It just seems like there have been a massive amount of newbie posts, like 10-15 in the last week. Many of which were obvious trolls. If you are legit then I apologize.
After every Expo we get massive amounts of newbie posters, many of them asking ignorant questions (just shocking, I know) with very few of them being trolls. So far since this year's Expo, I haven't seen a single person be accurately publicly labeled as a troll.
Well that just makes too much sense. It wasn't so much the type of questions, god knows ive asked plenty of them, but the massive influx of them at one time. But yeah, the expo would explain that.
2017 shall be my year to go on the road!
Feels like I have travelled across the country sitting next to a whole bunch of you as I have been looking out your passenger window watching the different trucks, vans, drivers and adventures of expeditors go by. Thanks for "hosting" me along your routes. I have learned a great deal.
I think I maybe days away from buying my van. I started out with a love affair with the long tall sprinter and have finally turned a blind eye towards it. I am hunting down an actual minimum spec or +, Ford Transit Cargo Van that shall have a high roof, 148" extended length body, 3.5L eco boost gasoline engine, 3.11 rear end, heavy duty tow package with electric trailer brake, no cargo area windows.
Wobbling still on the GVWR choices of 9000#, 9500# or maybe the 9950# ratings. I think the final driver of this shall be the bottom line out the door price competition between them. All will nicely handle my basic need/desire for how I will be using the vehicle.
While I am living in Madison County, North Carolina, at this moment I am leaning towards setting up my domicile, thus registration of van in South Dakota. The motivation for SD is because it is a state that full time RV folks seem to favor because of its residency, taxes, vehicle registration and inspection options that are conducive to a full time RV living. Not having to actually be in SD more than one overnight is attractive in the long run with my intention of not being home very much.
Finally, for anyone else that is researching this Expediter adventure, my posts on this site, Sprinter Forum, Transit Forum provide the chronological trial I have been on for nearly a year now.
The Hook: My experience at the trailhead of my own trek started at
NY I90 where I first became conscious of "these vans" that seem to be hanging out for longer than just a coffee/bathroom break. I approached that van, but it seemed clear to me that someone was inside, but probably sleeping so I didn't proceed any further with my curiosity. Now, "these vans" were in my thoughts and now like when I have bought a brand new car, I suddenly was aware of the same car, color and options that were all over the place. So down the highways I went, seeing these all over the place.
The Line: After a few thousand miles more, my Walmart parking lot experiences brought me to a Mooresville, North Carolina sighting of a Sprinter with a generator set mounted on a swing arm located on the rear end, obviously there for a full time Sprinter traveling occupant. What an educational experience this dude provided me! I knocked on his van's window, interrupting his reading of a novel, and judging from his initial reserve, caused him to think, whiskey-tango-foxtrot, is this dude banging on my window for? Turns out he was an expediter. Bingo. The REAL DEAL. Texas dude, moved to this Walmart from ??? to increase chances of getting the next load sooner. Great guy and one of the reasons I ended up in Lexington to learn more. Again, to cool to be forgotten dude. Thanks guy!
The Sinker: Same Walmart different day, a Long Tall Beautiful beast of a Sprinter parked in center of the lot. I do a double take driving in the lot in my little Jeep Sportster RV. Pulled in too the next parking spot, knocked on the window and began a conversation with a guy who had JUST bought the thing. But get this… it was fully outfitted EXPEDITER VAN. Screamed out this is a PROFESSIONAL dude. Turns out he was just starting out, but told the story of his own research and the need of a business plan, capitalization and attitude for making this thing work, down to how many miles, loaded, per week required to profitably “crack the nut”. Along with contingency plans, he was making it happen thus far with optimism for the future too. What stole the show for me was how he could hit a button and the Sprinter came alive expand the cargo space, yet all the while maintaining his living chambers too!
Hauled right into the boat: Lexington KY and this forum and all of its generous folks which has grown this Community.
Whew…. wadda ride! & not even gotten behind the wheel.
But that shall change within the next few weeks.
To close this purge out, newbies as I still am, this is a great forum worth all the hours and days of reading over time. While I have been overwhelmed most of the time, I am now at a point where, as my first ever post said, I shall be confidently, optimistically and really pulling the trigger on the adventure. Yes!
Great! 
