WOMEN ONLY: Calling full-time FEMALE nomads

[Freak On A Leash]

After 30 years of living in a place I hated and working a job that stressed me out, I sold everything last year, packed it in my Jeep and hit the road for 5 months. I went across the country to California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and hiked and camped out in a tent, mostly boondocking in BLM lands and occasionally I paid for a site. In between camping I would sleep in the front seat of my Jeep Wrangler (good thing I'm small). I only got a hotel room 3 times.

I moved with the weather and went back to New Jersey to tie up some loose ends and spend time with my 2 kids. Then I got rid of MORE stuff and came out to Colorado with my 23 year old daughter, who eventually settled down in her own place in Boulder after spending the summer working in Breckenridge with me.

Now I work seasonally, in the summer and winter and travel during the spring and fall. I just got back from a 6 week trip driving, camping and hiking all over my new home, Colorado. I was concerned that after living in a cushy apartment for the summer, that I wouldn't enjoy the nomad lifestyle but it was easier than the first time! I fell back into it naturally. I love the freedom. I've always been a wanderer, a traveler. I've decided that in the summers I want to change things up an work in different places and hope to be in the Pacific Northwest. I'm big into being outdoors and want to work with the parks. In the winter I'm loving the snow and have scored a great job as a ski instructor here in Colorado and hope to make that my "new career". But housing is expensive here in the Rockies and I've decided to take the next step...

I'm going to buy a TT, probably a T@G Max XL, because I'm limited by what my Jeep can pull (2000lbs tow limit). I want to keep it simple and after living in freezing temperatures in my tent and Jeep, I think the teardrop will be a luxury. It will also open opportunities up as I'm looking at jobs at campgrounds and I can camp for next to nothing, as compared to paying rent for dormitory living in employee housing. I like my own space and love the idea of taking my home with me and it will be far cheaper to buy a teardrop than to rent seasonally. So here I am!

What don't I like about the life? Mostly the unwanted attention from other people. I like to be left alone and have had to shoo people away more times than I like. Sometimes I wish I was a dude because I know that the stupid comments, questions and problems wouldn't happen half of much if I wasn't a woman. Fortunately, I know how to deal with crap like this but I wish I didn't have to.

Other than that, it's the usual stuff...finding a shower, keeping warm , etc. When I get a TT then it'll be finding a place to keep it when it snows. I got some ideas and we'll see. I always enjoy the challenge.

 

[bobblefrog]

I have heard many times that vapor lock is a myth, just like you've been told...and this comes from mechanics and friends who really know what they are talking about.

What is the issue you are having?

It's funny how many earnest, sincere mechanics believe it...they had me convinced until I decided this has to be fixable.  I WILL it to be so!

About 2-3 hours into my day's drive it starts losing power in fits and starts up rises/hills.  
Found a loose spark plug wire and left town thinking that was my fix.  Replaced new fuel filter with another one.  Checked vacuum.  Wrapped fuel line and reshaped it away from water pump it was resting on.  Added a quart of ATF (this from the mechanic who swore vapor lock).  And finally replaced the fuel pump (which was leaking).  

The last seemed to help that last day in - that cutting out wasn't so bad, but still a bit nerve-wracking (it never actually stalls, just feels like it wants to).  Wednesday trying a new mechanic and I think from the discussions we had he's going to be more thorough.  He wants to verify the fuel pump installation, test the catalytic converter, etc. Not just make an off the cuff diagnosis. I tried to check for any hairline cracks in old rubber fuel lines but most are actually metal and most of the rubber is new.  And I have to say I don't know if it's temp although that does seem to be the thing in common (I'm guessing because that's "afternoon"), besides hills.

Head scratcher - but it seems it has to be in fuel or exhaust system.  Maybe carb but that's new and timed and it happened across all altitudes (2100 and all the way across the plains and back up to 5280).

So dunno!  Fingers crossed the new mechanic can figure it out....!!

 

[bobblefrog]

I don't go to town without a load for goodwill. Which is a very good thing. Things are moving along smoothly, but I'm approaching panic stage, like have I completely lost my mind, taking off in a 29-year-old vehicle with a very frail person? And then I think, well, yeah, I probably have lost it (further). So, what else is new? Barring disaster, we're outta here. Two weeks and a bit, at most.

Completely empathize!  I think I am still in a little bit of terror even after finally doing it.  Just try to take it slow and be as prepared as you can.  And go south!!!   Good luck that nothing stands in your way and you'll soon be on the road.

 

[MsLeah]

It's been in and out of the Volvo station wagon.  Usually I housesit for winter but looks like this year I will be in car.  So many preparations needed to be set.  The windows, a tray for watery items so they don't spill on seat, a visor organizer, putting the clicker in the same place all the time.  I spent a day looking for my glasses. Flannel seats, thick socks, thick sweat pants, flameless lights, head warmth.

Search for place to sleep at night can be depressing.  And that first morning toilet visit is on hold till the fast food place opens - then I feel like I can fight the daily fight of capitalism.

 

[Nissi]

On Mattresses: we had a king size. Needed to get two twin beds, so we had a lot of foam
to store (we might use it sometime in the future, you know )

So, when we started to need to have beds in our van (we have converted a cargo van),
we cut the 9" thick king size latex mattress into the sizes we needed for our twin beds in the van.
9" of good latex foam. This was even too firm for my husband, so he has a foam topper
that now seems to help him.

 

[Nissi]

@ Bobblefrog
Don't know if this will help, but a thought for you to perhaps explore.
We had a pickup that would do what you are describing, somewhat.
It would even just stop running. This was a pretty new truck, so it should not
have had these problems, we thought.

Someone, mechanic or...? told us what to do, for our problem, and it worked.
Take a nail and push through the fuel filter. Evidently this was continually getting
clogged up. We carried a nail in the glove compartment, and/or a spare fuel filter.
Problem solved, for us.

 

[bobblefrog]

Nail though the fuel filter?  I just can't picture that!  But it's an interesting idea I'll float through my forums (I am a member of a classic RV forums and have a multitude of 'uncles' that are avidly following the situation - lol).  It happened again literally a few hours after putting in a new filter and the issue didn't occur the first trip from Denver to NC (when it was bitterly cold), so I'm feeling 95% confident we're not dealing with something like sludge in tank.  It seems to occur only after a few hours of driving so it feels like it has to be temp related.  Either the dreaded vapor lock (or the conditions up to vapor lock since it hasn't left me stranded) or something that is reacting to temps.  Maybe misguided on that, but that's the one fairly consistent variable.  THANK YOU.  If it doesn't get worse I'll get to the RTR.  Just slowly - LOL.

Edit - oh and here I've had a distributor rotor replaced and a fan clutch. Met the PO of "the beast" as she called it (completely bizarre coincidence - she recognized it in a grocery store parking lot - what's the chances?) and she mentioned a second electric fuel pump. But crawled under the chassis and verified that had been bypassed. So could still be some air (maybe a hairline crack) in the lines back there - sucking in air under load - or again, that's a long reach from the tank to the pump.

 

[RamblinRogue]

 
{{Deep breath}}
Although I officially set out to make this journey almost three years ago (life happens), I feel as though I've been a gypsy all my life. I'd even move furniture around every month or so so a place would "feel" new. I'm on SSA, almost exclusively, and tried to get into a Class C but my male friend kept insisting it needed to be repaired -- so now it's practically stripped out from stem to stern in his driveway and has been for almost two years. I'm back to using my Kia Rio and getting on with it!
I bought my tent yesterday - on sale - because, for boondocking, I have no intention of being restricted to a Rio if it rains! I'm also going to be using some of the items I bought when this idea first came to me -- I have a 12v fridge that has been very handy on road trips; a little washing machine; a couple camp chairs; two 2' x 4' folding tables that may or may not make the trip and lots and lots of soft-sided bags. I have two crafts that go with me everywhere and, while yarn is easy, the jump rings for the chainmaille can be heavy -- thinking about that storage. I have an inverter for my laptop to charge off the car but nothing big so I'll be cooking on my butane hotplates for a while. I'm going to get one of the fold-up potties because, while I know the bucket is cheaper, I had to move space to the #1 priority spot. Planning to make RTR in January to test my "holes" - I'm in the Valley in Arizona so not that far for me - and then April is my planned departure.
This forum, Bob's YouTubes, a couple FB groups, are keeping me sane, hopeful and informed and I just wanted to say Hi, introduce myself and say "Thank you all SO much!"

65.5 years too young
2006 Kia Rio that I've had since 2007
Getting a dog (won't THAT be interesting?)
Divorced, grown sons, making my own decisions!

 

[Nissi]

Nail though the fuel filter?  I just can't picture that!  But it's an interesting idea I'll float through my forums (I am a member of a classic RV forums and have a multitude of 'uncles' that are avidly following the situation - lol).  It happened again literally a few hours after putting in a new filter and the issue didn't occur the first trip from Denver to NC (when it was bitterly cold), so I'm feeling 95% confident we're not dealing with something like sludge in tank.  It seems to occur only after a few hours of driving so it feels like it has to be temp related. 

We had a brand new pickup. Evidently some dirty gas really affected the filter.
The nail would break the screen inside the filter so it could run. We never had any
problem with anything else in the fuel line, but then we kept trying new filters. I
think we finally gave up on the new filters and just did not worry about it.
We had the same thoughts you have about vapor lock, or temp related, but...
Have had pickups for 40 years and that was the only time we had that situation...

 

[bobblefrog]

We had a brand new pickup. Evidently some dirty gas really affected the filter.
The nail would break the screen inside the filter so it could run. We never had any
problem with anything else in the fuel line, but then we kept trying new filters. I
think we finally gave up on the new filters and just did not worry about it.
We had the same thoughts you have about vapor lock, or temp related, but...
Have had pickups for 40 years and that was the only time we had that situation...

And I appreciate that information - every piece certainly helps!!!!!  That thing about dirty gas does me wonder.  I've never used anything but the majors, but it did start after a fillup (but it also started after a lot of things - like our first big camping trip after renovations, first major elevation rise, after having run it awhile through stop and go, etc.)  Just love the variables!

Will you be at the RTR Nissi?  If so - hope to meet!

 

[Roaming_Raven]

Before you began the lifestyle, did you worry about whether or not it would be right for you?  I love nature, peace quiet.  I'm tired of being closed in with people all the time and I'm very VERY tired of losing 8 hours a day sitting at a desk and doing nothing meaningful.  However, there are some things that concern me.  Primarily, I'm worried that with my shoulder injury, living as a nomad will be more painful than it is now.  Sleeping isn't always comfortable and so it's absolutely critical for me that I have the best possible sleep situation to mitigate pain as much as possible.  There aren't a lot of physical activities that I have to do on a daily basis now other than typical daily living:  laundry, dishes, cooking, basic house cleaning.  Will I find setting up and tearing down camp to be too uncomfortable?  I plan on having a set up so that I can remain in place for at least a week at a time but sometimes that doesn't work out.  Sometimes where you camp isn't comfortable or the weather changes or you just can't find anything so you're moving around more than you planned.  I worry that might be too much for me.  

Bottom line, I don't want to make a wrong choice.  Even though I know it's not a permanent choice, I have limited funds and if spent on this, it makes it that much harder to change to something different.

I think I read you have a suburban. Whether you get an air mattress or a Posturepedic make sure you get a bed that you are comfortable sleeping on.  My new (air) bed is amazing.  It works for me.  I gave my 'regular' mattress to my granddaughter.  This is as important as your vehicle maintenance.  About 15 years ago, I was told I wouldn't walk without surgery. HA!  no surgery and I can even climb steps without pain.  Its called taking it slow and easy ;-)  along with massage and a chiropractor.  But that's my story and might not be part of yours.  

If you decide on a TT, check to see if your recliner will fit in it, even if you need to take the passenger seat out to make it fit.  When you can't sleep laying down, you'll be glad for the recliner.  

On youtube there is a kid who travels Los Angeles in a small Hummer and he might have some nifty storage/kitchen/ideas for you.  

Life is now in a Class C and part of my storage system is clear see-through boxes that fit and stack on top of each other. This helps with the organization and knowing where you put something.  I'm not sure it is the right choice but I am making it the best choice I can at this time.  I've lived in this off and on since 2009, before that I was full time in a slide-in truck camper.  I'm looking forward to this being fulltime.

I feel as if I have jumped all over the place.  But know nothing will be perfect.  The longer you are in this lifestyle the more it will evolve.  Make the most of what you have and be open to adapting to make things better.  I packed my toaster oven, so far I have not used it.  It's not in the way, so I'll keep it a while longer.  My coffee pot is an undershelf style and my dutchoven/skillet is in the oven. I have a 2 place setting in the kitchen in case I have company and I've used them a couple of times ... who knew I would have company in the RV lol. 

Move into the suburban on weekends, begin getting the feel for exactly how much space you have or might need and want.  
Live so that you have "No Guilt, No Shame, No Blame for your Adventures" said me.

 

[Nissi]

bobblefrog
Will you be at the RTR Nissi?  If so - hope to meet!


Would love to be there...
but, don't think will be able to make it.  One never knows what tomorrow will bring, however! 

If you are ever in Arkansas, let me know...  

 

[S.IX:Phoebe]

I hate filling the rear tire with air every morning when it's colder than -25. Lol.

 

[Nissi]

Uh...I don't like -25 degrees...
Brrrrrrrrr

 

[JustACarSoFar]

I hate filling the rear tire with air every morning when it's colder than -25. Lol.

waaaa?  i must a missed sumthin. why are you doing that?  :huh:

 

[Samanthajday]

I also understand the feeling of wanting to turn to someone and say "isn't this cool" or "let's go hike..."

I love this life and the freedom it brings, but I'd really like to be sharing it with someone too.

This, and reversing without a spotter.

 

[dawnann7]

But like yesterday, I was at this absolutely beautiful rest stop and I couldn't enjoy it.  I wanted to turn to someone and say "isn't this cool"?  Let's bring out something to grill and stay for awhile.  But not having anyone with me I just felt this internal pressure to get back on the road to my planned Wally World destination.  Because THAT is something to reach for - LOL.

You're a good writer. If you want to share, share with us! Or start a blog (if you haven't already). I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to hear more from you.

 

[dawnann7]

About 2-3 hours into my day's drive it starts losing power in fits and starts up rises/hills. 

I had a similar problem while traveling with my sister and five kids in a mini-van across the U.S. It actually did stall out one time - on a busy uphill freeway in California - where the shoulder lane was under construction and there was nowhere to pull over! My heart was in my throat as I saw two semi trucks barreling up behind me in my rear view mirror.

In my case, what I finally noticed was that the stalling would stop for awhile after I filled up with gas. I realized that opening the gas cap seemed to help, so I would stop periodically and do that. Have you noticed something like that? If yes, then it may just be a vapor lock after all. Thankfully, my vehicle was a rental so I returned the problem with the van when I got home.

 

[bobblefrog]

I had a similar problem while traveling with my sister and five kids in a mini-van across the U.S. It actually did stall out one time - on a busy uphill freeway in California - where the shoulder lane was under construction and there was nowhere to pull over! My heart was in my throat as I saw two semi trucks barreling up behind me in my rear view mirror.

In my case, what I finally noticed was that the stalling would stop for awhile after I filled up with gas. I realized that opening the gas cap seemed to help, so I would stop periodically and do that. Have you noticed something like that? If yes, then it may just be a vapor lock after all. Thankfully, my vehicle was a rental so I returned the problem with the van when I got home.

I'm a Dawn too

I would have had a heart attack!!!!  That is like my worse fears come true!!!  Arrrgghh.  I'm so glad you survived that!  Heart in throat.

I have tried the loosening the gas cap trick but didn't seem to work.  However I do think it is some sort of preish-vapor lock as it's definitely a heat issue.  I ran four hours down from Trinidad to west of Alburquerque on a cold morning - tons of hills and rises and no stutters.  But on a 70 degree day running from Colorado Springs to Trinidad, just 2 hours, I did get a couple of stutters.  I could see the temp gauge move from 3 tics to 4 at that point.  When I backed down from 65 to 60 so the engine wasn't working so hard, it did better.  I had a new clutch fan put in in Denver to help cooling, but I've also been told that only comes on in stop and go traffic not driving highway so may have gotten hosed on that.  Who knows?!  

I have a couple nights at a very cheap casino with full hookups - trying to shake the flu that has been dogging me for two weeks.  Hoping to make Quartzsite/Ehrenberg on Thanksgiving.  Then maybe I can regroup.  The driving has turned into a complete PTSD experience.  I'm terrified now of getting on the road. LOL.  But, almost there.  I have to remember that while I'm anxious, so far this isn't the worst thing in the world.  It gives me some warning.   I only have the elevation to flagstaff and then downhill from there.  It'll be warmer but if I drive early in the mornings I should be okay.

I started a blog but between anxiety, cold, wind, this mechanical issue, and the flu I haven't done a thing!!!  So - next couple of days I'll see what I can bang out

Thank you so much for the support!  It means so much.  It is a lot lonelier out here doing this than I thought it would be!  Turns out I'm not such a fan of my own company

 

[dawnann7]

I'm a Dawn too

Well hello Dawn! Nice to meet you!

Post a link to your blog when you get it going again. I have one as well but it's been way too long since I posted anything of value so I'll wait until I get it going again before I share.

Safe travels. Keep us in the loop!