin: 0px;">What vans have straight 6 engines?</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Rae</p>

<div><br></div><div>I was just about to ask that question myself. I've worked on lots of vans/minivans and never saw one with a straight 6.</div>