Dodgy

The Classic Van

A #Vanlife Flirtation

Our nomadic journy begins with Dodgy, a 1986 Dodge Ram commuter van. It is our flirtation with the much-publicized #vanlife. The lessons we learn while banging around in this retro rig shapes what we want in the long run.

A 1986 3500 Dodgy Ram Van

In 2014, a family member has a 1985 Dodge 350 commuter van rotting away in the backyard. We think it will be fun to fix up. In fact, we do manage to get it running. Yet, it keeps breaking down and we can never get the air conditioning to consistently work. We jokingly refer to the van as ‘Dodgy’ due to its unreliable nature.

A Beginning
Initial Impressions of Nomadic Living
The Car
Gutting the Van
Days of Dodgy
Our Van Life Comes to a Close

Perfection, Enemy of Good

August 1, 2015
Dodgy’s journeys have not been the easiest, and with each mechanical trial arises a new quest: to find a mechanic that will actually fix Dodgy’s problems. For most people, a matter of a broken brake light or air conditioning unit is simply remedied by a trip to the nearest mechanic, yet Dodgy has already visited three mechanics. After the second explained that our business was not worth the time and effort it would take to find replacement parts, he referred us to a shop specializing in car electrical work. Despite both the mechanic calling ahead and us scheduling an appointment to drop off the car, we found ourselves cajoling Mechanic #3 to take on the project.
Read more: Perfection, Enemy of Good
Dodgy restocked

Restocking

June 27, 2015
We had to loop back to Grass Valley to pick up a few last items we had left with friends. With a few lessons learned, we laid out the back of the van in a more thoughtful way with rugs, a mattress on the floor, plastic storage drawers as dressers, and a cooler, easily accessible in the back.  I guess the means we are ready for the first leg of our real trip…
Read more: Restocking