So, am I crazy?

[Kusanagi]

The last few weeks since I got laid off have been interesting ones to say the least. i've lost my place to live, my job, and in alot of aspects, my sanity.

Sadly, my friends seem to be very wary because of what I have done. Something radical to cut down on my expenses.

I was given a steal on a cargo van which through alot of research, blood, sweat, and tears I have converted it into a camper/RV. Thank god for craigslist.

All the electronics are in, and working. I only got shocked about half a dozen times :P

I now have a place to sleep no matter what happens, and the van is mechanically sounds I can go anywhere in the country there's work.

Anyone got a job offer? I can seriously take someone up on it now...which was my goal with this project.

The van features:

1500 watt inverter/battery charger
Microwave
Minifridge
Several outlets
Sink, faucet
6 gallons of fresh water, 6 gallon storage tank for waste water/dishwater
Wardrobe area, kitchen area, pots, pans, etc
Bed in the back big enough for me.

?I've spent about the last week getting used to the lifestyle of stealth camping. I spent the days working on the van, and the nights finding a safe, secluded place to park for the night. Because it's a plain white cargo van, I havent been disturbed by the police or muggers, and I can park nearly anywhere I please.

I work out, shower, and shave at the gym.

My dad traded my computer for a brand new HP laptop which I can get signal from anywhere. I parked by a WalMart and leeched off the local Burger King for their wireless signal.

I'm looking for work but now I can get a part time job for only a few hundred a month. It's definately trading one set of stressors for another, but I feel like I'm really starting over from square one.

I have a few hundred left over to live off of until I can find a new job...but all I need is just a place to park once a week or so to fully recharge my batteries.

I'm not homeless...just houseless.

Interestingly enough, I've been hit hard by learning who my true friends are and just how strong some of the family ties are.

Everyone seems to have critisizm for how stupid I am for doing this. Everyone seems to be quick to point out the flaws with this. Nobody is offering any solutions, and I've been pointing that out.

It's like "Yeah, I don't want to be associated with the crazy guy that lives in the van, oh, and I don't want you even driving in my neighborhood but if you want to meet up somewhere where my other friends won't see us like at Denny's at 11pm then I might be able to make it..."

I'm not asking for food, I'm not asking for a couch, I'm just asking for an extension cord and a place to sleep securely without worrying about the cops bothering me or someone breaking in to my vehicle, since all I own now is inside it.

For now...some pics. Sorry if this post is a bit disorganized

It's alot more finished now than it is in these pics, I'll try to get more the next time I park at my folk's place.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v312/kusanagisan/van/

Anyone who wants my cell # can PM me for it

[RootedPhoenix]

That's the one thing I do not get about people.

You are trying your best with what you now have. However you got there, you are there now. You've got the van, you're living in it. It doesn't seem like you're crying about how awful it is. It sounds like you are willing to do everything yourself that you can.

And still people will pick you apart. I do not understand people's minds.

I guess it must be because you no longer fit in their narrow thoughts of what someone "should" be do they can't deal with you. And worse!...they don't want to.

Trials tell you who really cares. *sigh*

*offers hugs* I've got nothing else, but I've always got hugs and good thoughts.

[One-Fang]

Wow. Personally I think that's an awesome solution. I've had friends that have lived from a bus for a while. Mobile living is definitely a lifestyle option - it doesn't make you "a homeless bum" or anything.

The only concern I might have is the regular access to gyms for the showering etc if you move around. But maybe you can get access to the Y in any city or something? I dunno. Either way, there's always bound to be somewhere you can go. Cheaper to buy a new gym subscription than move into an apartment.

Look for your city's tent parks, holiday camps. You would be able to park there for minimal fee and they'll have showers and full kitchens you can take advantage of.

[wagegoth]

Kus, I wish there was a job I could offer you here. They just keep cutting and cutting.

[Kusanagi]

Something will come up, I'm sure of it.

And the only difference between these "friends" and myself is 2 paychecks.

[Kiwi]

I think the van looks awesome!

If you cant find any friends/family to give you a plug in, im sure an RV campsite would hire you a spot for a night.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

What are your skills? I'll keep an eye and ear out. Are you drawing unemployment?

Heck, that van is nicer than my old place.

If showering is an issue, pick up a solar shower. They work and they don't even need electricity. You could probably pick one up for under 20 bucks. If you want to get fancy, I think Coleman makes a little tent shower cabana, even.

[Gravekeeper]

I....actually think the van is sorta cool. >.>

It's even stealthed as it doesn't look like any sort of camper.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Wow, pretty impressive. Good luck with the job search. I wish I could help you.

[The Gatekeeper]

Nice work Kus. That looks pretty comfy! You might want to edit out the plate number though, you never know who's looking at those pics.

A question just came to mind though. How did you get your hands on the wood? That's a lot of wood (get your minds out of the gutter people ) and we know how tight money is.

[Ree]

That's a lot of wood...
...and we know how tight money is.

Yeah, where I work, that would be over $200 worth of wood and materials.

[SengaKitty]

I think it looks incredible really. I PMed you about a possible job here in Louisville, if you're interested. We also have lots of camp grounds around here... I don't know about hooking up to electricity or whatnot, but I could look into it for you.

[Kusanagi]

The wood was procured through scrap and a few friends working at the home depot when i used to work there. You'd be amazed how much scrap there is that can be marked down at 50 cents a piece if you know who to talk to.

[TheSHAD0W]

Looking at your photos, please make sure that battery box is ventilated, preferably to the outside. Explosive fumes can build up in there.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Wood's not all that expensive, it's the hardware that costs a lot.