21 Years in a 1973 Dodge Van

Be careful. If you're like me, a few years will turn into a lifetime.

There are great books that cover every aspect of every vehicle made and are invaluable. Stay away from anything that is computerized if you want absolute reliability. A computer part malfunctions out in the boonies and you're dead in the water. Prayers don't work with computer problems either.

My side doors are invaluable. All summer long, night and day, one remains open for ventilation and dog access. I always park so that when I'm lying on my bed I can watch the sunset through the side door. If I had a vehicle without side doors it would soon have them. I'm a firm believer in modifying anything to suit my lifestyle...not the other way around.

Thankyou for the kind words Cameron. I hope that one day you'll be able to experience the lifestyle. I think you'll find that the few discomforts are heavily outweighed by the benefits.

 

Well if that's the case, I can't see any problem with that either. If i'm out there enjoying it, life the way I want it, then why change it?

Not a problem. As do I. And so I can imagine!

 

I read your thread and I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed it .You are truly an inspiration . Your photos are just beautiful .It seems like your lifestyle suits you very well .I was so sorry to read about the loss of your friend two-spot .He lived a very happy life with you I am sure .I have 2 dogs that are the best companions in the world .They are loving and loyal friends to have .I am glad that you were able to save your new friend from parvo .Anyhoo, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story with us and I wish you all the best .
Melissa

 

I didn't read through the whole thread so I'm just going to ask.... Any chance you live by a river?

 

Just finished the thread.... so very sorry about Two Spots. What a tribute, what a perfect life for a dog! Congrats on nursing the new guy back to health.
Hope life is treating you good TwoDogs.

 

I'm thinking of living in a SUV for a while. A solar charger would definitley be a worthy investment.

 

I've subscribed to your thread. There's something appealing about the way you live. I've been bit twice and I have an insane fear of snakes or I'd head your way right now. As things are, I'd only be comfortable in a high-rise apartment.

I'll read your thread, and probably envy you all the way through, but it's going to take more than one sitting for me to catch up.

Also, why'd you chose a van rather than a truck with a camper top or an actual camper on it? From what I've read so far, you could use a 4 wheel drive better than a van.

 

lovely to become aware of you- im up to page 13 and have a desire to read the rest of the thread -
I have to agree happy times of my life were living freely on the road ....
xxx

 

Hey TwoDogs, finally nailing down some concrete plans for October and I think I will be in the Prescott area. I think it will be either the second or third week but not positive. I will know more in a few days.

 

Thank you. You're right...the lifestyle does suit me. I'm not sure that I could ever live any other way now. Or at least live and get full enjoyment out of life.

Two-Spot's passing left a mark on me. The scar is starting to fade a bit but will never be completely gone. He still lives in my heart and I think of him often. Sometimes when I dig out an item from a dark corner of the van that I haven't been into lately, Two-Spot reaches out from the grave. Along with the item, I find myself with a handful of long white fur. I can just about hear him laugh. (Arf...arf...arf...) Skwert has been very helpful as far as easing the feeling of loss. He's a real card and makes me laugh all the time. Of course, BabyG is also there to help.

 

Thank you. Two-Spot did have a good life and he enjoyed every minute of that life. It's funny that, of all my dogs, I was the closest with him. He certainly wasn't the best behaved dog I've ever lived with. As a matter of fact...he was probably the worst. He would only do what I told him to do when he could see the veins standing out in my neck and throbbing in my temples. Then he'd figure that I was serious, but 'til that point he'd just ignore me. He'd play the "cute card" and demand forgiveness afterward. You just couldn't stay mad at him. He fulfilled my Mother's wish/threat that someday I'd have a child just like myself.

 

Mine has saved me thousands in gas over the years.

 

I can go just about any place I want to with the granny gear in that van. To have the same amount of room that I have now the camper top would have to be pretty large which would make the truck top heavy. There would be some places that I go now that would be pretty tough with a vehicle with a high center of gravity. The van is perfect.

 

Hi Dawn. Yep...there's nothing like the feeling of freedom to make one's day. Especially when you wake up in the morning and know that there's nothing that you HAVE to do.

 

Keep me informed. By Oct 1st I ought to be done with the whole swapmeet thing and just kicking back in the desert.