Willin’ to be movin’

[Chongolio]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Howdy, new guy here who has been binge reading nomad sites and watching wandeelust related vids for the last month.[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]This February I am fixin’ leave my island home where I have lived for the past decade to pursue a simpler, less costly and more nomadic way of life.[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Since I am no stranger to travel, staying in “alternative” housing and living within my means, the rubbertramping life looks very attractive and doable.[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Also, the van or skoolie lifestyle will allow me to retain a few creature comforts while still providing a somewhat anchor free nomadic lifestyle.[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]My plan when I return back to the mainland is to start searching school districts, auctions, Craigslist and eBay for a convertable 4 wheeled vehicle and possibly a cargo trailer.[/font]


[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]The biggest challenge I forsee is how to bring one of my two motorcycles along with me while I am on the move during the winter months.[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]A place to park and work on the conversion is already sorted and I have access to several brilliant minds with skilled hands.[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Although I am no slouch when it comes to working with tools and building things, I definitely spend more time in the right side of my brain.[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Creativity is how I make my bread and butter and how will be financing my life on the road (along with whatever odd jobs I can find.)[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]My plan for 2018 also incudes posting progress and travel vids on my Youtube channel and maybe some light blogging on my website.[/font]

[font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Thanks for reading this wordy first post and for all the valuable info passed along. I am looking forward to learning more and getting to know some of ya![/font]

 

[AdventurousAdriana]

Howdy and welcome! It sounds like you have a good plan! As far as your motorcycle goes- I've seen folks attach scooters/small bikes to the back of the rigs on a mount... not sure if that is feasible for your model.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Chongolio! 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.

 

[DLTooley]

A toy hauler would be the place to start thinking. I've seen a few people carry smaller bikes, dirt or dual sport, on the front. It will take a strong mount, like for a snowplow. Isolating oil and gas from my sleeping space would be a must for me. Bob has a newer video on a 4x4 Izuzu conversion that has one solution to that question.

 

[Chongolio]

Howdy and welcome!  It sounds like you have a good plan!  As far as your motorcycle goes-  I've seen folks attach scooters/small bikes to the back of the rigs on a mount... not sure if that is feasible for your model.

Thanks for the hello. I have seen that done on both fronts and on the “back porch” of folks rigs. Personally, I would rather not have either of my babies on the outside where they will get pelted with rocks or on the back where things tend to get dirty.

 

[Chongolio]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Chongolio!  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.

Thanks, I have been poking around and taking plenty of notes!

 

[Chongolio]

A toy hauler would be the place to start thinking.  I've seen a few people carry smaller bikes, dirt or dual sport, on the front. It will take a strong mount, like for a snowplow.  Isolating oil and gas from my sleeping space would be a must for me.  Bob has a newer video on a 4x4 Izuzu conversion that has one solution to that question.

I am leaning toward a van and cargo trailer combo but gave not ruled out a bus with a lift.
Not really interested in having my bikes outside and vulnerable to road debris and what not.

Gas and oil in my bed room are not really an issue for me since I am covered in it on any given day.

I will look for the Izuzu vid but not sure I really want or need a 4x4 rig

 

[NoMadYesHappy]

Welcome! Dig the logo, dude!

 

[DLTooley]

I am leaning toward a van and cargo trailer combo but gave not ruled out a bus with a lift.
Not really interested in having my bikes outside and vulnerable to road debris and what not.

Gas and oil in my bed room are not really an issue for me since I am covered in it on any given day.

I will look for the Izuzu vid but not sure I really want or need a 4x4 rig

A cargo trailer is pretty simple.  I hadn't thought of the handicap lift, good idea for a smaller bike.  There are issues with Skoolies, probably less for the smaller options.

 

[Chongolio]

Thanks for sharing that vid! She hits every point that makes me rethink a mid or full size bus. Especially the DMV and insurance bits. I am trying to deal less with government bureaucracy not invite it into my home.

I am still researching if short and cutaway busses have the same issues or dodge them since most are on a van chassis ( to my understanding. )

My bikes are a Harley Dyna and a Yamaha SR400 neither of which are behemoths. My concerns with a lift is more moving parts to maintain as well as added weight.

When all my options start to become overwhelming, I return back to the K.I.S.S mantra, which is why a cargo van and trailer really stand out as an ideal arrangement for my needs.

 

[DLTooley]

Shuttle vans are on my personal list. I live in a ski town and they have some newer 4x4 models that look awesome. FWIW, a pickup chassis, if you can find it, does have some advantages - stock 4x4, a bit tougher construction, and easier to work on. Box trucks built on a pickup chassis are definitely around.

 

[Chongolio]

Good info. What year and make are you interested in. After reading the van breakdown sticky. I am leaning towards a GMC. I had a Safari for a few years that held up well for many years.

 

[DLTooley]

I'm not a mechanic, but the rep on Chevys and Fords are that Ford is more reliable but Chevy easier to fix.

 

[velojym]

Of of the options on my short list is a cargo trailer, to pull behind my Suburban. It would be relatively "unfinished" inside, like some of the smaller toyhaulers, so I could fold up some of the furnishings to accommodate something like a small motorcycle... or even a portable bicycle repair shop. The point behind it would be to avoid having to use the Burb for short trips and as much local transportation as I could get away with... as it's a thirsty beast.

 

[Chongolio]

I am having similar thoughts. I really don’t see the need to build out a trailer with all sorts of fixed cabinetry, tables and what not.

Even a bed can be as easy as a roll up pad and a sleeping bag thus leaving space to work and stretch out with feeling cramped.

Folding tables and chairs make sense to me as does furniture and cabinets on casters which can be moved around and removed

 

[dawnann7]

Welcome Chongolio! I watched a couple of your videos and subscribed. I like how you are using your videos as expressions of art - AND - that they are almost all 5 minutes or shorter.

 

[Chongolio]

Cooool! Thanks for watchin’ and subscribin’ Glad to know you like them.

For the most part I enjoy the creative process but also feel there is a lot of room to grow and experiment.

Personally, I like watching shorter vids and it keeps me on point when making them.

More recent updates will begin after my next upload which will be the last of my New Mexico adventure.

The challenge I face is how to document my move into the nomad lifestyle without the narcissism as well as make the video interesting.

 

[velojym]

I am having similar thoughts. I really don’t see the need to build out a trailer with all sorts of fixed cabinetry, tables and what not.

Even a bed can be as easy as a roll up pad and a sleeping bag thus leaving space to work and stretch out with feeling cramped.

Folding tables and chairs make sense to me as does furniture and cabinets on casters which can be moved around and removed

Another benefit to this: If your living gear can be packed up in the front of the trailer, along the sides, or even suspended from the roof, any open space in your cargo trailer can be used to haul... cargo!
Keep an eye on sites like Uship and the like, and you may find a payload heading in your direction. Great way for your home to generate some income while you travel.
Some do better than others, but even if it only helps ease the costs of travel, it's a win.

There was an episode of Shipping Wars (in which they find their worst drivers and film them bumbling about) in which one of the drivers had to move an expensive wedding cake. She did this, in 90+ heat, in a standard cargo trailer with no climate control at all.
It did not turn out well, and she even mentioned to the shipper (and during the drive) that she hopes the cake isn't destroyed. Oy... I'd have shown her the door right away...

I was sitting there thinking... if you had an insulated trailer with an a/c on it... problem solved!!!

 

[DLTooley]

I have an unpack type set up in my truck. It works great on public lands, and is pretty quick with practice. It is not stealthy, and it would be nice to have enough room to sleep without unpacking. That could definitely be done with a cargo van.

I like Chongolio's videos too. Great production, especially the art, attitude, and shorter length!

 

[Chongolio]

Another benefit to this: If your living gear can be packed up in the front of the trailer, along the sides, or even suspended from the roof, any open space in your cargo trailer can be used to haul... cargo!
Keep an eye on sites like Uship and the like, and you may find a payload heading in your direction. Great way for your home to generate some income while you travel.
Some do better than others, but even if it only helps ease the costs of travel, it's a win.

There was an episode of Shipping Wars (in which they find their worst drivers and film them bumbling about) in which one of the drivers had to move an expensive wedding cake. She did this, in 90+ heat, in a standard cargo trailer with no climate control at all.
It did not turn out well, and she even mentioned to the shipper (and during the drive) that she hopes the cake isn't destroyed. Oy... I'd have shown her the door right away...

I was sitting there thinking... if you had an insulated trailer with an a/c on it... problem solved!!!

Definitely will check out Uship gigs. Ain’t nothing wrong with putting some cabbage in your pocket while out seeing the world!