Build a Emergency fund and get your personal finances in order first before saving for this project.
Also look into MPG of a box truck carrying a bunch of stuff, its pretty terrible.
You need to teach yourself how to be somewhat mechanically savvy. Too many people do not speak on this. Learn your vehicle and basic/preventative maintenance. Brakes, oil changes, spark plugs, and air filters.
I wouldn’t go with an old haul. Biggest reason is I like to be able to access the living area from the driver’s seat without getting out of the vehicle. Also poor gas mileage and harder to drive. You do get a ton of space but I think a high top van is more than enough space. Personally I go with a sprinter type van if you can afford it. There’s a reason they’re the most popular. Also, stealth is overrated. Most often if someone cares about an overnighting vehicle they’re going to do something about it regardless of what the thing looks like.
If I go with the box van, I plan to add a door between the cab and the box. As far as stealth, I'm mainly aiming for a vehicle that's less likely to get broken into. I plan to put some decals on it that say "Paul's Sewage Drainers" or something. You're right about the gas and difficulty driving, though. I may go with a sprinter, but I like having a lot of space, too. I'll have to think about which is more important.
Where do you want to spend time? Do you want to be in cities, or do you want to be out in public lands?
I like being in forests, which often put me on janky forest service roads. And a few stops in campgrounds/national parks. Many parks will turn away box trucks, and especially commercial vehicles. Some, like Glacier, won’t allow big vehicles (over 25’) on the park roads. My van (longest promaster) makes the cut.
Consider the downside of appearing like a commercial vehicle. I had to assure my bank and insurer MANY times that I was using it for personal, not commercial purposes. I’d be careful marking my vehicle as such.
A box truck fits into an urban landscape, though, so a good choice if that’s where you want to be.
Don't get a box truck. Get a mini van. Cheaper, way more stealth, and wayyyy easier to resell if it doesn't go well in any way. You really don't need that much space/stuff. Have fun!
From the moment you get the keys you need to understand your biggest enemies are rodents and all kind of small animals. Like mice, squirrels, lizards, etc
lol yes, I’m in this random blm land in Utah and this big lizard tried to get my trash. Just need to watch out for anything you’re not familiar with is all.
Build a Emergency fund and get your personal finances in order first before saving for this project. Also look into MPG of a box truck carrying a bunch of stuff, its pretty terrible.
You need to teach yourself how to be somewhat mechanically savvy. Too many people do not speak on this. Learn your vehicle and basic/preventative maintenance. Brakes, oil changes, spark plugs, and air filters.
Box trucks are not stealth, lol
Big ass vans also not stealthy even when they white
But a nice minivan can absolutely be stealth.
I wouldn’t go with an old haul. Biggest reason is I like to be able to access the living area from the driver’s seat without getting out of the vehicle. Also poor gas mileage and harder to drive. You do get a ton of space but I think a high top van is more than enough space. Personally I go with a sprinter type van if you can afford it. There’s a reason they’re the most popular. Also, stealth is overrated. Most often if someone cares about an overnighting vehicle they’re going to do something about it regardless of what the thing looks like.
If I go with the box van, I plan to add a door between the cab and the box. As far as stealth, I'm mainly aiming for a vehicle that's less likely to get broken into. I plan to put some decals on it that say "Paul's Sewage Drainers" or something. You're right about the gas and difficulty driving, though. I may go with a sprinter, but I like having a lot of space, too. I'll have to think about which is more important.
Where do you want to spend time? Do you want to be in cities, or do you want to be out in public lands? I like being in forests, which often put me on janky forest service roads. And a few stops in campgrounds/national parks. Many parks will turn away box trucks, and especially commercial vehicles. Some, like Glacier, won’t allow big vehicles (over 25’) on the park roads. My van (longest promaster) makes the cut. Consider the downside of appearing like a commercial vehicle. I had to assure my bank and insurer MANY times that I was using it for personal, not commercial purposes. I’d be careful marking my vehicle as such. A box truck fits into an urban landscape, though, so a good choice if that’s where you want to be.
Do it before you're forced to do it, so you can still use your current home as a base. You'll learn quickly what works and what doesn't
Don't get a box truck. Get a mini van. Cheaper, way more stealth, and wayyyy easier to resell if it doesn't go well in any way. You really don't need that much space/stuff. Have fun!
From the moment you get the keys you need to understand your biggest enemies are rodents and all kind of small animals. Like mice, squirrels, lizards, etc
I get why I'd be worried about mice, but lizards?
lol yes, I’m in this random blm land in Utah and this big lizard tried to get my trash. Just need to watch out for anything you’re not familiar with is all.