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Originally posted by zetaM7
Right now we don't have any vehicle at all but my family and I have been doing our best to save up to get an older van that we could live out of. We basically have what else we need, just not the most important part, the actual van!
I think it would be a great way to live and I really like that yurt thing you showed us too.
Originally posted by flipflop
reply to post by spartacus699
If I was to do something like that, apart from weighing up the cons and pros, of what van to use or AT vehicle to convert, and that is very important of course. I would try to hold on to a place on grid, to know if it all goes pear shaped you have got a back up life to return to.
I would also advise you from day 1 and I mean day 1 right at the beginning of your idea and the vehicle you choose and the conversion, where you had to go to get it converted bit by bit, how much it cost, etc WRITE it down, Keep a Diary of all events and happenings, of the whole scenario the beginning, the middle and the end. and then some TV company may be interested in taking your story and relating it in a Program, could even bring you in a few cents.. or even compile it all into a book... If you are going to go to the trouble and expense of following your dream then Keep a Diary and video... anyway, sounds like an awsome idea. and Lots of Luck with achieving it..
Originally posted by jaxnmarko
I've been doing a lot of reading about the newer AWD vans and they are fine for paved roads but not off those. Not as beefy construction, lower clearance (I still find it amusing to see all the lifted trucks that still have the same tire/wheel size, which means the exact same clearance.... what a waste of money and gas) and no low gear. Quigley, Sportsmobile, Pathfinder.... there are probably others, but these companies make the 4x4 conversion with upscale Dana and other brand parts. Around here we have a LOT of snowmobile tourists and other types of tourists that get to Yellowstone and other places via 4x4 vans but my great mechanic says he thinks they wear out too fast and handle poorly. No way would I ever NOT own a 4x4 anymore no matter where I live.... I know how much difference they can make in poor weather or poor traction in sand, dirt, rock, gravel, snow, ice..... I keep searching!
Originally posted by sonnny1
reply to post by spartacus699
I was forced to live out of my car, at one time for months.
I dont know if I could recommend that for anyone. Now, if you are prepared to live that way, then more power to you. But if you are forced to live that way?
It can be hell, especially in 20-30 below weather. I guess I am scared from the experience.
Originally posted by Plotus
"Living out of a Van" ..... no I would not choose to live out of a van, my health is such that it would quickly decline due to the ability to maintain a reasonable amount of hygene.
I have lived out of a van before, and for months at a time. The hassle is laundry and bathing. Laundry can be done with a source of water easy enough. a washing tub and a rinsing tub and a stool/chair. A two foot diameter by one foot deep tub would work fine. Using your feet like when stomping grapes while setting works well to wash. About a half hour of stepping, soaking, stepping etc. will provide a fairly professional wash job, then it's a matter of rinsing and using the rinse water for your next wash . Usually if you plan right, two washes is all you need to complete that task. The Key, don't let it add up until you have a pile, do it every few days. Cooking isn't too hard, Coleman makes stoves and ovens, along with lanterns. Kerosene lanterns work well also. Remember room is at a premium if you intend to live this refugee-like.
So to answer the question, NO, not unless it was in response to a national disaster or the like and forced to, NO !
Originally posted by mysterioustranger
I did live out of my van in 1972. Anywhere I parked. Beach, parking lot, State Park, backroads, trails...
One hard thing at 1st was clean clothes...until I realized a 1-day daily park pass at a campground with washers and dryers were available.
You didnt have to be registered as a camper to use those....