Suanne
Well-known member
Why is a Prius Dweller in this Van Forum? Well, because I'm seriously considering a van.
If you would, please provide feedback on my decision-making processes -- am I forgetting something, is there another alternative that I've missed, if you were in the same situation and had my passions, what would you do?
Here's the situation (long):
Finances: I've been saving for a replacement vehicle since 2010. I knew my Prius wouldn't last forever. I'm frugal and a pretty good saver. I now have enough for a late-model used vehicle, including any necessary mods (insulation, solar, simple built-in furniture, etc.).
Current vehicle: I really like living out of my Prius. I love the gas mileage. I enjoy having windows all around, making it feel much bigger inside. It's been super dependable. It efficiently powers electronics, as well as the AC when sleeping in hot, humid climates (a generator on wheels). It's stealthy for overnighting in town. At almost 14 years old and 230K miles, small stuff (non-critical electronics) are starting to go out on it. I shouldn't complain, it's cost me less that $1K in repairs (beyond regular maintenance) since I bought it new in '03. But, I'm frustrated that its lower ground clearance keeps me from going down some back roads. Also, I'd like to have room in my vehicle for everything I own (e.g., 12v refrigerator, guitar, kayaking gear, camp kitchen, Dutch ovens, etc.).
What doesn't fit in the Prius: I've downsized my stuff to about 25 square feet in my Ex-Husband's garage. I could probably downsize more, to half of that amount. Except for a very small box of mementos, everything else fits directly into my vandwelling lifestyle. Over the last 7+ years, I've been going to garage sales, thrift stores, eBay, and Craigslist to cheaply accumulate as many items as possible for when I moved into a larger vehicle.
What's changed: My Ex is moving out of the house/garage in June. So, I've got to find another home for all of this carefully sourced stuff. In that locale, a 5'x5' storage unit goes for $80 per month. My frugal heart sinks when I consider that money going down the drain every month.
My current passions: I love traveling the back roads, putting on the miles, having the freedom to pick up and go at a whim. For example, I plan to spend the next couple of summers exploring the Canadian National Parks ... and that's a huge country with lots of kilometers in all 4 directions. If my current Prius died today, I'd want to get another one tomorrow. It's perfect for how I want to do road travel. Yet, at the same time, I also truly enjoy camping for extended periods of time with friends, being a snowbird. For taking to the roads, the Prius is perfect. For being a snowbird and having a dog, a van is perfect. I miss the companionship of a dog.
The revelation: Up until yesterday, I was thinking it was either a van or a Prius. All of the sudden it hit me that it could be both. I could get a van (with windows all around) with a car dolly to tow a Prius. My stuff in my Ex's garage would easily fit in a van; no monthly storage fees. I could live out of the Prius while I did the mods to the van, there'd be no hurry. I could park the van at friends or family, or put it in cheap storage during my Prius road trips. Or, conversely, I could park/store the Prius while I was being a snowbird. With it's higher clearance, the van could go places where no Prius dared. And, although I don't know for sure, I suspect I will settle into being more of a snowbird (with a dog) as the years pass.
What are the cons?: Registration, insurance and maintenance on 3 vehicles (Prius, van, dolly), instead of one. I figure the monthly insurance and maintenance on a van and dolly would be close to $80 per month. The hassle of planning and logistics of where and when to park/stow one or the other. I don't especially enjoy towing. I wouldn't go down a back road if I were towing and possibly had to back up. If I purchased a van, did the mods, then my Prius died, I'd have to save more before I could buy another Prius.
More pros: By traveling only part-time in my current Prius, it will hopefully last longer. The same could be said for a van. Although it's a financial wash -- $80/mo for storage vs. $80/mo for van/dolly's insurance/maintenance -- at least I'd have gained something for that $80/mo if I got a van and dolly.
Have I considered an RV?: Yes. I had one when married, a 20' Class C. I didn't enjoy it. It was too big, with too many unnecessary systems to maintain.
If you've actually read to this point -- thank you, thank you, thank you.
What do you think? What am I missing? Is a van with a Prius toad a good alternative to storing my stuff, while sometimes being a snowbird and other times a road warrior?
Suanne ... in a time of many personal changes
If you would, please provide feedback on my decision-making processes -- am I forgetting something, is there another alternative that I've missed, if you were in the same situation and had my passions, what would you do?
Here's the situation (long):
Finances: I've been saving for a replacement vehicle since 2010. I knew my Prius wouldn't last forever. I'm frugal and a pretty good saver. I now have enough for a late-model used vehicle, including any necessary mods (insulation, solar, simple built-in furniture, etc.).
Current vehicle: I really like living out of my Prius. I love the gas mileage. I enjoy having windows all around, making it feel much bigger inside. It's been super dependable. It efficiently powers electronics, as well as the AC when sleeping in hot, humid climates (a generator on wheels). It's stealthy for overnighting in town. At almost 14 years old and 230K miles, small stuff (non-critical electronics) are starting to go out on it. I shouldn't complain, it's cost me less that $1K in repairs (beyond regular maintenance) since I bought it new in '03. But, I'm frustrated that its lower ground clearance keeps me from going down some back roads. Also, I'd like to have room in my vehicle for everything I own (e.g., 12v refrigerator, guitar, kayaking gear, camp kitchen, Dutch ovens, etc.).
What doesn't fit in the Prius: I've downsized my stuff to about 25 square feet in my Ex-Husband's garage. I could probably downsize more, to half of that amount. Except for a very small box of mementos, everything else fits directly into my vandwelling lifestyle. Over the last 7+ years, I've been going to garage sales, thrift stores, eBay, and Craigslist to cheaply accumulate as many items as possible for when I moved into a larger vehicle.
What's changed: My Ex is moving out of the house/garage in June. So, I've got to find another home for all of this carefully sourced stuff. In that locale, a 5'x5' storage unit goes for $80 per month. My frugal heart sinks when I consider that money going down the drain every month.
My current passions: I love traveling the back roads, putting on the miles, having the freedom to pick up and go at a whim. For example, I plan to spend the next couple of summers exploring the Canadian National Parks ... and that's a huge country with lots of kilometers in all 4 directions. If my current Prius died today, I'd want to get another one tomorrow. It's perfect for how I want to do road travel. Yet, at the same time, I also truly enjoy camping for extended periods of time with friends, being a snowbird. For taking to the roads, the Prius is perfect. For being a snowbird and having a dog, a van is perfect. I miss the companionship of a dog.
The revelation: Up until yesterday, I was thinking it was either a van or a Prius. All of the sudden it hit me that it could be both. I could get a van (with windows all around) with a car dolly to tow a Prius. My stuff in my Ex's garage would easily fit in a van; no monthly storage fees. I could live out of the Prius while I did the mods to the van, there'd be no hurry. I could park the van at friends or family, or put it in cheap storage during my Prius road trips. Or, conversely, I could park/store the Prius while I was being a snowbird. With it's higher clearance, the van could go places where no Prius dared. And, although I don't know for sure, I suspect I will settle into being more of a snowbird (with a dog) as the years pass.
What are the cons?: Registration, insurance and maintenance on 3 vehicles (Prius, van, dolly), instead of one. I figure the monthly insurance and maintenance on a van and dolly would be close to $80 per month. The hassle of planning and logistics of where and when to park/stow one or the other. I don't especially enjoy towing. I wouldn't go down a back road if I were towing and possibly had to back up. If I purchased a van, did the mods, then my Prius died, I'd have to save more before I could buy another Prius.
More pros: By traveling only part-time in my current Prius, it will hopefully last longer. The same could be said for a van. Although it's a financial wash -- $80/mo for storage vs. $80/mo for van/dolly's insurance/maintenance -- at least I'd have gained something for that $80/mo if I got a van and dolly.
Have I considered an RV?: Yes. I had one when married, a 20' Class C. I didn't enjoy it. It was too big, with too many unnecessary systems to maintain.
If you've actually read to this point -- thank you, thank you, thank you.
What do you think? What am I missing? Is a van with a Prius toad a good alternative to storing my stuff, while sometimes being a snowbird and other times a road warrior?
Suanne ... in a time of many personal changes
But answering your post makes me realize what I have to do... sob.... I'll be in my room...
