Jason Foster
RV'g
That's funny. I've actually thought of that idea before. However, my spin on it was that I was thinking of it being more a replica of some of the EOC mobile command vehicles. I would purchase a blank RV (no interior, and basic white outer paint). I would custom build the interior to house about 6 or 8 people (chasers and support crew). It would have a forecast desk, video editing desk, and a communications desk. One hurdle is the high speed internet access, I'm sure there's solutions, but the costs for high speed while mobile was high for that many users. The savings part is that there would be no hotel costs, however, you still need to have two or three chase vehicles driving with the RV, since the RV obviously couldn't storm intercept. As an additional money maker part to it, I thought of offering forecasting and computer access to other chasers on the road. It could be done on board or though a local wireless network.
After some research though the cost of the RV was about 400% the normal cost for a chase season. I couldn't see recouping the money until about the 10th year of chasing (just to break even). The cost of the RV plus the Gas for the RV and associated chase vehicles really killed the cost.
But is surely will be my solution if I end up making big bucks, and cost is no option. Because I'll likely be seeing the rest of the country in an RV for at least a year.
But to answer your original question, don't rule out State Parks. These are especially good on down days, since they are usually located in neat areas to visit (like my favorite Clayton Lake S.P. in n.e. NM). A lot better than sleeping in the car (which may be breaking the law, like here in Maryland). You do need a tent and sleeping bag, but those don't take up much space. State Parks usually are $8-$15 a night. Sometimes KOA and other private campgrounds work well too.
Solve all your problems with this...works for us!
That's funny. I've actually thought of that idea before. However, my spin on it was that I was thinking of it being more a replica of some of the EOC mobile command vehicles. I would purchase a blank RV (no interior, and basic white outer paint). I would custom build the interior to house about 6 or 8 people (chasers and support crew). It would have a forecast desk, video editing desk, and a communications desk. One hurdle is the high speed internet access, I'm sure there's solutions, but the costs for high speed while mobile was high for that many users. The savings part is that there would be no hotel costs, however, you still need to have two or three chase vehicles driving with the RV, since the RV obviously couldn't storm intercept. As an additional money maker part to it, I thought of offering forecasting and computer access to other chasers on the road. It could be done on board or though a local wireless network.
After some research though the cost of the RV was about 400% the normal cost for a chase season. I couldn't see recouping the money until about the 10th year of chasing (just to break even). The cost of the RV plus the Gas for the RV and associated chase vehicles really killed the cost.
But is surely will be my solution if I end up making big bucks, and cost is no option. Because I'll likely be seeing the rest of the country in an RV for at least a year.
But to answer your original question, don't rule out State Parks. These are especially good on down days, since they are usually located in neat areas to visit (like my favorite Clayton Lake S.P. in n.e. NM). A lot better than sleeping in the car (which may be breaking the law, like here in Maryland). You do need a tent and sleeping bag, but those don't take up much space. State Parks usually are $8-$15 a night. Sometimes KOA and other private campgrounds work well too.
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