Free Press World - June 4, 2004
Just 2 Paychecks Away
A Reference To Prepare You - Page 2
2: Now What Do You Do With This "old thing"?

First of all completely check it out mechanical wise. Remember you might be living in it, but you can not just park it forever. It has to be able to start and move at any given time. Sitting around even in a vehicle too long is still considered loitering in many places, so always be prepared to move on if ask or told.

Next, maintain it. OK fine everything seems to be working on it. Well it does not end there, you can not just walk away now and forget it until the day might come you need it. You will need to maintain it also. That means at least every few days, or at least once a week go start the vehicle and let the engine run awhile. The keyword is start, make sure your vehicle has a good battery and starter. If you are going to be in it during cold times, a good starter can be the difference between life or death. Maybe if nobody you know is looking, you might even consider taking it around the block a few times. If for no other reason, then just to turn the tires to avoid the dry rot effects, and keep the engine lubricated. It may never run like a BMW, but if it can get you from point A to point B, it has done it's job.

Legalize it. This means keep current license plates, registration, and insurance on it. It may end up being your home someday, but in the eyes of the law it is still a motor vehicle. So this means all the laws applying to a motor vehicle still stand. Remember do it right, and do it legal so nothing foolish can take away your home. Next let's look at comfort and organization.

3: Vehicle Comfort And Organization

If you have ever been inside a motorhome you have probably noticed how very little if any space is wasted. This will apply to your temporary home as well. Stand back and look over your vehicle. Does it have a sturdy roof where perhaps you can install a luggage rack or carrier? How about a good bumper in case you need to be towed, or perhaps mount a bicycle rack? That's right I said bicycle rack. Why? Well think of this. On the open road sometimes it can be miles between exits, and this is where a second mode of transportation may be useful. If you run out of fuel or have other problems between exits it can be a very long walk. Also is the fact that maybe you will have to walk back to your vehicle carrying a full gas can which after awhile can get very heavy. So consider a bicycle as a sort of emergency vehicle. Remember you are going to be without the luxury anymore of calling AAA or some other road service. You are now on your own, so once again common sense will play a major role in all your decisions.

4. Vehicle "Must Haves"

Things you should carry with you consist of the basics any vehicle should have.

A good spare tire, a jack (I suggest a small hydraulic floor jack over a bumper style jack. Some are under $30 these days and much safer), lug wrench, maybe even a 12 volt tire inflator, a shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, booster cables, extra oils, a gas can, and of course some fix-a-flat.

Some sort of reflective devices for night: I do not recommend flares in a smaller vehicle. This is another risk you can not afford and that is one of fire in your vehicle.

A portable fire extinguisher: Self explanetory. Use this especially for fuel fires. NEVER put water on this kind of fire, it will only spread it.

A first aid kit: I do not mean just a band aid either, but a good quality kit.

A good tool kit: This does not mean go out and try to carry a rollaround tool chest. Just the basics you are familiar with.

A vehicle repair manual: Well that kind of supports the tool kit idea :-)

A road atlas / street guide: Self explanetory on this one.

A cell phone: I suggest the pre-paid kind. Because the ones you have to pay monthly for may be shut off the following month for non-paymnet. So pay as you go would be the best choice for this. Also do not use it for chit chat, but for emergency use or job searching situations.

If you are in a small or compact vehicle. You can store many of these items in a rooftop carrier. These can be found cheap if you shop around for one. If not, you can make one out of other types of containers, but keep in mind if they are flat surfaced they can create wind drag and affect your gas mileage. Make sure you secure them good on top using a 4 point method meaning strap them down side to side, and front to rear on your roof. Actually I suggest you use two straps side to side. Also remember that this will increase your vehicle's height. Back To Previous Page  ||OR|| Go To The Next Page