Thursday, February 21, 2013

New project

Yesterday I started a new project. I'm going to be converting PaT the PT Cruiser into a mini RV. This summer I plan to leave Mel sitting at J-5 while I take the Cruiser on a tour of America. A lot of folks might think this approach is crazy, but I look at it as an adventure. A vacation, if you will, from Mel where I've lived the last 5 years. Other people might question the room, but for 11 years I drove my big rig cross country with only a 36" of bunk space  behind me. I will have a bit more room in the Cruiser. The passenger seat and the back seat lay flat providing an 8' long sleeping space and I've also bought a tent for expanding my living space. The advantage will be the ability to go where it is sometimes difficult to take a 31' motorhome, not to mention the fuel savings. 

Yesterday my Amazon order arrived, one order 7 boxes, with most everything needed for the summer excursion.

UPS emptied the truck at my front door.

I have about a month to get everything ready before the adventure begins and seriously I'm looking forward to finding another way to enjoy the good life.

32 comments:

  1. Nice I like these types of adventures. Plan on moving out of my van, and converting a small car one day. Looking forward to following your journey

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    1. Thanks, this shouldn't be much different than my trucking days other than about 50' shorter.

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  2. you've been out in the sun too long!!! on a serious note you should be glad you aren't in MO. It's lovely to sit in and look out. Be safe

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    1. 94 degrees here right now, no snow in the forecast. You need to stay warm.

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  3. Replies
    1. Not a lot of modification, just a sleeping area, a cooler and hanging space for clothes.

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  4. Your missing all the fun here 20deg and snowing 2 to 3 inch a hour what else could a guy want.

    p.s. sure glad this is the last winter here:)

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  5. Sounds like an exciting trip. I have read several blogs of people that travel in a car or a small van.

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    1. Not much of a risk because I'll always be a few days from home even at the other end of the country.

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  6. There seem to be lots of folks out there doing the same thing. Not sure I could give up the comforts of my bathroom. That would be the biggie for me. But I sure am looking forward to seeing what you have planned. Lots of pictures.

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  7. Good for you. It certainly isn't something I'd want to try anymore. I'm spoiled I guess...

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    1. Life's an adventure, I don't see this as much different than when I was trucking.

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  8. John you are my hero. This is great news. go for it! I luv it!

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  9. As Sandie mentioned, the lack of a bathroom may be the biggest stumbling block, but Marsha and I traveled in a regular panel van for 3 months one summer. Granted, we were MUCH younger, but we sure enjoyed our trip!

    Sounds like a great adventure....."enjoy the good life."

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  10. I see you're bringing all kinds of stuff for your trip. Seven boxes of things to convert the PT into a palace on (tiny) wheels.

    Just make sure to bring enough bail money, you never can tell what kind of "adventures" you'll find out there on your travels... ;c)

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  11. What? Now this I have to see. Actually, we're going to leave the RV alone a little this year too and take some trips without it. We may even get to Hannibal!!

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    1. My plan is west coast this year, probably won't make Hannibal, but one never knows.

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  12. Have a wonderful time on your adventures. Will be fun to read. Will you be toting a small portable TV for sports watching? I have a small one that runs on a battery for about 2 hours. I don't use it often, but it's nice to have when needed.

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    1. I haven't bought a TV yet, but I do have an inverter to run yo run my laptop and I'm looking at a USB TV tuner, and maybe even a satellite dish so I can watch the Cardinals.

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  13. You go John! I read a blog where the woman stayed on the road for 7 months in a mini van and loved every minute of it. If my care was just about 2ft longer I would do it to. I have a screen room and in rain a shower curtain and be hung on the outside as that room would be for a Kitchen and living space.
    I am very excited for you. You know how bad I want to do this. I will be following along for sure.

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    1. Well maybe I'll give you some ideas on thinking outside the box and you can get out there.

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  14. Read about your new adventure over at OFM. I've RSS'd your blog to follow along. I enjoy car-camping utilizing my ultralight backpacking gear. I've often thought about taking the front seat out of my Kia Rio to convert it into sleeping space. Looking forward to riding along with you!

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  15. Excellent decision, specially with the price of gas these days. I follow several blogs who do this with mini-vans and regular size vans. I am looking forward to reading about your car adventures. If anyone can do it you can!

    I am also curious to see what is in the boxes you ordered :D

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    1. Just the usual stuff to get ready for the trip, a tent and sleep pad, a cooler, a new laptop and an inverter to power it, a travel bag and a clothes bar.

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    2. Thanks for the update...you know us girls, we are curious creatures...jajajaja!

      I have a van (though not running now) and I always wanted to install a clothes bar in it. When you install yours would you please take a picture?

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