Well Now I've Done It! :D

[Khyron]

<p>I bought my van today! &nbsp;I've been lurking for a few weeks now and finally decided to take the plunge. &nbsp;I've attached a pic. &nbsp;It's a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 high top conversion van with 122000 miles. &nbsp;It's got the 318 engine, and from what I've read here is supposed to be a good one. &nbsp;Seems to be in great shape, picked it up for $4900. &nbsp;</p><p>A little about me. &nbsp;I'm 38 years old and got out of the Army last year after a 6 year enlistment and 2 tours in Iraq. &nbsp;I was a communications soldier specializing in network communications. &nbsp;Well after I got back I partied for awhile and now find myself working full time in IT, 9-5, mon-fri, and I hate it. &nbsp;I'm in the enviable position, or unenviable depending on your point of view, of being single with no kids, debt, or mortgage. &nbsp;I figure, why am I killing myself working a job I don't like when I don't have too? &nbsp;I've sorta had this nebulous plan to travel but was about to give up on the idea when I discovered this website and the whole "underground" vandwelling community! &nbsp;Perfect timing! &nbsp;My plan is to put in my 2 weeks notice next month and hit the road in August, heading west. &nbsp;</p><p>Not ready to completely commit yet. &nbsp;I currently rent a cheap house I share with two old friends I've known since my early 20's. &nbsp;I figure I will keep paying rent, that luckily most of my disability check(screwed up my knee in the Army) will cover, and return before xmas. &nbsp;If I decide this lifestyle is for me I then may go ahead and sell most of my possessions and full time it. &nbsp;We shall see. &nbsp;</p><p>I haven't been this excited since the day I got out of the Army. &nbsp;I've been ready to begin the next chapter of my life for some time but realize I've only been in a safe holding pattern since I returned home. &nbsp;Anyway looking forward to talking to you guys and beginning the conversion on my van!</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Welcome, good luck and thankyou for serving for me.<br><FONT color=#ff00ff size=3><b>Dragonfly</b></FONT><br>

 

[SirJoey]

<div><b><font face="Arial"><br></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Arial">Welcome aboard, Khyron!&nbsp;</font></b></div><div><b><font face="Arial">Nice looking truck! Wish U the best of luck with it!&nbsp;</font></b></div><div><b><font face="Arial"><br></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Arial">Also, ditto what Dragonfly said... Thanx for serving!&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Arial"><br></font></b></div>

 

[rvwandering]

Congratulations on the van! If you have questions about your new adventure, ask - lots of good people who know all kinds of stuff on this forum.<br>

 

[mockturtle]

<font size="7"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">CONGRATULATIONS!!!<br><font size="2"><font size="3">It looks great!&nbsp; You'll be a happy camper!&nbsp; <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"></font></font><br><br></span></font>

 

[Cubey]

Congrats! You'll appreciate having a high top. I had a nice 97 E150 conversion van but it lacked high top... it SUCKED for head room. The 78 Dodge (with a 360) I have now has a dropped floor so I can fully stand up inside which is awesome.<br>

 

[stude53]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Welcome, Khyron! <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif"></p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Thanks for serving our country. </p><p style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/file?id=1333566"></p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">You deserve some good times. Keep us informed as to your progress.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Bob</p>

 

[VanTrekker]

Congratulations!&nbsp; That looks like a cool van!&nbsp; A high top is awesome!&nbsp; I'm doing okay with a standard van but a high top has some definite advantages.<br><br>You're gonna be livin' the dream!<br><br>V.T.<br>

 

[Ricekila]

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[kstanzy]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Thats awesome! Look forward to hearing about your journey. I am also in Communications/IT and headed in the same direction after summer months.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I have been looking at the same Dodge Rams you bought. How does the interior look? If you could can you attach some pics.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Thanks for serving your country. You deserve all the best.. Good Luck!</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>

 

[Khyron]

<p>Thanks for all the well wishes! &nbsp;It's funny since I've started reading this forum and related blogs I've started noticing vans around town that might be lived in. &nbsp;</p><p>I believe I had a good omen on my way to test drive this van over the weekend. &nbsp;On the interstate on the way to the dealership I passed an extended cargo van with what looked like an aftermarket high top added to it with an air conditioner on top. &nbsp;On the side was painted a map of the US and Canada with states and territories painted in. &nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></p><p>I'll get some interior pics up but its too dark for my camera tonight it seems. &nbsp;</p>

 

[sl1966]

Congrats &amp; Welcome to true freedom!!!!<div><br></div>

 

[Gravediggerjason]

I love the excitement your sharing, I feel the same way can't wait to really venture out further myself. Hope your journey is safe and that you wake up everyday with that same fire burning inside! Welcome J

 

[Khyron]

Got the back seats out now. &nbsp;Wow that was a pain! &nbsp;Rusted bolts, lots of hammering, cursing, and whatnot <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">. &nbsp;I need to start a thread in the conversion sub forum. &nbsp;Got some questions about removing remaining bolts, will include pics. &nbsp;

 

[Khyron]

<p>First mission in the van! &nbsp;Just parked her at the Walmart in Berea, KY and am eating at nearby mcdonalds for free wifi. &nbsp;I'm actually working here tomorrow installing computers at St Joe Hospital. &nbsp;Figured why not come down the night before and do a trial run. &nbsp;Only thing I have in the van so far is a curtain to block off the front cab and a sleeping bag and mat. &nbsp;Should be fun!</p><p>Oh btw I called this Walmart yesterday and they are cool with overnighters. &nbsp;</p>

 

[Seraphim]

Pretty neat. Hope all goes well.

 

[Khyron]

<p>Needed to do this before it gets too hot, as it will soon, being Kentucky. &nbsp;I will definitely be chasing the cool weather once I hit the road. &nbsp;Here she is!</p><p><img src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7987/imag0328v.jpg"></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

 

[Ricekila]

Just parked her at the Walmart in Berea, KY and am eating at nearby mcdonalds for free wifi.

<br>I see you <IMG src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" align=absMiddle border=0><br><br>

<br>

 

[Ricekila]

<P>

Got the back seats out now. &nbsp;Wow that was a pain! &nbsp;Rusted bolts, lots of hammering, cursing, and whatnot <IMG src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align=absMiddle border=0>. &nbsp;I need to start a thread in the conversion sub forum. &nbsp;Got some questions about removing remaining bolts, will include pics. &nbsp;

</P><br>Do you have access to a compressor and a zip gun ?<br>

 

[kstanzy]

<p>Good stuff. Great pic of the van at dusk.&nbsp;&nbsp; Love the Satelite photo posted by Rice.. too funny.</p>