- How Do You Avoid Crazy People When You’re Living in a Van Down by the River?
- Can We Borrow 2,000,000 Pennies?
- Paying for a Mobile Lifestyle: Ways to Make Money Online
- Why Don’t We Have Electric Powered Vans Yet?
- Boing boing, Grease, and Why a Car Won’t Work
- Little Miss Sunshine vs The Soccer Mom
- The Little Can That Could: Checking out the VW Minibus
- First Order of Business: What Kind of Van?
- We’re Gonna be Living in a Van Down by the River!
Can We Borrow 2,000,000 Pennies?
September 24th, 2007
The goal: To get a late model Honda Odyssey into my garage so I can go all “Frankenstein” on it.
After doing some research and test driving vans with Flinstones-braking technology, I’ve decided that a Honda Odyssey would be the perfect minivan for this trip - mostly because:
- It goes up a hill
- Can sleep a 6 foot tall hobo +1 (I measured)
- Has somewhere between 30-40 airbags (not the circa-1993 kind that hits you like a brick in the face when someone taps your bumper).
- Looks about as cool as any minivan is allowed to look
- Has a cool storage compartment that can store a lot of Bananarama tapes
- The engine is not held together by duct tape
- 26 miles per gallon on the highway
Unfortunately these buggers cost 15-25K used. But realistically we’ll only need it for a few months to a year - so if we intend to sell it, we get a different version of the math.
The math behind the van
Going off Rob’s suggestion, we can look at the depreciation by looking at Kelley Blue Book prices.
A 2005 LX Honda Odyssey in Good condition and with 40,000 miles costs $17,795.
A 2004 LX Honda Odyssey in Good condition and with 60,000 miles costs $14,220.
So buying a van, putting 20,000 miles on it, and aging it for a year ends up costing about $3,575 in depreciation - and that’s on the high end. Realistically it would probably be quite a bit less.
So the next question is: If it will only cost a few thousand in the end (which we can probably make on the road), how can we get someone to put up $20,000, with the prospect of getting it all back?
September 24th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
the answer to your question. let them charge you interest till they get it all back. almost any bank will do this for you if your credit is decent.
September 24th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
“How can we get someone to put up $20,000, with the prospect of getting it all back?”
By paying interest.
(This is called a “car loan” by the cognoscenti.
)
Everyone who’s wanted to sell me an RV has always effused about how easy it is to get loans for that purpose.
September 24th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Lending is a lot tighter these days due to the mortgage crisis and my credit score took a beating after I quit law school to start a business several years ago, so a conventional loan (or one with any reasonable interest rate) would be harder to get.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
I am hoping with your writing and web skills you can pre-sell your story to someone and get some early funding. I think that would be easier than the “lend us a van” plan … but what the hell do I know.
If it were me I’d buy the vehicle I could afford, stock up on tools and spare parts, get some small revenue streams set up online, sell all my crap and take off.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
I think you’re right, Steve. I didn’t actually expect a reader to lend me 20K - I’m just throwing my thoughts out there since I’m getting a lot of great feedback from people like you - hoping someone will spark an idea that will lead to “the way”
September 24th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
I think you’re right on track. You have to throw the ideas out there. Bouncing ideas off of the collective (un)consciousness is the single best aspect of the web … in my opinion.
Your parking spot awaits:
http://massmirror.com/c2f092b34ef3d23b7713fdb319eed5a1.html
September 25th, 2007 at 7:44 am
The best way would be to take care of your own needs, but if you are wanting a “sponsor”, you might try some other avenues. How about those advertising wraps, or decals that cover an entire vehicle? I don’t know much about the current state of them, but I remember that not long ago, the vehicle needed to be different and eye-catching. The wrap doesn’t harm the paint, by the way. Or - how about partnering with Garmin, Magellan, or another GPS or mapping software manufacturer and make this an adventure/advertising project. Don’t forget to partner with a camera company and also a bottled water company for the advertising value. If you get the Honda, I think you should hack the rearview camera to record the scenes of the road behind you as you travel - kind of like an archive of where you have been. I do not have ADD!
September 25th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Steve: That place looks awesome. Where is it? Is that where you live?
meniscus: great ideas - I might call Garmin later today. If I am able to get an Odyssey with a rearview cam, that would be a really cool hack - especially if I could broadcast it live via EVDO.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Are you really on Calle De Peru in Siesta? If so, maybe I could stop by for a beer. Or just stop by, and maybe watch you for awhile.
September 25th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Yes. That’s home sweet home. That overlook is about a twenty minute walk from my house.
Google Map
September 25th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Beerbum: not at that exact spot, but a few miles away. Not sure what you mean by “watch you for a while”. Huh.
September 25th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Markus and your girl. I know the best thing for the both of yous. WALK or BIKE RIDE. Just do the coast of the United STATES. Start from Main and go all the way down to Tejas gulf coast. Then there you are on your own to get to the west coast. Give me some money for support. I got mouths to feed up top of college loans and credit cards. One can not make shit making 25,000 out even with a College degree.
September 25th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Sorry, I hit the enter key too soon — also, if you guys are looking for a 3rd person on your trip, I’m up for it. Now, just so we are clear on this, will you be entering the state of Nevada, California, or Utah? If so, I may have to run that by my P.O. Other than that, I don’t see any reason why I can’t go.
Let me know as soon as you can,
BB
September 25th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Haha. Thanks BeerBum, but that’s probably too far for you to travel all the way from Ohio.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Ohio? Nope, I’m right around the corner good buddy. Ooh, speaking of good buddy, I could run the CB! “Ya’al got your ears on out there? Seen any smokies up on the cloverleaf, ‘cuz them bears are wall to wall.”
See, I’m good at this kind of stuff. Also, I can make hobo stew, which will come in handy, when we are broke down and have to eat.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I’m allergic to hobos. And I am about to be one. It’s a good thing I’m not allergic to irony.
September 26th, 2007 at 10:53 am
What you to good to talk to me markus? You will answers back to beerbum. Who is stalking you and yo girl. Scary stuff man. Youn think he is butt fucking egypt but he just right around the corner looking at you with a telescope. Hey I found this site that might be handy for yous.
September 26th, 2007 at 10:54 am
http://cheaprvliving.com/howtoconvertavan.html
September 26th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Hey Tyler. (I think I need to get threaded comments on here). I’m afraid we’re not hard core enough to walk or bike ride the whole way. Thanks for the link though - that’s a great site.
September 27th, 2007 at 9:33 am
You can try a Prosper.com loan. Person to person loan, and you could try to get your readership to help fund the loan at $50 a person.
September 27th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
That’s an idea, Dave. I have looked at that site and thought it was pretty interesting, but I never did anything with it. I second that motion.
September 27th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Just saying hi. Still checking your site and wondering how things are going. If you don’t recall, I kind of want to do the same thing you two are planning.
September 28th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/car/428642012.html
This looks like a good van for your purposes!
September 28th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
D&M: I’m going to check out Prosper.com and see what the details are.
Rougy: Cool. How are your plans coming along?
Sarah: That van sort of looks like it was used to transport dogs, prisoners, or some combination thereof. Pro: lots of space. Con: It’s in Portland.
September 29th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
What started as an pictorial adventure/tour, based on funds available, is becoming more complicated than it needs to be. Case in point. My last trip lasted 9 days, on two wheels, two saddle bags, a “T” bag. Used state parks and Koa’s for pennies on the dollar. Never did laundry, and never wore dirty clothes. Saw new things and had a great time! You both have rides, use them! Pick one and owe no one! I encourage you to continue with the quest, just keep it simple. Trust your respective talents. Go with what you know. Herein lies the fruit of the endeavor. Be beholding to no one! You two have all that you need, trust it. Dad
September 29th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Tyler,
Get help!
October 4th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Wow, your adventure hasn’t even started and you’ve got the panhandling down.
October 4th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Hey, here’s a shout out to anyone reading this blog. I am planning on tramping my way across the country mostly by jumping trains. However, I’m allergic to hobos and would like to set myself apart from them. Plus I’m really not very adventurous. I was wondering if anyone could spot me some money or buy me some goods and services. Here is a brief list of the stuff y’all could donate to me:
1. A top of the line Coleman tent, sleeping bag, knapsack, etc.
2. An unlimited Starbuck’s gift card.
3. A gift/debit card with a generous sum on it, like $5000 (I’ll give back what I don’t spend.)
4. A laptop with a paid wireless set up so that I can relay to my fans exactly which hotels and restaurants my adventurous, hobo ass is visiting.
Well that’s all I can think of right now, but you guys can come up with some more stuff I might need and send it to me. I mean, I want to have a real adventure, but I want to make sure I do it in a style I can’t afford. I can guaran-damn-tee you that I will tranform your contributions into hours of top-notch entertainment. Please feel free to contact me through this blog. I don’t have a blog of my own, but I’m sure the folks that have this one won’t mind if I mooch off them a bit. Cheers!
October 5th, 2007 at 12:15 am
Hey Darrin,
As a student of psychology (among other things) I would suggest you are full of shit.
You are not planning anything. No travel, no adventures, no nothing.
Let me just say “don’t bullshit a bullshitter.”
Go ahead and search for suckers elsewhere.
All my best,
Steve
October 5th, 2007 at 10:32 am
Steve,
You’re not very bright are you? Look up the word “sarcasm” in the dictionary. As a student of psychology I hope you can manage it. And, by the way, I have a degree in psychology.
Love always, Darrin
October 5th, 2007 at 10:41 am
You kids start behavin’ or I’m turning this blog right back around!
October 5th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Darrin,
Good sarcasm is funny.
‘Nuff said.
Steve
October 5th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Steve, yer OUT of yer ELEMENT, yer like a child who wanders in…
October 5th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Hey!
Why not get a horse and pull a yurt across the country. The horse can eat grass. Thered be no gas bills.
BTW Steve how does it feel to be pwned? ’cause Darrin pwned your flapjack flippin’ ass. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout!!!!
October 5th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Okay, just stop arguing. So, maybe Steve is a bit dim, but cut the guy some slack. He’s trying to help. I don’t really think that you can take Darrin seriously. He’s funny as hell lol, but he’s really not a helpful person.
I really like Ondar’s idea, but I was wondering whether you guys could rig up some sort of a rickshaw type vehicle. Wicker is pretty light and you could take turns pushing it, get some oiled burlap to sleep under, or maybe a really small yurt?
But hey, I’m gonna tell my friends about this site. A few of them are squatting in an abandoned house, there freegans. Might want to check out freegans. Kim
October 5th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Bob J and Kim, are you guys serious? I know I’m a lot smarter than Darrin. I’m a student of psychology for christ sakes’. I’ve seen Darren’s type before. He’s a scammer. Can’t you guys see that?
Puzzled by your responses, Steve
October 5th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Hey, what the hell I posted a message and then came back and it was erased. I don’t believe in censorship, man. So I’ll repeat what I said.
Lay off Steve, sure, he’s a bit dim, but he’s trying to help. I don’t think Darrin is trying to help, he’s funny as hell lol but he’s just trying to help.
October 5th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
oops, I mean Darrin isn’t trying to help. And I think my idea that you get a wicker rickshaw is a good one. You could take turns pulling it and call your blog, ” sleeping under a rickshaw down by the river and selling hotdogs on the roadside
Please don’t delete my posts, I’m trying to help.
Plus, I’m a freegan check it out, Kim
October 5th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
You must have deleted that other guys message to, the one who suggested that you get a horse to pull a yurt. Yurts have been used for centuries and I think it was a fine idea. Why is the moderator of this blog being so repressive?
October 5th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Darrin you da man LOL, Steve, you hoolahoop-eyed, chicken-neck-lookin’ jive turkey, you got owned. PWN, hah!!!
October 6th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
This thread is really getting out of hand. It would be nice if people could behave themselves, no?
Marcus, have you guys thought about a motorcyle, or a couple of scooters. Like they did on that Long way around show with Ewan MacGregor and the other guy?
October 6th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Have yall thought about following The Dead. Someone else mentioned selling hot dogs. You could cook’em up with heat from the car exhaust or lay’em up on the engine. There was this movie I saw where some guy went around in a van and sold grilled cheese sammiches to Deadheads. You could set’er up like whats that Panini grill at Applebys, somethin like at. You now them dudes got the munchies like a son of a bitch.
October 10th, 2007 at 7:25 am
Maybe I do have ADD..
December 4th, 2007 at 4:22 am
I’ve never owned a car built in the same decade we live in. Not long ago I drove my 1974 VW Thing from Oregon to San Deigo and back - 3,000 miles - without a single hiccup. I’ve also circumnavigated the country in a rust ‘78 Ford van of dubious mechanical integrity and lived to tell the tail.
Consider that you’re not going to be in any hurry - and stopping to meet people is part of your journey. Anybody can cross the country in a brand-new vehicle, but does it make for an interesting story?
All kinds of people want to stop and talk to me when I’m out in the bright orange VW Thing. Who’s going to care about a couple of white kids in a newish mini-van?
I suggest considering alternatives besides burdening yourselves with a ton of auto-debt. You have a perfectly good car - see about getting a small camp trailer. When you’re not pulling it you’ll get better milage than any minivan, and the trailer will be more comfortable than a van.
Or, get a full-size van and carry scooters to get around once you reach your destination.
I’ve seen couples touring on a motorcycle pulling a pop-up camp trailer.
best of luck!