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girasoledonna's avatar
girasoledonna
Explorer
Sep 09, 2013

UPDATE from your favorite songstress- soon to be full-timer!

Hey everybody! I thought it was time I share an update on my progress with purchasing my 2003 Roadtrek 190 Popular :) As many of you guys know, I found myself in the awesome, advantageous and extremely blessed position to purchase my trek with only 29K for $22,000 from a little old couple in Indiana. I was supposed to be financing the RV through a loan, but was refused my loan ( long story ) after they'd already "pre-approved" me for it. So it looked like all was lost. But the couple in IN was so touched by my story of traveling the world and playing music that they decided to let me purchase it over time!

So since July I have been making payments, and I've successfuly paid $11,00 towards it! I'm half there! I have to come up with the other half by November 1rst so my life has changed drastically to get to that goal. I am working 3 jobs and making about $1,000 a week, moving out of my apartment to couch-surf for the next 90 days, and selling all my belongings. I'm surprised how odd and unsettling it is feeling to do the latter 2 of the 3 things - but I know once I'm free of possessions I'll feel much better and have nothing but the open road ahead!

Anyway, so my plan is to leave in January, and I'll be working soon on booking my first 3 months of the tour. My record is almost done too!

I was hoping that any of you who full-time in a class B and who might have a RoadTrek (Dodge Chassis) 190 could give me advice. I want to know as much as I can about what I'm about to take on before I do it. Info perhaps on a security system for the trek, rear camera, etc would be helpful - but anything else you have to offer I'd love you to share! If there is somebody with the exact same vehicle or even just a 190 roadtrek popular - who wouldn't mind being men "mentor" :) I'd really appreciate it.

I am a brazen lady and I'm def scared to be embarking on this mission alone - but I know I can do it. Thanks to everyone who has already showed me support :)
Class B
  • stan909's avatar
    stan909
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    I saw your website in your profile but my poor little android tablet could not navigate it. Will try again on pc. Nice main page how ever.
  • tonyandkaren's avatar
    tonyandkaren
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    Congratulation on your new home! It should be ideal for your plans.

    Solar panels are a good idea. You'll be charging your house batteries as you drive too. The generator can also be used to charge the batteries but they're usually very noisy so most likely you won't want to use it much especially if you're parking on the street. Take a look at this installation of flexible panels on a fiberglass roof -http://cheaprvlivingblog.com/2013/02/installing-flexible-solar-panels-on-a-fiberglass-roof/

    The Cheap RV Living blog has a lot of useful information so you might want to read some of the other posts too.

    I don't know much about the capacities of your van but it should have at least twenty gallons of fresh water and the gray and black water tanks should match the fresh so if you need fresh water you'll need to dump too. Twenty gallons of water will last for four or five days as long as you take navy showers. Here's a good site for dump stations - http://www.sanidumps.com/sanidumps_usamerica.php

    Good luck! Keep asking question about anything that's puzzling you. It will all be easy after awhile.
  • Horizon170's avatar
    Horizon170
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2013
    I used to go to Flying J (I think they are owned by Pilot) for fuel, water, propane and dump. Everything at one stop. I haven't stopped at one lately though.
    Also you can stay overnight at most any truck stop. Make sure your gas detector and monoxide detector are working.
  • girasoledonna's avatar
    girasoledonna
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2013
    On my 2003, 190 Popular Roadtrek.. .I'm wondering about getting solar panels installed. My goal is to be as self-contained as possible - so Is that a good idea? I dont want to have to hook up to power and I don't plan on using campgrounds very often. I'll be full-timing, but performing at a lot of people's house - so I guess I'm wondering if not solar panels, (which I'm not even sure would fit on top a 2003 roadtrek :/ cause of the roof) if I can get power from them somehow? Can I also get fresh water as well, leaving only dumping my black and grey tanks at dumping stations? If I drive a lot and am not parking for days at a time - will that charge the generator? I guess I'm just looking for info on how all of this works :) I'm still confused about the generator.
  • girasoledonna's avatar
    girasoledonna
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2013
    I'd love to read it - thank you so much. i was hoping to speak with another female solo traveler. What is a Casita?
  • Eycom's avatar
    Eycom
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2013
    Man... woman... young or old. We may be wired differently, but it's always unsettling to break from the norm and take a different course. With the ability to change, you either make the right decision, or you make the decision right. Packing lite and using common sense will serve you well in your travels. A young lady and member of this forum is a solo full timer, albeit, in a Casita. She has a pretty good head on her shoulders. If you aren't familiar, you might find her blog to be somewhat helpful. See Interstellar Orchard. Travel safe.
  • girasoledonna's avatar
    girasoledonna
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2013
    Lorraine,

    Thank you so much! You are so right about women not being taken seriously. Sometimes I wish I was a man because it would be much easier to live alone and feel safe etc - but you know what, being female just makes me that much stronger for having to deal with the difficulties we face! I plan to start a blog very soon so if you would want to follow along I'll post a link to it :) Though I still plan to write here and update from time to time :)
  • loulou57's avatar
    loulou57
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2013
    You should be very proud of yourself, having a goal and executing it. As women we are not always taken seriously, even in this day.

    I wish you the best and I will not wish you good luck, you don't need luck. You are doing great on your own.

    As long as you post I will be listening to you tell of your journey.

    Lorraine

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