Van vs. egg camper

[mothercoder]

I'm so conflicted on which way to go with my full-time living situation.  I have limited funds and I live in Mid-Atlantic -- not a hot bed for finding good, used RVs on a budget.  Here are my options:

• Buy a van and pay someone to convert it to a camper van.  Problems: (1) it has to be a high top because I have cervical osteoarthritis and I can't be bending over all the time; (2) I have limited skills so I would need to hire someone to do the work and will that really be cost effective and where do I find the people to do this.
• Buy an egg camper and a tow vehicle.  Problems: (1) impossible to find in this area of the country (high demand = inflated prices) so I would have to travel to where one is located and hope the owner will hold it until I arrive; (2) my little sedan probably can't pull it so if I purchase out of town I either need to buy the tow vehicle beforehand or pay to have it towed; (3) splitting my budget between the TT and the tow vehicle means I'd have to be able to score sweet deals on both - how likely is that?
• Don't purchase anything locally. When it's time to leave, just load up my car and travel to stay with family in Nevada.  When I arrive there, sell my car and purchase either a van or TT there where there is more inventory and a home base where I can park whatever while I get it road-ready.  Although this might sound like the best solution, the family member I would be staying with voices their opinion freely and if I chose to go with a van, I know I will have to listen how it's not a wise choice.  I will still always do what I think is best for me but I'd like to avoid living around negativity.  

Any thoughts?  I'd particularly like to know whether anyone thinks it is possible for me to find someone knowledgeable in my area to do the work on a van (carpentry, electric, plumbing) or will I end up costing myself out of something that will work for me?   Budget-wise I'm looking at about $10-12k for the buy and the build.  Similar budget for the egg camper and tow vehicle combined.

 

[Bast]

We have many of the same problems. I don't know what to do either

 

[djkeev]

Not being able to do your own work, thus hiring it out.

AND

Beimg on a very small limited budget means that you are going to have to settle for less than your ideal.

Can you get a good used Van and convert it to a nice camper for $10-12,000?
Absolutely!
But you need to provide your own labor.

I Think you need to seek out a used class B camper in decent shape. It will be older and possibly be a carburetor instead of fuel injected. But it will be in your price range and possibly ready to go. I passed on a 73 Dodge chinook in great shape a month ago for $5,000.

Dave

 

[Oopslala]

My vote goes to heading to Nevada. You'll probably find a lot more good deals, and if you're living with your family I'm sure you could get them to give you a hand with some help building or whatever it may be. Plus it'll get you to some nice whether as well, though it's not too bad where you're at.

Just my two cents

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Good Labor is not cheap labor.  I suspect you will get more bang for your buck buying a tow vehicle and fiberglass trailer than you will buying a van and paying for parts and labor to convert it.

I'm not sure why you expect NV to have a bigger, cheaper assortment of trailers available, it's not exactly a hotbed of RVing, the way, say, FL or AZ are.

I did a quick check on this site and didn't see an awful lot of listings for NV.  I would spend some time studying the listings here, that will give you a realistic idea what these trailers really go for.

http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/

 

[Headache]

The only reason I vote for heading to NV is because you will have access to much more options with far less rust and you will get more for your money than being on the eastern seaboard but don't sell your current vehicle until you buy the new to you one.

It doesn't matter what your family says; no matter what you decide they are going to say something about it anyway and you already know this. It doesn't lessen the stress any but at least you are aware of this yapper. Either figure out how to tell them that if they are that concerned about your safety then they can buy the vehicle for you, or let their yapping motivate you into getting the van worked on and moving into it faster. OR, you can do what I'm doing and pack up your van(once you buy it) as best you can and move in then hire labor as you can afford it and knock out a project at a time. There is a thread on here where there is a construction party going on at Lake Havasu right now/soon. I won't make it in time but I may head there if they extend it into December. It's a cost effective option you can think about for next year and since you'd be in Nevada anyway you'll be much closer to it.

I have arthritis in my spine. I went vegan/vegetarian to deal with the pain because I can't take pain killers. I have almost no pain now and the discs in my back are no longer leaking from degenerative disc disease. However, dealing with the stiffness is another story and the only "cure" for that is to move. I'll let you know how my 6 months of living crouched over in a standard van goes and how much I cursed next spring.

 

[drysailor]

I'm so conflicted on which way to go with my full-time living situation.  I have limited funds and I live in Mid-Atlantic -- not a hot bed for finding good, used RVs on a budget.  Here are my options:

• Buy a van and pay someone to convert it to a camper van.  Problems: (1) it has to be a high top because I have cervical osteoarthritis and I can't be bending over all the time; (2) I have limited skills so I would need to hire someone to do the work and will that really be cost effective and where do I find the people to do this.
• Buy an egg camper and a tow vehicle.  
• Don't purchase anything locally.

Any thoughts?  I'd particularly like to know whether anyone thinks it is possible for me to find someone knowledgeable in my area to do the work on a van (carpentry, electric, plumbing) or will I end up costing myself out of something that will work for me?   Budget-wise I'm looking at about $10-12k for the buy and the build.  Similar budget for the egg camper and tow vehicle combined.

Given the $12K budget and the need to hire out any work, I'd have to ask if you've considered a smaller class C? If you're open to that, they can usually be found for far less than a factory B or professional van conversion. I often see these advertised by older folks who have taken care of them, and just don't use them anymore.
I think my second choice would be a small camper with a tow vehicle, but I also think you should try to find some way, to try that out before you commit. Guess I just have doubts about 12K buying a vehicle and then paying someone you don't know to convert it reliably.
But on location, buying an older vehicle from a rust-prone area might not be a good idea. I'd say go to Nevada first.

 

[highdesertranger]

first off what part of Nevada? makes a huge difference. are we talking Reno/Vegas or somewhere like Jarbidge? highdesertranger

 

[mothercoder]

Not being able to do your own work, thus hiring it out.

AND

Beimg on a very small limited budget means that you are going to have to settle for less than your ideal.

Can you get a good used Van and convert it to a nice camper for $10-12,000?
Absolutely!
But you need to provide your own labor.

I Think you need to seek out a used class B camper in decent shape. It will be older and possibly be a carburetor instead of fuel injected. But it will be in your price range and possibly ready to go.  I passed on a 73 Dodge chinook in great shape a month ago for $5,000.

Dave

Dave, 

I would love to find a used Class B but once again I'm dealing with the issue of availability in the Mid-Atlantic.  

I am not completely inept when it comes to things mechanical.  I have owned a couple of homes as a single parent stretching dollars and saved money by doing my own upkeep and repairs.  I've hung drywall, laid floors/tile, replaced a water heater.  If a video exists to explain how to do something, I was able to do it.  However, anything that requires a lot of time on my knees or bent over would be difficult to do.  The mind is able, the body not so much or at least not without paying the price.  It would be a slow process.

 

[mothercoder]

Good Labor is not cheap labor.  I suspect you will get more bang for your buck buying a tow vehicle and fiberglass trailer than you will buying a van and paying for parts and labor to convert it.

I'm not sure why you expect NV to have a bigger, cheaper assortment of trailers available, it's not exactly a hotbed of RVing, the way, say, FL or AZ are.

I did a quick check on this site and didn't see an awful lot of listings for NV.  I would spend some time studying the listings here, that will give you a realistic idea what these trailers really go for.

http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/
http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/

http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/

Yep, I look at that website daily and I find a lot of good possibilities but nothing in my area.  And you're right, not a lot in NV either.  

One other thought I had was to sell my little sedan and purchase a tow vehicle a few months before leaving.  Those months would be spent getting used to the tow vehicle and having time for my trusted mechanic to deal with anything that might crop up.  Then when I leave here and head west, check the listings to see if there are any on my travel route that I can look at and possible purchase, hook up and continue on.  Once I reach NV, I can park the trailer at my relative's house.  They have a pad next to their house and some greater mechanical ability and more tools than I have.  So if the trailer needs any work, I can get some help doing it.

 

[djkeev]

Which confirms my point. ^^^
With the $$'s available to you, you are very limited.
You need a $20,000 - $30,000 budget tomget wahtbyou want.

Dave

 

[mothercoder]

The only reason I vote for heading to NV is because you will have access to much more options with far less rust and you will get more for your money than being on the eastern seaboard but don't sell your current vehicle until you buy the new to you one.

It doesn't matter what your family says; no matter what you decide they are going to say something about it anyway and you already know this.  It doesn't lessen the stress any but at least you are aware of this yapper.  Either figure out how to tell them that if they are that concerned about your safety then they can buy the vehicle for you, or let their yapping motivate you into getting the van worked on and moving into it faster.  OR, you can do what I'm doing and pack up your van(once you buy it) as best you can and move in then hire labor as you can afford it and knock out a project at a time.  There is a thread on here where there is a construction party going on at Lake Havasu right now/soon.  I won't make it in time but I may head there if they extend it into December.  It's a cost effective option you can think about for next year and since you'd be in Nevada anyway you'll be much closer to it.

I have arthritis in my spine.  I went vegan/vegetarian to deal with the pain because I can't take pain killers.  I have almost no pain now and the discs in my back are no longer leaking from degenerative disc disease.  However, dealing with the stiffness is another story and the only "cure" for that is to move.  I'll let you know how my 6 months of living crouched over in a standard van goes and how much I cursed next spring.

Thank you for the good thoughts.  The "yapper" is on board with my decision to live a nomadic life but keeps sending me ads for Class A's or big Class C's.  She has also given me the advice of renting one and seeing if I like it.  (a) I can't rent what I'd like to live in so it's not a good comparison; (b) the cost of renting just depletes the savings I have for my purchase; (c) camping in an RV for 1 week without moving into as you would if it were your permanent home is not the same as knowing it's your home and you are not going back to a S&B.  These are the kinds of conversations we have.  Inevitable I guess but I can only imagine what the conversations would be if I decide a van is the way to go. 

Other points to note:  I will very rarely be staying in the city so I have little need for stealth.  I am looking at a van from the standpoint of being able to get into some deeper areas back country and also to save on gas.  I'm okay having a solar shower, using other facilities and taking a sailor's bath in between -- I take a sailor's bath at least once a week now living in a sticks & bricks just to conserve on water and gas.  

I do believe that if I state clearly that this is something I intend to do and would like moral support, I will get it...even if I can see the ongoing concern in her demeanor.  And yes, staying there and working on it as money and time permit would be a boon except that it extends the amount of time I would have before getting on the road.  Bah.

 

[mothercoder]

Given the $12K budget and the need to hire out any work, I'd have to ask if you've considered a smaller class C? If you're open to that, they can usually be found for far less than a factory B or professional van conversion. I often see these advertised by older folks who have taken care of them, and just don't use them anymore.
I think my second choice would be a small camper with a tow vehicle, but I also think you should try to find some way, to try that out before you commit. Guess I just have doubts about 12K buying a vehicle and then paying someone you don't know to convert it reliably.
But on location, buying an older vehicle from a rust-prone area might not be a good idea. I'd say go to Nevada first.

I see so many issues with older Class C's.  I haven't seen one yet in my price range that doesn't have a leak problem.  I don't want something that is rotting and falling apart.  I can get up on a roof and make sure everything is sealed but I can't fix damage that's already there.  And again...inventory in the Mid-Atlantic is sparse.

 

[mothercoder]

first off what part of Nevada?  makes a huge difference.  are we talking Reno/Vegas or somewhere like Jarbidge?  highdesertranger

Reno/Tahoe area.

 

[highdesertranger]

again Vegas is next door to Arizona. highdesertranger

 

[mothercoder]

again Vegas is next door to Arizona.  highdesertranger

I don't mind driving to AZ from NV to purchase something.  A much easier task than driving from DC to AZ.

 

[Almost There]

With your budget you're more likely to be able to afford one vehicle than both a trailer and something to haul it with. Most of us have done it with a budget of less than what you're working with and succeeded. This place is called CheapRVLiving for a reason....

I agree that you're more likely to find something in better shape and at a better price in the southwest than in the mid atlantic. And with winter setting in, it would be a whole lot better to be where the weather is nicer.

The one problem with buying the tow vehicle first is that it really should be matched to the towed vehicle. Buying something with no idea what it is that you're going to be towing could leave you with limited choices when it comes time for the toad.

Since you have the availability of some help in NV, albeit with having to listen to a bunch of grief, maybe the best choice would be to head out with what you already own.

The other thing is that since you most likely have better skills than you give yourself credit for - you were a single parent so you know how to hold back a kid, cook a meal and tile a floor at the same time.... . I have osteoarthritis right through my entire body and, while some days I was miserable and took way too many painkillers, the satisfaction of achieving my own build out was enormous. I will never give away my set of knee pads and made sure there was always something handy to help get me back up off the floor.

 

[romeosierrabravo2]

Always start small and cheap and as education, experience, and cash is available then move on to a more favored van or egg trailer. I'd review Becky at interstellar orchard http://www.interstellarorchard.com/ on the trailer. I think thats the way to go. Much less maintenance than a larger rv. A smaller, cheaper pickup can be found near your current location and the trailer can be found out west. The smaller pickup and or smaller camper will be much easier to sell than will any r.v. small or large. Check Reno, Vegas, and surrounding NV craiglist. Plenty of options. 

For me, I'd buy both out west as the warmer weather and non-corrosive salty road enviroment provides much better used vehicle options. I'd never buy a pickup off the east coast or midwest. Michigan and Minnesota being the worst. Texas, NM, AZ, Ca, NV, are much preferred if possible. 

Good luck and Blessings.

 

[mothercoder]

With your budget you're more likely to be able to afford one vehicle than both a trailer and something to haul it with. Most of us have done it with a budget of less than what you're working with and succeeded. This place is called CheapRVLiving for a reason....

I agree that you're more likely to find something in better shape and at a better price in the southwest than in the mid atlantic. And with winter setting in, it would be a whole lot better to be where the weather is nicer.

The one problem with buying the tow vehicle first is that it really should be matched to the towed vehicle. Buying something with no idea what it is that you're going to be towing could leave you with limited choices when it comes time for the toad.

Since you have the availability of some help in NV, albeit with having to listen to a bunch of grief, maybe the best choice would be to head out with what you already own.

The other thing is that since you most likely have better skills than you give yourself credit for - you were a single parent so you know how to hold back a kid, cook a meal and tile a floor at the same time.... . I have osteoarthritis right through my entire body and, while some days I was miserable and took way too many painkillers, the satisfaction of achieving my own build out was enormous. I will never give away my set of knee pads and made sure there was always something handy to help get me back up off the floor.

Thanks for the inspiration.  If I have the time, I would much prefer to do most of the build myself.  I would hire out the electrical because I don't feel confident about that and it's not something that one should be guessing about.  I wish I were able to go to Lake Havasu and join the van build rendezvous but I won't be leaving here until June.  I'm bound by my lease, unfortunately.  

I am beginning to believe that it would be best to cash out on my belongings, pack what I need in my little Sentra and head to NV in June/July.  Once there, I can look for what I want and have the time to work on it.  I currently live in an apartment and I would not be allowed to park anything other than a van in the lot here and I wouldn't be allowed to work on it in the lot.  I would have to haul all my tools and materials to another location and work on it there.  Plus I live in a 3rd floor unit so that means either storing everything in the van or hauling it up and down the stairs.  And forget about a Class C.  Not allowed on the lot or any of the streets nearby.  I would have to pay to store it and go to it to get any work done  

I like the idea of having 24/7 to work on something and have it be right outside the house.  Working full-time and having to deal with the inconvenient location is not going to happen. 

Now just need to talk to the relatives and make it happen.  Their preference is that I just put down roots there and stay but it's not going to happen.  I want to travel.

 

[mothercoder]

Always start small and cheap and as education, experience, and cash is available then move on to a more favored van or egg trailer. I'd review Becky at interstellar orchard http://www.interstellarorchard.com/ on the trailer. I think thats the way to go. Much less maintenance than a larger rv. A smaller, cheaper pickup can be found near your current location and the trailer can be found out west. The smaller pickup and or smaller camper will be much easier to sell than will any r.v. small or large. Check Reno, Vegas, and surrounding NV craiglist. Plenty of options. 

For me, I'd buy both out west as the warmer weather and non-corrosive salty road enviroment provides much better used vehicle options. I'd never buy a pickup off the east coast or midwest. Michigan and Minnesota being the worst. Texas, NM, AZ, Ca, NV, are much preferred if possible. 

Good luck and Blessings.

Given my age and situation, I feel that whatever I choose may it for me.  I don't see myself having the financial wherewithal to change what I live in.  I do favor the situation Becky, RVSue and a couple of others are in with the egg and a tow vehicle.  Less chance for leakage and, as you say, less maintenance.  My preference in that case would be for an SUV rather than a truck so I have more space for storage.  That has been my top choice all along and I don't mind doing some renovation work.  

Surprisingly, there is less problem with corrosion on vehicles out here than you would imagine.  I'm far enough from the coast to not have to deal with salty water in the air and they use sand rather than salt on the roads here.  I realize that picking the tow vehicle before the trailer limits what you can get but I have no interest in a large trailer to tow in any case.  So if I decide on a trailer vs. a van, buying the tow vehicle here allows me to travel east coast to west (which is where I want to end up) and have a greater chance of finding an egg on the way.  

I dunno.  I'm obviously still conflicted.  lol