VanDwelling in Tucson

[VanGirl]

The time has come for me to move back into my Sprinter van. I'm transferring to the Tucson/Green Valley area. Does anyone have a good parking area? Any ideas about how to keep cool in the summer desert heat. I still have my Honda generator and airconditioner in the van but not sure if I can use it without a stealth issue.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Hey there Vangirl <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>We recently left Sahuarita down near Green Valley, now in Amargosa near Death Valley. We lived in Tucson till we moved into our motorhome down to Sahuarita.<br>You can't legally park anywhere in Tucson, Green Valley, or Sahuarita due to local restrictions. Up in Marana (north edge of Tucson) you can. <br>If you need to be on the south end I can recommend a cheap place to rent a spot at Sahuarita.<br>Shoot me a PM and I can give you the number.<br><br>Believe me, you will need some air conditioning during the heat of the summer. Last year we saw a few 105 degree days and 100 is quite common.<br>We have insulated covers for windshield/side windows and used shade netting as awnings on both sides of the rig. Our big a/c on top worked its ass off to keep us cool. I also installed a 5200 btu window a/c for lesser temp days since it ran cheaper. You'll cook without a/c.<br><br><br><br>

 

[cyndi]

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);"><strong><a href="http://www.casinodelsol.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);">Casino del Sol</span></a></strong></span> allows&nbsp; unlimited overnight parking;except when there's something going on in the amphitheater. You can spend the heat of the day in the casino, free wi fi, etc. Local restrictions don't apply because it's Indian Land.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

The casino is good for a few days at a time. I guess a single chick can get by with things some of us can't.<br>Have you tried to sleep in a van that has cooked in the sun all day when its still 95 degrees at 10 pm??<br>The tarmac is still hotter than that.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I am assuming Vangirl is going to be working since she said she was "transferring" to the area. One needs good sleep, regular bathing, etc when presenting to the "JOB".<br>I don't know about you, but I ain't livin' on no hellish blacktop parking lot in 100 plus temps.<br>I know the Southwest and prolly lived here longer than any of you cuz I'm prolly older. I ain't tryin' to be a smart ass, but I wouldn't send my worst enemy to live on a freakin' parking lot in that heat <img src="/images/boards/smilies/crazy.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I think Vangirl needs to come back and give us some more info about her needs. Every situation is different, but I promise there will days that seem like hell has come up from below if ya stay on a blacktop in Southern Arizona.

 

[VanGirl]

Yes I work for the company that owns the mine in Green Valley, Freeport McMoRan. Currently I work for them in NM. I have a travel travel trailer I could move over if I could find a cheap spot to put it otherwise I will be in the van

 

[VanGirl]

Yes I work for the company that owns the mine in Green Valley, Freeport McMoRan. Currently I work for them in NM. I have a travel travel trailer I could move over if I could find a cheap spot to put it otherwise I will be in the van

 

[MrNoodly]

Does the company have any land you could stay on? Or even their parking lot?

 

[adi]

Dark colored vehicle can reach interior temps of 160F in the summer here. Insulation, shade, and fans will be your friend. Nights in the summer the low will be 80-85, so keeping cool even at night you'll need airflow. Luckily bugs aren't a big issue down here (do have insects and snakes though). <br><br>Since all the snowbirds are leaving, you might be able to get some deals on RV spots. Might be worth it vs running gen most of the day if not 24/7 for A/C, depending on what temps you're comfortable at. <br><br>For keeping cool during off days, malls and movie theaters are a good option. Getting a membership somewhere with a pool will also help. Tucson is very spread out, so unless you find a perfect place, you'll have to drive for most errands. <br><br>Green Valley is known as the retirement community, but I haven't been down there for years, so it might have changed. <br><br>And for a quick escape, Mt Lemmon is nearby, and at the top it is usually 20-30 degrees cooler than the city (and they have trees!).<br><br>I grew up and currently live in Tucson, so if you have any specific questions ask away!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Adi, Green Valley is still pretty much retirees, but a lot of new businesses have cropped up. Once we moved to Sahuarita we found everything we needed for shopping down in that area. They could sure use a Lowes/Home Depot tho.

 

[VanGirl]

The company does not allow anyone to stay on-site when not working. Besides, I would not want to get run over by a 16' x 40' rock haul mine truck.<br><br>VanGirl

 

[HoboBerg]

There is tons of free places east of Green Valley out in the Coronado National Forest. Just head out towards Madera Canyon. The Casino Del Sol like Cyndi mentioned you can stay there&nbsp;indefinitely&nbsp;but its gonna be dang hot.&nbsp;<br><br>If I had to spend the summer there Id find a cheap spot to rent atleast during the unbearable months. Theres really cheap apartments just south of Duvall mine road on La Canada, and also a Rv park across from Safeway pretty sure its 55+ but they may have cheap summer rates. Youd be close to work, save on gas and most importantly be comfy. Good Luck!

 

[VanGirl]

I just finished setting up my RV trailer in Green Valley. I decided I better leave the van at home for now. I sure miss the mountain in NM.