Is it reasonable?

[Mia]

I am planning on going in 2014 and this would be my first burn, I would be alone. I would have to fly in since I am nowhere near the area and I would need to buy everything when I got there. Is it reasonable to sleep in a minivan? I would have to rent a vehicle anyway sooooooo? Why not a minivan? I would love an RV but it seems silly to rent an RV if you can't discharge water AND it's expensive. *Any* words of wisdom on this matter would be really appreciated.

[TT120]

That would work but it would get pretty hot inside the van as soon as the sun comes up. If you're an early riser, it probably wouldn't be an issue. Some kind of shade would be advisable for those times when you're just hanging out at camp. There are lots of threads here about Playa tested shade structures that are easy to build.

[Captain Goddammit]

There must be a hundred threads about this.

[lucky420]

look into building a monkey hut. You could park your van under it for shade or have a shady place to set up an outside cot/chaise lounge, table, etc.

super easy and inexpensive to build. You can buy all the material In REno. It would be a good idea to do a test run at home first...

[FIGJAM]

I think a box truck would be as cheap to rent and have more room to stretch out.

Easier to clean too!

[Mia]

Captain Goddammit, there are many threads on this but there are also conflicting reports on renting vehicles and having hundreds of dollars in extra charges and other things coming up, it's confusing because there doesn't seem to be a straight answer so I decided to ask on my own. I'm sorry if asking isn't cool because there are similar threads.

[theCryptofishist]

Please read the threads about renting cars, and (for FIGJAM's sake) box trucks. Cars must be cleaned/detailed before returning and last year the box trucks changed their rules.*

And really, really, really, truely?

Nothing about the burn is particularly reasonable.

*The search function on the board has improved, but if you aren't finding what you need, try google with your other search terms and "eplaya".

[theCryptofishist]

Captain Goddammit, there are many threads on this but there are also conflicting reports on renting vehicles and having hundreds of dollars in extra charges and other things coming up, it's confusing because there doesn't seem to be a straight answer so I decided to ask on my own. I'm sorry if asking isn't cool because there are similar threads.

I don't know if "cool" is the correct term. Most of us are too old or too weird to be "cool". The event is skewed to the do-it-yourself/take-care-of-yourself/"radically self-reliant" end of the spectrum, and this board tends to follow suit. Also, when you've been on the board regularly for a few years, you've seen the same questions come up again, and again, and there's a certain frustration.
For the most part, the members of the board have barks worse than their bites. So a little bit of gumption and we'll be acting like pussycats. I think you're doing fine, although, I will defer to Savannah's judgement on this.

[FIGJAM]

There is no "straight" or correct answer since everyone burns differently.

They changed the price on renting box trucks, but I think it's still comparable to renting a minivan.

[theCryptofishist]

I"m sorry, Figgy. I should totally know that you treat information solidly and think thing through. Me, I'm weirdly impulzive.

Which, incidentally, is next year's theme.

[Dr. Pyro]

Cars must be cleaned/detailed before returning

This is not entirely accurate. The AVIS/Budget dealership in downtown Sacramento (16th and J St) is owned by a man who is very burner-friendly and all he asks is that the cars aren't completely trashed. Once through a run-of-the-mill carwash is plenty good enough. Though a box truck would be better. Good luck though in finding one of those.

[FlyingMonkey]

I am planning on going in 2014 and this would be my first burn, I would be alone. I would have to fly in since I am nowhere near the area and I would need to buy everything when I got there. Is it reasonable to sleep in a minivan? I would have to rent a vehicle anyway sooooooo? Why not a minivan? I would love an RV but it seems silly to rent an RV if you can't discharge water AND it's expensive. *Any* words of wisdom on this matter would be really appreciated.

Mia, since it will be your first Burn do you know who your regional reps are? There could be others locally that you could travel with & if nothing else they could be a wealth of information. Traveling alone sucks & is not always safe. I considered flying this year but the logistics of getting my gear there & finding a ride from the airport was more than I wanted to deal with since I wouldn't have gotten there until Tuesday anyway. Have you considered Burner Express? Please Google it because you will get ripped to shreds here if you just ask without doing any honest research first.
Renting a minivan is an option, but I have heard it's hard to get a rental during the Burn & you can expect it to be completely trashed & dusty when you go to return it. That may end up costing you more money than you planned when the rental company sends you a cleaning bill......Just something to consider.

I still think getting to know burners in your local area is important even if you don't end up traveling with them.

Good luck. hope you make it!

[Mia]

Hi FlyingMonkey, thank You. My original plan was to take the Burner Express from Reno and then tent it. Buying what I needed when the bus made the stop there but my husband (who doesn't want me going in the first place) thought the minivan to sleep might be a better suggestion. When I started to read up on that it seemed very uncertain with regard to rental policy. I am unaware about my local reps, I will look into that.

[theCryptofishist]

... but my husband (who doesn't want me going in the first place)...

Oh, dear.
Seeing this never makes me happy. Of course, it's none of my business either.
I hope that the two of you manage this in a way that works for both of you.

[FIGJAM]

That's true!

When you come back from the playa with stars in your eyes and won't shut up about "The Playa" he may get vexed.

[Mia]

FIGJAM, he can go fishing and have "him" time

It's all about compromise

[theCryptofishist]

And that is how it should be.

[FIGJAM]

FIGJAM, he can go fishing and have "him" time

It's all about compromise

Indeed, but will he talk about nothing but fishing until it's time to fish again?

[Canoe]

... My original plan was to take the Burner Express from Reno and then tent it. Buying what I needed when the bus made the stop there ...

If you're truly buying "everything", you can look at all of the resources sources in Reno and make a plan of where you'd like to shop before getting on the Burner Express, leaving the things that you can get where it stops.
You can also ship (USPS, UPS, FedEx) packages to a UPS store in Reno for you to pickup. Often cheaper than airline fees.
Start a spreadsheet and figure out all the costs of the various methods, so you don't get any surprises.
Tons of threads here.
As to specifics on vehicle rental, note the nasty places to rent from, and note which was have changed policies or "lost" reservations at the last minute. And everything is subject to change. One of, if not the best, place to rent a box van had some major policy changes this past year. For a car/van, foil-sided bubble wrap taped over the windows can give you more sleeping time before it's so hot you have to retreat outside.
Add a swamp-cooler to a car/van/tent, and you can be comfortably cool anytime. A huge DIY thread here. Go to the end and search back to the most recent Recap.

[MrBeardy]

I've never flown in so I can't speak much from experience, however having been to the playa several times I would suggest the following: You are going to be so overloaded with stimulation during your first burn that going all out is likely best saved for the second time around. This time just get yourself necessary water, easy meals and snacks with minimal preperation requirements, a couple sets of warm and cold weather clothes, dust storm essentials, a camelpak and a tent. people will moan and groan about a tent but as long as it is not mesh, you will be fine. if you need to sleep in the day time during the heat, there are countless places you can catch a few Zzz's or rest under some shade with new friends that will be more than welcoming. Touching base with some regionals/orphan endorphin/soloing camps, or other burners as the time comes closer will allow you to pool resources if you want. Theme camps have some good sides to them but be careful not to get into one where you are tied into a cleaning schedule or chores, but rather just a group of people camping together, the last thing you want to be doing when there is something awesome happening on the playa, is feeling like you're 13 again and your parents are bitching at you to do something. You're going out there to be free and to have an open schedule to do whatever your heart desires. Heck go out there and camp by yoursellf, one of my best burns I went by myself and probably had the most freedom and self expression one could have. Happy burning and let us know how it goes!

[Savannah]

Lots of folks sleep in vehicles--there's no reason why you can't. Certain models will be more comfortable than others, I'm sure. I would prefer a cargo van, myself. More spacious, more tough, no seats in my way.

Talk to people in the city you plan to rent your vehicle in--Reno or Sacramento, perhaps--to get friendly businesses. Note Doc Pyro's suggestion. Sacramento is a little further from the playa than Reno, but I would consider it myself if I were flying in.

Cost & Logistics of Flying to Reno

Sleeping in a Vehicle

Results for Googling van eplaya and clicking "more results from ePlaya" (or van eplaya site:eplaya.burningman.org)
http://www.google.com/search?q=van+epla ... 73&bih=956

Try also minivan eplaya site:eplaya.burningman.org

[theCryptofishist]

Lots of folks sleep in vehicles--there's no reason why you can't. Certain models will be more comfortable than others, I'm sure. I would prefer a cargo van, myself. More spacious, more tough, no seats in my way.

Talk to people in the city you plan to rent your vehicle in--Reno or Sacramento, perhaps--to get friendly businesses. Note Doc Pyro's suggestion. Sacramento is a little further from the playa than Reno, but I would consider it myself if I were flying in.

Cost & Logistics of Flying to Reno

Sleeping in a Vehicle

Results for Googling van eplaya and clicking "more results from ePlaya" (or van eplaya site:eplaya.burningman.org)
http://www.google.com/search?q=van+epla ... 73&bih=956

Try also minivan eplaya site:eplaya.burningman.org

Seriously, really check before you take a plane to Sacramento. My advice is to fly into San Francisco or Oakland or San Jose, take the train up to Sacramento, take a taxi or bus to your rental place and then drive up from there. (Unless you find a deal that you like in the bay area and have decided to take the chance.) Last time I checked a flight into Sacramento was $800 more than San Francisco. When I had a boss who lived in Davis (next county over from Sacramento) we had him drive from Reno rather than fly into Sacramento. (We're government, not industry.)

Yeah, there are all sorts of things that you can trade off, so figure out what your parameters are, and work from those.

[mudpuppy000]

I slept in my vehicle (Xterra) my first three burns, but since it's mine I was familiar with it and how to set it up so it would be comfortable. If you're renting a minivan you're not really going to know if you can take the seats out or fold them down till you get there. A cargo van would probably be better, or bring a tent in case you don't find the minivan comfortable.

The early morning heat isn't too bad, but I'm an early riser. I can't sleep once it gets light out anyway, so i'm out of the vehicle before it gets hot.

[Captain Goddammit]

Captain Goddammit, there are many threads on this but there are also conflicting reports on renting vehicles and having hundreds of dollars in extra charges and other things coming up, it's confusing because there doesn't seem to be a straight answer so I decided to ask on my own. I'm sorry if asking isn't cool because there are similar threads.

OK, that tells me you HAVE looked… because you know there is no definitive straight answer!
The "my husband doesn't want me going" part is the thing that stands out as the most important detail in your case. I know a couple of women who's husbands aren't into it and they go without him, but at least with his approval… or at least indifference.
Nothing anyone on here says will change your decision, and none of us has enough info to make any recommendation on how you handle your own personal affairs and it's none of our business anyway, so I've got nuthin' to say about that - but I'll say this is often a big deal between couples. Sometimes a really big deal. For me and others it's sometimes been a deal breaker or at least a big nail in the coffin. I hope whatever happens you end up in a good place.

About your sleeping arrangement: sure, you can sleep in a van but you definitely want to have shade. In the desert, shade is right up there with water and food. The "monkey hut" that has been mentioned is a great plan, they're simple, cheap, light, and can survive a powerful windstorm if properly anchored.

[666isMONEY]

i camp in a minivan. if U rent one, it will come with seats. you could probably rent a cargo van without seats or windows.

IMG_5492 (600x800).jpg

i orient the windshield to the rising sun, put sunscreen in front window and cover the back window and south-side windows with a 20x12 tarp. Use driver's side sliding door for entry.

i wake up early before sunrise, come back around 10am and leave around noon because it gets too hot.

[Savannah]

Seriously, really check before you take a plane to Sacramento. My advice is to fly into San Francisco or Oakland or San Jose, take the train up to Sacramento, take a taxi or bus to your rental place and then drive up from there. (Unless you find a deal that you like in the bay area and have decided to take the chance.) Last time I checked a flight into Sacramento was $800 more than San Francisco. When I had a boss who lived in Davis (next county over from Sacramento) we had him drive from Reno rather than fly into Sacramento. (We're government, not industry.)

Oh, for sure!

If I were to drive from Sacramento instead of Reno, it would be because the cost ended up being tolerable, and--more importantly--I'd found a friendly rental place (which is literally and figuratively worth a lot to me).

[Lonesomebri]

Your husband enjoys fishing, well, so do I.
So you just hook up with a Cali local, such as myself, who has most of the supplies needed for a camp.

Problems solved.

All that's left is the divorce proceedings.......so default world.....

[Mia]

It isn't as though my husband has forbidden me to go. He has zero desire to go to the desert, this is just not his thing. He would prefer I didn't want to go because he worries about all of the variables. I will plan for as much as I can and the rest is up to the universe he knows it and I know it. We aren't going to divorce over Burning Man, we might divorce over who's K-cup was left in the Keurig!!!!!! Seriously he would never tell me I can't go BUT if he felt very strongly that I shouldn't I wouldn't.

I really appreciate ALL of your comments and suggestions. I am doing a lot of research and i've bought nothing, nothing is written in stone yet. Right now I am just trying to gather info.

[Captain Goddammit]

he can go fishing and have "him" time

It's all about compromise

Compromise, my ass!

[FIGJAM]

Compromise, my ass!

I'll bet you say that to all the boys.