What to look for/avoid?

[Commander Zarkon]

^^^ Exactly what I was thinking just before I came back to post again. The right thing to do is suck it up, work hard and get yourself right side up even if it means a second job or selling your art on the side while you work the teaching job. Once you get that Casita paid down then think about options.

You could look for an on site caretaker job where you can park for free, or even a storage yard or salvage yard. Our cemetery association lets a guy in a schoolie live on our old WPA schoolhouse property in a rural area, he pays $50/month to keep his excess belongings in one of the buildings plus electricity. Just the presence of his vehicles and pets keeps the vandals away.

With all the catalytic converters that get stolen at storage yards it seems like a good idea to me to have someone live there.

I'm not going to jump and do anything nuts. I am sucking it up for now-it's at least a roof over my head and my dog's, and a little kitchen and shower.
Selling my art is not really a possibility, as all my supplies and tools are in storage in another state, and they don't fit in here anyway-so that is a major factor in my desperation. Not being able to work on my art, or even move forward trying to do so, is very frustrating.
I will just keep looking at options and trying to plan.

 

[Commander Zarkon]

Are you pretty handy and can you generally do your own house and vehicle repairs? Not just maintenance but actual repairs of broken stuff. To me that's a big factor in the financial part of choosing an RV.

Yes.
I used to work on my old Jeep: stripped it to the frame and rebuilt it, rewired it, changed the clutch, swapped in an engine, replaced intake and exhaust manifolds, had an adapter made to fit a 1980 valve cover on an 1985 head (4.0), etc.
I did that by myself, including the engine with a come along.

I have power tools (battery) and stuff. I know how to do simple welds.

I would like to do as little as possible, but I can fix things.

I am thinking that an RV from around 2010 would be OK.
Other option I considered is converting a box truck, but not sure I want to deal with that, plus who will insure it... will it become a problem to get into camp grounds---thought the ridiculous rules abot RV age would disqualify a 2010 usually.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

You kind of locked in your short term destiny with the casita. My vote would be to make that work until a better opportunity presents itself, which might not be for a while. Better is relative and in this case not much better, so there's not much point in rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic. 6 months from now the picture could look remarkably different so no point in making things more complicated.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[DutchmenSport]

Maybe it's time to get out of the "box" completely (not just "think" outside the box, but actually get out of it.) There's nothing wrong with life changing career choices that are as closely related as the North Pole is to the Sahara Desert.

It's scarry and challenging to change one's focus in life, but when doors slam shut in your face, you have to look for windows to crawl through. If you do, you may find your "former" life was over-due an over-haul.

My teen years started out working at a Gas station, later a grocery store, then a grain elevator. I started college and had to return to work, so I worked at McDonalds, and that evolved to working in a hospital kitchen. When I graduated college, I was still seeking secondary employment at McDonalds and engage in the ministry. That lasted 5 years and a life change was necessary. Yep, I went into the Army, 6 years. It was a love-hate relationship. After that, for another 7 years it was the ministry and McDonalds again until I REALLY had enough of ... well ... that's another story ..... I evolved into Information Technology were I spent the next 30 years of my life until I retired. And after I retired, I landed a gig as a volunteer (camp host) in the Louisiana State Park system for a free campsite and now I spend most of my year there.

Every turn of my life was traumatic and scarry. But when things closed in, shut down, and went dark, new things opened up that eventually led to something more rewarding, more challenging, and more fun than before.

You can do the same. Look for the opportunities that surround you right now. Again, you'll have to get out of your self-imposed "box" and look at the world around you with new, fresh eyes.

It's quite obvious, "teaching" is not your "thing." So, don't do it any more, and don't feel guilty about it. Look for something else that does float your boat? Maybe an art museum?

 

[Commander Zarkon]

You kind of locked in your short term destiny with the casita. My vote would be to make that work until a better opportunity presents itself, which might not be for a while. Better is relative and in this case not much better, so there's not much point in rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic. 6 months from now the picture could look remarkably different so no point in making things more complicated.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

Yeah, you're right about that.
I'm gonna have to take it one step at a time, keep gathering info, and be grateful that I am not in a soft top Jeep sleeping in Walmart!

 

[Commander Zarkon]

Maybe it's time to get out of the "box" completely (not just "think" outside the box, but actually get out of it.) There's nothing wrong with life changing career choices that are as closely related as the North Pole is to the Sahara Desert.

It's scarry and challenging to change one's focus in life, but when doors slam shut in your face, you have to look for windows to crawl through. If you do, you may find your "former" life was over-due an over-haul.

My teen years started out working at a Gas station, later a grocery store, then a grain elevator. I started college and had to return to work, so I worked at McDonalds, and that evolved to working in a hospital kitchen. When I graduated college, I was still seeking secondary employment at McDonalds and engage in the ministry. That lasted 5 years and a life change was necessary. Yep, I went into the Army, 6 years. It was a love-hate relationship. After that, for another 7 years it was the ministry and McDonalds again until I REALLY had enough of ... well ... that's another story ..... I evolved into Information Technology were I spent the next 30 years of my life until I retired. And after I retired, I landed a gig as a volunteer (camp host) in the Louisiana State Park system for a free campsite and now I spend most of my year there.

Every turn of my life was traumatic and scarry. But when things closed in, shut down, and went dark, new things opened up that eventually led to something more rewarding, more challenging, and more fun than before.

You can do the same. Look for the opportunities that surround you right now. Again, you'll have to get out of your self-imposed "box" and look at the world around you with new, fresh eyes.

It's quite obvious, "teaching" is not your "thing." So, don't do it any more, and don't feel guilty about it. Look for something else that does float your boat? Maybe an art museum?

You are spot on.

I had decided to leave teaching in 2023 and did. It was actually my wife at the time who suggested it.
Once I did, and went to the SBA, etc. to get back into the murals etc. my wife then sabotaged everything (long story) and everything was ruined. It was the last straw.

I had to return to teaching, but now instead of a 2 mile drive each way, it was 50 miles each way. And it was a really bad work environment.

I filed for divorce and got the house. Payed all my debts and got in a little more debt to get some things I needed for that business.

My ex then went to the court and they took back the house, and came after me. Every attorney I talked to said this was unfathomable, because it was beyond the limit of doing this by more than 30 days, but the judges do whatever they want.

I had to get an attorney and everything got ruined again-my credit, debt-etc.

That's the only reason I came back one more time, moving over 2,000 miles to this new job.
This will be my last year. I will find some other way.
I can't keep doing this, as it is sucking me dry of every ounce of creativity.
If I have to declare bankruptcy, so be it.

Looking for online work.

Part of the issue is that to do the murals and props, I need to be able to travel if need be, and also be able to stay in a different area for a week or two at a time, especially for murals.

Teaching make this impossible, unless I can fins an online gig. I am working on that.

To do other work, like leatherwork, props, etc. I need a place to store my tools, to work... and the Casita does not work.

Bad decision made in a time when I was under massive stress, desperate to escape abuse, and not thinking straight.

I am also debating whether to stick it through until the end of the school year even if an opportunity arises.
They have been very nice people, but in the end, when a job thinks you're no longer a "fit" they will tell you to move on-nice people or not.
Still bothers me though. I don't like the idea of doing that.
I guess, if I have to, I can make sure I leave really good and detailed lesson plans that a long term sub can use so the kids get good lessons.

It's a shame. I would still teach high school if things were different, but teachers are no longer really teachers... we are much more like babysitters with pretty much no real authority.

Trying to teach six groups of 20-30+ people per day who actively display apathy and no interest, wears on you.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

The company I worked for shut down the local office in May. Too young to retire, too old for anyone to be interested in hiring. We tell the kids we might be parking in their driveways which is a bit of a stretch at this point but when income stops dramatically and unexpectedly, suddenly improbable options seem less so. Can't be critical of another man's situation when you're but a happenstance's event away from it yourself.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[Kirk]

I'm just trying to weigh all my options.

Examining what is possible and also what is practical is a good thing. Maybe ever let the imagination run wild a little too, just to see where that goes. For most people the best way to get somewhere is to first set a goal and then figure out how you can get there. The sooner you devise a plan, the sooner you can start to move in that direction.

I am thinking that an RV from around 2010 would be OK.

Based on what you have told us, that might be OK but you need help in evaluating the RV before you buy. A quality professional RV inspection will cost $500 or more and that is what we generally recommend. If you can't do that, perhaps you can get acquainted with some experienced RV owners who might be able to help you check one out. There are check lists for such an examination of an RV available if you should go that way. Older RVs are not easy to finance, even with good credit so you may need to stick with the Casita and job long enough to get some money set aside for such a purchase. Towable RVs are easier to find and less costly but with the vehicle you have now you are pretty limited by the weight limits of your vehicle.

 

[garyb1st]

Part of the issue is that to do the murals and props, I need to be able to travel if need be, and also be able to stay in a different area for a week or two at a time, especially for murals.

Unless your vehicle has mechanical issues, you can travel. You also have a teaching degree or equivalent that allows you to teach grades K - 12. Is it possible to combine your ability to travel, your love of art and teach at the same time. In our area, local community colleges offer many courses that are attended primarily by adults. The students are not there under duress. They want and are willing to pay for that want. It's not hard for me to imagine students signing up for an art class in the wilderness. All they would need is a vehicle and a tent. I can't imagine it would be hard to find 10 to 15 students that are willing to pay $2-300 for an experience like that. You might even be able to work with State and local Campgrounds if there aren't any workable public lands in your area.

 

[Commander Zarkon]

Unless your vehicle has mechanical issues, you can travel. You also have a teaching degree or equivalent that allows you to teach grades K - 12. Is it possible to combine your ability to travel, your love of art and teach at the same time. In our area, local community colleges offer many courses that are attended primarily by adults. The students are not there under duress. They want and are willing to pay for that want. It's not hard for me to imagine students signing up for an art class in the wilderness. All they would need is a vehicle and a tent. I can't imagine it would be hard to find 10 to 15 students that are willing to pay $2-300 for an experience like that. You might even be able to work with State and local Campgrounds if there aren't any workable public lands in your area.

I am so burned out from teaching K-12 that I can't even begin to describe it.
But I am looking into options, and your suggestion is a good one.

Maybe a "visiting" art teacher or professor at community colleges too?
I will have to look into that.

I am also looking at remote teaching, but nothing yet.
Had a good gig with an online teaching school, but they didn't get funding, so that's gone.

 

[Commander Zarkon]

Here's another thing regarding newer vs older RVs... the electronics. That stuff worries me a bit, as all those damned sensors and computerized BS can me a major nightmare.

Is there a series of years where it is not as bad?
The simpler the better.
I would rather deal with doing a tune up every once and a while than computer codes and sensors.

 

[Professor David]

The company I worked for shut down the local office in May. Too young to retire, too old for anyone to be interested in hiring. We tell the kids we might be parking in their driveways which is a bit of a stretch at this point but when income stops dramatically and unexpectedly, suddenly improbable options seem less so. Can't be critical of another man's situation when you're but a happenstance's event away from it yourself.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

Mark, I was in a similar situation 8 years before I wanted to retire. New leadership came in and wanted to make changes. I was at a university with tenure and mistakenly thought I was safe. Didn’t matter. Things ended up working out fine. I did need to move for the new job and take a step down, but those turned out to be good changes all things considered. It was a real struggle at the time. Hang in there. There is something out there for you if u need to find work.

 

[Kirk]

I would rather deal with doing a tune up every once and a while than computer codes and sensors.

It used to be common to see people broken down along the highways anywhere you traveled, with steep grades and desert being the worst for that issue. Today it is very rare to see someone broken down on the road and those sensors and computers are one of the main reasons. Those warnings save people from breaking down on the highways and sometimes even keep the driver from destroying an engine. It is true that engines used to be less complicated, but they were also less reliable. When I bought my first new car, most were worn out by 100k miles. Today, 200k miles isn't unusual.

 

[Commander Zarkon]

It used to be common to see people broken down along the highways anywhere you traveled, with steep grades and desert being the worst for that issue. Today it is very rare to see someone broken down on the road and those sensors and computers are one of the main reasons. Those warnings save people from breaking down on the highways and sometimes even keep the driver from destroying an engine. It is true that engines used to be less complicated, but they were also less reliable. When I bought my first new car, most were worn out by 100k miles. Today, 200k miles isn't unusual.

Yeah that's true. Some of the advances are better. My concern is with the latest ones which seem so overly complicated.
I've seen people with vehicles that are just past the warranty and suddenly computer issues, and $5,000 and even more to "fix". No doubt it is by designed obsolescence.
New vehicles seem to be designed to be disposable. While they work they are great, but once they're out of warranty and start have problems, there are no reasonable fixes.
Designed to keep people in debt.

 

[Commander Zarkon]

I've been looking at Class As and Cs.
It would have to be something around $15,000 and I have seen quite a few that seem in good shape.
I am thinking something at about 32-34 feet.
I would get a mechanic, or better yet maybe an RV inspector, to inspect first.

My intention for this would be to full time for a while and work on my art business.
I would convert the bedroom into a small studio for the hands-on, three dimensional art.

Use the sofa as abed, or get a sofa bed of good quality.

Some of these have an area with two easy chairs which would be perfect for an entertainment center/digital art/editing station, as in the photo.



Just wondering about any difference between an A and C for boondocking on BLM.
Seems the C could handle the rougher roads better, but not sure.

One thing I like about the A is the large amount of storage space on the outside. Lends itself to carrying my supplies etc. out of the way.


I think I've seen Bigfoot Class Cs with storage like that.

Also thought of a 1990s F350 diesel, especially with a manual transmission. Put or build a camper on the back for sleeping and basic living. Tow a cargo trailer with my supplies and set up as a workshop.

Problem is those older F350s seem to be going for ridiculous prices.

 

[bigbAZ]

Problem is those older F350s seem to be going for ridiculous prices.

They are definitely going for big money, partly for their dependability and lack of emissions systems. Used trucks in good condition sell at a premium anyway due to the high cost and sometimes scarcity of new ones. I just put my 2002 7.3 up for sale yesterday, owned it since 2009.

 

[bigbAZ]

When looking at the older F350 SRW trucks look carefully at payload. many of them don't have a lot of payload for a big camper unless you go dually. The diesel engine, 4x4, crew cabs etc all take away from your payload. Just for an example my 4x4 diesel crew cab long bed has a payload of 2,950 which is ok for a lighter camper but some of the bigger campers are in the 4-5,000 lb range dry.

Today they make 1/2 ton trucks with as much payload as some of the old 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Just wondering about any difference between an A and C for boondocking on BLM.
Seems the C could handle the rougher roads better, but not sure.

The van-based class C might have an inch or two more ground clearance but neither of them is high. And to some degree a shorter wheelbase vehicle has less tendency to drag its belly when it straddles a high spot. But neither is very good at uneven terrain so you should not equate "boondocking" with "off-roading". You can get off the pavement, but it still needs to be fairly clear of obstacles and potholes. You aren't going to be splashing over stream beds or climbing rocky trails. You would need a truck camper on a hefty one-ton pickup for that, and even then the weight would put you at a disadvantage.

 

[Kirk]

In addition to the points that Gary makes, you should also know that most road service contracts limit the distance from a major road they will go.

 

[Commander Zarkon]

The van-based class C might have an inch or two more ground clearance but neither of them is high. And to some degree a shorter wheelbase vehicle has less tendency to drag its belly when it straddles a high spot. But neither is very good at uneven terrain so you should not equate "boondocking" with "off-roading". You can get off the pavement, but it still needs to be fairly clear of obstacles and potholes. You aren't going to be splashing over stream beds or climbing rocky trails. You would need a truck camper on a hefty one-ton pickup for that, and even then the weight would put you at a disadvantage.

I won't be off roading, just wanting to go on some BLM land. I have my FJ Cruiser for off road.

Just want to be able to drive onto some dirt roads.