diy solar

diy solar

I'm a 71 year old woman who survived a stroke 3 years ago after watching off grid van dweller videos for about 9 years.

I've had 2 months to find some place else to live that I can afford on a diminutive social security income that is 25% below the national poverty guideline. Where I am and have been living for the past 19 yrs is one of the most affordable communities in the whole Orlando metropolitan area. During the last 2 yrs I've done much research and planning for an off-grid van build; even to the point of being fleeced to the tune of a $5000 bank cashier's check to "retain" the services of a "builder" in Missoula, MT, with whom I shared text and voice conversations for nearly a month, who had a comprehensive understanding of and was in agreement with the customizations I required, and assured me of his ability to fulfill those requirements. However, the next day, when he had my express-mailed money in his grubby little hands, suddenly all my ideas were "stupid," and, "I don't do any custom work. I only install metal 'shop' cases with locking drawers in vans." When I asked him to return my money, he laughed and said that I knew what I would be getting for my money, and that he would "NOT be returning it!"

Yes, I can use the facilities of pretty much any fitness club for free with my Silver Sneakers (Senior Citizen) membership card. The problems with that are that I usually shower right before bed and I'm really self-conscious about entering a health club late at night for the sole purpose to use their shower (which is seldom warmer than tepid, with extremely low water pressure.)

Considering the cost of maintaining a Sprinter, (as much as I would LOVE having one) I should probably opt for a newer Transit or Promaster with an active warranty.
 
Shejeans said:
I've had 2 months to find some place else to live that I can afford on a diminutive social security income that is 25% below the national poverty guideline. Where I am and have been living for the past 19 yrs is one of the most affordable communities in the whole Orlando metropolitan area. During the last 2 yrs I've done much research and planning for an off-grid van build; even to the point of being fleeced to the tune of a $5000 bank cashier's check to "retain" the services of a "builder" in Missoula, MT, with whom I shared text and voice conversations for nearly a month, who had a comprehensive understanding of and was in agreement with the customizations I required, and assured me of his ability to fulfill those requirements. However, the next day, when he had my express-mailed money in his grubby little hands, suddenly all my ideas were "stupid," and, "I don't do any custom work. I only install metal 'shop' cases with locking drawers in vans." When I asked him to return my money, he laughed and said that I knew what I would be getting for my money, and that he would "NOT be returning it!"

Yes, I can use the facilities of pretty much any fitness club for free with my Silver Sneakers (Senior Citizen) membership card. The problems with that are that I usually shower right before bed and I'm really self-conscious about entering a health club late at night for the sole purpose to use their shower (which is seldom warmer than tepid, with extremely low water pressure.)

Considering the cost of maintaining a Sprinter, (as much as I would LOVE having one) I should probably opt for a newer Transit or Promaster with an active warranty.
Click to expand...
What impoverished person can come up with $5,000 cash to send to anybody to do anything? I know I sure as hell don't.
 
Shejeans said:
No relatives. Dad & Mom have passed on. My older sister & brother-in-law live in a bungalow in Seattle that's only big enough for the 2 of them. First-born (48-yr-old) daughter & son-in-law don't communicate with me, and have her step dad living with them in Reno. And, my (41-yr-old) recently married baby girl and her hubs live in a rented house in northern NH (where I raised my girls and lived 25 yrs.) After 25 yrs, these bones needed a warmer climate!!
Click to expand...

You can go ahead and skip Taos then! It's as cold as the dark side of the moon!
 
If you're down to last day, I'd head to the warmest spot in the country and park in a home depot parking lot for a while. I've always thought it would be fun to move around and try to always have temps in the 70s.

Screenshot_20191130-053134_Google.jpg

Screenshot_20191130-053336_Google.jpg

Unincorporated. Perfect.
 
Shejeans said:
I've had 2 months to find some place else to live that I can afford on a diminutive social security income that is 25% below the national poverty guideline. Where I am and have been living for the past 19 yrs is one of the most affordable communities in the whole Orlando metropolitan area. During the last 2 yrs I've done much research and planning for an off-grid van build; even to the point of being fleeced to the tune of a $5000 bank cashier's check to "retain" the services of a "builder" in Missoula, MT, with whom I shared text and voice conversations for nearly a month, who had a comprehensive understanding of and was in agreement with the customizations I required, and assured me of his ability to fulfill those requirements. However, the next day, when he had my express-mailed money in his grubby little hands, suddenly all my ideas were "stupid," and, "I don't do any custom work. I only install metal 'shop' cases with locking drawers in vans." When I asked him to return my money, he laughed and said that I knew what I would be getting for my money, and that he would "NOT be returning it!"

Yes, I can use the facilities of pretty much any fitness club for free with my Silver Sneakers (Senior Citizen) membership card. The problems with that are that I usually shower right before bed and I'm really self-conscious about entering a health club late at night for the sole purpose to use their shower (which is seldom warmer than tepid, with extremely low water pressure.)

Considering the cost of maintaining a Sprinter, (as much as I would LOVE having one) I should probably opt for a newer Transit or Promaster with an active warranty.
Click to expand...
Shejeans, I think we answered your original post and gave you helpful advice. I for one gave you Cheaprvliving's info and the H.O.W.A. info. and I left vids on how to insulate, etc. Did you even contact Bob or his forum??? He has an emergency help on his HOWA site. You never even replied to my post on that. I have a feeling you may have been on his forum prior to coming here. While I think everyone here wants to help you, I think your problems are beyond the scope of a diy solar electricity forum. (Will, please correct me if I'm wrong). And waiting until the very last minute???? I believe you can get some help from your local welfare office/Social Services with the County in which you live. They are in the phonebook/online. I don't know about your animals though...you will have to ask them. I think you got good advice to put your belongings in storage. Lastly, an induction stove takes a lot of electricity, which you don't have! My recommendation to get a camping stove still stands (and a carbon monoxide monitor. I will add, a fire extinguisher to the mandatory items.) As for showering, you will need to ADJUST and go in the daytime to the gym. Living in a vehicle is NOT easy. Good luck and let me know if you got help from Social Services, or your family/relatives, HOWA, or elsewhere, like a local church.
 
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offgriddle said:
What impoverished person can come up with $5,000 cash to send to anybody to do anything? I know I sure as hell don't.
Click to expand...

My Dad & Mom passed and left a small legacy that their executor (my older sister) split between the three siblings (we have a "baby" abrother) and their (Mom & Dad's) 5 grandchildren. The "retainer" for the bogus van "builder," and my (also unwise) purchase of a northern 2010 Transit Connect, came pretty close to wiping out that "inheritance" for me. Unlike my wiser, older sister, I did not invest that money, Because I for saw my need for an off grid living space back when I received it.
 
New Mexico Will said:
If you're down to last day, I'd head to the warmest spot in the country and park in a home depot parking lot for a while. I've always thought it would be fun to move around and try to always have temps in the 70s.

View attachment 2703

View attachment 2704

Unincorporated. Perfect.
Click to expand...

Thanks, New Mexico Will! Fortunately, or unfortunately, I have grown rather attached in 19 years to the people here in central Florida. That's not to say I'm not open to meeting new people and having no experiences, which is what sparks something wonderful inside of me.
Again, thank you Will ?
 
eddie1261 said:
Actually the $10 membership is good at only your club. The Black Level membership good at any club is $22 a month, but okay......
Click to expand...
I did not know that... I’ve got the black card membership, I thought only difference was the amenities... hmmm
 
Shejeans said:
I've had 2 months to find some place else to live that I can afford on a diminutive social security income that is 25% below the national poverty guideline. Where I am and have been living for the past 19 yrs is one of the most affordable communities in the whole Orlando metropolitan area. During the last 2 yrs I've done much research and planning for an off-grid van build; even to the point of being fleeced to the tune of a $5000 bank cashier's check to "retain" the services of a "builder" in Missoula, MT, with whom I shared text and voice conversations for nearly a month, who had a comprehensive understanding of and was in agreement with the customizations I required, and assured me of his ability to fulfill those requirements. However, the next day, when he had my express-mailed money in his grubby little hands, suddenly all my ideas were "stupid," and, "I don't do any custom work. I only install metal 'shop' cases with locking drawers in vans." When I asked him to return my money, he laughed and said that I knew what I would be getting for my money, and that he would "NOT be returning it!"

Yes, I can use the facilities of pretty much any fitness club for free with my Silver Sneakers (Senior Citizen) membership card. The problems with that are that I usually shower right before bed and I'm really self-conscious about entering a health club late at night for the sole purpose to use their shower (which is seldom warmer than tepid, with extremely low water pressure.)

Considering the cost of maintaining a Sprinter, (as much as I would LOVE having one) I should probably opt for a newer Transit or Promaster with an active warranty.
Click to expand...

I do hope you reported this “builder” to the authorities... BBB, yelp, etc... ouch.

I am a contractor.
I collect 50% when my contract is signed...
I have NEVER even momentarily considered welching on a contract.
Wow.
 
Santa said:
Shejeans, I think we answered your original post and gave you helpful advice. I for one gave you Cheaprvliving's info and the H.O.W.A. info. and I left vids on how to insulate, etc. Did you even contact Bob or his forum??? He has an emergency help on his HOWA site. You never even replied to my post on that. I have a feeling you may have been on his forum prior to coming here. While I think everyone here wants to help you, I think your problems are beyond the scope of a diy solar electricity forum. (Will, please correct me if I'm wrong). And waiting until the very last minute???? I believe you can get some help from your local welfare office/Social Services with the County in which you live. They are in the phonebook/online. I don't know about your animals though...you will have to ask them. I think you got good advice to put your belongings in storage. Lastly, an induction stove takes a lot of electricity, which you don't have! My recommendation to get a camping stove still stands (and a carbon monoxide monitor. I will add, a fire extinguisher to the mandatory items.) As for showering, you will need to ADJUST and go in the daytime to the gym. Living in a vehicle is NOT easy. Good luck and let me know if you got help from Social Services, or your family/relatives, HOWA, or elsewhere, like a local church.
Click to expand...
A little strong, but understandable. My mother and this lady would get along splendidly.

I hope she gets the help she needs, but there really isn’t much anyone can do to help this sort of thing in less than a week.

If she doesn’t get an extension from the landlord, she could be locked out, and her belongings auctioned or simply hauled away.

Don’t despair, depression is real, and ya gotta stay strong. Get things done one step at a time.

Good luck Shejeans!
 
Supervstech said:
I do hope you reported this “builder” to the authorities... BBB, yelp, etc... ouch.

I am a contractor.
I collect 50% when my contract is signed...
I have NEVER even momentarily considered welching on a contract.
Wow.
Click to expand...

Yeah. ...pretty sad when human beings think it's OK to do things like that to others ? I want to call the offices of the Montana state's attorney to find out if I have any legal ground to stand on to prosecute him in the state of Montana. Unfortunately, considering the urgency of my need for shelter, I don't really have enough time to pursue it.
 
A lot of people think RV living is cheap because there is no mortgage/rent, electric bill, heating, etc..... However, you have to keep a gas tank filled, usually on a vehicle getting 8-10 mpg that also burns oil. A 100 mile trip may cost you $25-35 depending on mileage and gas prices that day. Start doing those exponential increments. 1000 miles will cost you $250-350. Plus oil. Expect mechanical issues that will not be cheap. Heating can become an issue depending on where in the USA Carmen Sandiego is, so there may be times a $30 per night campground with shore power is your only option other than hypothermia.

Many of those people you see in those Bob Wells videos that brag about living in their car on their small SS check share your financial woes. It is a sad state that our country keeps people alive longer yet doesn't do more for them. However, all the angst in the world is not a solution to that. There comes with that car dwelling thing a philosophical question of whether that kind of life is actually living or just existing. One particular woman he interviewed was in some tiny little car, ate every meal on gas station sandwiches, and her days were pretty much sitting in a chair staring straight ahead because she had to conserve her gas so much she didn't dare to run that engine any time other than when she moved. In my humble opinion, she is existing, not living.

Another went on and on about "freedom" and "independence" of not being tied to a mortgage or lease. Further in her interview she mentioned that she goes from child to child to child and lives in their driveway for 2-3 months at a time, plugged into their electricity, eating their food... What is free and independent about that? That is the definition of co-dependency. That is being a burden. However, often it is a product of circumstances. The reason I brought that up is that Bob goes to great lengths to sell that fallacy of "freedom", and people eventually buy into the brainwash. If you follow any of those RV Nomads that have youtube channels, they live on donations. Charity. Internet e-begging. Again, it is only my opinion, but I am not going to live in a world where I have to beg people for money, for solar panels, batteries, drones, gas money..... Generally one step above how animals live, JUST to brag about not having a job. Many of them shower once a week or less. (You can tell because they wear hats to cover their dirty hair.)

And somehow, most have money to smoke and drink. Some brag about always having their baggie of weed. It would seem when you are close to penniless that the vices should be the first thing to go.

So try very hard to leave behind any romantic notion about living on the road as a nomad. It is a very difficult life in the best case scenario. Add to that limited income, diminished physical ability and a general lack of familiarity with that kind of lifestyle and that is something you need to REALLY consider carefully. If you DO go down this road, a lot of people here will be pulling for you, Including me. It's a gutsy move. Thus far you have done it right, asking a lot of questions and drawing on experiences of many people with varying levels of experience.
 
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eddie1261 said:
A lot of people think RV living is cheap because there is no mortgage/rent, electric bill, heating, etc..... However, you have to keep a gas tank filled, usually on a vehicle getting 8-10 mpg that also burns oil. A 100 mile trip may cost you $25 depending on mileage and gas prices that day. Start doing those exponential increments. 1000 miles will cost you $250., Plus oil. Expect mechanical issues that will not be cheap. Heating can become an issue depending on where in the USA Carmen Sandiego is, so there may be times a $30 per night campground with shore power is your only option other than hypothermia.

Many of those people you see in those Bob Wells videos that brag about living in their car on their small SS check share your financial woes. It is a sad state that our country keeps people alive longer yet doesn't do more for them. However, all the angst in the world is not a solution to that. There comes with that car dwelling thing a philosophical question of whether that kind of life is actually living or just existing. One particular woman he interviewed was in some tiny little car, ate every meal on gas station sandwiches, and her days were pretty much sitting in a chair staring straight ahead because she had to conserve her gas so much she didn't dare to run that engine any time other than when she moved. In my humble opinion, she is existing, not living.

Another went on and on about "freedom" and "independence" of not being tied to a mortgage or lease. Further in her interview she mentioned that she goes from child to child to child and lives in their driveway for 2-3 months at a time, plugged into their electricity, eating their food... What is free and independent about that? That is the definition of co-dependency. That is being a burden. However, often it is a product of circumstances. The reason I brought that up is that Bob goes to great lengths to sell that fallacy of "freedom", and people eventually buy into the brainwash. If you follow any of those RV Nomads that have youtube channels, they live on donations. Charity. Internet e-begging. Again, it is only my opinion, but I am not going to live in a world where I have to beg people for money, for solar panels, batteries, drones, gas money..... Generally one step above how animals live, JUST to brag about not having a job. Many of them shower once a week or less. (You can tell because they wear hats to cover their dirty hair.)

And somehow, most have money to smoke and drink. Some brag about always having their baggie of weed. It would seem when you are close to penniless that the vices should be the first thing to go.

So try very hard to leave any romantic notion about living on the road as a nomad. It is a very difficult life in the best case scenario. Add to that limited income, diminished physical ability and a general lack of familiarity with that kind of lifestyle and that is something you need to REALLY consider carefully. If you DO go down this road, a lot of people here will be pulling for you, Including me. It's a gutsy move. Thus far you have done it right, asking a lot of questions and drawing on experiences of many people with varying levels of experience.
Click to expand...
I never praised Bob or his Youtube channel, just trying to help a desperate person in a desperate situation.
 
Shejeans said:
Yeah. ...pretty sad when human beings think it's OK to do things like that to others ? I want to call the offices of the Montana state's attorney to find out if I have any legal ground to stand on to prosecute him in the state of Montana. Unfortunately, considering the urgency of my need for shelter, I don't really have enough time to pursue it.
Click to expand...
How long ago did that happen? Seems like 9 years ago? I think it's past the statute of limitations, if so...
 
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Santa said:
Shejeans, I think we answered your original post and gave you helpful advice. I for one gave you Cheaprvliving's info and the H.O.W.A. info. and I left vids on how to insulate, etc. Did you even contact Bob or his forum??? He has an emergency help on his HOWA site. You never even replied to my post on that. I have a feeling you may have been on his forum prior to coming here. While I think everyone here wants to help you, I think your problems are beyond the scope of a diy solar electricity forum. (Will, please correct me if I'm wrong). And waiting until the very last minute???? I believe you can get some help from your local welfare office/Social Services with the County in which you live. They are in the phonebook/online. I don't know about your animals though...you will have to ask them. I think you got good advice to put your belongings in storage. Lastly, an induction stove takes a lot of electricity, which you don't have! My recommendation to get a camping stove still stands (and a carbon monoxide monitor. I will add, a fire extinguisher to the mandatory items.) As for showering, you will need to ADJUST and go in the daytime to the gym. Living in a vehicle is NOT easy. Good luck and let me know if you got help from Social Services, or your family/relatives, HOWA, or elsewhere, like a local church.
Click to expand...

Thank you, santa, for your wonderful, and I'm sure very helpful advice. The thing you will learn if you ever (God forbid) suffer a stroke is that Your brain becomes easily overwhelmed and very tired very fast. Considering everything I'm going through right now, and how I need to focus on clearing out my apartment, A confused by the format of this forum and don't really have the time to fully invest in acknowledging and answering every suggestion. Please know that your advice is much appreciated. Although I move very slowly these days, I have every intention of following up with many of the suggestions that have been given to me in this thread! With that I must say, "Good bye for now, and thank you all!"
 
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