Living on the road in my van?

Question

I decided to myself that I was gonna live in my van and save money so that I don't have to run to my parents for money. My parents have money (mom and dad are both lawyers) My dad says I'm being selfish and that I lost my mind. My mom ask where will I take a bath and study ...cause I'll be starting college again. I have money now but I don't want to spend it on an apartment. I can't say I have a great plan but am I wrong for trying to do it myself? I know I can do it. I've been staying at a couple different rest stops and truck stops at night, and take showers in the truck stops. I know a lot of people so far there so I feel real safe and they know my situation (it's kinda like home) am I wrong or do you think I could do it? Please give me advice ...

They could help me but I always hear well "you can't always have mommy and daddys help" and stuff like that. It drives me crazy ....I just want to do it without them. Then they argue about it ...

I was only thinking maybe 1 year

I have decide to go to a local college (which they're mad at) and there is no dorms. I never really seen my parents when I lived there (home) but when I did, it was just crazy. My parents try to make people think we have this great family life and we don't, they don't want me telling my grandmother or others about what I'm doing, so I just keep my mouth shut.

Answer 1

You will learn some great lessons.

I'm for it.

Answer 2

Ok, First of all i know how you feel. Im about to become homeless as well. I have a truck and campershell and have been getting ideas from this message board http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/VanDwellers/
Secondly For showers you can try Hospitals just dont look like a vagrant or some one who is trying to steal or kill some one. Just look like a visitor, there parking lot sometimes have security.. If you keep your van stealth meaning dont attract attention in any way you shouldnt be bothered with. They are right Truckstops and Esp Rest Areas arent the best places to park, Walmart is if you let the security guard know what your doing and walmart doenst have a policy. Some walmarts now wont let you park there ask manager first if in doubt. Also if the police knock or beat on your van ignore them dont look out the window they can give you a huge fine for sleeping in vehicle as opposed to some small parking violation. Its hard man i have been thinking of same thing but i will try to sleep at walmart first before anything also crackerbarrel and many restraunts will let you sleep there if you tell them you are traveling and want to stay the night be sure to ask them after the restraunt closes. Crackerbarrell i know does this for sure :) Also another great site to look at is http://www.cheaprvliving.com/
as for shower you can make one out of a Hula Hoop Shower Curtains and pump spray herbacide sprayer just fit a kitchen sprayer nozzle over one and boil your water pump it up in sprayer and put the shower curtains on hula hoop :) anyway
Hope i helped in some way i know its a Major problem for every one now.. Even Me.. Gas is outrageous Might keep people home based no way around that lol :) I applaud you for living in your van Lots of people have to do what they have to do get out of debt or just cant afford apts and roomate living i cant do i need my privacy. so good luck Remember Location Location Location and if you have to Just Move On :)

Answer 3

I lived in my car for 12 months, you can shower at local swimmiing pools and gyms, if you just ask, studying is not a problem either, just go to the library, they even have all the resourses you need there!!
it's a great way to save money, only real problems can be mail and the like, if your folks are willing, you can drop your mail there, otherwise, organise it with a friend, it's harder to find work if you don't have an address people can pin to your name, doesn't mean you have to live there, but you may have to turn up once in a while to collect mail and messages,

Answer 4

You do what you want or need to do. My dad is a lawyer too and a total jerk off.....but lol I always felt bad about asking for money so I got two jobs to get an apartment and live my own life. It is amazing, i work a lot harder but I don't feel as dependent. I might have even lived in my car....but I didn't have one so the apartment was the only way.

Answer 5

I don't think there's anything wrong with it. Just be careful out there. I agree campgrounds and Rv parks are pretty safe in compared to rest areas and truck stops. Me and my family travel a lot and we've brought our camper many places and they have security all night and they have showers. So I think you can do it, stick to your plan and you will get your goal and move on and laugh about this later. Good luck on your adventure!

Answer 6

Your parents are probably worried & for good reason! Try to live as cheaply as you can in some sort of housing (dorm, apartment, w/roommates ect). Maybe get a part-time job to help with your expenses. Go ahead & do for yourself, if you're in college it's probably time anyway. Just respect your parents & don't put yourself at risk. You can make your own way in the world, just use good judgment.

Answer 7

Hey, you do what you do. If your parents can help you out, not too sure why you would want to live in your van though? But hey, we all do weird stuff sometimes and look back and get a kick out of it. As long as you like what you are doing and it isn't hurting anyone, then go for it.

Answer 8

I don't know why you have taken this decision. I don't even know how old you are. Firstly what i will advice you is try to settle in life have a good education. Let your parents tell you anything after all they are your parents show them what you are study well get a good job and then leave your house and take up your apartment not jus tgoing and living all alone in a van who know what will happen anything can happen. So please do think before you act.

Answer 9

My father did that and delivered pizzas to pay for college for his PhD. Another thing you can do is maybe go to a campground or rv park that offer facilities to shower and bathrooms. You might have to pay for that but it would be cheaper than an apartment.
I don't think it's the safest thing to do but good luck on your journey, hope everything works out for you.

Answer 10

You can definitely do it as long as you aren't putting yourself in harm's way. Rest stops aren't known to be the safest places in the world, but some have security. How long do you plan to do it b/c it's cold here where I am, so maybe winter isn't the best time to prove yourself.

Answer 11

Do it yourself.If you can do this and support yourself then it will make you stronger willed into getting the things you want done on your own. Depending on yourself is a good thing,but don't be afraid to get help when you really need it. Everybody needs help from time to time.