Comments on: Extreme Frugality: Living Out of Your Car http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/ A premier personal finance blog, established 2003. Within, Flexo discusses his own experiences with money, and he and other authors comment on a wide range of personal finance topics. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:01:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: imasquirrel http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284325 imasquirrel Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:19:43 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284325 wutwut, 22 months wow! If you read this some tips and advice on you you do it would be greatly appreciated. Your day to day living, where you park your car at nights or how you find a good spot, what you do during the winters ets.. Any contact with the police when you were living in car, how did you deal with it? Any tips and pointers would be great for me and rest of people reading. wutwut, 22 months wow! If you read this some tips and advice on you you do it would be greatly appreciated. Your day to day living, where you park your car at nights or how you find a good spot, what you do during the winters ets.. Any contact with the police when you were living in car, how did you deal with it? Any tips and pointers would be great for me and rest of people reading.

]]> By: wutwut http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284323 wutwut Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:54:14 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284323 I've been living in my car for 22 months so far and it has been a pretty interesting experience. I started doing this because I was about 2k in debt and had trashed my credit to the point where I felt I probably wouldn't be able to move into a nice apartment. My goal was to pay off my debts and have enough money to start over again. I paid back all I had owed in a little over 2 months, but decided that I needed to have a little bit of money in the bank before trying to put my life back together, something like 2k. I would eat a loaf of bread a day and drove my car as little as possible to cut my expenses. I really was so frugal, but it had paid off, I had reached my goal, saved up 2k and could move into an apartment now. But I looked at my life and it was 100% better than it was when I was living with my ex. I was happy, I wasn't drinking anymore, I had time to think about what I really wanted, and the more I thought about it, the less I wanted my old life. So I stayed in my car and continued just throwing money in the bank and living frugally. Since the first day I moved into my car, I have learned how to play guitar and harmonica, built a website learned how to program in HTML, CSS, Javascript, and some PHP, traveled a ton, and read classic books that I should have but never did when I was younger. It has been almost 2 years and I have been able to save almost 30k working at a low wage part time in retail. I have never been happier in my life, and I still eat a loaf of bread a day. I’ve been living in my car for 22 months so far and it has been a pretty interesting experience. I started doing this because I was about 2k in debt and had trashed my credit to the point where I felt I probably wouldn’t be able to move into a nice apartment. My goal was to pay off my debts and have enough money to start over again. I paid back all I had owed in a little over 2 months, but decided that I needed to have a little bit of money in the bank before trying to put my life back together, something like 2k. I would eat a loaf of bread a day and drove my car as little as possible to cut my expenses. I really was so frugal, but it had paid off, I had reached my goal, saved up 2k and could move into an apartment now. But I looked at my life and it was 100% better than it was when I was living with my ex. I was happy, I wasn’t drinking anymore, I had time to think about what I really wanted, and the more I thought about it, the less I wanted my old life. So I stayed in my car and continued just throwing money in the bank and living frugally. Since the first day I moved into my car, I have learned how to play guitar and harmonica, built a website learned how to program in HTML, CSS, Javascript, and some PHP, traveled a ton, and read classic books that I should have but never did when I was younger. It has been almost 2 years and I have been able to save almost 30k working at a low wage part time in retail. I have never been happier in my life, and I still eat a loaf of bread a day.

]]> By: imasquirrel http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284270 imasquirrel Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:20:55 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284270 For heat when sleeping in car or truck the absolute best thing is electric blanket, in the northern areas and am sure online you can buy them in any truck stop they plug directly into your cig. lighter and work awsum. A great blog I found that may answer many of your questions is: http://guide2homelessness.blogspot.com. I just found it the other day, the dude is a fantastic writer and wrote a small book addressing most issues you can think of regarding being homeless in a how to fashion. For heat when sleeping in car or truck the absolute best thing is electric blanket, in the northern areas and am sure online you can buy them in any truck stop they plug directly into your cig. lighter and work awsum. A great blog I found that may answer many of your questions is: http://guide2homelessness.blogspot.com. I just found it the other day, the dude is a fantastic writer and wrote a small book addressing most issues you can think of regarding being homeless in a how to fashion.

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284220 jcasil Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:41:24 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284220 Do you know about homemade desulfating of an old deep cycle marine battery? I do not really have the money for a new one, so I was thinking of desulfating one that someone is discarding. I would like to build a website where people can input and read really ORGANIZED information about how to live out of a vehicle. anyone interested? Do you know about homemade desulfating of an old deep cycle marine battery? I do not really have the money for a new one, so I was thinking of desulfating one that someone is discarding.

I would like to build a website where people can input and read really ORGANIZED information about how to live out of a vehicle. anyone interested?

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284219 jcasil Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:31:16 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284219 Some shelters and other welfare agencies allow you to use their address to get all kinds of mail. all you need is your i.d. to get your mail. and you do not have to be staying at that agency. you will just have to call one of them in your area and ask. or a church will know their number. Some shelters and other welfare agencies allow you to use their address to get all kinds of mail. all you need is your i.d. to get your mail. and you do not have to be staying at that agency. you will just have to call one of them in your area and ask. or a church will know their number.

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284218 jcasil Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:20:40 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284218 I have been in my car for almost a year now, and I get a lot of checking from police. I mean they are nice, and also offer help. but is this typical? really need to know. I have found that neighboring cities can be very different. one city in the phoenix area the officers will encourage you to leave, Glendale, but in a neighboring city, Chandler, the officers will not. if police do speak with you, ask them if there is a code or law where they could fine or arrest you. they will usually say that you just need to move your car. also, security officers, if they are not totally intolerant, they are so suspicious that it makes parking there too uncomfortable. Construction sites or stores in a mall that are not rented out, have been the best places for parking. since there is no business going on, just as long as you do not sit there 24 hours, but move around a bit. ever noticed how all parking lots are designed so that there is no shade? the parking spaces have little or no shade? that is to discourage us, and other bums, loiterers. supposedly attracts crime or ugly people, not good for business. I have been in my car for almost a year now, and I get a lot of checking from police. I mean they are nice, and also offer help. but is this typical? really need to know.

I have found that neighboring cities can be very different. one city in the phoenix area the officers will encourage you to leave, Glendale, but in a neighboring city, Chandler, the officers will not.

if police do speak with you, ask them if there is a code or law where they could fine or arrest you. they will usually say that you just need to move your car.

also, security officers, if they are not totally intolerant, they are so suspicious that it makes parking there too uncomfortable.

Construction sites or stores in a mall that are not rented out, have been the best places for parking. since there is no business going on, just as long as you do not sit there 24 hours, but move around a bit.

ever noticed how all parking lots are designed so that there is no shade? the parking spaces have little or no shade? that is to discourage us, and other bums, loiterers. supposedly attracts crime or ugly people, not good for business.

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284217 jcasil Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:04:24 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284217 I highly suggest you get a marine battery deep cycle, like an optima or another kind that is not lead acid, and an isolator. you can use this battery for extra electrical power, like a small space heaterheat pad, or electric blanket . the isolator is a device that regulates the charging of your car battery and the marine battery, so that both are kept charged and in good condition. the marine battery recharges from the isolator whenever your car motor is on. the lesson that I learned is not to use you car like a generator. for extra heat or electricity, but get a deep cycle marine battery that is not lead acid and sealed. if you have access to an AC outlet several times a week, you can buy a regular marine battery recharger and get it recharged from that AC outlet. otherwise you will need an isolator. to get the electricity from the marine battery to your heater or other electrical device, you will need an inverter. it will invert the DC power to AC power. an 800 watt inverter at the least is about $80. a 1000 watt inverter is about $100. try to find a liquidator store in your area to get these things at a discount or a sports outlet store. here are some websites to start reading. For Inverters http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1RNAN_enUS434US434&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=inverter+1000+watt if you can get some old marine batteries, maybe from a recycling center or a farmer or mechanic, that are not lead-acid (lead acid batteries will send off fumes into your car) you can desulfate them yourself which is far more cheaper than buying them new, and they will certainly last you six months. For homemade desulfators http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=home+made+battery+desulfator you car puts out 600-1000 extra watts of electricity when the motor is running, and this is a great way to capture that power without making any more pollution. otherwise, buy a small 1000 watt generator (they run on gas like a car motor) and a good chain with padlock. you have to put it out the car to run it, it is illegal and dangerous to run it in the trunk of a vehicle or any where else. But it is not any louder than a car, if you get a small one - so people should not mind if you are discrete. chain it to something other than the car, in case you need to leave in a hurry, you can always go back and get the generator, so get a real good chain and padlock. get a small generator like 1000 watts. because the larger ones consume a lot more gas just to get the generator to operate. the 1000 watt is just enough to run a couple of devices, like a small space heater and something else. I highly suggest you get a marine battery deep cycle, like an optima or another kind that is not lead acid, and an isolator. you can use this battery for extra electrical power, like a small space heaterheat pad, or electric blanket . the isolator is a device that regulates the charging of your car battery and the marine battery, so that both are kept charged and in good condition. the marine battery recharges from the isolator whenever your car motor is on.

the lesson that I learned is not to use you car like a generator. for extra heat or electricity, but get a deep cycle marine battery that is not lead acid and sealed.

if you have access to an AC outlet several times a week, you can buy a regular marine battery recharger and get it recharged from that AC outlet. otherwise you will need an isolator.

to get the electricity from the marine battery to your heater or other electrical device, you will need an inverter. it will invert the DC power to AC power. an 800 watt inverter at the least is about $80. a 1000 watt inverter is about $100. try to find a liquidator store in your area to get these things at a discount or a sports outlet store.

here are some websites to start reading.

For Inverters
http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1RNAN_enUS434US434&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=inverter+1000+watt

if you can get some old marine batteries, maybe from a recycling center or a farmer or mechanic, that are not lead-acid (lead acid batteries will send off fumes into your car) you can desulfate them yourself which is far more cheaper than buying them new, and they will certainly last you six months.

For homemade desulfators
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=home+made+battery+desulfator

you car puts out 600-1000 extra watts of electricity when the motor is running, and this is a great way to capture that power without making any more pollution.

otherwise, buy a small 1000 watt generator (they run on gas like a car motor) and a good chain with padlock. you have to put it out the car to run it, it is illegal and dangerous to run it in the trunk of a vehicle or any where else. But it is not any louder than a car, if you get a small one – so people should not mind if you are discrete. chain it to something other than the car, in case you need to leave in a hurry, you can always go back and get the generator, so get a real good chain and padlock.

get a small generator like 1000 watts. because the larger ones consume a lot more gas just to get the generator to operate. the 1000 watt is just enough to run a couple of devices, like a small space heater and something else.

]]> By: Reina http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284170 Reina Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:40:27 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284170 I am renting a a basement and was just told their house is being foreclosed on and I may need to live in my car for 6 mths as I paid my rent up with them for 5 when I moved in hence there was my savings I also live in a sub of chicago any tips thanks! I am renting a a basement and was just told their house is being foreclosed on and I may need to live in my car for 6 mths as I paid my rent up with them for 5 when I moved in hence there was my savings I also live in a sub of chicago any tips thanks!

]]> By: John http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284141 John Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:16:40 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284141 Jeff: Yeah, I was in Austin about a month ago living out of my van. I'm travelling across country and have got this down to a science. If you're in an RV it would be A LOT harder, cuz you would be 100% visible all the time. In my van, I had the back seats removed and spread out a small mattress & sleep down below the window line. I can pretty much do that anywhere where there are cars. I find it's better to park "in plain site" so that it doesn't raise red flags to cops if you're parked in some dark corner somewhere. Get a membership to some ymca for showers. Get a portable stove to do cooking if you want to save money on food. I didn't have even one run in with any cops and I was there for like 3 days. Jeff: Yeah, I was in Austin about a month ago living out of my van. I’m travelling across country and have got this down to a science. If you’re in an RV it would be A LOT harder, cuz you would be 100% visible all the time. In my van, I had the back seats removed and spread out a small mattress & sleep down below the window line. I can pretty much do that anywhere where there are cars. I find it’s better to park “in plain site” so that it doesn’t raise red flags to cops if you’re parked in some dark corner somewhere. Get a membership to some ymca for showers. Get a portable stove to do cooking if you want to save money on food. I didn’t have even one run in with any cops and I was there for like 3 days.

]]> By: Jeff http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-284126 Jeff Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:50:45 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-284126 Anybody tried this in Austin, Texas? Anybody tried this in Austin, Texas?

]]> By: leap http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-283786 leap Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:30:22 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-283786 Here's one organization -- mostly West Coast, but a few out your way: http://www.dhamma.org/ Here’s one organization — mostly West Coast, but a few out your way:
http://www.dhamma.org/

]]> By: John http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-283783 John Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:11:19 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-283783 Do you have any recomendation for where to find these free meditation retreats? I would really REALLY love to do something like that. Do you have any recomendation for where to find these free meditation retreats? I would really REALLY love to do something like that.

]]> By: leap http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-283781 leap Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:53:58 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-283781 Since you want time to meditate, you might look into meditation retreats -- sometimes they are free/donation-based and would give you a safe break from the world. Good luck!! Since you want time to meditate, you might look into meditation retreats — sometimes they are free/donation-based and would give you a safe break from the world.

Good luck!!

]]> By: CW http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-283679 CW Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:41:00 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-283679 I wouldn't advise attempting to use Apartment Complex parking ... these belong to the people who live in the apartments ,& these people most likely pay for them . Parking is hellish in LA so be aware you are going to generate considerable animosity if you do this . We have started to see more & more vehicle dwellers parking in our area ( Los Feliz) & i am personally ok with it as long as they respect other people & don't dump their trash & blast music from their vehicles ...sadly many do . If this persists i for one will be glad to call the police & have them removed . RESPECT is the key word here ! I wouldn’t advise attempting to use Apartment Complex parking … these belong to the people who live in the apartments ,& these people most likely pay for them . Parking is hellish in LA so be aware you are going to generate considerable animosity if you do this . We have started to see more & more vehicle dwellers parking in our area ( Los Feliz) & i am personally ok with it as long as they respect other people & don’t dump their trash & blast music from their vehicles …sadly many do . If this persists i for one will be glad to call the police & have them removed . RESPECT is the key word here !

]]> By: Zephyr http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-283113 Zephyr Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:10:40 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-283113 Do you have one of those coolers that plugs into your lighter yet? I have been living out of a vehicle for over 14 years, off and on. Some situations are cush, some less so. I worked trails and fire for the park service for years so it made sense. I now live in boulder colorado and sadly my little 85 nissan truck doesnt get much love these days... I am always looking to connect with other people who have outfitted their trucks to make them livable. Do you have a water tank or solar panels. I knew a guy who had those to heat the back of his truck. So many ideas, sometimes I geek out on imagining all the ways I can live for free. Ever done it in Boulder? You have any special accouterment in your truck? Always curious- z Do you have one of those coolers that plugs into your lighter yet?
I have been living out of a vehicle for over 14 years, off and on. Some situations are cush, some less so. I worked trails and fire for the park service for years so it made sense. I now live in boulder colorado and sadly my little 85 nissan truck doesnt get much love these days…
I am always looking to connect with other people who have outfitted their trucks to make them livable. Do you have a water tank or solar panels. I knew a guy who had those to heat the back of his truck. So many ideas, sometimes I geek out on imagining all the ways I can live for free. Ever done it in Boulder? You have any special accouterment in your truck? Always curious-
z

]]> By: Shells http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-283077 Shells Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:20:14 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-283077 Hi, I would love to get some pointers from you about where to stay in Coloraod when living in your vehicle. I have a chvy blazer and I plan on buying a pop up camper to pull. I can't afford rent anymore so please help. Hi, I would love to get some pointers from you about where to stay in Coloraod when living in your vehicle. I have a chvy blazer and I plan on buying a pop up camper to pull. I can’t afford rent anymore so please help.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-273974 Sarah Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:44:23 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-273974 I have been living on a college campus for 6 months out of my truck. I am a professional staff, but find it amazing how much money I can save. The biggest problem I have is in teh summer the sun is up at 4:30 am or 5:00 am and it doesnot get dark until about 10:30 pm, so I have to fill my days up. I have been living on a college campus for 6 months out of my truck. I am a professional staff, but find it amazing how much money I can save. The biggest problem I have is in teh summer the sun is up at 4:30 am or 5:00 am and it doesnot get dark until about 10:30 pm, so I have to fill my days up.

]]> By: Rich http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-273636 Rich Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:08:15 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-273636 In the Dart parking lot they likely would or could charge you with trespassing, since you are not a customer of Dart. In the Dart parking lot they likely would or could charge you with trespassing, since you are not a customer of Dart.

]]> By: Maureen Martin http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-273579 Maureen Martin Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:22:58 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-273579 I'm a 40ish year old woman living out of her van in Southern California. At the time of this posting (November 2011) I've been doing it for just over two months. Click on my name if you want to read about my experience. I’m a 40ish year old woman living out of her van in Southern California. At the time of this posting (November 2011) I’ve been doing it for just over two months. Click on my name if you want to read about my experience.

]]> By: Gregory Jackson Haley http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-273184 Gregory Jackson Haley Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:53:51 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-273184 I am male 38 years old and I have lived in my 2005 Prius in Dallas,Texas for 9 months. I have chosen to adapt my life to living out of a car to see what life it might create. After getting rid of 85% of my stuff and buying a Dreamtime Therma-rest pad from REI and a piece of plywood to extend the backseat by 4 inches beyond the seats laying down, I am living in plushville. So far missing a internet connection in the car has been the biggest thing i would like. I am thinking the 3G iPad will be my next logical leap. I also realized that past 85 degrees sleeping in my car is unpleasant ( i am a bit of a princess and i prefer not to sleep with the car on except in extreme weather conditions). I need to procure a solar powered fan with a battery by next summer (note to self). This post was inspired by my first experience with a police officer. I was parked in the Mockingbird DART station parking lot( I really like this spot for some reason). After having parked there for over 4 months I got a knock on my door. They told me to get out and hand them my license. They checked my record and asked me to move on. They asked me has anyone ever told you you can't park here? I said no. No warning No ticket Just move on. Oddly i am wondering what attracted their attention.I have a low profile vehicle - i mean NO ONE lives in a Prius. did you know a 6foot 4 man can sleep fully stretched out in the back with the front passenger seat pulled fully forward. I use a front windshield sun visor to block the light in the front(which i am guessing is what did it -since it is winter and sun is not an undesirable thing) I also use fabric stretched from the rear hatchback to the sun visor to block out the light on the two sides. I usually back up to a wall or a bush. I would love to find out if I could be charged with anything. I do realize that at City run DART station is more likely to have a law protecting it. I just wonder what they would charge me with. If vagrancy is the charge i would be charged with what does that mean for my record? I guess i am just sharing since i am starting to realize how fantastic this mobile life really can be.. I saw that people are worried about showers. I have a yoga membership that i am going to and will be moving to the King Spa in Town at the end of the year but in a pinch or baby wipes are a dream. In fact I find it more comfortable to wipe down before going to bed every night. I like my bed clean all the time. I see this form of living to be more and more common. Whether it is by choice or not. I am excited to see how this new understanding of living can become a part of a nomadic life. I admit it has taken some time to figure out what i need and don't need. still curious ( and happy about it) Gregory I am male 38 years old and I have lived in my 2005 Prius in Dallas,Texas for 9 months. I have chosen to adapt my life to living out of a car to see what life it might create. After getting rid of 85% of my stuff and buying a Dreamtime Therma-rest pad from REI and a piece of plywood to extend the backseat by 4 inches beyond the seats laying down, I am living in plushville. So far missing a internet connection in the car has been the biggest thing i would like. I am thinking the 3G iPad will be my next logical leap. I also realized that past 85 degrees sleeping in my car is unpleasant ( i am a bit of a princess and i prefer not to sleep with the car on except in extreme weather conditions). I need to procure a solar powered fan with a battery by next summer (note to self).

This post was inspired by my first experience with a police officer. I was parked in the Mockingbird DART station parking lot( I really like this spot for some reason). After having parked there for over 4 months I got a knock on my door. They told me to get out and hand them my license. They checked my record and asked me to move on. They asked me has anyone ever told you you can’t park here? I said no.
No warning
No ticket
Just move on.

Oddly i am wondering what attracted their attention.I have a low profile vehicle – i mean NO ONE lives in a Prius. did you know a 6foot 4 man can sleep fully stretched out in the back with the front passenger seat pulled fully forward. I use a front windshield sun visor to block the light in the front(which i am guessing is what did it -since it is winter and sun is not an undesirable thing) I also use fabric stretched from the rear hatchback to the sun visor to block out the light on the two sides. I usually back up to a wall or a bush.

I would love to find out if I could be charged with anything. I do realize that at City run DART station is more likely to have a law protecting it. I just wonder what they would charge me with. If vagrancy is the charge i would be charged with what does that mean for my record?

I guess i am just sharing since i am starting to realize how fantastic this mobile life really can be..

I saw that people are worried about showers. I have a yoga membership that i am going to and will be moving to the King Spa in Town at the end of the year but in a pinch or baby wipes are a dream. In fact I find it more comfortable to wipe down before going to bed every night. I like my bed clean all the time.

I see this form of living to be more and more common. Whether it is by choice or not. I am excited to see how this new understanding of living can become a part of a nomadic life. I admit it has taken some time to figure out what i need and don’t need.

still curious ( and happy about it)
Gregory

]]> By: Kim http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-269856 Kim Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:48:20 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-269856 I was wondering how to heat my van? I am in Michigan and it looks like am going to be in my van for awhile. What is the safest way to heat at night? Kim I was wondering how to heat my van? I am in Michigan and it looks like am going to be in my van for awhile. What is the safest way to heat at night?

Kim

]]> By: jonothon http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-269797 jonothon Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:02:56 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-269797 I been living out of my Saturn for almost 22 months here in the L.A. area. Staying everywhere from Long beach to compton to Hollywood. The best places are dennys, 24 hr fitness, some ralphs are 24 hr and even street parking in some spots is cool. Just don't stay in 1 place for more than 2 nights in a row and be careful that you park from locations that may allow you to get hit. I got hit by another car last night while I was sleeping. I'm still living in my car and hope to get out soon. If you don't have to, than don't because it does mess with your sanity. Anyway godspeed! I been living out of my Saturn for almost 22 months here in the L.A. area. Staying everywhere from Long beach to compton to Hollywood. The best places are dennys, 24 hr fitness, some ralphs are 24 hr and even street parking in some spots is cool. Just don’t stay in 1 place for more than 2 nights in a row and be careful that you park from locations that may allow you to get hit. I got hit by another car last night while I was sleeping. I’m still living in my car and hope to get out soon. If you don’t have to, than don’t because it does mess with your sanity. Anyway godspeed!

]]> By: Alrick Forbes http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-269651 Alrick Forbes Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:05:40 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-269651 Hi Everyone my name is Rick From Edmonton Alberta in Canada. I have been living in my van since August I really enjoy being on the Move all the time . I had an apartment that was fully furnished with all the amenities and necessities one can think of with wireless computers and flat screen tvs in the bedroom and living room yet I was bored out my fucking mind, i didn't had a girl friend nor a wife so every day it was drudgery coming home to this isolated existence, I snapped when I lost my job at the Pick n pull and after listening to Lauryn Hill song I get out of all your boxes and psychological locks I get out I really did get out so I rented a uhaul took all my furniture to the good will store after hours and dump all my belongings except my clothing. I dont miss a thing up to this day I have a storage for my clothes which I visit twice a week I had a lock on it i recently took it off , I dont care if someone want to enter my unit everything is replaceable, I am glad I took the steps and doing the homelessness thing,I have found out that I have Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactive Disorder which makes me cranky and restless , so far I hate apartments many acquaintances trying to get me back in an apartment but I hate apartment living,you cant blast your stereo ,you have no freedom , basically the landlord expect you to pay the rent ontime and shut the hell up , that is too much control over me .I like to be free, I have a full time job looking a part time as well too much time on my hands. Currently I am hanging out at the 24hour macdonalds surfing the net sleeping in the parking lot and my gym is just a few blocks away ,where I showered and work on my Cardo .My biggest problem area is eating a well balance diet Macdonalds doesnot cut it , I cant afford eating at buffet every day My next dilemma is surviving winter in a dodge Caravan , but I am thinking the Eskimos did in igloos why cant I ? Hi Everyone my name is Rick From Edmonton Alberta in Canada.
I have been living in my van since August I really enjoy being on the Move all the time . I had an apartment that was fully furnished with all the amenities and necessities one can think of with wireless computers and flat screen tvs in the bedroom and living room yet I was bored out my fucking mind, i didn’t had a girl friend nor a wife so every day it was drudgery coming home to this isolated existence, I snapped when I lost my job at the Pick n pull and after listening to Lauryn Hill song I get out of all your boxes and psychological locks I get out I really did get out so I rented a uhaul took all my furniture to the good will store after hours and dump all my belongings except my clothing. I dont miss a thing up to this day I have a storage for my clothes which I visit twice a week I had a lock on it i recently took it off , I dont care if someone want to enter my unit everything is replaceable, I am glad I took the steps and doing the homelessness thing,I have found out that I have Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactive Disorder which makes me cranky and restless , so far I hate apartments many acquaintances trying to get me back in an apartment but I hate apartment living,you cant blast your stereo ,you have no freedom , basically the landlord expect you to pay the rent ontime and shut the hell up , that is too much control over me .I like to be free, I have a full time job looking a part time as well too much time on my hands. Currently I am hanging out at the 24hour macdonalds surfing the net sleeping in the parking lot and my gym is just a few blocks away ,where I showered and work on my Cardo .My biggest problem area is eating a well balance diet Macdonalds doesnot cut it , I cant afford eating at buffet every day
My next dilemma is surviving winter in a dodge Caravan , but I am thinking the Eskimos did in igloos why cant I ?

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-269326 jcasil Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:14:22 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-269326 space heaters require a lot of energy. the lowest wattage that I have seen is about 700 watts, that will drain the car battery in a few minutes, and those batteries are large and heavy. blankets and heat pads use a lot less. as far as I know, optima batteries are the most advanced, and they are still heavy. a car like mine, when running on the highway, puts out about 1000 watts of extra energy continually, and it just gets wasted, and in stop and go driving, 600 to 800 watts. that is why I have an inverter, only that I need to get an optima or other battery to capture that power so that I can use it when not driving. there are electric blankets that are designed to take weight, that is you lay on top of them. used to sell at wal mart, twin size, 5-year warranty for $25. better, more versitle, than the top-only electric blankets. another way to keep warm without danger might be to try soy candles. read this article: http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/1149/Can-lit-candles-be-toxic about toxic candle fumes. I have not tried this. I don't know where to get soy wax cheaply - as finished candles it is very expensive. but you can use any old large tin to put block soy was in and use regular yarn for a wick. Blankets are more versitle than a bag. you can drape one around yourself to keep warm while seated in the car. or for a pet or stray pet for warmth. and also to go to an outhouse, drape one all around you to keep warm all around. there are a lot of electrical devices that I found I use and trying to get battery powered all the time, will require then a battery recharger and lots of rechargeable little batteries, like lighting even. Might as well just get devices with a cord and an inverter and a deep cycle marine battery. I plan to do this and when I do I will write how it goes: There is something called a desulfator, you can find online or ebay - about $40 - $50. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Desulfator-Optimizer-Solar-Wind-Bank-any-Ah-/200658557885?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb82e9bbd these can repair most dead batteries to about 70% efficiency I had read. a farmer or garage mechanic might have old dead batteries that they do not want, ask them for a few of the largest ones and run the desulfator on it and see if it repairs the battery. you can run the desulfator from the vehicle battery directly, so that it is working while you are driving. just remember when you run a battery, it puts out toxic fumes, Only the optima batteries do not. if it is a lead-acid battery you will need to place it outside of the car when using it, or seal it in a battery box and vent it, so the fumes go out the window. and any fumes that are in the trunk will get into the passenger area. so you cannot put it in the trunk without sealing and venting. usually it is only some thick carpet like fabric that separates the trunk from the passenger area. and the gas/fumes easily go through the fabric or sofa material. you can always put the battery right outside the car when parked, being that when the car is running, you use the car's electricity. get some bulk chain at home depot (whatever size and length you want) - and a padlock - and chain it to something, not the car, if you are concerned about theft. you might need to drive away in a hurry, so do not chain it to the vehicle. space heaters require a lot of energy. the lowest wattage that I have seen is about 700 watts, that will drain the car battery in a few minutes, and those batteries are large and heavy. blankets and heat pads use a lot less.

as far as I know, optima batteries are the most advanced, and they are still heavy.

a car like mine, when running on the highway, puts out about 1000 watts of extra energy continually, and it just gets wasted, and in stop and go driving, 600 to 800 watts. that is why I have an inverter, only that I need to get an optima or other battery to capture that power so that I can use it when not driving.

there are electric blankets that are designed to take weight, that is you lay on top of them. used to sell at wal mart, twin size, 5-year warranty for $25. better, more versitle, than the top-only electric blankets.

another way to keep warm without danger might be to try soy candles. read this article:
http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/1149/Can-lit-candles-be-toxic
about toxic candle fumes.
I have not tried this. I don’t know where to get soy wax cheaply – as finished candles it is very expensive. but you can use any old large tin to put block soy was in and use regular yarn for a wick.

Blankets are more versitle than a bag. you can drape one around yourself to keep warm while seated in the car. or for a pet or stray pet for warmth. and also to go to an outhouse, drape one all around you to keep warm all around.

there are a lot of electrical devices that I found I use and trying to get battery powered all the time, will require then a battery recharger and lots of rechargeable little batteries, like lighting even. Might as well just get devices with a cord and an inverter and a deep cycle marine battery.

I plan to do this and when I do I will write how it goes: There is something called a desulfator, you can find online or ebay – about $40 – $50. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Desulfator-Optimizer-Solar-Wind-Bank-any-Ah-/200658557885?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb82e9bbd
these can repair most dead batteries to about 70% efficiency I had read. a farmer or garage mechanic might have old dead batteries that they do not want, ask them for a few of the largest ones and run the desulfator on it and see if it repairs the battery. you can run the desulfator from the vehicle battery directly, so that it is working while you are driving.

just remember when you run a battery, it puts out toxic fumes, Only the optima batteries do not. if it is a lead-acid battery you will need to place it outside of the car when using it, or seal it in a battery box and vent it, so the fumes go out the window. and any fumes that are in the trunk will get into the passenger area. so you cannot put it in the trunk without sealing and venting. usually it is only some thick carpet like fabric that separates the trunk from the passenger area. and the gas/fumes easily go through the fabric or sofa material.

you can always put the battery right outside the car when parked, being that when the car is running, you use the car’s electricity. get some bulk chain at home depot (whatever size and length you want) – and a padlock – and chain it to something, not the car, if you are concerned about theft. you might need to drive away in a hurry, so do not chain it to the vehicle.

]]> By: SusReed http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-269313 SusReed Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:45:34 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-269313 Thanks for the heat ideas. A sleeping bag and a couple small dogs at the foot might work, too, until the dogs hear something to bark at. .. Have you seen those small personal portable fans that run on 4 batteries? Why couldn't they make a small personal heater like that? I don't like electric blankets, but maybe could warm up the car inside and turn it off to sleep. Thanks lots for the ideas. Thanks for the heat ideas. A sleeping bag and a couple small dogs at the foot might work, too, until the dogs hear something to bark at. ..

Have you seen those small personal portable fans that run on 4 batteries? Why couldn’t they make a small personal heater like that? I don’t like electric blankets, but maybe could warm up the car inside and turn it off to sleep.
Thanks lots for the ideas.

]]> By: John http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267925 John Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:56:22 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267925 im gonna be living out of my mini-van for awhile. just graduated college and dont feel like going into the work world right away. just wanna drive around, travel, explore. i hate running into cops. For awhile I didn't have internet in my house, so I would drive around to the nearest public place to surf the web. This led me to have so many run ins with cops. hate it. i can't imagine how hard it'll be to avoid cops when i'm living out of your van. I'm planning on going to the southern tip of florida in order to be in the warmest place possible for the winter. I wonder if it will still get too cold there at night during january? im pretty much fed up with life. school was such a drag, and i've just been ITCHING to be free. i've got a bunch of books i want to read. I've got a bit of savings to pay for food. a portable propane stove. figure i'll wash clothes at a laundramat or in a bucket. it would be great to just find a hassle free place, to just live, read, meditate...find myself. shower could be a problem. i figured i could just find a local gym, and go there morning and night; but then I worry about finding a good place to sleep. i swear i'm alergic to cops knocking on my window in the middle of the night. i wonder if it'll ever get too hot in my van all closed up. maybe i'll have to get a battery powered fan, i'm not trying to mess with any complicated stuff to extract electricity out of my car battery that might drain it. i just want to be free. i don't need much. im gonna be living out of my mini-van for awhile. just graduated college and dont feel like going into the work world right away. just wanna drive around, travel, explore. i hate running into cops. For awhile I didn’t have internet in my house, so I would drive around to the nearest public place to surf the web. This led me to have so many run ins with cops. hate it. i can’t imagine how hard it’ll be to avoid cops when i’m living out of your van. I’m planning on going to the southern tip of florida in order to be in the warmest place possible for the winter. I wonder if it will still get too cold there at night during january?

im pretty much fed up with life. school was such a drag, and i’ve just been ITCHING to be free. i’ve got a bunch of books i want to read. I’ve got a bit of savings to pay for food. a portable propane stove. figure i’ll wash clothes at a laundramat or in a bucket. it would be great to just find a hassle free place, to just live, read, meditate…find myself. shower could be a problem. i figured i could just find a local gym, and go there morning and night; but then I worry about finding a good place to sleep. i swear i’m alergic to cops knocking on my window in the middle of the night. i wonder if it’ll ever get too hot in my van all closed up. maybe i’ll have to get a battery powered fan, i’m not trying to mess with any complicated stuff to extract electricity out of my car battery that might drain it.

i just want to be free. i don’t need much.

]]> By: Abia The Cat http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-1/#comment-267920 Abia The Cat Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:50:06 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267920 Steering wheels are too easy to cut. I use a length of very heavy log chain and padlock my clutch pedal with a heavy grade long shanked padlock to the steel frame of my seat. If the clutch is not pushed down, the truck won't crank. With some automatics, if the brake pedal isn't pushed all the way down, the car won't crank either. Steering wheels are too easy to cut. I use a length of very heavy log chain and padlock my clutch pedal with a heavy grade long shanked padlock to the steel frame of my seat. If the clutch is not pushed down, the truck won’t crank. With some automatics, if the brake pedal isn’t pushed all the way down, the car won’t crank either.

]]> By: DDPrice http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267911 DDPrice Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:40:12 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267911 Don't give up hope Brian. I am very lucky to have some really good friends. I lean on them hard. I don't want any of there money I just want someone to talk to, and they have been there for me. It has helped me get through some thought time like now. With out them I would not be here. Good luck panning for gold. I hope you find lots of gold. Don’t give up hope Brian. I am very lucky to have some really good friends. I lean on them hard. I don’t want any of there money I just want someone to talk to, and they have been there for me. It has helped me get through some thought time like now. With out them I would not be here. Good luck panning for gold. I hope you find lots of gold.

]]> By: brian http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267909 brian Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:28:42 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267909 Hi, Im getting ready for living in my Volvo . Big Car . Im going with my dog pepper. i want to get some gold. My dads maps are cool. they are all mapped out. know that i have lost everything, except for my son, who lives with my ex. I wanta go gold panning whilke i camp out. ? what the hec, im totaly bored bummed out salesman dude. i am on unemployment and caught up on support. THOUGH the toll it will now taken. Im totaly embarressed to the point of anger with myself. I have lived out off a car for 6 month once before. It's been 1 yr. im on the bottom with now else to go ,but up. bri Hi, Im getting ready for living in my Volvo . Big Car . Im going with my dog pepper. i want to get some gold. My dads maps are cool. they are all mapped out. know that i have lost everything, except for my son, who lives with my ex. I wanta go gold panning whilke i camp out. ? what the hec, im totaly bored bummed out salesman dude. i am on unemployment and caught up on support. THOUGH the toll it will now taken. Im totaly embarressed to the point of anger with myself. I have lived out off a car for 6 month once before. It’s been 1 yr. im on the bottom with now else to go ,but up. bri

]]> By: DDPrice http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267903 DDPrice Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:02:45 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267903 I was hoping to find a forum or something like it. Saturday I have to haul my motorcycle to a friends house 3 hours away and store it there. For how long I don't know. Keep the post coming. I was hoping to find a forum or something like it. Saturday I have to haul my motorcycle to a friends house 3 hours away and store it there. For how long I don’t know. Keep the post coming.

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267896 jcasil Wed, 21 Sep 2011 23:44:52 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267896 I forgot to mention that if you are going to put an inverter under the hood by the engine, it needs to draw in cool air from below, because the air around the inverter will be extremely hot. the inverter necessarily has its own cooling system - just a fan, but that needs outside unheated air. so I had to get a metal automotive hose. they sell ones that are already heat reflective. designed just for that purpose of drawing in cool outside air and keeping it cool. or you can get a metal one and wrap heat reflective tape around it, they sell that tape at Autozone, but the best thing is to get the hose that is already heat reflective. ask if they can special order it. I tried the tape idea, and the glue did not work, so I then had to buy metal foil tape at Home Depot and put that around it. if not, the inverter will automatically shut off, sensing it is overheating. and you will have to turn it off and on manually to get it working again. if this overheating keeps happening, the fan or other part of the inverter will get ruined. another thing about inverters under the hood or in the back, where you are not. do not get one with an alarm, or get one with an alarm, but then disable it. that is open the casing and rewire the wires so that they just bypass the alarm. it is a stupid alarm, it goes off after it stops inverting power. not before as a warning, but after, continuing to drain power off the low battery. you get no electricity so you know the battery is low, it is just foolish to add an alarm. get an inverter that stops inverting when the battery is low, and disable the idiot alarm. if you forget to turn off an inverter with an alarm, the alarm itself with drain the battery dead - very very low. and it will be hard to recharge it. if this happens several times, it can ruin the battery. just walking away from the car for some hours, when the battery is low, or going to sleep, forgetting to turn off the darn inverter, and the battery is very dead. I have a 600 amp jump start battery with me, this is also a must for living out of your vehicle. but when the battery is very low, it takes 2 hours for the 600 amp battery to charge it. I could get a jump start from a passer-by, that would take about 3-5 minutes when the battery is that low, but I hate attracting any more attention to myself. however, I have done that on occasion out of necessity. I forgot to mention that if you are going to put an inverter under the hood by the engine, it needs to draw in cool air from below, because the air around the inverter will be extremely hot. the inverter necessarily has its own cooling system – just a fan, but that needs outside unheated air.

so I had to get a metal automotive hose. they sell ones that are already heat reflective. designed just for that purpose of drawing in cool outside air and keeping it cool. or you can get a metal one and wrap heat reflective tape around it, they sell that tape at Autozone, but the best thing is to get the hose that is already heat reflective. ask if they can special order it. I tried the tape idea, and the glue did not work, so I then had to buy metal foil tape at Home Depot and put that around it.

if not, the inverter will automatically shut off, sensing it is overheating. and you will have to turn it off and on manually to get it working again. if this overheating keeps happening, the fan or other part of the inverter will get ruined.

another thing about inverters under the hood or in the back, where you are not. do not get one with an alarm, or get one with an alarm, but then disable it. that is open the casing and rewire the wires so that they just bypass the alarm.

it is a stupid alarm, it goes off after it stops inverting power. not before as a warning, but after, continuing to drain power off the low battery. you get no electricity so you know the battery is low, it is just foolish to add an alarm. get an inverter that stops inverting when the battery is low, and disable the idiot alarm.

if you forget to turn off an inverter with an alarm, the alarm itself with drain the battery dead – very very low. and it will be hard to recharge it. if this happens several times, it can ruin the battery.

just walking away from the car for some hours, when the battery is low, or going to sleep, forgetting to turn off the darn inverter, and the battery is very dead.

I have a 600 amp jump start battery with me, this is also a must for living out of your vehicle.

but when the battery is very low, it takes 2 hours for the 600 amp battery to charge it.

I could get a jump start from a passer-by, that would take about 3-5 minutes when the battery is that low, but I hate attracting any more attention to myself. however, I have done that on occasion out of necessity.

]]> By: Abia The Cat http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267880 Abia The Cat Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:16:11 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267880 From what I've read of other folks living in their rides, keep clean and conservative looking and that goes for your car or truck, too. No hippie or Mohawk haircuts, biker beards, weird clothes, marijuana leaves painted on your ride or dope promoting bumper stickers on your bumper or back window. Be very nice to the cops and their snarling dogs when you meet them. Keep your car inspection stickers and car tags current. Keep your car insured, too, so the cops won't have any reasonable reason to arrest you and tow your car or truck. If you have the time, volunteering a respectable organizations like the Salvation Army, Red Cross, or other community based non-political organizations keeps your street record 5-star, too. Here in Jackson, MS there is a city department that helps the homeless find safe places to live or stay. Some of these organizations throw in a free meal and shower, if you volunteer with them. A clean and conservative image appears to matter a lot when living out of your car or truck. From what I’ve read of other folks living in their rides, keep clean and conservative looking and that goes for your car or truck, too. No hippie or Mohawk haircuts, biker beards, weird clothes, marijuana leaves painted on your ride or dope promoting bumper stickers on your bumper or back window. Be very nice to the cops and their snarling dogs when you meet them.

Keep your car inspection stickers and car tags current. Keep your car insured, too, so the cops won’t have any reasonable reason to arrest you and tow your car or truck. If you have the time, volunteering a respectable organizations like the Salvation Army, Red Cross, or other community based non-political organizations keeps your street record 5-star, too. Here in Jackson, MS there is a city department that helps the homeless find safe places to live or stay. Some of these organizations throw in a free meal and shower, if you volunteer with them.

A clean and conservative image appears to matter a lot when living out of your car or truck.

]]> By: Abia The Cat http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267879 Abia The Cat Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:07:54 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267879 Jcasil, you sound like a pro at living in your car. I'll be traveling with two happy cats back and forth in my F-150 truck after I build a plywood camper top for it. These metal and fiberglass camper tops for sale now are extremely expensive and easy to smash with a hammer by a determined thief. As the economy weakens even more and the costs of maintaining a house rise, I pretty much see myself living in a long wheeled base pick up truck for the rest of my life. Designing my new home now which will include a flushable camper potty and solar electricity panels on top for charging a deep cycle battery and inverter hookup. It's a doable life and keeps me a whole lot less materialistic. Jcasil, you sound like a pro at living in your car. I’ll be traveling with two happy cats back and forth in my F-150 truck after I build a plywood camper top for it. These metal and fiberglass camper tops for sale now are extremely expensive and easy to smash with a hammer by a determined thief.

As the economy weakens even more and the costs of maintaining a house rise, I pretty much see myself living in a long wheeled base pick up truck for the rest of my life. Designing my new home now which will include a flushable camper potty and solar electricity panels on top for charging a deep cycle battery and inverter hookup. It’s a doable life and keeps me a whole lot less materialistic.

]]> By: Abia The Cat http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267877 Abia The Cat Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:42:48 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267877 Has anyone written a blog or a book on the points to remember to successfully live out of a car or truck? As the economy grows weaker and weaker, such a book or blog will be very useful. Will be living out of my truck within a couple of years or less, after I put a plywood camper cover over it. I own a hiking tent, but would feel safer with four solid walls around me as I sleep. Plus, I will have two cats with me and don't want them wandering around while I'm trying to rest. Has anyone written a blog or a book on the points to remember to successfully live out of a car or truck? As the economy grows weaker and weaker, such a book or blog will be very useful.

Will be living out of my truck within a couple of years or less, after I put a plywood camper cover over it. I own a hiking tent, but would feel safer with four solid walls around me as I sleep. Plus, I will have two cats with me and don’t want them wandering around while I’m trying to rest.

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267787 jcasil Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:45:05 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267787 a sleeping bag for sleeping in the cold. lots of blankets - three or more folded ones. I make sure to cover the ares where drafts come out of. the come under the car seat and around the door. heating pads, two or three, that people use for muscle aches. they only draw out 50 watts each. you can get a 100 watt inverter to plug into your cigareet lighter. but usually these heat pads are designed with an automatic shut off after an hour. so try to find ones that don't. ask the pharmacist. go online. inverter is about $20 and a heat pad about $13. try to find a salvage store or liquidation/outlet store. I usually use these during the day, when resting, reading, or napping. because I have ones with the hour-limit. Use them on my lap or for a cold stomach. when you are cold in one place, like your lap, your whole body will feel cold and it really is not. Good warmth from one area, like your lap, which is a large area, also spreads quickly to other parts of you. Also I use an electric blanket. but that requires an inverter, to turn the car battery (which is DC) into AC electric power, which is what you plug into in your house. a 400 or 800 watt inverter. check how much total wattage you need to run all your electrical devices. for boiling water., that will require an 800, because most hot pots use that an 800 watt inverter will cost about $80 or $40 at a liquidation or outlet store. but that will run your battery empty in a few hours. the inverters have an alarm and stop invertering power, but the alarm itself may not shut off and that can drain your battery. you can get an optima deep cycle battery, $200-$250. and this will give you all kinds of electrical power. like for your electric blanket all night long. connect it to the car with cables so that when the car is running, it is charging the optima battery. an optima yellow deep cycle battery or blue deep cycle battery will give you lots of electrical power. you can drain it to almost nothing lots of times and not ruin the battery. it does not put out fumes. only get an optima battery, others put out toxic fumes. they are more for boating or open air applications. I have not installed one in my car as of now. a sleeping bag for sleeping in the cold.

lots of blankets – three or more folded ones. I make sure to cover the ares where drafts come out of. the come under the car seat and around the door.

heating pads, two or three, that people use for muscle aches. they only draw out 50 watts each. you can get a 100 watt inverter to plug into your cigareet lighter. but usually these heat pads are designed with an automatic shut off after an hour. so try to find ones that don’t. ask the pharmacist. go online. inverter is about $20 and a heat pad about $13. try to find a salvage store or liquidation/outlet store.

I usually use these during the day, when resting, reading, or napping. because I have ones with the hour-limit. Use them on my lap or for a cold stomach. when you are cold in one place, like your lap, your whole body will feel cold and it really is not. Good warmth from one area, like your lap, which is a large area, also spreads quickly to other parts of you.

Also I use an electric blanket. but that requires an inverter, to turn the car battery (which is DC) into AC electric power, which is what you plug into in your house. a 400 or 800 watt inverter. check how much total wattage you need to run all your electrical devices. for boiling water., that will require an 800, because most hot pots use that

an 800 watt inverter will cost about $80 or $40 at a liquidation or outlet store.

but that will run your battery empty in a few hours. the inverters have an alarm and stop invertering power, but the alarm itself may not shut off and that can drain your battery.

you can get an optima deep cycle battery, $200-$250. and this will give you all kinds of electrical power. like for your electric blanket all night long. connect it to the car with cables so that when the car is running, it is charging the optima battery. an optima yellow deep cycle battery or blue deep cycle battery will give you lots of electrical power. you can drain it to almost nothing lots of times and not ruin the battery. it does not put out fumes. only get an optima battery, others put out toxic fumes. they are more for boating or open air applications.

I have not installed one in my car as of now.

]]> By: DDPrice http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267562 DDPrice Sun, 18 Sep 2011 02:14:40 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267562 Thanks everyone for your post here. I too find my self in the same position. Very good information here. Thanks everyone for your post here. I too find my self in the same position. Very good information here.

]]> By: brian http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-3/#comment-267394 brian Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:50:54 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267394 I realy like what you had to say about living out of your car. My dog is the tuff part. He is 50# and i will allways love him. hate to let him go. i think i agree to get rid of the pets. i think i am making to much of living out off my car. your comments made me feel better. The time is now. it's like what really is there to plan??. every thing will hopefully work. staying in the moment work I realy like what you had to say about living out of your car. My dog is the tuff part. He is 50# and i will allways love him. hate to let him go. i think i agree to get rid of the pets. i think i am making to much of living out off my car. your comments made me feel better. The time is now. it’s like what really is there to plan??. every thing will hopefully work. staying in the moment work

]]> By: SusReed http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267268 SusReed Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:37:23 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267268 P.S. Flexo, since you are focused on aspects of consumerism at your site, what do you think of the forced installation of products consumers do not want on their homes by the utilities? That is NOT capitalism or a FREE market. Consumers should have a voice and a choice regarding products to use in their own homes, especially when health concerns or issues exist, not to mention protecting our property rights. P.S. Flexo, since you are focused on aspects of consumerism at your site, what do you think of the forced installation of products consumers do not want on their homes by the utilities? That is NOT capitalism or a FREE market. Consumers should have a voice and a choice regarding products to use in their own homes, especially when health concerns or issues exist, not to mention protecting our property rights.

]]> By: SusReed http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-267266 SusReed Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:25:44 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-267266 Thank you Flexo for this place to connect. I have been sleeping in my car for about six months and am trying to figure out how to keep warm in winter. I have not found a battery powered small heater, but only propane ones, which might not be safe. Any suggestions? Also, for what it's worth, I am one of a growing number of people forced out of their homes by the installation of smart meters. A certain percentage of the population is sensitive and gets sick when exposed to microwave emissions. Before the meter went in, I already had discovered that using a cell phone would give me a headache and wifi was also a problem. Argh. I had nothing against technology, but there was a clear problem with these transmitting devices. Anyhow, you may see more people like me here if they have access to or can tolerate using a computer. The new transmitting utility meters being installed nationwide are creating a whole new group of nomads. Needless to say, places with "free wifi" do me no good, and sleeping near a cell tower does not work too well. BTW, I go home during the day and spend as much time I can there before feeling too bad to stay. Then, I drive to a park or lot and bring things to do. The utilities have refused to replace their smart meters with the old, safe ones even if you have a letter from your doctor, or a legislator tries to intercede. As I said, they are creating much suffering and a whole new group of homeless people with nowhere to turn. Once a person is sensitized they cannot go back to not being sensitized. Putting smart meters on people's homes puts everyone at risk for many health problems. Smart meter protests are building, esp. in California, Maine, Texas and Wisconsin. Some of the sites include Stop Smart Meters and the EMF Safety Network. Thanks for letting me vent. I wish you all safety and security out there. Thank you Flexo for this place to connect. I have been sleeping in my car for about six months and am trying to figure out how to keep warm in winter. I have not found a battery powered small heater, but only propane ones, which might not be safe. Any suggestions?

Also, for what it’s worth, I am one of a growing number of people forced out of their homes by the installation of smart meters. A certain percentage of the population is sensitive and gets sick when exposed to microwave emissions. Before the meter went in, I already had discovered that using a cell phone would give me a headache and wifi was also a problem. Argh. I had nothing against technology, but there was a clear problem with these transmitting devices. Anyhow, you may see more people like me here if they have access to or can tolerate using a computer. The new transmitting utility meters being installed nationwide are creating a whole new group of nomads.

Needless to say, places with “free wifi” do me no good, and sleeping near a cell tower does not work too well. BTW, I go home during the day and spend as much time I can there before feeling too bad to stay. Then, I drive to a park or lot and bring things to do. The utilities have refused to replace their smart meters with the old, safe ones even if you have a letter from your doctor, or a legislator tries to intercede. As I said, they are creating much suffering and a whole new group of homeless people with nowhere to turn.

Once a person is sensitized they cannot go back to not being sensitized. Putting smart meters on people’s homes puts everyone at risk for many health problems. Smart meter protests are building, esp. in California, Maine, Texas and Wisconsin. Some of the sites include Stop Smart Meters and the EMF Safety Network. Thanks for letting me vent.

I wish you all safety and security out there.

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-266160 jcasil Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:17:08 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-266160 Chris, I had some serious issue to deal with, totally forgot to check my email and this message board. One thing is a must, if you are going to take a companion cat, dog or other, is pet insurance. gopetplan.com is a good one. monthly rates range from $15 - $30 for cats. this is really a must for any outdoor/indoor pet. To not be bothered, make sure that you do your activity (around/in your vehicle) in a place separate from your sleeping space. not the same space. people will notice your activity and call the police. to pretend like they are seriously concerned, get rid of the "homeless garbage." a park is a good place to do your activity, no one will call the police there, but make sure you know and observe the closing hour of the park. the police come by a little while after closing to make sure no one is there. but then, you will have passer bys looking at you in a park. do your activity in one place, prepare you and your vehicle for sleep; then drive to your sleeping place and just sleep. twice I had the police pop up from behind the bushes! at night. I was prepareing food and someone noticed me. you will have to realize, peopel are evil, and just want to get rid of the homeless bum - make them work, get a job. they know that you are not criminal. they just want you to "get off your but" so they will harrass you. the police have to respond to a call, that is check you out, but they do not have to make you leave, unless the owner called them or it is really illegal. sometimes police will tell me, "just leave if someone tells you to." or they will ask me if there is anything I need, like a shelter or social service. I was humored when a Colorado officer gave me his business card. I currently do not have work, ect. Keeping a regular scheduel is a real complication I have not had to deal with. Another warning, is that the police will often think that you are mentally ill. so be sound minded, calm (even mildly bored) and normal with them. police do not need a court & trial to take a citizen immediately to a mental state hospital - prison - for "observation." If I preceive a threat or tension of any kind, I stop all what I am doing, hold my CRUCIFIX in one hand and READ THE WORD . CHRIST IS the best COMPANION in all this, and I would not do or suggest so otherwise. (written August 29, 2011) Chris, I had some serious issue to deal with, totally forgot to check my email and this message board.

One thing is a must, if you are going to take a companion cat, dog or other, is pet insurance. gopetplan.com is a good one. monthly rates range from $15 – $30 for cats. this is really a must for any outdoor/indoor pet.

To not be bothered, make sure that you do your activity (around/in your vehicle) in a place separate from your sleeping space. not the same space. people will notice your activity and call the police. to pretend like they are seriously concerned, get rid of the “homeless garbage.”

a park is a good place to do your activity, no one will call the police there, but make sure you know and observe the closing hour of the park. the police come by a little while after closing to make sure no one is there.

but then, you will have passer bys looking at you in a park.

do your activity in one place, prepare you and your vehicle for sleep; then drive to your sleeping place and just sleep.

twice I had the police pop up from behind the bushes! at night. I was prepareing food and someone noticed me. you will have to realize, peopel are evil, and just want to get rid of the homeless bum – make them work, get a job. they know that you are not criminal. they just want you to “get off your but” so they will harrass you.

the police have to respond to a call, that is check you out, but they do not have to make you leave, unless the owner called them or it is really illegal. sometimes police will tell me, “just leave if someone tells you to.” or they will ask me if there is anything I need, like a shelter or social service. I was humored when a Colorado officer gave me his business card.

I currently do not have work, ect. Keeping a regular scheduel is a real complication I have not had to deal with.

Another warning, is that the police will often think that you are mentally ill. so be sound minded, calm (even mildly bored) and normal with them. police do not need a court & trial to take a citizen immediately to a mental state hospital – prison – for “observation.”

If I preceive a threat or tension of any kind, I stop all what I am doing, hold my CRUCIFIX in one hand and READ THE WORD . CHRIST IS the best COMPANION in all this, and I would not do or suggest so otherwise.

(written August 29, 2011)

]]> By: chris http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-264992 chris Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:45:20 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-264992 hey you sound like you no how to do things being homeless, i ben homeless for the better part of this summer and right now im living in my truck with some bare essentials in the back and a bed frame in the bed but i sleep inside the cabin and no job except scrapping metal and finding money in parking lot anyway i ben sleeping at apts, walmarts, trcuk stops, rest areas, hotels but am running out of places to stay and getting low on money any suggestions? thanks hey you sound like you no how to do things being homeless, i ben homeless for the better part of this summer and right now im living in my truck with some bare essentials in the back and a bed frame in the bed but i sleep inside the cabin and no job except scrapping metal and finding money in parking lot anyway i ben sleeping at apts, walmarts, trcuk stops, rest areas, hotels but am running out of places to stay and getting low on money any suggestions? thanks

]]> By: chris http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-264991 chris Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:37:14 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-264991 Hey i really enjoyed reading your article and it gives me hope that while im living out of my truck that someday ill have a job soon and everything. I graduated college in may and have ben pretty much homeless eversince i had a gf for a week then she kicked me out and i met another girl and she didnt wanna date me cuzz im homeless, but alrthough parts of it are hard (shower, food, blending in etc...) i have found out a lot about myself these few months i ben out on the streets and you gota look at the positive of it... how many people can go from a subpar life and make it homeless? the answer not many! you dont take things for granted everyday and with a truck i can scrap metal and thats ben helping me out a ton and then some, i got $40 today for scraping and got me some fried catfish. I shower wherever i can school or truckstops you learn to be nice to people. Good traveling and God Bless ps i miss tv and video games but i also would like to comment that i believe it would be beneficial is one should try their own homeless experiment to learn about yourself more and no wats it like but i do not endorse anyone taking me up on that tho Hey i really enjoyed reading your article and it gives me hope that while im living out of my truck that someday ill have a job soon and everything. I graduated college in may and have ben pretty much homeless eversince i had a gf for a week then she kicked me out and i met another girl and she didnt wanna date me cuzz im homeless, but alrthough parts of it are hard (shower, food, blending in etc…) i have found out a lot about myself these few months i ben out on the streets and you gota look at the positive of it… how many people can go from a subpar life and make it homeless? the answer not many! you dont take things for granted everyday and with a truck i can scrap metal and thats ben helping me out a ton and then some, i got $40 today for scraping and got me some fried catfish. I shower wherever i can school or truckstops you learn to be nice to people. Good traveling and God Bless ps i miss tv and video games but i also would like to comment that i believe it would be beneficial is one should try their own homeless experiment to learn about yourself more and no wats it like but i do not endorse anyone taking me up on that tho

]]> By: SherryR http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-264856 SherryR Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:13:28 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-264856 The management for my storage facility lives on site, so I would not be able to stay there. They even mention it in their "rules." I have a Nissan Altima. I have tinted windows thank goodness. But right now I am not living in my vehicle. The day I was moving I feel and sustained a trimalleolar fracture to my lower leg, plus I dislocated my ankle. I had emergency surgery. I dont know what happened with things "falling in place?" I am staying with someone but I feel uncomfortable, so I am waiting for me to get better and then I am going to try it again. The good thing is that the weather here in the south has hit record highs, 100's. So I have had some where cool to stay. The management for my storage facility lives on site, so I would not be able to stay there. They even mention it in their “rules.” I have a Nissan Altima. I have tinted windows thank goodness.
But right now I am not living in my vehicle. The day I was moving I feel and sustained a trimalleolar fracture to my lower leg, plus I dislocated my ankle. I had emergency surgery. I dont know what happened with things “falling in place?”
I am staying with someone but I feel uncomfortable, so I am waiting for me to get better and then I am going to try it again.
The good thing is that the weather here in the south has hit record highs, 100′s. So I have had some where cool to stay.

]]> By: Brandon http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-264609 Brandon Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:31:49 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-264609 Travel stops are hotbeds of shady activity. I would NOT stay at one if I had a choice. I'm currently living in my vehicle and I have found that churches are fantastic places to park. Leave out the part about whether YOU are religous or not and ask to speak to the pastor of the church. Explain your situation and that you are living in your vehicle. They are very sympathetic to such circumstances. Explain that you will not be leaving trash anywhere or wandering around the parking lot in your pajamas during times when services are being conducted. Finally, tell the pastor that you don't have a great deal of money to spare, but make an offer to contribute $20 or so to the church's general funds (in most instances they won't take your money). Granted, all you have is a parking lot and no showers or amenities, but in most cases they'll tell you you can park there. Do this at several out of the way churches and those off the beaten path. Find ones that have parking lots that wrap around the building and you can park BEHIND the building so your vehicle can't be seen from the main street. Nobody ever really cruises through church parking lots looking to cause trouble and, if you can't easily be seen as a target from a main road, nobody will suspect you're there. SAFETY IS GOLDEN! Travel stops are hotbeds of shady activity. I would NOT stay at one if I had a choice. I’m currently living in my vehicle and I have found that churches are fantastic places to park. Leave out the part about whether YOU are religous or not and ask to speak to the pastor of the church. Explain your situation and that you are living in your vehicle. They are very sympathetic to such circumstances. Explain that you will not be leaving trash anywhere or wandering around the parking lot in your pajamas during times when services are being conducted. Finally, tell the pastor that you don’t have a great deal of money to spare, but make an offer to contribute $20 or so to the church’s general funds (in most instances they won’t take your money). Granted, all you have is a parking lot and no showers or amenities, but in most cases they’ll tell you you can park there. Do this at several out of the way churches and those off the beaten path. Find ones that have parking lots that wrap around the building and you can park BEHIND the building so your vehicle can’t be seen from the main street. Nobody ever really cruises through church parking lots looking to cause trouble and, if you can’t easily be seen as a target from a main road, nobody will suspect you’re there. SAFETY IS GOLDEN!

]]> By: star999 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-263396 star999 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:03:31 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-263396 Love's is a brand of truck stop like Pilot or Flying J. Love's is a bit cheaper and less uptight than Pilot. Love’s is a brand of truck stop like Pilot or Flying J. Love’s is a bit cheaper and less uptight than Pilot.

]]> By: jcasil http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-263307 jcasil Sat, 23 Jul 2011 02:17:30 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-263307 I packed my car, just totally packed it. food, drinks, blankets, clothes, cleaning things, etc. I use all kinds of organizers - different size clear plastic containers, so you can see what is in them. at wal mart or big lots. large travel bags of different kinds that have a lot of organizational sections is really helpful. I get these at thrift shops, they are way too expensive retail. so you have to shop around and be patient and PRAYERFUL . I did have to remove the back seats entirely or I would never have enough space. some good mechanic school volunteered to do this and some other work. ask around at local car mechanic schools if they will do some small things or some repair or maintainance for reduced cost or free. I put a 800 watt inverter under the front hood for electrical devices. Ran electric cord from inverter under hood to surge protector in car, has 8 outlets. for all kinds of things. use special heat reflecting tape to cover inverter - tape that sells at Auto Zone for $20, meant to cover things near engine, like wires, so they do not get hot. or the 800 watt inverter will turn off when it overheats, as safety. then you can cook in a little electric rice cooker anything, while driving. when I need to sleep, I just move things from behind the driver's seat to another place, like the dash board or near the gas and break pedal and rest my feet on them. Then I put the back of the driver's seat down. I am short and cannot sleep flat anyways. but you can make it flat with blankets. my cat travels with me and enjoys it. he alone requires one entire seat area, that is below the seat, all the seat itself and behind it, for his stuff. food, litter, bedding, carrier. but I let him sit anywhere he wants. his carrier is behind the driver's seat, on a small tall plastic container with his food. So I can still put the driver's seat all the way down to sleep in. his litter box is actual near the front passenger door. so that when he uses it I open the door and pull him out before he starts to scatter the litter about. usually we stop at a field and I put the litter box outside for him to use. you have to get a plastic container that comes with lid you can securely snap shut. so that when driving a higher speed, you put the secure lid on, so that the litter will not go everywhere in case of an accident. all kinds of plastic durable boxes. It is very organized. but the space is packed. one most important rule that I found was never to stack more than 2 or 3 boxes up. 2 works best. because you will frustrate yourself trying having to move more than one or two loaded box to get to something underneath. and you will not do it. also do not stack things more than 2 or 3 deep in a box for the same reason. you will also forget what is at the bottom. that is why I use clear plastic boxes. before I did this, made sure that I have at least $800 always accessible in case car breaks down and needs big repair. but you might need more depending on your vehicle. my car broke down on the road one time and I slept overnight in the car at the mechanics place I was towed to and they did not mind at all. first time I slept in a car. I packed my car, just totally packed it. food, drinks, blankets, clothes, cleaning things, etc.

I use all kinds of organizers – different size clear plastic containers, so you can see what is in them. at wal mart or big lots. large travel bags of different kinds that have a lot of organizational sections is really helpful. I get these at thrift shops, they are way too expensive retail. so you have to shop around and be patient and PRAYERFUL .

I did have to remove the back seats entirely or I would never have enough space. some good mechanic school volunteered to do this and some other work. ask around at local car mechanic schools if they will do some small things or some repair or maintainance for reduced cost or free.

I put a 800 watt inverter under the front hood for electrical devices. Ran electric cord from inverter under hood to surge protector in car, has 8 outlets. for all kinds of things. use special heat reflecting tape to cover inverter – tape that sells at Auto Zone for $20, meant to cover things near engine, like wires, so they do not get hot. or the 800 watt inverter will turn off when it overheats, as safety. then you can cook in a little electric rice cooker anything, while driving.

when I need to sleep, I just move things from behind the driver’s seat to another place, like the dash board or near the gas and break pedal and rest my feet on them. Then I put the back of the driver’s seat down. I am short and cannot sleep flat anyways. but you can make it flat with blankets.

my cat travels with me and enjoys it. he alone requires one entire seat area, that is below the seat, all the seat itself and behind it, for his stuff. food, litter, bedding, carrier. but I let him sit anywhere he wants. his carrier is behind the driver’s seat, on a small tall plastic container with his food. So I can still put the driver’s seat all the way down to sleep in. his litter box is actual near the front passenger door. so that when he uses it I open the door and pull him out before he starts to scatter the litter about. usually we stop at a field and I put the litter box outside for him to use. you have to get a plastic container that comes with lid you can securely snap shut. so that when driving a higher speed, you put the secure lid on, so that the litter will not go everywhere in case of an accident.

all kinds of plastic durable boxes. It is very organized. but the space is packed. one most important rule that I found was never to stack more than 2 or 3 boxes up. 2 works best. because you will frustrate yourself trying having to move more than one or two loaded box to get to something underneath. and you will not do it. also do not stack things more than 2 or 3 deep in a box for the same reason. you will also forget what is at the bottom. that is why I use clear plastic boxes.

before I did this, made sure that I have at least $800 always accessible in case car breaks down and needs big repair. but you might need more depending on your vehicle.

my car broke down on the road one time and I slept overnight in the car at the mechanics place I was towed to and they did not mind at all. first time I slept in a car.

]]> By: jessica http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-263203 jessica Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:46:58 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-263203 i have a question for sherryr. could you not live in the storage area? discreetly of course. Also, have you considered bug bombing your car? My car has teeny little spiders, even though i never have food in my car, and am a very clean person. would it be safe to set off a bomb? i have a question for sherryr. could you not live in the storage area? discreetly of course.

Also, have you considered bug bombing your car? My car has teeny little spiders, even though i never have food in my car, and am a very clean person. would it be safe to set off a bomb?

]]> By: jessica http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-263202 jessica Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:35:25 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-263202 what is "loves"? what is “loves”?

]]> By: klasc http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-261777 klasc Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:47:45 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-261777 Hi, I need to live in my car for at least a year. My only hesitation is that I live in Chicago, any suggestions on how to get through winter? Hi, I need to live in my car for at least a year. My only hesitation is that I live in Chicago, any suggestions on how to get through winter?

]]> By: Zorro http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/comment-page-4/#comment-261274 Zorro Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:24:12 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/02/27/extreme-frugality-living-out-of-your-car/#comment-261274 Hey bvan. Places I like to stay are walmarts, costcos, big k's, park n rides, apartment complexes, churchs, police stations sometimes will let you. Be careful of truck stops. Denny's, village inn, 24 hr fitness. Hey bvan. Places I like to stay are walmarts, costcos, big k’s, park n rides, apartment complexes, churchs, police stations sometimes will let you. Be careful of truck stops. Denny’s, village inn, 24 hr fitness.

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