Newbie & Green

[Janie]

I imagine you have already thought of all this but just in case....

The fact that you have been driving the van around for 4 years is a good thing.
It's somewhat reliable.

Tires and brakes checked and an oil change and a couple qts extra so you can top it whenever you need one instead of waiting to find it.
A spare is a good idea if you have one , throw it in (two if your tires are even slightly iffy) . AAA is good , call and ask what their policy is on a trailer you're towing.
If you can fit it all in the van and a trailer that's great .
If not hopefully you can goodwill or dump enough to not be overloaded.  The more you do there the happier the van will be.  NEVER forget.  Being able to move the weight isn't the same thing as being able to stop it.... 
Breakdowns and motels... Depending on how long it will be , renting a u-haul van (used to be $20 a day local)  to move into is way cheaper .
Bringing a tent and camping gear could be a cheap option to have along too. Could also be used in that rental van. 
(? Another option ?..... Renting a bigger van/ truck and skipping the trailer for the whole trip might be cost effective also.) Both cash wise as well as worry wise.


I spent 30 years moving vans and trucks full of sound gear millions of miles and traveled around the country in my own old vehicle a 1969 pickup and have experienced breakdowns in every form imaginable (including a motor home fire.)
and in many new and far off places .

And there was always a place that helped me get back on the road .

Some treated me better than I would have experienced in my home town uptah camp! 
Never missed a show .
Well ,except for when that club burned down with all the gear in it ! (But we did get a couple weeks off that was sorely needed).


Welcome to the forums . It's nice to have a new face in the crew !
No worries about where or how you post. This isn't that kind of place.
A few have responded here and probably more will as they notice you're here.

Now , tell us more about your future new pooch !
I traveled for 16 years with a dalmatian.

I should have thought about renting a uhaul cargo van, thanks for the reminder. I think its still $20 a day, much better than amotel room for days, week how every long.

I have been watching Pitbulls & Parolees for some time now and I am smitten with pitbulls. I don't believe the entire breed is dangerous , some do inherit a bad gene but other than that I think it's how they are raised. But I understand that some states have a ban on them and don't want you to even drive thru their state(???) My last dog was a a sweet and happy golden lab/retriever - I had her about 6 years. She got lyme disease - tried to save her but couldn't. The wound didn't heal this time but I know I need another dog. Money is always an issue with me so I will look at free ads. I do want a larger breed dog, small dogs are ok but I'd prefer 70-100 dog. No puppies though - no "housebreaking". If I can adopt from a local SPCA I will if they think I qualify but think I need a street address. Unfortunately dogs and cats are advertised for free so the dog can be any breed but not too small. Getting a dog again is the greatest incentive that I have and I will take advantage of clinics to keep some shots up to date. I can already visualize a dog sitting in my passenger seat or laying on the floor.  It is the greatest motivation for me.

Now all I have to do is get upstate and clearing the clutter.