Living on the road.

Indy "Nub" Guy said:

In reply to frenchyd :

While you're chatting with your buddy tonight, snap a pic of his truck to share here.  '55 is my favorite Chevy body style 

He's asked me not to.  Pretty private person.  I can understand his reasons. 
    I'm sure with all his money his father probably keeps pretty close track of his only son. Especially since he must be well into his 90's. 

frenchyd said:

mr2s2000elise said:

Sounds like all the guys on the Alaska shows. 

Who does he have sex with on the road?

I don't know. I'm a little reluctant to ask him about that part of his life.  But I'll try tonight. 

 I got around to that subject and he admits he's not celibate but the circumstances of his life and his-preference for  privacy does put a real limit to that area.  
     He and I talked about how he's going to handle it when the burden of his fathers money falls on his shoulders.   
    He doesn't want it wasted.  But doesn't want any of it for himself. He's thinking of a million small charities, shelters and meals. Maybe little dollars loans for bootstrap start ups.  
      His example of wrong is how the Widow of McDonalds donated her money to Good Will and now the guy who runs GoodWill has a fancy house and lifestyle.  He doesn't blame him, it's just that money tends to corrupt. 
   

I worked with a guy years ago who was nearing retirement. He had nothing saved and he bought a membership to an RV Park franchise (KOA maybe) where he could stay for free four or five nights at a time. His plan was just to stay at these places in his ratty old camper until he was moved on. It made me start saving harder and also put me off the nomad lifestyle. But having said that my retirement plan is to spend a lot of time traveling, as I want to spend summers away taking my little vintage racer to all the road courses that I can. But I would never contemplate not having a home base. 

frenchyd said:

Indy "Nub" Guy said:

In reply to frenchyd :

While you're chatting with your buddy tonight, snap a pic of his truck to share here.  '55 is my favorite Chevy body style 

He's asked me not to.  Pretty private person.  I can understand his reasons. 
    I'm sure with all his money his father probably keeps pretty close track of his only son. Especially since he must be well into his 90's. 

understood.

I did a quick search and here's what returned with the key words "1955 chevy truck with camper"

His is probably all one paint color though.

matthewmcl said:

In reply to 67LS1 :

Navy guy, so health care may be taken care of. Car insurance is cheap if you have basic liability only. It sounds like he doesn't have enough for a lawyer to go after. $30 Walmart phone and a prepaid plan handles calls, and free wifi is easy. I think you could do $1000 a month if you aren't a picky eater.

Does not sound like a guy that would waste his money on a frivolous novelty like that. Remember most of his life, those toys didn't exist except on Star Trek. Granted most of us spoiled entitled americans are addicted to such things (myself included) but I did not get my first cell phone till the turn of the century. And would not have then if the company I was driving for did not require them. still used a "dumb" flip phone till 09! It broke and a leftover I4 was cheaper.

frenchyd said:

mr2s2000elise said:

Who does he have sex with on the road?

I don't know. I'm a little reluctant to ask him about that part of his life.  But I'll try tonight. 

Hard to ask that question and not come across like you're interested.  

Sorry, that just sounded funny inside my head.  

Just trying to make you laugh.  

bearmtnmartin (Forum Supporter) said:

I worked with a guy years ago who was nearing retirement. He had nothing saved and he bought a membership to an RV Park franchise (KOA maybe) where he could stay for free four or five nights at a time. His plan was just to stay at these places in his ratty old camper until he was moved on. It made me start saving harder and also put me off the nomad lifestyle. But having said that my retirement plan is to spend a lot of time traveling, as I want to spend summers away taking my little vintage racer to all the road courses that I can. But I would never contemplate not having a home base. 

I had planed (since a pre-teen) to do the nomad thing while young. Instead of waiting till I retired, too old to enjoy it as much. Started my Apprenticeship planing to go out on the road as soon as I finished my commitment. But did not know anything about doing it, and did not know anyone that did. Got caught up in "normal" life by the time I got my journeyman's card, and didn't make it on the road till '97. Never made full nomad status, 'cause by then I was addicted to too many of my cool projects. So I moved into a warehouse instead, and just traveled for short term contracts. If I manage to retire now, before I die, (highly unlikely) I still can not do the whole nomad thing, as I'm addicted to comforts!

Glad I came close while young. Wish I'd made it all the way, But it sure has been fun.

Def. not for most folks, though.

Indy "Nub" Guy said:.

I did a quick search and here's what returned with the key words "1955 chevy truck with camper"

my 3rd and 4th campers were old (i.e. rough) Airstreams, so I'm a fan of those slide ins. Only seen a handfull of 'em in the wild. Can't remember the name of Avion's only competer in those, but a cousin in Chi-Town took over his dads conner service station. In the 70's, he wanted to by one for himself, but could not get a price he liked, so he became a dealer, just to get the wholesale price on his! Said ne never sold but a couple... such a small market for them. 

Last I talked to him, he still had, and used his... but that's been since about 06 now. 

In reply to Datsun310Guy :

Since I can sorta relate, (at least before I married a few years ago) I got the joke - and yes, its was funny, by having the ring of truth! But although knowing it was a joke, I'm not surprised some thought it was a serious question!

I was prolly 25 years younger, and it was already getting difficult to meet someone ok with going "home" with ya to a cheap camper! The waterborne nomads got it made, in that regard!

67LS1 said:

I'm semi-jealous but would do this with a little more modern conveniences. And money.

If ya want to do it luxury, with out the need to find a campground... boy do I have the rig for you!

Kingsly Coach for Sale.

Or, Frenchyd, you could buy it, and when you retire, you and your wife could just kinda hang out with him as y'all drift around!

In reply to 03Panther :

I spent most of my life as a Nomad. 7 years in the Navy I covered a lot of the globe and  later as a salesman suddenly I was driving all over, eventually even flying in the corporate Jet.  Add the vintage racing and I've worn out more than my share of the highway. 
     My home is what I've dreamt   about and the source of comfort. If I had my druthers  this is where I'd remain. My wife on the other hand is looking forward to travel. 
      I still like to travel cheap, drive 20 hours and sleep at a road side rest for a few hours and hit it again. 
SWMBO  on the other hand wants first class and dawdle. Stop and read every plaque.  Take a picture of every flower, cow, and bird. 

03Panther said:

Indy "Nub" Guy said:.

I did a quick search and here's what returned with the key words "1955 chevy truck with camper"

my 3rd and 4th campers were old (i.e. rough) Airstreams, so I'm a fan of those slide ins. Only seen a handfull of 'em in the wild. Can't remember the name of Avion's only competer in those, but a cousin in Chi-Town took over his dads conner service station. In the 70's, he wanted to by one for himself, but could not get a price he liked, so he became a dealer, just to get the wholesale price on his! Said ne never sold but a couple... such a small market for them. 

Last I talked to him, he still had, and used his... but that's been since about 06 now. 

The cab is a 55 but the box is a 59.  The 55 had a few Cameo's which was Fiberglass fenders somewhat like that. 

Stray dog freedom.

bearmtnmartin (Forum Supporter) said:

I worked with a guy years ago who was nearing retirement. He had nothing saved and he bought a membership to an RV Park franchise (KOA maybe) where he could stay for free four or five nights at a time. His plan was just to stay at these places in his ratty old camper until he was moved on. It made me start saving harder and also put me off the nomad lifestyle. But having said that my retirement plan is to spend a lot of time traveling, as I want to spend summers away taking my little vintage racer to all the road courses that I can. But I would never contemplate not having a home base. 

I know a person who has a $20 a month membership in a national Gym chain.  Unlimited visits locally but limited to 10 visits at a given out of town gym.  As a nomad  1 or two  is plenty.  The membership includes clean showers, a parking lot to "camp" in. And a place to exercise. 

No one has mentioned Wall mart. They do allow overnight camping in their parking lots. You won't be the first person to walk in in your pajama's and slippers for a midnight snack.  
     On the other hand some are overrun with jerks who toss trash out and play music too loud.  
       

In reply to frenchyd :

Many Walmart do not as well. The one in S. FL I know does not. And a lot in the N. E. That being said, I've stayed just the night at a few on those, in a low key stealth way! The walmarts that are ok with it, will let ya put out your awning and rug, unhook the toad (or tug, as the case may be) on go sightseeing!

Yep, knew from your stories, you moved a lot of hwy. under ya! My kinda livin'. Love the house you built as well. If I ever do get to travel much again, I hope to see it in person one day.

I only added my rig in there since you had asked about in another thread. 

frenchyd said:

The cab is a 55 but the box is a 59.  The 55 had a few Cameo's which was Fiberglass fenders somewhat like that. 

that's a cool 50's gm, but I don't know years well, being a ford truck guy! But I'm more into that Avion slide in!!!

In reply to 03Panther :

Thank you. I really love your hauler.  It looks longer than it is and I suspect I'd had no trouble with it, one exception, my wallet isn't fat enough to acquire it. Darn! 

    You're welcome to stop by and there is an extra bedroom in case you'd like to spend a night.  

In reply to 03Panther :

There is a permanent community at our Walmart, plus a few new ones every night. I expect at some point they will tire of those taking advantage and throw out the no overnight camping sign.  

I'll admit the nomad lifestyle kinda appeals to me.  SWMBO would never do it.  Today, with our company still in wfh mode, I think it would be even easier to do.  Regarding health insurance, I'm sure he has decent insurance through the Navy which would be good at any military base in the U.S.  For car insurance, I know there are a few states that make residence easier for nomads to setup a "permanent" residence for things like insurance, drivers license, etc.  IIRC, Montana is one of them, so I imagine liability insurance (if required in the state) would be silly cheap.

One thing with this person, however, is he seems to have a backstop.  Not knocking him at all for choosing the nomad lifestyle, but with his family money, if things got crazy bad, it sounds like he has the money to handle it.  That would make being a nomad much easier, knowing that if something catastrophic happens you won't be destitute. 

-Rob

In reply to rob_lewis :

I have weird plans to travel that my wife wouldn't be interested in so it starts with "if something happens to you dear.....I'm going to......"

In reply to rob_lewis :

Not just military bases but most major cities have a VA hospital.   I didn't know about Montana. However I'm not sure what if any insurance he has.  In fact I don't remember seeing any license.  He may have but I didn't notice it.  
  I'm sure he's had tough times in the years since we parted.  His separation from the family wealth is absolute. When he inherits . It's going to help people. Not benefit him. 
  He's an honestly nice guy with a friendly smile.  I can't see any decent  cop giving him a problem. And if one did he'd just take it and do his time. 
   He's one brilliant guy.  With a common  touch.  Humble, kind, and decent.