u/Efficient-Cry7753 — reddlx

Hi!

We are coming over from the UK and planning a big old road trip through California and obviously Los Angeles. We can’t help but notice that Southern California is a little unfriendly to boondocking in general, compared to many other places in the states! As far as I can see, there’s really only the parking at Dockweiler Beach, right next to the airport.

I also do understand a lot of the reasons for the resistance to campers.

A lot of the trip, we’ll be using legit campgrounds and paid park ups, however - can anybody recommend safe and welcoming places for us to stay overnight for free or the normal cost of a parking (without being fined!)? The plan is to stay fairly coastal, in the range between Santa Barbara > OC

Our policy is to arrive late, leave early, leave no trace, so as not to disturb the community too much.

Any advice from locals in the know would be most welcome! Thanks in advance.

So I recently just decided I’m in love with T4s, and seen one which we’re gonna go for.

Only thing is, I haven’t had a car this old since I first passed my test 20 years ago and am not a mechanical genius (I know enough for the basics). I managed to find the list of MOT advisories, and based on what I can figure out, this doesn’t look TOO bad, but I am hoping someone here can tell me if I’ve underestimated anything.

Rust and corrosion is the most concerning aspect obviously, but if you were in my shoes, what else would you want to check/immediately improve?

It’s a pop top camper and we’re looking at using it for weekends away, tootling around and just getting a handle on van-lifing before perhaps investing a bit more on something - not looking to do major work but just anything that makes our lives a bit easier!

Thanks! 🚐