Quote: (11-01-2012 08:59 PM)CaP7 Wrote:
I bought a mid-2000s GMC Explorer Savana Van as a vehicle to camp out of in 2008. It was the perfect vehicle, because I could park it on any street, in front of any house, and people would not suspect that there was possibly someone sleeping out of it. Total freedom. A camper or RV attracts attention from all the NIMBY's. Their is a simple raised roof that gives an additional 7-8 inches of headroom. That is essential because it allows you to stand up in it and gives the illusion of more space. Simple modifications and a couple of gym memberships at national type chains are all it takes. I've slept in most of the major cities and state parks in CA for free. Gets 13-19 mpg.
A couple of years ago I ended up losing my job. I decided to live out of my van to stop the bleeding. I lasted 8 months before I moved into a small office space. In San Diego there is an entire culture of drifters that live out of RV's. You just have to figure out the streets where it's allowed (where you're able to get away with it). People from the desert drive up every weekend, hang out at the beach, and sleep 2-3 nights in their RV. If you're resourceful and somewhat creative, it can be an awesome life.
If I was ever in a divorce situation (not likely since I refuse to get married) or was an ex-con, I would immediately go all cash and buy another van. San Diego. Surf. Disappear.
As far as picking up women? Easy. Girls on vacation or college girls with roommates are the target market. Just have a good story and make sure your van is clean and in a sick spot. My best spot was this place across from a beach park. My van had leather seats and kind of looked like a limo van. Intrigue built in. Done. Another tip for this, don't let yourself go, and then try to take a woman back to your van. I was always careful to look good, shave, etc. You're dealing with a large possible creeper factor and must combat that.
RV's are not smart. Too bulky and limiting to drive. You make people suspicious automatically. I couldn't tell you how many sketchy, meth-looking people I found around San Diego in RV's.
Good post. Do the girls know you live in the Van? I mean you could probably clean it up enough to hide that fact.