It’s not news that Bob Wells, the CRVL crew, and a good chunk of the nomadic tribe are based in the western United States. That limits our experience, knowledge and perspective, making Cheap RV Living less of a helpful resource than it could be.
So we’d like to hear from those of you in other parts of the country, even other parts of the world. We’d like to feature reports that are relevant to you. Information, advice, tips, problems… What’s going on in your neck of the boondocks?
We invite articles from those who feel their interests are underreported—or totally unreported. If nothing else, let us know what you wish someone would write about.
If you’re interested (and we hope you are), send a description of what you want to report to me, the editor of the CRVL website.
Al Christensen
editor.crvl@gmail.com
Definitely would like to see more information about Midwest happenings and get togethers. I’m in upper Illinois, still working full time and living in a house. I’d be interested in any van build events w/in a couple hours of chicagoland. I’d also like to see info on winter camping.
Yes, we’d like to feature more posts on those topics, especially from those on the scene. I’ve spent time in the Midwest, but only on business, not as a camper. So come on, Midwesterners (and folks in other places), fill us in.
yeah same here. would like more info on Illinois,Michigan and Wisconsin. Have family in those states and any info would be appreciated.
I lived in Illinois (Gurnee) for several years and then moved to Wisconsin in 2011 during the crash. I was laid off Jan 11th, along with 500 of my closest coworkers, as I was afraid that would happen. I moved north because I couldn’t find a job for the life of me. It was THAT time. I lived in Milwaukee for the following 10 years, working until the end of 2021. I was a follower – more like a disciple – of Bob Wells since 2010, when the clouds had started gathering, and I was searching “living cheap”. I found Bob, the channel, the forum and the book. The internet filled with vanlifers after that. It was a relief to know that there is a way out, if the worse came to the worst.
Bob opened my eyes to the possibility of van-dwelling, if things went even more south from where I was, and I was in a rather precarious situation as it was, at the time.
In 2016 I finally traded my small car for a cargo van. By this time things were looking up, and I paid off the van fast and started building it. I did, and un-did, and re-did a bunch of stuff over and again, frustrated at times for my inexperience, for buying the wrong screws, for the last drill bit that broke at the very last hole, for cutting a board the wrong length, the glue that wouldn’t stick… I had no help but my neighbor to cheer me on: “Wow, look what you did! So pretty!”
I sourced materials from Craigslist, Restore, from the basement, stuff from the garage, what was in the house, and then for some, I had to pay real money.
I took numerous pictures and videos from the build-out, which lasted for over a year, as I was doing it after work and in weekends, weather permitting.
During that time I was going van-camping here and there, half-done, bangee-cord’d, holding stuff in place with clamps, and van-sleeping on my driveway sometimes, to see if it is livable enough. I just loved it! I changed a thing or two over time, but nothing major. I added hooks, a power strip, eye bolt screws, holders of things, and such.
It is a Chevy Express, so I patterned almost everything after Bob’s van which was a GM Savana at the time. I even wrote to him a couple of time then, and to my surprise, he replied!
“Why reinvent the wheel” I though. “If it works for Bob, it will work for me.”
I copied everything, except for a narrower bed, and the addition of a sink. I like sinks.
I took several trips south to Missouri, and Arkansas during the pandemic and I set up a cabin on a cheap piece of land. I bought the cabin ready-made. It has an address. I pounded a mailbox at the front. The property tax is $10 a year. Cheaper than a PO box.
That will be my homestead and starting point, as well as the place to retreat, if the situation gets hairy in the near or distant future.
During these trips I lived in my van. It is comfortable and homey.
I have everything I need in it. There is running water, porta-potti, gas stove, a soft bed, lights, curtains, solar for electricity, a Bluetti and batteries too .There is food and water and books and internet. There are fans and a heater. Life is good.
I went back and I sold my house in Milwaukee in the beginning of January and I came down south to Arkansas again. I’m stopping at the cabin these days, and I will get back on the road again as soon as the weather warms up more. Or whenever I feel like it! I am retired now!
WOW, that’s a wonderful story. Glad everything came to fruition for you; as described the whole process make us believe well planning, hard work & determination are your forte. Congratulations & enjoy your retirement I love stories with happy endings !
Great story!
I live in Arkansas and several years ago a friend and I set out to explore a different State Park every chance we had to go explore. Arkansas has a such beautiful parks and forests. There are lots of RV parks and campgrounds – both paid and boondocking. That’s on my bucket list once again. I learned recently of places that I’ve never hear of much less seen and so, the gypsy in me is ready and willing to hi the road again. I’ll be glad to share my explorations with y’all!
Please do.
How about the East coast? I am in Florida. I know we don’t have the BLM land like the West/Midwest, but we still have a vanlife community! I would like to know how vanlifers in the South and East in general do and live. Even if they aren’t full time.
This is one reason we’re calling for others to submit articles.
How inclusive are your events? I am a pre transition person with a female body. However, I am and have known that I am a male inside for 60 + years. I am trying to get a vehicle suitable to live in and sound enough to travel in. Then I retire and start Testosterone if I can. I just am concerned how accepting your group of nomads are. I would love to join up and learn more. I will be living in a vehicle regardless as it’s my only option for retirement besides imposing on family or living in a tent homeless like I did in my younger days.
Everyone is welcome. There have been a number of LGBTQ+ people at the events. There might be individuals who have a problem with non-binary souls because, as I said, everyone is welcome, and that includes some very conservative folks. Those who cause problems are usually asked to leave.