Moving into an RV
- Thread starter Beyond Borders
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When i was *trying* to camp along the coast of California, it was difficult.
Lots of "no overnight camping signs" everywhere and the COPS kept moving me on.
Had to camp by stealth
I think both east and west coast USA *main* states have this issue, smaller states and inland wont be a issue
Toilets are at McDonalds, fuel stop joints etc, on the side of the road etc
Cost of fuel, insurance, reg etc will add up,,,,,,,
"Lifes about, shooting your load"
Lots of "no overnight camping signs" everywhere and the COPS kept moving me on.
Had to camp by stealth
I think both east and west coast USA *main* states have this issue, smaller states and inland wont be a issue
Toilets are at McDonalds, fuel stop joints etc, on the side of the road etc
Cost of fuel, insurance, reg etc will add up,,,,,,,
"Lifes about, shooting your load"
I thought about this myself aswell ase I mooved out of my First Aparment getting kind of bored and I wanted to experience real Adventure.
But I didn't do I do prefer the luxury of a Home, Apartment , Hotel where I know that everything works and is taking care of. Beeing in a Trade and having electricity break down ore stuff like that isn't an option fore me.
I think living in an RV is not for every one so If you want to do it, why don't you rent on fore a Week and see how it fit's you. Maybe a Friend of you'res hase on that you cane borrow and see if this Life fits fore Real.
I think the after Party concept that a Poster above me explained is great and there is a Guy called jeffy from RSD who does just that but it hase to suit you ase a Person.
So just try it out and see how it works fore you instead of "just" Posting about it.
Hope that help's
Eric
But I didn't do I do prefer the luxury of a Home, Apartment , Hotel where I know that everything works and is taking care of. Beeing in a Trade and having electricity break down ore stuff like that isn't an option fore me.
I think living in an RV is not for every one so If you want to do it, why don't you rent on fore a Week and see how it fit's you. Maybe a Friend of you'res hase on that you cane borrow and see if this Life fits fore Real.
I think the after Party concept that a Poster above me explained is great and there is a Guy called jeffy from RSD who does just that but it hase to suit you ase a Person.
So just try it out and see how it works fore you instead of "just" Posting about it.
Hope that help's
Eric
Beyond Borders said:
I stayed in a little travel trailer ( a cute tiny 1960's thing) in my friend's driveway in a semi-ghetto neighborhood near the SF Bay area. No one bothered me cause I guess they thought I was poorer than them.
It was really fun, like camping. I didn't have a bathroom in mine, and even when people do it's better to use external bathrooms because your RV will tend to smell and you have to empty the tanks.
I ended up boffing his ex regularly in the trailer and it was hilarious. He didn't care, he's a natural, They did get a little tired of me after 3 months or so but it was a huge amount of fun and I only paid them like $200 a month to let me use the bathroom, and I sold the trailer for what I paid for it.
I bought it on ebay for about 1200, ebay can be good for pricing-- if someone else bid 1150, and you get it for 1200; since this one was from the 1960's and restored quite nicely it wasn't going to really depreciate. a couple years later I think I sold it for 1200-1600, can't remember. I had a trailer hitch put in a 1.6 liter Toyota and was able to tow it over the Sierras.
It was only about 10 feet long, so it fit in my friend's driveway space and no one in the neighborhood cared, it was ghetto. I had a small car to get around in. If I had to use something to move around in I like the subtle van idea.
Rio Nomad I see you drop place names like Mendocino and Humbolt in this thread. I've been smoking strains with those names for years,never knew they were named after places. People smoke a lot of weed up in those places or something? Mind blown!
As to the RV idea,sounds awesome. Thinking of kitting out a van and hitting Europe for six months each year in tbe summer. Stick a kayak on top and hit the resorts of Italy,France,Spain,Croatia,Greece etc. cheap way to do it and probably a mad adventure. Anyone know a good van to convert for this purpose?
I'm so turned onto this idea!
As to the RV idea,sounds awesome. Thinking of kitting out a van and hitting Europe for six months each year in tbe summer. Stick a kayak on top and hit the resorts of Italy,France,Spain,Croatia,Greece etc. cheap way to do it and probably a mad adventure. Anyone know a good van to convert for this purpose?
I'm so turned onto this idea!
If you can afford it a Sprinter is the way to go. I'm not sure what they call them in Europe but made by Benz. They make ass loads of interior custom shit for them and it's stealth as shit.Vorkuta said:
Yeah they're called the same here Mech. I'll check out prices. Cheers.
Bad Hussar
Pelican
Vorkuta said:
The VW Camper Van is the classic for touring Europe. Much smaller than the US RV's which would cost a small fortune in Europe with their petrol prices. I'd probably get a tent and or awning as well to increase the living space.
Used to be a place in the UK were they sold you a VW van and "guarenteed" that they'd by it back at 70% of the value after X months of travel. Though I wouldn't expect to be able to hold them to the deal.
el mechanico said:
Damn,you can really begin to dream looking at that site. Some of those interior conversions look better then the interior of my apartment.
I need to work out my budget and think seriously about what I really need in an RV and then go from there.
Bad Hussar said:
Yeah we pay ridiculous fuel prices so I definitely need to consider MPG when purchasing. My parents had a VW camper when I was a child and we toured Europe in it. I'll give my old man a bell and see what his opinion on them is.
I drove to Russia from London in 2008 in an estate car ( don't know what Americans call those types of cars ) and it was awesome. Pull up where you want and I just slept flat and comfortable in the back after pushing the back seats forward. I obviously had no internal sink or toilet or cooker but I just parked up at a service station at night and used there toilets. Had a wash in rivers. It was pretty epic but I don't think I'd be able to handle that lifestyle for too long,need a van with a few more home comforts.
I'm not sure that I want to live in one full time, but I bought a 20' camper to see if I'd like traveling in it a bit. Visiting family I frequently have to spring for a hotel room, so this will save money.
Baffroom:
Warning, DO NOT leave your black tank valve open, the shit will not drain out as you flush and will build up and ruin the tank. Only the grey water can be left open!
There are some handy apps to help you while traveling, I have RV Parky and Sanidumps in addition to a website I've hit up for cheap places to stay. So far in my state I found a few small towns that built tiny campsites on the outskirts which are nearly free to stay on ($8 a night for elec/water).
If this turns out to be a lot of fun and a future lifestyle I will buy a real one (btw a loan on this can have the interest deducted on taxes, mine counts as a second home) that could be livable full time. One thing that does help a lot, is my business now has it's own office so there is free easy storage for a small portion of my stuff.
Ah yes, and pulling this one my beater Ram truck gets about 14 mpg.
Baffroom:
Warning, DO NOT leave your black tank valve open, the shit will not drain out as you flush and will build up and ruin the tank. Only the grey water can be left open!
There are some handy apps to help you while traveling, I have RV Parky and Sanidumps in addition to a website I've hit up for cheap places to stay. So far in my state I found a few small towns that built tiny campsites on the outskirts which are nearly free to stay on ($8 a night for elec/water).
If this turns out to be a lot of fun and a future lifestyle I will buy a real one (btw a loan on this can have the interest deducted on taxes, mine counts as a second home) that could be livable full time. One thing that does help a lot, is my business now has it's own office so there is free easy storage for a small portion of my stuff.
Ah yes, and pulling this one my beater Ram truck gets about 14 mpg.
jamaicabound
Pelican
I have a huge interest in vandwelling, microhomes, etc so this is right up my alley. I have never lived in an RV but have used them for extended travels across the country and stuff. Terrible on gas but as long as you don't plan on doing too much driving not too bad.
To get a better idea the pros and cons of living in an rv as well as how to deal with heat in summer, cold in winter, etc lok up some youtuve videos on vandwelling or rv living, people can make them pretty compfortable. You can get this heater called a little buddy for pretty cheap which runs on propane, is safe to burn inside an enclosed space and keeps the place warm for cheap. Also check out a forum called cheap RV living.
I think your biggest challenge will be finding a place to park it. An rv you definately cannot live on streets and parking lots or you'll be hassled by the cops but with vans people do "stealth" living where they will live on the street, in apartment building parking lots, etc. Home Depot and Walmarts sometimes allow people to stay for free but only for a night or two and you have to be pretty lowkey and respectful with it no sitting out in a lawnchari wtih a 6 pack sunning or anything like that. Ifyou want to get a legit spot in an RV park it's not cheap your probably looking at about $30 a night which kinda outweighs the whole saving from living in an RV. If you have any friends who live in houses in unincorporated areas or without strict assocations maybe toss them $50 or $100 a month to park in their driveway and maybe use the kitchen, bathroom and electricity occasionaly.
I think watching some youtube videos on vandwelling and checking out that cheap rv living forum will give you an idea if you wanna do this or not as well as teach you some tricks to make it as cheap and comfortable as possible.
To get a better idea the pros and cons of living in an rv as well as how to deal with heat in summer, cold in winter, etc lok up some youtuve videos on vandwelling or rv living, people can make them pretty compfortable. You can get this heater called a little buddy for pretty cheap which runs on propane, is safe to burn inside an enclosed space and keeps the place warm for cheap. Also check out a forum called cheap RV living.
I think your biggest challenge will be finding a place to park it. An rv you definately cannot live on streets and parking lots or you'll be hassled by the cops but with vans people do "stealth" living where they will live on the street, in apartment building parking lots, etc. Home Depot and Walmarts sometimes allow people to stay for free but only for a night or two and you have to be pretty lowkey and respectful with it no sitting out in a lawnchari wtih a 6 pack sunning or anything like that. Ifyou want to get a legit spot in an RV park it's not cheap your probably looking at about $30 a night which kinda outweighs the whole saving from living in an RV. If you have any friends who live in houses in unincorporated areas or without strict assocations maybe toss them $50 or $100 a month to park in their driveway and maybe use the kitchen, bathroom and electricity occasionaly.
I think watching some youtube videos on vandwelling and checking out that cheap rv living forum will give you an idea if you wanna do this or not as well as teach you some tricks to make it as cheap and comfortable as possible.
[video=vimeo]http://vimeo.com/37818251[/MEDIA]
jamaicabound
Pelican
Keep in mind living in a van or rv can actually be more expensive if you don't plan it out. Living in a van or rv you have to pay to wash your clothes at laundro mats which is expensive, can easily fall into eating every meal at restaurants, because lack of storage constantly having to buy little things like scissors or whatever else for every little thing you need and probably oftentimes having to toss them after using them if you know your not gonna use it regularly, due to space.
Definately check out some of the youtue vids and the forums and people have all types of tips on how to get a good cooking setup ie propane burners, maybe a small manual washing machine so you can pay maybe $50 upfront and wash your own clothes vs spending $5 or $10 at a laundromat everytime you gotta do laundry. Also, knowing inside info such as where to take a cheap shower at a truck stop or gym, where to park for free or cheap, places with free electric hookups etc.
Definately check out some of the youtue vids and the forums and people have all types of tips on how to get a good cooking setup ie propane burners, maybe a small manual washing machine so you can pay maybe $50 upfront and wash your own clothes vs spending $5 or $10 at a laundromat everytime you gotta do laundry. Also, knowing inside info such as where to take a cheap shower at a truck stop or gym, where to park for free or cheap, places with free electric hookups etc.
Alpha_Romeo
Kingfisher
DjembaDjemba
Pelican
Next summer I'm thinking of getting an RV myself, and a truck to go along with it (Ford F-150 perhaps, they seem to haul pretty good up to 11,000lbs).
I've been very interested in summer living in an RV. Travelling around prairie Canada and the Midwest and central USA.
It would also come in handy for work if I'm on a pipeline project in the bush. It would save me having to use up my living allowance, and just pocket it.
Does anyone know if its worth investing in an older RV, from the early to mid 90s? I've seen quite a few on kijiji in my area for around $4-5k. I wonder what their reliability would be like, they seem pretty sweet on the inside.
I've been very interested in summer living in an RV. Travelling around prairie Canada and the Midwest and central USA.
It would also come in handy for work if I'm on a pipeline project in the bush. It would save me having to use up my living allowance, and just pocket it.
Does anyone know if its worth investing in an older RV, from the early to mid 90s? I've seen quite a few on kijiji in my area for around $4-5k. I wonder what their reliability would be like, they seem pretty sweet on the inside.
I think RV can work only in certain circumstances.
Travelling in RV will cost way more (burning lots of gas, RV park fee and maintenance) than just driving around in your car and getting a motel at the end of the night.
It doesn't make sense unless you have bunch of people so the cost per person goes down and you can spend most of time in the back by switching drivers.
I think it will work if you are planning to stay in one area few weeks at a time (so you don't drive around wasting gas)
If you are planning to stay few months, it would be better just to rent a room (one month is hard but few months wouldn't be too hard)
You also have to stay in area that draws tourists and offers wilderness. I can't imagine parking RV in a trailer park in a city. Places like that will have lots of trashes you don't want to deal with. RV park near tourist spot would be different though. you can also park some empty lot near the mountain and beaches.
As far as what would a girl think about you goes, they will think it's cool if you are travelling in RV. If you are local and have a job locally, then it would be better to hide it lol
Travelling in RV will cost way more (burning lots of gas, RV park fee and maintenance) than just driving around in your car and getting a motel at the end of the night.
It doesn't make sense unless you have bunch of people so the cost per person goes down and you can spend most of time in the back by switching drivers.
I think it will work if you are planning to stay in one area few weeks at a time (so you don't drive around wasting gas)
If you are planning to stay few months, it would be better just to rent a room (one month is hard but few months wouldn't be too hard)
You also have to stay in area that draws tourists and offers wilderness. I can't imagine parking RV in a trailer park in a city. Places like that will have lots of trashes you don't want to deal with. RV park near tourist spot would be different though. you can also park some empty lot near the mountain and beaches.
As far as what would a girl think about you goes, they will think it's cool if you are travelling in RV. If you are local and have a job locally, then it would be better to hide it lol
jamaicabound
Pelican
Parking is going to be the toughest thing. Most cool places you will want to park near beaches or near the coast or things like that will have no parking or no camping sings all oer the place and rv parks and things like that in places where you would want to be are probably going to be $35 plus per night which isn't crazy expensive but if you're doing the rv thing looking to save money that kinda wipes out any savings.
If you wanna do the rv thing you really need to do a lot of research and read on forums from others who do this fulltime, they have all the tips and tricks, know which businesses let you park in their lots for the night without problems, etc.
As far as girls, it's all about how you frame it. If you're a brokeass living in an rv because it's cheap not really that desirable but if you're passionate about small space living, if you love traveling, if you're looking to do something a bit offbeat for a year then you could change it into something cool. Alot of younger chicks and hippy type free spirit chicks would eat this shit up.
Not specifically geared towards rv,s but check out that new show tiny houses or something like that on the FYI network, shows you some of the challenges of living in small spaces as well as some tricks and tips
If you wanna do the rv thing you really need to do a lot of research and read on forums from others who do this fulltime, they have all the tips and tricks, know which businesses let you park in their lots for the night without problems, etc.
As far as girls, it's all about how you frame it. If you're a brokeass living in an rv because it's cheap not really that desirable but if you're passionate about small space living, if you love traveling, if you're looking to do something a bit offbeat for a year then you could change it into something cool. Alot of younger chicks and hippy type free spirit chicks would eat this shit up.
Not specifically geared towards rv,s but check out that new show tiny houses or something like that on the FYI network, shows you some of the challenges of living in small spaces as well as some tricks and tips
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