7:32 am:
Let's compare the following rigs:
#1: 2-vehicle Scampy/Ford Transit
The best mileage. No traveling workshop. Scampy as my living quarters.
#2: 2-vehicle Scampy/U-Haul Box Van
Worst mileage. A traveling workshop. Scampy as my living quarters.
#3: 1-vehicle U-Haul Box Van
Worst mileage. A traveling workshop. My living quarters inside the box van.
10:25am:
Disabled Left Hand
Over the past 2-3 days, I noticed a pain in the bottom of my left wrist. This morning when I went to use my left hand, that pain was so intense that I cringed because of it! I was not able to manage my pants zipper!!
I am able to use my left hand for minor things. Typing. Holding the steering wheel steady. However, any use of my left hand that puts pressure on my wrist causes so much pain that I am unable to do that.
When I reach San Diego, if this pain still is there, I will be needing help in order to unload Box Van!
1:31 pm:
Doing The Box Van!
I stopped at an I-5 rest stop in order to make a Blog post to you. When I went inside Scampy, I found that the driver's side bench seat had come loose and was now lying askew against the table!
I attempted to secure the seat's tie-down screws with a hand screwdriver. But that did not work. I needed my drill-motor which is inside Box Van.
Please understand Dear Reader. Box Van is somewhat of a mess. I had to move several plastic storage boxes in order to retrieve the drill-motor. With only my right hand, I moved those storage boxes! And then successfully secured the bench seat!
1:40 pm:
TO:
The Entity That Is Screwing With Me!
Know this! I am going to buy my U-Haul 17-foot Box Van. I am going to build it out, with the one good arm that I have. And if you mess with that right arm too, I will hire out the work to be done!
I will not be stopped! I will continue to do what I want to do no matter what damned obstacle that you throw at me!
I will succeed!
7:43 pm:
Woodland California
We have made our Nite Camp in the Town of Woodland. All around our Nite Camp are big rigs. There is a Pilot Truck Stop here. And I am supposing that the service from Pilot is what attracts so many drivers to head here.
8:02 pm:
Critics and Naysayers
I have been Blogging since May, 2003. Every so often I have received criticism from a few Readers. Most of these critics are too chicken to put their real name out there with their criticism. They hide behind their anonymity.
I have always been right out there, not hiding. Everybody knows who I am. My history is there for all to read in the pages of my 4,621 Blog posts!
This is what I have to say:
1. I will not permit these rotten anonymous critics to sink my present quest for a Box Van that contains my living quarters and my workshop!
2. Right now I am struggling. Señor Tránsito was wrecked in an accident.
3. I may have broken my left wrist. Very painful!
4. In November I will celebrate my 81st birthday!
There has never been a victory without a battle! I am fighting that battle right now. If you have useful comments for me, then send them. But if you are going to just knock what I am doing, then get the hell out of here!
Tioga & George travel the roads of the west searching for adventure
The mileage and workshop are cut and dry. What are the three top pros and cons of living in Scampy vs the Box?
ReplyDeleteLeo,
DeleteScampy, is all set-up. No work required. Box Van has no living quarters for me. Those living quarters must be first built.
But you are asking for my opinion of the pro and cons.
The biggest con for living in Scampy, is the necessity for needing a tow vehicle. That means two vehicles.
The top pro for living in Box Van, is not needing a 2nd vehicle.
You see Leo, the answer to your question has ALREADY been completely answered by my 7:32 am Blog post.
George
.
You seem to be able to acclimate to whatever situation is presented. Meaning with Transito..the next size up is a 250 Transit. Throwing your money into gas with a guzzler vehicle is kind of like throwing money out your window. By the time you get to SD, I think you will have a better idea it's this box van theory. What happens when the box van needs service/repairs? Where do you stay and how do you get to places in the meantime? What it comes down to is what's best for you and your lifestyle. Everyone has an opinion, trust your instinct and gut.
ReplyDelete
DeleteDawg,
I would like to reply to this comment of yours.
However, you have already replied to your own comment
yourself. 😎
George
.
George, a used Dodge Sprinter May be what you need. Huge cargo area, rear wheel drive and tow rated above what you need. I checked and found many in the 10-12000 dollar range. Worth a look.
ReplyDeleteBill
Bill,
DeleteWould you please comment me with the URLs of these 10k to 12k dollar range Sprinters?
Thank you,
George
.
I just entered used Dodge Sprinter into google and dozens turned up. Also saw a number of them on Carfax and AutoTrader. Ran the gamut from $6k on up depending on age, mileage, etc. Hope this helps.
DeleteBill
George, I am a long time follower, but rarely comment. (We exchanged emails years ago on mutual love of Mexico.) I have lived full time in a Class C on the Sprinter chassis. As much as I love my Sprinter, I am not sure I would recommend because of the high maintenance costs and requirement to use Mercedes Benz parts. For example, it cost me $1,400 just for a brake job! Oil change is over $100 for the MB spec oil alone, without filter or labor, even if you DIY. And then there is the bio-diesel limitation...no more than 5%, or it's recommended you up the maintenance schedule. Just a bit of a heads up, it's not cheap living under a Mercedes roof!
DeleteThanks, Bill!
DeleteThat helps! 😎
George
.
George
Hi Take To,
DeleteSo far, I like the U-Haul 17' Box Van. It has a 15-foot length box.
And, it sits on a GMC chassis! Gotta love it! 😍
George
.
George
.
George, the 17 ft. box vans U-Haul is currently selling are 11 years old (2007) and have 150,000 miles or more on the odometer.
DeleteDo you really want to put a lot of time and effort into something this old and worn?
Remember, if you build your house in the same vehicle that contains your drivetrain, you're committed to doing whatever mechanical repairs are needed to keep it going. Or you decide it's time to replace the vehicle your house goes away with it.
Hi Lou,
DeleteLooking at a particular U-Haul box van is not buying it.
I have time to look and to consider.
George
.
Just a comment about mileage. The annual cost difference between a vehicle that gets 10 mpg and one that gets 20 mpg is not as much as you might think for someone that does not drive that many miles annually. Geogre, I suspect you've driven less than 8K miles in the last year. You might be tracking it.
ReplyDeleteBob,
DeleteThat is good information!
Thank you,
George
.
Yes, get the wrist checked before you make any hasty decisions regarding your living/traveling vehicles. Not being able to drive, lift things, make repairs, etc. would not be good. The grandiose ideas for box van living may not be possible until you find out about your wrist.
ReplyDeleteRita,
DeleteYes. I shall definitely go to Kaiser and find out what is going on with my left wrist when I reach San Diego.
George
.
I think 🚪 1️⃣ 👎. Or 🚪 2️⃣ 👎 Or. 🚪3️⃣ 👍 But y ask you've already picked 🚪3️⃣. 👍👍
ReplyDeleteEd,
DeleteI am certainly not making my 7:32 am Blog post for myself.
It is for my Readers. So they get a handle on what is going on for their own edification!
George
.
Here's a Sprinter in Norco. Very low miles, especially for a diesel. One vehicle, no towing at all unless you Decide to add a small cargo trailer.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=417459676&zip=90210&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D90210%26listingTypes%3DUSED%26startYear%3D1981%26sortBy%3DderivedpriceASC%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D0%26endYear%3D2019%26modelCodeList%3DSPRINTER%26makeCodeList%3DDODGE%26searchRadius%3D0&listingTypes=USED&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2019&modelCodeList=SPRINTER&makeCodeList=DODGE&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=DODGE&modelCode1=SPRINTER&digitalRetail=true
Jay,
DeleteI have shopped and will continue to shop for my Box Van.
But so far, I like the U-Haul 17-foot box van.
George
.
Just a thought. When I land in a place I expect to stay for a few days, I would rather get around town, do my shopping, find parking places, and check out the back roads you enjoy, in a smaller, more fuel-efficient rig....instead of even the smallest box van. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteGil,
DeleteOK! I understand.
But, Gil! You are you. And I am me!
George
.
Hi George... ok you want a box van. Is it possible to check for used already converted box vans? Find one 80% converted or so .... that you like and could still finish your way .. which would provide projects too.
ReplyDeleteErnie,
DeleteI do not wish to use somebody else's converted box van!
You have been following me for many years.
You must know, that when I make my mind about something, you can consider that something will be successfully completed!
George
.
I'm sure you've already thought about all of this, but -
ReplyDeleteYou asked:
Let's compare the following rigs:
#1: 2-vehicle Scampy/Ford Transit
The best mileage. No traveling workshop. Scampy as my living quarters.
PRO: a: Best all around in terms of time and expense.
CON: b: You have to get better at putting tools/equipment back where they belong when you finish a project. You've mentioned "losing" tools, etc. several times just to find them buried. :)
#2: 2-vehicle Scampy/U-Haul Box Van
Worst mileage. A traveling workshop. Scampy as my living quarters.
PRO: a: Practical living quarters. Don't have to give up all the improvements, customization and repairs already done to Scampy.
b: Simpler design for traveling workshop. No need to consider massive insulation, propane, venting, heating-cooling, walls, water and sewer storage and removal, extra windows, doors, steps, complex 12V - 120V electrical.
CON: c: Have to decide how *BIG* your traveling workshop needs to be. You might decide #1 configuration fills the bill, such as a large 4x4 van (not moving truck) you can stand up in.
#3: 1-vehicle U-Haul Box Van
Worst mileage. A traveling workshop. My living quarters inside the box van.
PRO: a: Satisfy your desire to create endless projects.
b: One vehicle, one insurance, fewer tires to replace. Easier to back up.
CON: c: Need for everything mentioned in #2: b: configuration PLUS bathroom and kitchen appliances, furniture (chair - bed - desk - dining table), lighting, cabinets, shelving, walls, doors etc.) .
CON: d: I think this could become so complicated you'd have to rent a garage or space in a warehouse to do some of the work. Projects such as holding tanks and water pipes might require a vehicle lift to construct properly. You could be off the road and not seeking very much travel adventure for days at a time.
Barb,
DeleteI am going to accomplish everything concerning building out my Box Van. I will do this, while living inside my Box Van.
I am absolutely sure of this!
George
.
You've become the poster boy for "The Peter Principal". You've been working up to it for quite some time and now you've finally arrived!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck.
My Word,
DeleteThat is not a nice thing to comment to me.
Why don't you comment with your real name?
George
.
Give up people, his mind is made up. Enjoy your Big Van shopping.
ReplyDeleteFlowergirl,
DeleteWho are you? You know who I am, because I am right out there!
But you, comment at me thru a fictitious name.
George
.
George, long time reader here...if by chance your wrist pain is arthritis flare up, you could try what we use...might help. We take apple cider vinegar pills daily...hubby has taken sometimes up to 6 per day. Seems the longer we take them, the better we are and now I am only using one a day. You could drink a teaspoon in a glass of water too...but I do not like that taste and neither does my throat, so I use capsules of it...most health food stores would have it. I hope you feel better soon...these aging bodies are always a challenge...we are younger than you but not near so active...so seems like you are doing very well!! Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteD Embree,
DeleteI have osteoporosis. I may have broken a bone in my wrist.
George
.
I hurt my wrist a few months ago, who knows what I did but it was fine after 4 or 5 days, don't borrow trouble.
DeleteShelley,
DeleteI would love for my wrist to be all better in 4 or 5 days!
George
.
You just keep on Rocking George!..You've been doing pretty swell for some 81 years..eh??
ReplyDeleteUpriverdavid
David,
DeleteHave you and I met before?
George
.
George, once you have made decision and have a deal on theVan Unit of your choice, buy it, decide where to park it for the remodel and install, have some of the materials to start work, Beach and I may drive our rig from the east coast to San Diego to help you get started. We have every tool in the book here, so you would need to tell us what tools would be useful to help you and we would load them in our F-250 to bring with us. Also, we would need to know of a good RV park to drop our 26-foot Hi-Lo Camper and disconnect our F-250 pickup truck.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteThank you. But I am kindly asking you to not to help me.
George
.
This may be the type of van that will work for you. Easy side door entry.Cant remember the mfg, of the box. Good Luck sounds like a fun project.
ReplyDeletehttps://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/d/2014-chevrolet-g3500-box/6715682578.html
George
Beemer,
DeleteThank you!
George
.
Dear George, sorry your wrist is so painful.
ReplyDeleteSandyM
Thank you, Sandy!
DeleteMy left wrist only hurts when I put pressure on it. Right now I am using my left wrist to type my reply to you and have no pain.
George
.
I like the U-Haul 17' box van. I like the V'10 Ford and the floor of the box is not too high. Thank you for taking us along. Gary
ReplyDeleteGary,
DeleteYou are sooooo welcome.
When I begin shopping for Box Van, I likely will not limit my search to U-Haul.
George
.
George, I appreciate your determination! Nothing can stop you, rock on! Max.
ReplyDeleteMax,
DeleteI love your comment! 😍
George
.
George, if you think you may have broken your wrist, why don't you go to an "urgent care" place. They can at least xray the wrist and put a cast on it if appropriate. I think timeliness of care is something to consider.
ReplyDeleteBob,
DeleteThank you for your advice. I really appreciate your taking time to help me.
I am able to use my left hand to do many things that do not require pressure on my wrist. I am typing this reply to you using my left hand.
Tomorrow, when I reach San Diego, I will go to Kaiser and find out what has happened to my left wrist.
George
.
George I think this is a project that you will truly enjoy, take your time and you will be successful.
ReplyDeleteI spent a summer camperizing a van once, it was a lot of fun. Hope your wrist gets better soon.
Cheers
Doug
Doug,
DeleteI feel the same as you! Building my living quarters inside Box Van is going to be a kick for me.
George
.
Transito' collision was on the driver's side. If you gripped the steering wheel tighter upon impact that's probably when you may have injured your wrist. Especially if you have Osteo.
ReplyDeleteI created this google account long ago, not sure how to change the name if it falls under your anonymous policy. However using it or my real name I would never ever be disrespectful on your blog. Have a great day George!
"In my opinion, Box Van will become the stealthiest RV in the history of the World. I will cause Box Van to look like a delivery vehicle. Maybe put the word: FedRex on the side!"
ReplyDeleteThis is your best reason to go with this Box Van!