How I got my van

I've been dreaming of having a vehicle to travel and live in for years. It's all part of a larger dream I call The Plan. I'll write a post on it another day. For now, this is how I managed to get a 1995 Ford Econoline 150 conversion van.

While living in Kitchener this spring, I decided that this was going to be the year I actually followed my dreams. If you're reading this and have followed me on Facebook, it's probably pretty obvious that I have a not-so mild obsession with RVs and trailers. I've wanted a "hippie bus" or something similar since I was in high school. 

The travel bug has always been strong in me. Pure wanderlust. I don't dream of having a huge mansion in the suburbs with three kids, I dream of parking on the side of Interstate 5 overlooking the ocean and seeing the sunrise. 

Originally I bought a bus. It was a 1992 E350 diesel 16 passenger school bus. I got it off Kijiji for $700. It was already titled as a motorhome, had a small kitchen, dining table and two twin bunks. I'd made plans to change the interior layout, modeling after another bus conversion I was a fan of. But after trying 25 companies over a week to get insurance, I was having no luck. I put the bus for sale again. I was lucky and turned it over for $1200.

I had some extra money too from the crowdfunding appeal I'd put on GoFundMe. I used the page to track donations from friends and family, which totaled $515, and $2180 I'd made selling my personal items and doing extra work. 

I scoured the ads and came across the van I ended up buying. The seller had it listed for $2700. At the time, I'd pulled out the funds my friends had very graciously friends given me as well as what I had from the sale of the bus, which was $1600. I emailed the seller to ask if he'd consider what I had and he suggested I come see the van.

My brother Shawn, his girlfriend Ashley and their baby loaded up with me into his car and we set out for Toronto, where it was parked. I was pretty impressed. The exterior of the van is in great condition. There are a few rust spots along the bottom, but the paint in general is great. Tires are newer, although the rims have had their protective coating come off and are kinda on the ugly side now. 

Inside, there's interior track lighting everywhere which I still haven't figured out how to use. The walls are cladded in a soft velvet carpeting, and there is seating for seven. The cincher for me was finding a button on the wall that folds the back bench down to a large bed electronically. Cool, am I right?!

I told the seller again I only had $1600. He thought about it for a couple seconds then agreed to the sale. WOOHOO!

I was able to drive it home that day. Taking a brand new, huge (to me) vehicle on the highway for the 50k trip home was nerve wracking, but I got it back safe and sound. Over the next week, I had a safety and appraisal done in order to register it, and got plates and insurance. Finally - legal and legit! 

Insurance is pretty crazy - $2605/year, but considering it's my first vehicle and I still have my G2, I'm not too shocked. I went with Intact and my broker has been great.

So, that's the story. I'm pretty damn tired right now so this post isn't exactly the best I can do, but ... it'll do!