Vanner in NH

[LimoMaan]

Hello to all the CRVL people!

My name is Dan and I have been vandwelling for 2 years this time around. I have a 1984 Dodge B250 Custom Ram conversion with 60K miles that I bought in AZ and drove it back to NH. I am the second owner.
I have been living in it since Sept of 2014. I love the absolute freedom of this lifestyle but not many people I encounter don't understand or accept it as normal. I've been referred to as "homeless" even though I tell them that my lifestyle is a choice.

My first experience with vandwelling was with a 1979 GMC Vandura Rodco conversion ( pictured below ) back in 2011, and I have been hooked ever since.
I am hoping to meet fellow vandwellers and boondockers, but up to this point, have found it difficult in my area. Any tips?

I will be leaving NH and heading south to Florida in November to avoid the upcoming snow and cold that New England winters always have.
Perhaps I can meet up with some of you fine people from here along the way.

Happy trails to all and keep the greasy side down!

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard Dan !
I'm in Maine

 

[JeriLynn]

Hi Dan, 
I can relate to your comment about how others view the van dwelling lifestyle. It is much more acceptable to being a full time RV'r. Van living is quite anarchic is it not?. We are programmed to fit into society by working jobs (that most hate), getting a home, raising family and so forth. So most folks think living in a van is somewhat crazy. Plus there is a stigma attached to homelessness and to being poor. Not that every van dweller is poor, but it is the way people judge van dwellers. Personally I feel that living in a trailer park (I do part-time), a tiny home, railcar, factory, shipping container or van are all ways that people are adapting to the changes in the economy and in many cases indicate choices that people make to live life more on their own terms with less stress.

One of the other folks here mentioned Couch Surfers and there is another group, Boondockers Welcome, and probably others where travelers are welcome to stay a night or two with people who have extra space to host others. And then of course there is the RTR get togethers. 

If I wanted to meet other van dwellers I would create a FB page and a MEETUP group and organize a social gathering that could meet monthly, weekly, yearly or what ever time frame works best. I too want to meet other van dwellers after I retire because I think that it will be engaging and useful to meet others with shared values and a similar world view.  With a plan in mind, this forum is a great place to advertise. 

A good question for discussion is what do individuals hope to achieve or do with other van/rv dwellers. For example, camping, volunteer work, sightseeing, playing music or ???? 
People like to attend events or join others with common interests. You may be familiar with the group Sisters on the Fly who are women with an interest in vintage trailers and fishing. 

If I were to organize a meeting it would evolve around a lesson, or a sightseeing spot, or a volunteer activity or even a music event. If you want to meet someone along the way to Florida, why not choose a place to meet and see if anyone wants to join you?  That is my two cents worth.
Happy Trails,
Jeri Lynn

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Dan! Nice looking van! There are a few members who live in Florida or travel there for the winter. Perhaps some of them will get in touch with you.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[cyndi]

Welcome Neighbor! I spend my summers just south of the NH border. And before my parent'sneed help a good portion of my summer was spent in NH and ME.

There's a roaming gathering that takesplace in the winter months. The roam between FL, GA and AL, if I remember correctly. When more information becomes available I'm sure someone will post it.