To soon to fast

[user 26868]

Hello, looking for some advise. Hope I pick the right place to post. I' m a 62 year old male on SSDI. I have two dogs and we are losing our trailer soon. I have a small saving 2000. I live in Klamath falls Oregon. I have a older van in good shape low miles and would like to try and get back into the van life. Never tried living with pets and not in Oregon most of my van living was urban in southern calif. My question is there any one on the forum willing to do a little hand holding and talk me through what I don't know that I don't know. I wouldn't ask and if time allowed I would of preferred to do the short trips to get the knowledge need, but fate is pushing on me. So if any one is will I'm all ears and if this isn't the section to post this request please guide me to the right place

 

[DLTooley]

I'm a fan of the glamping 'camp' when it comes to getting started. Just get yourself a place to sleep in the van, a cooler, a stove, a shovel for poop and self rescue, and hit the road - upgrading as budget and deliberative planning dictates.

A camp chair and a folding table are tops on my list in that regard. The place, and the weather, OUTSIDE your rig is the best part of this life.

This forum is definitely the place to ask for help, but it's usually on specific topics. The RTR in mid January in Arizona is a good place to get educated in one go, and they have 'Caravans' but those would not be for me. In the depth of winter Arizona is the place to be, and there a variety of events. I prefer those less formally organized.

Once you are on the road you will meet lots of people, most are private but most are also quite happy to talk.

 

[user 26868]

Thanks for you advise. not sure what "self recue" is. Not being from Oregon I not sure if its to early in the year to stay put in Oregon or head south.  I have camp some here in Klamath falls but most folks I meet are locals out for the weekend any suggestion on an area with forks living full time.

 

[WanderingRose]

Self rescue with a shovel, to me, means to maybe dig yourself out if stuck somewhere that help cannot or will not come.

Like in snow, a rutted road, sand, etc.

We were once stuck in snow frozen solid in a campground where AAA said the roads were too bad to come out.

Three days later, it warmed up enough to thaw just a little and we dug ourselves out with a folding camp shovel, which was all we had.

Note to self: do not try to sit out a snow and ice storm in Missouri, which does not know how nor have the equipment to effectively deal with it.

Ditto on just gathering a few basics and more fully equip as you go and learn what you personally have to have.

Good luck to you.

 

[user 26868]

If I remember right you just over the border in Calif. Here where I'm at its 4500 feet and the top of my van still freezers most morning, I a mid to southern calif. guy warmer temps. since I'm in Oregon now I didn't want to leave without seeing Oregon. maybe you can clue me in on can I camp without any heat just covers and is it true its warmer going south like to Medford. Trying to watch my gas money.

 

[B and C]

Remember that 2 is 1 and 1 is none. Any heat source may fail and usually at the worst possible time. Yes, with enough blankets (or a good sleeping bag from the thrift store), you can stay warm. Think how many people that camp in a tent in the snow on purpose.

Generally, ever 1000 feet in elevation change is a 3 degree temperature change. The easy way is to use the internet and look at the weather forecast for where you want to go. As you travel, you will find that a good weather app is almost a necessity as it will warn you of approaching bad weather.

 

[WanderingRose]

And I am in the upper Midwest, tho have been to Oregon several times and it is a beautiful state.

 

[txmnjim]

i would definitely enjoy Oregon before you leave. maybe head up to that Fremont-Winema National Forest
and hang out awhile. it wouldn't be too far from where you are now. good luck on your adventures!
jim

 

[user 26868]

Thanks Brian good information. Time is my enemy right now that why the questions. My van living has been urban. First year I floated around Ocean beach, but that was 2001 then I stayed in a ally for a year. The guy that lived there let me pay for a extension core to get power from his garage, then it was almost two years in a apartment parking lot where I worked at. So my experience in dispersed camping in very little if I had the time I would enjoy do the research so asking questions and from the kindness of those who have answered my learning curve has been expedited. so thanks to those that have  increase my chances of success. Hopefully once I'm successful I can return the kindness.

 

[1shemp]

Good luck.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Gottoknow! You have an advantage over many people who find themselves in your situation - you're an experienced vandweller! You'll be fine. Vandwelling is often easier on public land than in the city. Keep in mind that the limit on staying in one spot is usually two weeks so it's a good idea to move to another campsite after two weeks to stay legal. Try to save a good portion of your monthly check to build up your emergency fund. I'm going to post a bunch of websites to help you get started. If might seem a little overwhelming so keep asking questions.

Check the weather when planning your next move - https://www.weather.gov/

Closures due to coronavirus. This site seems to updated and current - https://www.campendium.com/camping/covid-19-state-by-state-campground-closures-responses/

Sites to find free camping - https://freecampsites.net/
https://www.campendium.com/free-camping

Wahington State Discover Pass. Purchase the pass and you can stay for free at DNR and WDFW campsites. https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/31/About-the-Pass

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.

 

[user 26868]

Thanks I will read all I can before I lose the internet. one question how important is a having a deep cycle battery never needed on in the city.

 

[B and C]

What electrical devices will you be using? If just a cell phone, get a car charger for it (12VDC plug to USB) and use your existing starter battery. You may want to invest in a jump starter pack for just in case you kill the starter battery. You may need to run the vehicle a little every couple of days to charge your starting battery. Good time to charge your phone too.

 

[user 26868]

laptop and cell, worried about cyclizing the staring battery to many times

 

[user 423]

Use the wifi and plug-ins at libraries,McDonalds,etc. But just be careful with the COVID stuff.

 

[crofter]

Thanks I will read all I can before I lose the internet. one question how important is a having a deep cycle battery never needed on in the city.

Before you go, get an unlimited data plan. Then you will not lose internet. I use visible, not as good as the name brands but data is free.
-crofter

 

[B and C]

Shallow discharges are not bad for a starting battery, it happens every time you start it A laptop will require more power.

Recharging a battery is always the kicker. A deep cycle battery needs to be recharged to full every day, your starter battery gets recharged every time you start and drive your vehicle. How do you plan on recharging a deep cycle battery? It usually takes several hours from a not too depleted state to recharge. If depleted to 50% (never more), it can take most of the day to recharge. The last 10% is what takes the time. Coming from unlimited power (house) to being your own power company is not easy or cheap.

I second getting visible (verizon). Unlimited everything with tethering to one device for as little as $25 a month with party plan including taxes. Great value.

 

[eDJ_]

If you're moving out of your trailer home that should free up some money you may have been paying in utilities etc.  
So I'd suggest making a forecast of how much money you would have to spend each month. 

As for Cell services there are all kinds of plans.  I know one guy who has a Magic Jack that he plugs into his laptop to use at free WIFI places. (it is VOIP)
and he pays something like $35 a year for unlimited calling in north America.  Other friends of mine swear by Cricket.

As for pets,  I don't know how old that they are,  but Vet care for pets has gone thru the roof.  Many buy health care insurance for pets today. (hope you have some kind of health care for you)  Celebrity Vets seem to be trending over Celebrity Chef's now days.   If the pets are large,  they may be more comfortable under the Van or if you can rig an awning on the side they may lay by there when you are asleep in the Van.  If in time the pets 
expire you may want to think about replacing them for awhile to decide whether you want to continue solo or having a pet companion to travel with.
(it's what works best for you)   I used to travel with a pet dachshund and although I enjoyed it I found it to be limiting. 

I'd offer you to look thru the links below in my signature lines for anything you think may benefit you.  (it's all free)

 

[maki2]

I would suggest instead of a laptop for many functions such as browsing and email that you switch to using a tablet. They are not as power hungry as a laptop. Of course a smart phone can also be used for some of the same functions and again they are also not as power hungry as a laptop. Also change any of your interior lights in the van out to LED bulbs. Plus invest in a few solar powered, rechargeable lights. Always good to have a primary and a backup light source as well. Fortunately though we are now into longer hours of sunlight which is very pleasant.

 

[user 26868]

Thanks eDl & Makie2 for the info on the cell services and the tablet ideal. I'm not a big movie watcher but have 50 or so dvds, more of a reader writer type. Van has led lights the old fixture get hot and one melted. I have two big dogs and your right they are a problem. between the cost and the shedding and the space and I'm not as mobile as I once was and I'm not sure if I can give them a good life, but I love them. I guess a good S&B life is what I need to find. I think those two dog love each other more than they love me. Any ideals on how to rehome my two boys. They are big dogs. One is a queenland/hound about seven and fixed and shots. the other is a stray I found or he found me last November he's looks lab/??? I havn't saved up yet to fix him he looks to be two years old. nice dog eager to please.