Hi, I'm Dave and I have no idea what I'm doing:)

[davehearn]

Hi, everyone!

I've been enamored with the Tiny House movement since I first discovered the idea on YouTube about a year ago. Tiny living as a fad doesn't interest me at all BUT living sustainably, (fairly) inexpensively, and mobile is my dream.

I'm 45 (about to be 46), recently divorced and share custody of my two, amazing boys, Max and Eli, 7 and 4, respectively. The ex and I have a great relationship and we decided that she should keep the house since she drops the boys off at school everyday - I pick them up each day, prepare dinner, do homework and generally goof around. It's a bit hectic but it's a joyous way to live.

Anyway, I live in an apartment and have no intention of buying a new house. Owning property feels too permanent and, frankly, I can't afford it. In 10 years time, Max will graduate high school and begin his life, Eli will follow 3 years later. That puts me near 60. I want to be mobile, provide bare bones living for my boys if they want it while they go to college (become artists, play in a bongo band, whatever) or provide them a place to escape if their lives get difficult. I want to live on my own terms, travel, and SIMPLIFY for the rest of my life.

The more research I do, the better a Skoolie sounds. Spending my life repairing a stubborn engine and converting a bus sounds like HEAVEN. The hard work and inevitable frustrations don't frighten me, they feel like a challenge

The common thread with most of the videos I've seen and research I've done is THIS FORUM. I'm delighted to be here, looking forward to meeting you all and learning from you.

I'm an empty sponge, people. Fill me up!

-Dave
(Skoolie Neophyte)

[Tootalltechie]

Welcome to the skoolie nation. I want to say welcome to the new world order but this idea of freedom is not new.

Sent from my SM-G530W using Tapatalk

[davehearn]

Thanks! Glad to be here.

[brokedown]

Hi Dave! I have no idea what I"m doing either but since Christmas I found a bug, bought it, gutted it,built it into a livable space, and have traveled right about 10k miles in it. We did a few trips around our home state of Florida and are currently on a cross country tour. We're in Denver today and should hit the west cost within 2 weeks!

Anyway, don't worry about knowing nothing. cadillcackid knows everything about International powertrain buses, so just get one of those and ask him questions!

[davehearn]

Brokedown, thanks and congrats on your build!

Yeah, gonna take it one step at a time and rely on the kindness of strangers. I figure: bus first then everything else

[mysty]

Nice to meet you Dave! I think you'll find that a lot of the folks here have a similar point of view on simplicity, freedom, and adventure. Don't be afraid to ask anything. You'll usually get several helpful responses within just a few hours.

[davehearn]

@mysty - thanks! Already amazed with the community. I live in a 2 bedroom apartment with kids most of the time and feel that I have 3 rooms too many.

As I watched video after video, it was the philosophy that most attracted me to the idea of living small. Just kept thinking, "these people just GET IT!"

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by mysty

Nice to meet you Dave! I think you'll find that a lot of the folks here have a similar point of view on simplicity, freedom, and adventure. Don't be afraid to ask anything. You'll usually get several helpful responses within just a few hours.

Very well put!!

Simplicity, Freedom and Adventure!

A great summation of the life many of us are pursuing.

[pearldovelove]

You can do it! I have no idea what I'm doing either but I'm all in and determined to figure it out! welcome, this skoolie community has been so wonderful helping me mechanically with my bus I just bought. If you have a question this is a great place to get answers and friendly suggestions and even some loving support!

Sent from my SM-S906L using Tapatalk

[Tango]

Hey...if we knew what we were doing...none of us would be here!

[cadillackid]

welcome to the jungle!!!!! best of all HAVE FUN!!!!!!!! thats what really matters..!! even if you decide skoolie life isnt for you and buy a bus just to cruise it around..have fun!!!
-Christopher

[brokedown]

Did you have a particular bus in mind? Or a particular style?

[davehearn]

Pearl, Steve, and Tango, that's for the replies!

Caddy, I'm in Columbus, too man! Guaranteed, I'll be hitting you up for advice.

Brokedown, I'm open to anything but I'm leaning toward Blue-Bird or Thomas and I'd prefer something pre-millennial. But, hey, I'm open! The more I learn, the better I'll feel about making a choice.

[GWinKS]

Originally Posted by Tango

Hey...if we knew what we were doing...none of us would be here!

You got that right Tango. I spend every evening here and I am amazed by everyone and what they accomplish.
GW

[brokedown]

Big bus, short bus, dog nose, front engine, rear engine, under floor, lots of options. Or the super rare stubby dog nose like me!

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[davehearn]

GWinks - absolutely! Amazing group of people here.

Brokedown - I'd prefer a rear-engine, 12 to 14 windows but that's just my initial thinking. Like everything else I do in life, if reason dictates a different direction, then that's the way I go!