Small RV's

[solid]

I could use some input and advise.

I'm thinking about getting a small RV, and am doing some research on what's available. Basically, it would be my only vehicle, so I'm looking for one that I can drive around town in easily, and park under the radar. I will be using this to live out of part time (long story), and also to just go out and explore in.

I found this one. A lot packed into a small package. Unfortunately this one is sold, but thought I'd share the link just because it's a really cool little RV.

Any ideas?

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2001-TIGER-PROVAN-Tiger-XL---16ft-Class-C-101827828

[mick silver]

dont you have one already that used on water . why not use it

[solid]

dont you have one already that used on water . why not use it

Actually, I do plan on using it and that's why I'd need the RV (as crazy as that sounds). I'd like to be able to move the boat up and down the coast, and use the RV to stay in while I'm working. My work schedule's a bit unique. Basically, the RV would give me a lot of freedom.

[palani]

Can't beat a pickup camper. An 8 footer still allows a ball for towing. Those from the '70s and '80s should be a grand or less.

[Santa]

If you're really wanting under the radar, build in a 12ft or 14ft box van.
I lived in one for years with my wife and dog. We could stay almost anywhere. It looked just like every
other generic boring commercial van on earth. Almost invisible. You could even stick a fake logo on it and dress like an FBI undercover agent
or a plumber. Lol

[milehi]

How about a van? Two summers ago I picked up a van with a fold down bed, sink with a three gallon res, cabinets and a small fridge. It's perfect except that's it's gutless with the V6 and can't tow much more than a log splitter. It gets decent gas mileage but I'm looking for another one with a V8 and four wheel drive.

[beefsteak]

STAY AWAY from used Mini-Wini's. Had one that was a 4 banger, VW powered for all practical purposes. NO ONE but NOOOO ONE could repair them except in big cities, and even then they tend to install carbs and electrical stuff backwards. TERRIBLE experience with the mini-wini's of the 70s/80s era which had German engines instead of powered by Fords.

If you want to "live in one"...why not rent one from one of those vacation rental type places I see on the hiway a lot of times, and figure out what YOU need in yours. Tearing down beds to convert back into eating/driving/seating is a nightmare. Wini's are known for that. Their slide out shower is kind of cool in the older models. Their onboard generators are very unreliable and if you purchase a used one, that will be among the 1st things to break and set you back a min of 3K.

Jis' saying.

[freespirit]

my dad had an old ambulance that had been converted to a camper-van. it worked out great. other than that, i think palani nailed it...p/u campers are good, and i think if you looked around, you could find one for a sweet deal...good luck!

[solid]

Thanks for the tips. I was looking at Mini-Wini's as an option (I'll take your advise and stay away from them).

Milehi, I'm also considering Class B Van's. One of my coworker's has one. I saw it today, pretty nice. Has everything, even a generator. LPG powered heater, refer, etc.

A 4x4. Toyota Sunrader looks awesome too.

http://www.4x4offroads.com/1986-toyota-Sunrader-180RD4-Wheel-Drive.html

[mick silver]

why not take the 20 t an buy silver then you can thank me later when you can buy a hugh boat with the paper you made

[midnight rambler]

As suggested, buy a very generic low-profile* and easy to maintain vehicle like a step van and add the essentials you need as you see fit. Being that used step vans are 'not sexy' and viewed as strictly work trucks reasonably good used ones can be found at bargain rates if you shop around.

*so you can park it anywhere and not be seen as 'camping'

[gunDriller]

maybe buy something with some interior volume, like a low-profile UPS van.

then outfit it yourself - if you have the time & the tools.

put heavy stuff like water storage down low, to help it handle better.


are you in a time crunch or do you have time to prepare ?


one other thing - maybe indulge a little on the computer end. not necessarily spend more, but make sure you have a good set-up and an adequate screen, good tools for patching into local wireless (e.g. a variety of USB adapters with antennas).

a good computer set-up will create more "space for your mind" which will help counteract the limited square feet.

i also suggest approaching it a little bit like a vacation. to stash away some favorite books, stuff you wouldn't ordinarily read.


AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH !

especially if you're under stress, and if you are eating granola bars at night and not brushing afterwards, those sugar acids will eat away at the teeth of most people.

so for example, a selection of fine nuts instead of sweet stuff for midnight snacks, because dental hygiene may not be as easy if you're living in a box van.

[Gaillo]

If you move from the sea to land, you'll have to change your forum name to "Liquid"! ;D

[solid]

I'm going to give it a lot of thought. Thing is, I would need something that's 1) not a project, pretty much turn-key. I have enough projects. 2) Comfortable enough to live in for at least a week at a time. 3) Small enough to be my only vehicle.

I wouldn't sell any pm's for it, would sell my current vehicle and finance the rest of it. I would be able shave off around $250 a month on my boat dock payment a month. That extra $250 I'd rather go to paying off an RV instead of giving it to the marina.

[mightymanx]

If you're really wanting under the radar, build in a 12ft or 14ft box van.
I lived in one for years with my wife and dog. We could stay almost anywhere. It looked just like every
other generic boring commercial van on earth. Almost invisible. You could even stick a fake logo on it and dress like an FBI undercover agent
or a plumber. Lol
^^^^^This

You can get an old Frito-lay truck or another one that has a Cummins 4bt engine. The 4bt is the baby brother of the legendary 6bt as reliable as an anvil and about as complicated you can runn all kinds of fuel like filtered waste motor oil WMO of waster vegetable oil WVO.

You can also get surplus ambulances on the cheap they have great everything suspension engines etc. tons of storge and a bench that you can sleep on normaly, all the lockers and stuff are there already.

[Mouse]

don't forget to floss. we cannot stress flossing enough. Floss your teeth every day.

[gunDriller]

how about a classic bumper sticker

http://www.bumperart.com/ProductImages/2004011880_Display-35.gif

my God, there's more than one !

http://image.spreadshirt.net/image-server/image/composition/8520389/view/1/producttypecolor/2/type/png/width/280/height/280/if-the-van-s-a-rockin-don-t-come-knockin_design.png

[solid]

Come on you idiots, this is serious thread.

[Santa]

Come on you idiots, this is serious thread.

What, you think flossing isn't serious? Flossing is dead serious.
http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac358/jackconrad/junk/file-40.jpg

[EE_]

:o

http://www.humvee.net/pix/misc/6w.jpg

http://www.militaryjeep.com/image/humvee/PICT5155.JPG

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/newmiscpictures/tn_18_sm.gif

http://www.kunstvrienden.org/africajeep/images/1734.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saE7VvYQHx8

[General of Darkness]

Solid, I don't know how much you have to spend but http://sportsmobile.com/ultimate.html is the shit.

http://sportsmobile.com/sections/4x4/ultimate/UAV_044WD_lg.jpg

http://sportsmobile.com/sections/4x4/ultimate/UAV_02bike_lg.jpg

http://sportsmobile.com/sections/4x4/ultimate/UAV_03interior_lg.jpg

[horseshoe3]

I'll second (or third) the suggestion of a slide in and a pickup. If you decide to get rid of it, a pickup will sell a lot faster than a dedicated RV. And probably for a larger percentage of what you paid for it. Of course, if you are sure you will be keeping it forever, a van box does have definite advantages as listed above.

[vacuum]

I'll second (or third) the suggestion of a slide in and a pickup. If you decide to get rid of it, a pickup will sell a lot faster than a dedicated RV. And probably for a larger percentage of what you paid for it. Of course, if you are sure you will be keeping it forever, a van box does have definite advantages as listed above.
Agree with this. Custom boxvan/step truck is optimal, but takes time. A pickup with a camper on the back is the second best option because it's more versatile and can be sold easier.

[hoarder]

I'll second (or third) the suggestion of a slide in and a pickup. If you decide to get rid of it, a pickup will sell a lot faster than a dedicated RV. And probably for a larger percentage of what you paid for it. Of course, if you are sure you will be keeping it forever, a van box does have definite advantages as listed above.Not only that, but 4x4 pickups are a dime a dozen while 4x4 vans are custom made.

[solid]

I'll second (or third) the suggestion of a slide in and a pickup. If you decide to get rid of it, a pickup will sell a lot faster than a dedicated RV. And probably for a larger percentage of what you paid for it. Of course, if you are sure you will be keeping it forever, a van box does have definite advantages as listed above.

You guys are right! Thinking about it, for my situation a pickup with a camper on the back is the best option. There's a lot of reasonably priced campers on the market, plus I could get a diesel pickup as well. There's not many small diesel RV's out there. A 4x4 diesel pickup/camper combo is the most versatile.

Thanks a lot guys. I like the box van idea a lot, but I need use some self control. I can't take on a project like that, as much as I'd like too though.

[hoarder]

Being a boat guy, I presume you have dragged boats out of the water at various steep slimy boat ramps and came to the realization that 4x4 is a must for launching boats at many marinas. A 4x4 3/4 ton is the only way to go. You can put a slide in camper on a half ton, but only the ones that are tailgate length. Add a trailer and it's too much for a 1/2 ton.

[solid]

Being a boat guy, I presume you have dragged boats out of the water at various steep slimy boat ramps and came to the realization that 4x4 is a must for launching boats at many marinas. A 4x4 3/4 ton is the only way to go. You can put a slide in camper on a half ton, but only the ones that are tailgate length. Add a trailer and it's too much for a 1/2 ton.

Actually, I've never launched a boat from a boat ramp before. My boat is too big to be towed on a trailer, but that's another bonus for the 4x4, for sure. Do you think I should look for a 3/4 ton, or a 1 ton, for a camper?

[hoarder]

Actually, I've never launched a boat from a boat ramp before. My boat is too big to be towed on a trailer, but that's another bonus for the 4x4, for sure. Do you think I should look for a 3/4 ton, or a 1 ton, for a camper?I'd go for 3/4 ton. You'll be able to remove the camper and use it as a daily driver without spending a fortune on fuel and tires. Duals do give some stability, but you have sense enough to know an 18 wheeler doesn't corner the same as a Ferrari. A 3/4 ton will ride smoother, too. Campers aren't heavy, just topheavy. Stiff 1 ton suspension beats everything to death, including the body of the truck.

[beefsteak]

Definitely 3/4 Ton. My Ford 460 can pull your boat down the highway SIDEWAYS, at 60MPH if it was required.

[Hatha Sunahara]

If you don't need a whole lot of luxury, and you're traveling with a wife or g/f, and you want to save some cash, take look at something like this:

2194
This is a Silver Shadow teardrop trailer made by Little Guy http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/

There are lots of manufacturers of these, and you can get plans for them and build one yourself. It has a kitchen galley in the back. Not terribly expensive either.


Hatha

[Road Runner]

We have used 3/4 ton-4 wheel drives on the ranch for decades. The best we ever had was a 1997 Ford 250, 7.3 diesel engine, 4 wheel drive. Bought one of those new and two used. One of them is still in the family, been sold between brothers. That honestly was one of the best pickups we ever owned/used. I don't know if you could ever find one and maybe you would think it too old. We use all our pickups for ranch work so they are tested for pulling/ fuel, etc. We have had Fords, Chevys and Dodges. The dodges are noisy, some chevys seemed to rattle apart easy but pulled good. The only Ford we have hated and now own is a 2009 F250 automatic tranny, 4 wheel drive 3/4 ton. It only gets about 10mpg without a load and if you ever hook up to a 24' gooseneck trailer and fill it with cows it sucks gas to the tune of about 6mpg. They tell us it should get better mileage but have had it in to the garage twice and they cannot find a problem with it. Husband hates it but so nice and comfy to drive empty... We hardly ever buy from a dealer, always pay too much. Our daughter is a whiz on finding vehicles/machinery on Craigs List or in newspapers, we have got some really good buys and good vehicles both places. Had to drive to a couple different states but it was well worth it and still cheaper than a dealership. Also many 1980's pickup campers out there for under $500, some one owner and well cared for. We got one for $350, grew out of it with grandkids but it was really nice for the money. Be sure and check out if you buy an older camper that it will fit the truck you have, this camper didn't fit in the dodge we had at the time. Can't remember what the guys said the issue was but there sure was one. If a person is patient the good deals come around..
Good Luck in finding what will work for you.

[big country]

Glad you decided on the truck with truck camper.

Many of those come out easily too. Get to a "campsite" put the feet down on the camper and drive out from under it. Then you have the truck, w/o a camper on it and you can go get a load of firewood/etc. Come back and unload, put the truck back under the camper and boom. Back to an RV.

Its the most flexible option and probably just as cheap as a dedicated RV. I would also go for the 3/4 ton truck. There are many times a truck comes in handy...if this will be your ONLY car...why not be as flexible as possible?

[solid]

Its the most flexible option and probably just as cheap as a dedicated RV. I would also go for the 3/4 ton truck. There are many times a truck comes in handy...if this will be your ONLY car...why not be as flexible as possible?

Yeah, really the only downside to a truck/camper combo is not being able to get to the driver's seat from inside the camper. This, to me, is a big safety concern. I imagine being parked somewhere, surrounded by zombies, and trapped in the camper. With an RV, you can just hop in the driver's seat and drive away from the danger. With a truck/camper, you've got to get out.

I'm going to look at both before making a final decision. There's some Sprinter van conversions, with the mercedes diesel, that make my mouth water...though they are very expensive. Plus, no 4x4. The truck/camper would be the most reasonably priced 4x4 setup.

[big country]

Yeah, really the only downside to a truck/camper combo is not being able to get to the driver's seat from inside the camper. This, to me, is a big safety concern. I imagine being parked somewhere, surrounded by zombies, and trapped in the camper. With an RV, you can just hop in the driver's seat and drive away from the danger. With a truck/camper, you've got to get out.

I'm going to look at both before making a final decision. There's some Sprinter van conversions, with the mercedes diesel, that make my mouth water...though they are very expensive. Plus, no 4x4. The truck/camper would be the most reasonably priced 4x4 setup.

That is true, You cannot access the cab from the inside...which I can see being a disadvatage. Especially when you forget your coffee up there and it is cold and rainy...and you have to get OUT of the camper and go to the cab. hmmm....

Seems they all have their advantages and disadvantes. I like that 16ft you posted in the first link. If I was buying an actual RV (and not a truck/camper combo) that would be a pretty ideal size I think.

[solid]

Seems they all have their advantages and disadvantes. I like that 16ft you posted in the first link. If I was buying an actual RV (and not a truck/camper combo) that would be a pretty ideal size I think.

The only other small RV that comes close to that is this one, a 19 footer. I'm going to take a look at one in the next few days, as well as some cab over campers. The advantage of this little RV is that it's built on a Ford f350 chassis, as well as a Ford engine (no diesel though). Also, no 4x4.

http://www.smallrvlife.com/2010-four-winds-class-c-19g

[hoarder]

I had a "boot" between truck and camper once, you could slither through to the cab if you wanted. I just made a habit of putting things in the middle of the bench seat so I could reach them from the camper if I needed them. Disregard if you are large.

[EE_]

The only other small RV that comes close to that is this one, a 19 footer. I'm going to take a look at one in the next few days, as well as some cab over campers. The advantage of this little RV is that it's built on a Ford f350 chassis, as well as a Ford engine (no diesel though). Also, no 4x4.

http://www.smallrvlife.com/2010-four-winds-class-c-19g

That four winds is sweet. Can you get an older model for a lot less?

[gunDriller]

Yeah, really the only downside to a truck/camper combo is not being able to get to the driver's seat from inside the camper. This, to me, is a big safety concern. I imagine being parked somewhere, surrounded by zombies, and trapped in the camper. With an RV, you can just hop in the driver's seat and drive away from the danger. With a truck/camper, you've got to get out.

i think that's what makes the RV/van the right choice for you.

there's also the situation where you park somewhere for the night - and you want to keep a low profile.

if people see you exiting the driver side pickup, and going to the back to get in the camper - there goes your stealth.

all it takes is one neighbor concerned about security, calling the cops to report someone sleeping in their car - and you're set up for a bodacious experience. especially if you're carrying a gun - or some PM's - what stops the cops from confiscating ? their good will ?


there is also the issue of, if you are sleeping inside, your breath will cause condensation on the windows. to an observant neighbor, this will also give you away. i used to sleep in my truck sometimes because my apartment was so noisy. one of my neighbors found out because of the condensation on the inside of the windows. he didn't turn me in - but he could have.

for stealth, the RV/van and an exhaust van to keep the air inside the van de-humidified - that is the way to go.

[JohnQPublic]

...You could even stick a fake logo on it and dress like an FBI undercover agent
or a plumber. Lol

One mural that is proven not get any attention is the following:

2204

[freespirit]

Yeah, really the only downside to a truck/camper combo is not being able to get to the driver's seat from inside the camper. This, to me, is a big safety concern. I imagine being parked somewhere, surrounded by zombies, and trapped in the camper. With an RV, you can just hop in the driver's seat and drive away from the danger. With a truck/camper, you've got to get out.

I'm going to look at both before making a final decision. There's some Sprinter van conversions, with the mercedes diesel, that make my mouth water...though they are very expensive. Plus, no 4x4. The truck/camper would be the most reasonably priced 4x4 setup.


you could make it a "walk-thru" with a little effort and ingenuity. put a little custom sliding panel on there if you want...would be a pretty simple weekend project, cost minimal$$

hell, you could even remove the entire back wall of the cab...just reinforce the roof and body with tubing.

[mightymanx]

If you can find one that is not beat to shit the Toyota Dolphin

They had the best Toyota ever made in it.

A little dated but 80's Toyotas are like a slanty eyed VW bugs as far as being hard to kill.

http://toyotamotorhome.org/

http://www.toyotamotorhomes.com/

[mightymanx]

SHABAMMMMMMM!!!! look no further.

Here you go not far from you either.

http://www.yellobronc.com/m35a2-camper.php

Yes they burn dang near anything for fuel I got 10mpg on my 3000mile cross country trip from Huntsville to Seattle.

Don't be scared a Deuce is 2 inches longer than my Dodge Ram 2500 extended cab longbed. I know they both are parked outside.

Heck I wish this one had been for sale when I got my M109. Buying this one would have saved me much ass pain on the conversion.

[solid]

SHABAMMMMMMM!!!! look no further.

Here you go not far from you either.

http://www.yellobronc.com/m35a2-camper.php

Good God man! That thing is a beast. If I rolled up in one of those, everyone I know would probably either shit themselves or die of a heart attack. I wonder if we could get some dancing girls atop that thing.

Two words come to mind...Ramming Speed. That's where you hammer on the gas and go full cowbell ahead. Clearing the way, I'm comin' through...

[mightymanx]

In all reality it is everything you want

multifuel engine
excelent offroad capability
simple to work on
EMP proof
small living quarters
reliable
perfect for a zombie appocolapse
Affordable

They are massive but not huge if that makes any sense

They are the same footprint as any big farmer F350 or other dualy truck.
but they are built massive there is not a delicate thing about them.

and that is one hell of a bargan I wish that had been for sale when I got mine.

[hoarder]

The tires on deuces last about 3000 miles. The drivetrain is made that way.

[mightymanx]

The tires on deuces last about 3000 miles. The drivetrain is made that way.

I think you are missing a zero I got over 5000 miles that I have driven on the set that came used on my Deuce. I can.t even tell that they have work since I got mine 3 years ago. This is the 9-20 NDCC's

You do get some scrubbing on the mid axle driving around town but any vehicle with tandems does that. They make manual hubs (just like a early 4x4) so you can unlock the front and mid if you wanted to. they cost about &500 a set. The only people I have heard of breaking them are the people that are putting way more HP to the Rockwells than a Deuce ever could. Like Mud racers and the like.

[solid]

Here's a unique RV. It's called a Vixen. Less than 600 were made, but they have a loyal following. One model comes with a BMW turbo diesel, that gets 30 mpg. Not too shabby!

http://www.vixenrv.com/vixen_for_sale.php

[mick silver]

solid why not take the money you have and make the boat the best it can be to live in if you were in the need to bug out . hell you can move the boat closer to the next place you need to work at , can you not put her on a trailer are sail the boat there an drive to your job . i know if this was me i would want more solar stuff then i would need an fix the boat so i could store more stuff like food an what nots on her like some water tight boxes on the deck

[palani]

http://ottumwa.craigslist.org/rvd/2829606544.html

1988 1 Ton Chevy dually crew cab with 14 year old camper. Not 4x4 but price seems reasonable.

[solid]

solid why not take the money you have and make the boat the best it can be to live in if you were in the need to bug out . hell you can move the boat closer to the next place you need to work at , can you not put her on a trailer are sail the boat there an drive to your job . i know if this was me i would want more solar stuff then i would need an fix the boat so i could store more stuff like food an what nots on her like some water tight boxes on the deck

I hear you Mick. I am working on the boat, constantly. Slowly but surely, she's gettin' ready. I've actually got the all the solar I need, it's just not installed yet. Your advise is very good...I should share a bit more details on my situation.

Right now, the boat is basically in the worst possible place. In a big crime ridden city, ranked in the top 10 worst cities to live in the whole country. This city sucks. I've been complaining about being here for too long. I keep making excuses to stay. I actually tried to leave once, but once we got out in the ocean, the weather turned for the worst and we had to turn back.

Anyway, there's all these beautiful coastal small towns I can move too. Nice beaches, surfing, hiking, etc...all the fun things I enjoy to do. Good safe places to live. However, they are too far from where I work. My work schedule is very unique. I work 7 days in a row, on call, oddball hours. Then I get 7 days off. With the RV, I can park it at work during my 7 work days. Then, when I get my 7 days off I can drive the RV to the boat and enjoy my time off in a safe beautiful area. I could move the boat anywhere, up and down the coast, and just live in the RV during my 7 day workweek.

The problem I have is that with work, I'm gone from the boat. When you mention bugging out. I've got to 'get' to the boat. This is where the RV (I think) is a good idea. I could have it ready with food/supplies, things I need to buy me time to get to the boat if I need to. Basically, I could have land and sea covered.

I've been bitching and moaning about where I live for awhile. I need to finally make a change and quit making excuses. I need to get out of this city. It's going to hell.

[solid]

http://ottumwa.craigslist.org/rvd/2829606544.html

1988 1 Ton Chevy dually crew cab with 14 year old camper. Not 4x4 but price seems reasonable.

Thanks palani, that looks like a rig that would work great for me. I'm going to look at some older used campers too. There seems to be a lot that actually have low miles. A lot of campers just sit there in someone's driveway, and rarely get used.

[mightymanx]

That rig about as big as the M35 probably gets worse fuel milage and you can't push roadblocks out of the way with it.

[solid]

That four winds is sweet. Can you get an older model for a lot less?

I looked at one of these today. Man, it's hard not to love this little RV. Small enough to drive around town, yet would be really comfortable to live in. It has everything. I wanted to move right on in...then road trip!

I'm going to look at some older and more affordable ones tomorrow. This is a lot of fun, and exciting, for me.

Saw this ad on craigslist. A bit out of my price range (actually a lot), but looks awesome, made me think of the General.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/rvs/2842276558.html

[solid]

That rig about as big as the M35 probably gets worse fuel milage and you can't push roadblocks out of the way with it.

I just can't think of getting one of those though. There's a lot of big pluses, but that thing would just attract too much attention. I really think something that can fit in, and allow me to fly under the radar, is the way to go...for me.

[milehi]

I really think something that can fit in, and allow me to fly under the radar, is the way to go...for me.

How about an ice cream truck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS042RB_zp8&feature=endscreen

[palani]

How about an ice cream truck
Pretty fattening and tends to melt outside of arctic environs. As a structural material ice cream would be fairly rigid in compression but would deform easily in tension.

[palani]

I bet this thing could be an interesting RV. Cruise the tundra with a 150 ton payload.

http://landtrain.net/files/cache/19490a19a38bbb2a7cb8db5c014cccb7.jpg

http://landtrain.net/land-train/model-vc-22-sno-freighter/

[zap]

QUOTE FROM SOLID

"so I'm looking for one that I can drive around town in easily, and park under the radar. I will be using this to live out of part time."

Pay attention !

[Nomoss]

Why not just move to Loch Lomond or Lowries?
Its not has EZ to live in the RV in the city as you think.
The cops and all of that got old.. fast! Have fun.

[big country]

I hear you Mick. I am working on the boat, constantly. Slowly but surely, she's gettin' ready. I've actually got the all the solar I need, it's just not installed yet. Your advise is very good...I should share a bit more details on my situation.

Right now, the boat is basically in the worst possible place. In a big crime ridden city, ranked in the top 10 worst cities to live in the whole country. This city sucks. I've been complaining about being here for too long. I keep making excuses to stay. I actually tried to leave once, but once we got out in the ocean, the weather turned for the worst and we had to turn back.

Anyway, there's all these beautiful coastal small towns I can move too. Nice beaches, surfing, hiking, etc...all the fun things I enjoy to do. Good safe places to live. However, they are too far from where I work. My work schedule is very unique. I work 7 days in a row, on call, oddball hours. Then I get 7 days off. With the RV, I can park it at work during my 7 work days. Then, when I get my 7 days off I can drive the RV to the boat and enjoy my time off in a safe beautiful area. I could move the boat anywhere, up and down the coast, and just live in the RV during my 7 day workweek.

The problem I have is that with work, I'm gone from the boat. When you mention bugging out. I've got to 'get' to the boat. This is where the RV (I think) is a good idea. I could have it ready with food/supplies, things I need to buy me time to get to the boat if I need to. Basically, I could have land and sea covered.

I've been bitching and moaning about where I live for awhile. I need to finally make a change and quit making excuses. I need to get out of this city. It's going to hell.

Will your workplace let you park it on their lot during your work week? If not, where will you camp?
Also, where will you dump? I presume if you park it at work that they do not have a dump spot for your waste water (grey and black). If you're not hooked to sewer, the normal holding tanks on most RVs fill pretty quickly. I doubt you would even get a week without having to pull out and dump somewhere. Also water storage, unless you're hooked to water the normal water storage in RVs doesn't last all the long either, probably right around as long as your holding tank will last. If you plan on showering in the RV I doubt you would even get a week.

Not trying to burst your bubble or anything. Just something you're going to need to plan. Do you plan on parking this in an RV park (where you will have these hookups) or something?

[palani]

QUOTE FROM SOLID ...and park under the radar. Pay attention !

Did you read the part where this land train was used to service the DEW line? Did you know that the DEW line was a radar setup to detect Soviet missiles as they transit the North Pole?

[EE_]

Will your workplace let you park it on their lot during your work week? If not, where will you camp?
Also, where will you dump? I presume if you park it at work that they do not have a dump spot for your waste water (grey and black). If you're not hooked to sewer, the normal holding tanks on most RVs fill pretty quickly. I doubt you would even get a week without having to pull out and dump somewhere. Also water storage, unless your hooked to water the normal water storage in RVs doesn't last all the long either, probably right around as long as your holding tank will last. If you plan on showering in the RV I doubt you would even get a week.

Not trying to burst your bubble or anything. Just something you're going to need to plan. Do you plan on parking this in an RV park (where you will have these hookups) or something?

At one point I was moving around for work, I considered going the 5th wheel route. What I found was, it is difficult to find a place to park an RV in California. Parks in nice locations are booked months in advace. You are only allowed to stay at these parks up to 6 months...after that you must leave the park for a minimum of two weeks.
Secondly, California is not friendly to people trying to live out of an RV...so parking anywhere overnight (not in a park) will get you harrassed by the popo. California wants you to pay property taxes and does not like you if you try to evade these taxes.

[palani]

Easy enough solution. You find a couple of parcels of land to file a mining claim on. It costs a pittance annually to keep the claim current. You are only permitted to park on these claims for 2 weeks so you have several of them that you move between. RV parks will let you dump sewage (for a fee).

Who knows? You might even find gold (but azurite is more profitable).