I'm going mobile, let's discuss the options.

[BMF1102]

First this is not a move to save money on housing, my housing bills the last 18months average $205 USD. (Gas, electric, water, trash, property tax)

Second, this became a long post. Please have a read and tell me what you think. Thank you

This is a lifestyle move.
I spend 5-6 months a year traveling for work. I typically spend 2-5 weeks in a location have a couple days to a week or so off between jobs. I usually spend $350-$700 a week for temporary housing. Where I could be spending those amounts for a campsite for a month. Or even possibly free in some areas. So this could save me money while working.

When not working I enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, outdoor shit etc. I enjoy exploring new areas, I would love to see all the National parks and various other state parks, preserves, landmarks, etc.

So I'm looking at options to carry my bike, kayak, camp gear, 2 tool boxes (for work 26" wide x18" deep x14" tall), and all basic needs for full time living. A place/way to cook, a place to sleep comfortably, and preferably a place to answer nature's call.

I'm leaning more towards a truck and trailer of some sort. Have thought long and hard about vans or class Bs.

I think I might run short on space and security (for the bike/kayak) in a van. Plus I work at nuclear power plants and they can be fickle about what you're bringing on site.

I have read C40s journal and blog and Bryan's, I have also read various other van and mobile living sites/blogs.

I'm pushing for FI as soon as possible but in more of a semi retired way. I take a couple months off work in the summers. So instead of always traveling back home between jobs I could stay and explore the different towns/areas more. This would make exploring in the off season easier by not having to always live out of a tent or renting Airbnbs.

Since I have to have a vehicle for work and typically drive 30,000ish miles a year. I thought I might as well kinda combine 2 big expenses in one.

I'm looking for thoughts, ideas and advice about what might be the best for my situation.

[unemployable]

reddit vandwellers

[Laura Ingalls]

Do you presently own a pick up and what is it’s tow ratings?

I’d lean towards a small/medium sized travel trailer or fifth wheel. DH’s fancy carbon bike rides on the bed when we camp. It was more expensive than the camper

[BMF1102]

@Bigato - Skoolies are pretty cool, I've also considered building out a box truck ultimately I want something more maneuverable. I'm more concerned my living quarters may have banned items on board rather than the actual vehicle being the problem.

@Unemployable - Never really spent much time on reddit I may look into it. Thank you

@L.I. - My bike is not that fancy! I have considered a small camper to tow behind my Cherokee like a Casita or Scamp. I do not currently have a truck.

[Laura Ingalls]

@bmf1102 His bike is fancy, but our camper is pretty ghetto too. Everyone else’s bikes ride on a bike rack on the back.

The Scamp factory makes one camper each day. They can be hard to get used and have a waitlist for new. They would be very towable with a Cherokee.

[sky]

Get a Chevy high top van, put some Goodyear All Terrain AT tires on it. Add a roof vent, 200 watts of solar and two or three deep discharge batteries. Build out the interior similar to this:

https://youtu.be/iuV0WZFbtOI

We have a RoadTrek class B which would also work for you, however there are better ways of doing things today. For example, a high efficiency 12 V fridge instead of an old RV fridge, or a chinese diesel heater instead of an RV heater. Having a stealthier vehicle is also an advantage over a class B. However, a class B would work.

[BMF1102]

@Sky - I have definitely thought about vans, I would lean towards a sprinter type though. I agree with you there are far better options these days for the various appliances than what came in any older unit I might buy.

@L.I. - Yes they are hard to come by, incidentally I have friend who has restored/updated a Casita and never used it that is now considering selling it. I have 300,000+ miles on my Cherokee, I'd jump in and drive across country today. I'm not sure I want to start abusing it by toting around a camper.

Options I'm leaning towards
- Tall, long sprinter type van
- Truck + toy hauler type 5th wheel
- Truck + horse trailer with living quarters
- Truck + enclosed car hauler built out

I think having a "garage" area for the bike, kayak, tools, possibly small motorcycle, small work bench. Would be ideal for making this work long term. Having a place to work on things is really nice.

[BMF1102]

@ Bigato - Are you going to try van living?
Unfortunately I think a van will be just a tad cramped for what I want. Although I do really like the mobility and simplicity of it.
I have lived in a pop-up camper in the past. I'm confident if I have a dedicated place to cook, sleep and poop I could make it work.

Another thought is to go with a van and keep the house for home base, or sell the house and buy an acre or so to set up a home base.
Selling the house could add approximately $65,000 to the stash.

[BMF1102]

@ Bigato - just crossed my mind.... Inflatable Kayak!

I'm still pondering the rest of your thoughts/advice

[Laura Ingalls]

http://vandoit.com/

They would fix you up only 35-80k

[BMF1102]

Laura - $35,000 wouldn't be terrible if it included the vehicle but I could not bring myself to spend it!
Have you done any van/mobile living or are currently? I've tried finding your journal (if you have one) but no luck yet. I like a comment of yours in another thread about "multiple crappy streams of income" being enough, or something to that effect. I would like to hear more about your situation, I will look for your journal again and read comments of yours.

Bigato - I could see Van living being a pretty daunting prospect especially if you have never driven a vehicle and have zero mechanical experience! Luckily I am very mechanically inclined and have experience driving numerous vehicle sizes.
I agree that any sort of mobile living will not necessarily be simpler. I guess I meant I like simplicity of a van that has everything you need in one unit, and not having to drag a trailer around, is what I was referring to with the "simplicity" comment.

My 2 largest expenses are temporary accommodations and vehicle fuel, so a highly fuel efficient car and a tent are the simplest solutions. Something slightly more comfortable would be preferred though!

I am in fact really leaning towards just a van and keeping the house. Perhaps when I find a good place to set up a home base for my mobile arrangement then renting the house.

[Laura Ingalls]

I don’t have a journal, maybe I should fix that. I am half of a straight married 50 something couple with two high school aged kiddos. We both have part-time jobs and DH trades options as well. We still have shortfall which has been equivalent to a SWR of 1.0-1.5%. I also consider our FAFSA friendly income as a future passive income stream too. Looking forward to a life with more slow travel, less winter, and no more school schedules.

I haven’t even camped this year . We have camped a lot with our aged 5th wheel and 3/4 ton pick up. In 2015 we had our camper in a seasonal site and our neighborhoods were all full timers. DH extended family all loves camping and has a variety of camping setups.

I saw the vandoit’s in person all custom builds with brand new vans. They were pretty sweet, not my ideal as comfortable bed for two and a kitchen fitted for more than reheating is my ideal.

[CS]

Having watched a lot of van videos it seems people's progressions often are from

Large truck with trailer
to
Large RV with toad (small car off the back)
to
Class B
to
steathlier class B

People seem happy to shed the stress of the trailer and the expensive towing vehicles. A lot of people overestimate how much room they need.
Perhaps you could rent something for a period and see before committing to a purchase.