Low Budget Adventures

Going on low budget adventures is pretty much what I do. My lovely wife and I are on fixed incomes so we really need to stretch a buck sometimes. One of the big issues is mechanical failure. Doesn't matter if it's a land vesicle or watercraft. A major breakdown can suddenly change plans.

You may have received a good deal on an adventure vehicle. That doesn't mean you are home free. When your budget is tight, something like a blown transmission can be a real game stopper. I've rebuilt engines, changed clutches and torque converters. It's bad enough if such repairs have to be done at home. On the road, options are limited and sometimes one just has to hire professionals. None of those folks work for free.

Last year our van needed major brake work done. Estimates on what it would cost were all over the place. In the end, while it was expensive, it wasn't disaster expensive. Before we head out we have our vehicles checked out by professionals. However, after months of travel, anything can go wrong.

Having savings for emergencies is nice. We had enough in our emergency fund to cover last year's brake repairs. Sometimes it isn't enough. That's why I carry at least one credit card with a sizable limit. That gives us some emergency funds to get home. Ideally, it's worth fixing the vehicle and taking it home with us. In a pinch, it gives us other options.

Last winter my lovely wife asked me what we'd do if the repair was more expensive than the vehicle was worth. No problem, I said, we'd rent a car, pile our gear in it, and drive home. I'm not above abandoning a vehicle if necessary. Getting home again is the main thing.

-Sixbears