Vandwelling 101-OMG ...I'm Stuck...What Do I Do

Getting stuck...snow or soft sand or mudholes

On my timeline, a friend has gotten stuck a couple of times in soft desert sands. I'm from Michigan. Had to be towed off 4 inch thick ice covered in snow.

Time to pass on a few things I know. This is one of the topics you want to prepare for but hope you never use.

Carry a couple of boards...you put under the drive tires. Older vans rear wheels
Cars and suv or minivan often front wheel drive.
Vehicles have steer tires (the front ) that turn and steer the vehicle. Drive tires move the vehicle down the road.some vehicles are front wheel drive, some rear wheel drive, some are 4x4, some are awd (all wheel drive)

Straighten tires so you're going straight forward or back

Carry a good tow strap.

Know how much your vehicle weighs. Any vehicle pulling you out needs tow capacity to pull your vehicle from dead weight.  Vans 4000-6000 pounds.

If you have tow strap and boards...find someone from the snow belt to pull you out...we are kinda experienced at this.

Also look up and learn weight distribution...it's important

You can use floor mats, old carpet, or cardboard also to increase traction.

Partially deflating tires (carry a 12v tire pump and a tire gauge to reinflate them after getting "unstuck"

Vandwelling 101- It's Cold Outside...Staying warm

It's been some time since I covered cold weather tips. I'm originally from Michigan. I did a couple of winters in my home state. Cold can kill you. So how do you stay warm and safe?

First hang blankets...blankets are not expensive at thrift stores. Look for wool, quilts, crocheted afgans. Each has a use.

Hang blankets over Windows. I use a bungee and Double the blankets over it. Those side barn doors...hang blankets over them. Hang blanket right behind the front seats and across the rear doors.

Your bed...under the mattress or pad...hang a nice heavy blanket as a bed skirt. This cuts the drafts off.  Hang blankets around your sleeping area like the old medieval castle beds. Castles were cold and drafty...so the four poster curtained bed was a necessity.

Get some nice thick hall runner rugs...put them on the floor. I had 3 layers of thick carpet. It made a world of difference. No need to install wall to wall. Just lay them down on the floor.

Park facing east. That morning sun will quickly warm up the van.

Use windshield cover. Those nice silvery bubble window Sun protectors...keep warmth in.

You'll want a wool hat, torque, warm socks. You lose body heat through your head, hands, and feet.

Many a morning in Michigan I sat in my front seat, with my coffee, upright in a sleeping bag. A fleece blanket tossed over my shoulders like a shawl. Now I have a fleece hooded cape. I love it.

Warm socks...warm socks make a world of difference. Put your socks in a gallon Zip lock bag. When your feet get cold and wet...and you have a nice dry pair of socks...it's good.

Do not leave any heater on overnight. Some have woke up to a fire, or died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Just don't. Heaters need at least a foot or two clearance.

You can sleep warmly in sub zero temps. I used nylon sleeping bag inside a bigger Coleman sleeping bag. A fleece blanket for over the head and mouth. Warm socks. I filled 20 ounce pop bottles with hot (not boiling) water and tucked them deep in my bed. Make sure to cap tightly.

You can catch frostbite easily and quickly. Keep several pairs of the 99 cent stretchy gloves in a zip lock bag. If your hands get wet...change gloves immediately. Yes...This one comes from experience too.

You'll want at least a couple of stocking hats. And I still have two of the hats with face masks.

Remember to slightly crack a window...condensation from your breath can make it rain inside.

These are just some of the things I did while living in a van in frigid Michigan winters.

If you find the blog Helpful, feel free to contribute $1 or $2 at www.PayPal.me/LouBurgess

See ya down the road

Vandwelling 101- What Do You NEED part 1

I see this question over and over in many different formats.

What do you absolutely need?

You need a vehicle. A van, in my opinion, is optimum but any dependable vehicle will work. I have done this in a Pontiac sunfire, I've done it in a 30 foot class A Motorhome. I've done this in vans. Vans blend in, so do small cars. There are advantages to each vehicle.

You need a place to sleep. It can be as simple as plywood laid across a couple of milk crates and padded to a built in bed with a real mattress. There's many good choices out there. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

You need to be able to use the bathroom. I've got a Lugable Loo. That now stays in my travel trailer. I've used plastic coffee cans, and a oil funnel with any available empty bottle. (I'm female, we need help with aiming)

Being able to cook food and make coffee is high on my list. While urban Vandwelling it's not so critical, I really prefer being able to be independent. Stoves-I've used butane, propane, and Coleman fuel ones. I've cooked over a campfire. I've made and used simple alcohol stoves. I'd recommend either a propane stove (as low as $25) or a Coleman fuel stove.

You need a way to clean up your act. I carry a solar shower bag, but I'm also good with a soup pot, Water, kirks castile soap, and a washcloth. Ladies...wash your hair over the pot using a cup our glass to scoop water. Rinse over pot. Use the same water to wash using a washcloth and soap.

UNDER NO Circumstances do you ever use soap or shampoo in any lake, creek, stream, river. Just don't even think about it. You can use sand to scrub your body and get just as clean as if using soap. Don't pollute.

You need a lot less clothes than you think..

I'll continue this in part 2.
This should provoke some thought.

See ya down the road
Lou
#2PupCrew

Vandwelling 101- Meet My Kitchen

No, my conversion van doesn't have a built in kitchen. And it's so much easier to use and clean my kitchen.

Instead of a refrigerator...I've got a 16 at cooler. Cleaning it literally took me 5 minutes.

My stoves
-2 burner ozark trails propane stove with windscreen about $30 at Wal-Mart
-Coleman 440 featherlight gas stove. Uses Coleman fuel.

My sink...a 5 quart soup pan.

Set propane stove on top of cooler. Cook. Folds away to about an inch thick.  When I use my Coleman backpacking stove, I set it in a cast iron skillet on a metal tray for safety.

My pans/Dishes
2 cast iron skillets, a 6 qt aluminum pressure cooker, 2 qt saucepan, 5 qt soup stockpot. 2 enamel camping dishes (look like white pieplates) add a fork, a teaspoon, a serving spoon, a spatula, and chopsticks. A few random sharp knives. I can cook anything almost in the van that I cooked in a house.

I'll be adding a cast iron Dutch oven and I'll be totally set.

This meets all my needs and packs away easily.

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Vandwelling101- Do I Really Need That Much Power?

All the buzz about solar, battery isolators, and generators can leave your head whirling.

I've got a very simple setup that works for me.

Storage - batteries
-One 105 ah marine battery was $110 at AutoZone
-One starter battery, used, pulled from my Ford conversion van when I scrapped it.

Charging
-A Schumacher 10 amp battery charger used on regular house current.
-2 hp homemade generator with 2 120ac outlet
-20 watts solar power
-jumper cables

Using power
-clamps with a female 12v socket (RoadPro $7)
-3 female lighter sockets in van

What do I charge?
-Toshiba laptop.
-Toshiba netbook
-Asus netbook
-kindle e-ink book reader
-Verizon tablet
-Bluetooth keyboard
-Bluetooth speaker
-Bluetooth
-smartphone
12v road pro sandwich maker I rarely use
-Usb fan that can also run on my solar phone chargers

This system works for me. Currently I'm in no rush to further upgrade my system. It's easy to use, more than meets all my needs.

I have a conversion van. When I need lights, I reach up and turn one on.

There is more than one right way to live this lifestyle. Don't be afraid to carve out your own path.

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Thanks

Vandwelling 101 - Pressure Cookers

If you really want to eat well in your van, consider a 6 at pressure cooker. I have an aluminum one.

I can cook on my propane stove or over a campfire.

I've turned out the old fashioned Sunday pork roast dinner sitting on the ground in the desert.

It makes cooking rice or beans a snap. You literally can cook almost as if you have a full kitchen at your disposal.

It takes up little room, is easily stored, easy to clean. Definitely a must have item in my van.

Recipes are easily available on line and it's easy to learn to use effectively.

If you enjoy this blog and find it useful, please consider donating $1 to $2 at PayPal.me/LouBurgesspaypal.me/LouBurgess

Vandwelling 101 - Let's talk accidents

Recently my conversion van was rear ended by a hit and run driver. The vehicle was found quickly but registered owner was in jail at time of the accident. Their insurance was lapsed or canceled.

So what's to be done.

The first thing i did was call 911 and report the accident.

I keep my registration, insurance card, and current licence all in one place. Be prepared to grab that quickly.

I met the police at the police station and gave them my account of what happened. They photo' d my documents and the damage.

Police report comes out in 3-5 business days. There's a small fee for the report. My insurance company pays and picks it up.

Once the officer called me and informed me that they'd found the vehicle and it was uninsured...my next call was to my insurance company. You file a claim on your uninsured motorist.

Then i was instructed to go get estimate. First estimate would total out my vehicle.

I love my van and i don't want to replace it...what are my choices?

Actually i do have choices. I've chosen to get another estimate based on repair rather than replacement of doors and quarter panels. That estimate is scheduled for next week.

So...I've learned you can slow the claims process down and regain control of your van and your life.

No matter how careful you are...there are those out there who aren't. You can lose your home in a matter of moments

U pdate. State farm arbitrarily valued my van at $500 and offered me $299 to total out my vehicle.

I declined their offer.

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Vandwelling 101 - Let's Talk Extreme Temperatures

Everyone's first answer is to travel to cooler weather in this heat...to go north.

That's fine, but exactly how far north...New Mexico was 105 degrees the other day...and North Dakota was 100 degrees...

Sometimes heading north to "cooler weather" doesn't work.

So, let's examine what does work.

If you can, go up in elevation. You get 5 degrees cooler for every thousand feet.

Park in shade, facing west in the morning, east in the afternoon.

Carry twice or three times as much water as you think you need. Lemonade will cool you down much better than a Pepsi. Also wet a wash cloth and rub down with it. You can carry a spray bottle with plain water to mist yourself.

Carry big bags of potato chips...no really...do this. When you're feeling the heat, a handful of potato chips and a cola will replenish your body. I tend to carry a couple of flavors.

Try to park so that any breeze goes across side to side of your van.

Curtains...i have curtains on bungee cord curtain rods where my van doesn't have shades.

I have one O2Cool usb 5 inch fan. It makes a big difference.

I try to park where i can open as many doors of the van as possible. Between parking in shade, a breeze, and ventilation, you can lower interior temperature by a substantial amount.

Siesta...the siesta culture exists for a reason. The hottest part of the day will usually be between 3 pm and 6 pm. So, generally from 2 pm until sunset i rest, relax, watch videos, or nap.

While i was informed someone died in 97 degree temps, both me and my dog were reasonably comfortable at up to 107.

Learn the signs of heat exhaustion. Wear loose comfortable clothes. And that straw hat is not a fashion accessory but a life saver. Try to utilize the buddy system.

Stay safe, hydrate, see ya down the road.

Lou

Vandwelling 101- Expectations versus Reality

omg- we've bought a van ...follow our adventures on [insert favorite social media platform ]

So starts the hashtags and dreams of many a newbie. Some will actually learn to love and appreciate this lifestyle. Many will mourn the modern conveniences they've given up without really thinking what this lifestyle entails.

It's not all beach sunsets and margaritas. Some days it's hot, dusty, sticky, dirty dishes, omg where and how to do laundry.

Most days (to me) are actually good. A lazy morning parked under a shade tree enjoying coffee and cinnamon rolls.

Then there are days that a black hole in the van swallowed glasses, phone, tablet, or even your favorite coffee cup. Who knew vans had so many nooks and crannies to swallow stuff up. Finding a black phone under the driver's seat...an exercise in frustration. Tip: any florescent tape or bright colors electrical tape...make an X across back of phone case. Phones also slide up into the front of the dash...

I'm currently chasing turquoise heishi around the van...it's here somewhere...and i needed it yesterday.

Things spill on floor...no matter how careful you are. Get a runner rug or floor mats. You'll be so grateful you did.

Stealth parking...with a small dog???   hahaha

Omg...van won't start...left radio or lights on way too long. Got distracted, was jamming to some tunes....it happens. Haul out your jumper cables, connect to your house battery and starter battery. Wait about ten minutes and jump yourself. Leave cables connected for about 20 minutes while vehicle runs so you charge your starter battery back up..

I could go on...but here's what I'm telling you...even if it's not the picture perfect life instagram led you to believe it is...you're not doing it wrong.

Even in a van Life Happens

see ya down the road,
Lou

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Vandwelling 101- enjoying a lazy morning

Good morning.
it's a lazy day in the van this morning.

I put jewelry making totes back on my bed. Next I grab my Ozark Trails 2 burner propane stove, set it on top of my cooler and make coffee.

Mona has already been walked and is enjoying her morning nap.

I happen to prefer instant coffee with cream and sugar so i grab my coffee basket. While the water heats, i prepare my cup.

Stove goes up to cook, stowed when not. It takes about 90 seconds to get ready to use it and about the same to stow it.

For safety and ventilation, i open my wing windows. very very important!

Coffee in hand, cinnamon rolls breakfast, parked under a Mesquite tree.

This lifestyle is as easy as you want to make it.

see ya down the road

Lou

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Vandwelling 101 - More Free/Cheap entertainment

I'll bet you have an old smartphone or two around that's no longer activated but it still works.

Most people don't realize that is basically on MP4 player.  Why pay for an expensive iPod or video player when you can use that old phone that you're not using to download videos and to download audiobooks.

I do that on free Wi-Fi at Starbucks or McDonald's or Walmart.

It's pretty simple. I used the tubemate.net app

I go to Walmart and McDonalds Starbucks grab a coffee or Coke and sit there and download. it's really easy to download audio books. In about two hours I've got more than enough entertainment for 2 to 3 weeks

if you feel this blog has been helpful to you feel free to donate a dollar or two at PayPal.me/LouBurgess

Vandwelling 101 - cheap/free entertainment

I get asked often how I download so many videos.

I do a lot of it on my smartphone. I use an app called Tubemate. It also works on tablets.

Only download it through www.tubemate.net

Instructions: you'll need to go to settings on your phone. Usually it'll be a box to check "allow installation of non market software
After installation, open the app and go to preferences. You'll want to check the box "download on WiFi only" and also set storage to the external microSD card. I use a 64 mg one.

I've been using this app for several years.

I also use Netflix to download shows.

There are many places that offer free WiFi. McDonald's, Starbucks, Burger King, your local library. You can also Google "free WiFi + name of town you're in".,

Installation of tubemate is easy. It's basically a mini browser and there are several sites set up in it...YouTube, Daily Motion, Vimeo, and more.

If you feel this information is helpful and you wish, you can donate a dollar or two at paypal.me/LouBurgess. Enjoy the info either way.

Vandwelling 101: Those Rainy Days or Dust Storms

Today is day two of dust storms and high winds. You need to plan ahead for those days where you're cooped up in the van.

Both rainstorms and dust storms mean VAN buttoned up tight. Yesterday was 25 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. It was also in the 80s. Vans retain heat. There's also the moisture from your breathing.

Try not to boil water or cook on those days. Van gets a musty smell quickly. I tend to snack all day rather than eat big meals
Bathing...quick washup with wet washcloth. Seal in zip lock bag.

Ok, you've been on Facebook half the day, watched hours of video, what next...
Often I putter with cleaning/organization while listening to an audio book. And there is always naps.
I have a Chihuahua named Mona. On rainy days, she holds it as long as she can. She's learned about the windy dust storms...out, quick per close to van, and she's ready to jump back inside. In the beginning, I had to hold her, comfort her, and keep telling her She's safe. Now...just get out of her way do she can pick her comfy nap spot.  She instinctively knows now that the van is her safe place.

Another thing I like to do on weather days is read...either paperback or e-books.

So, I hope this helps.

See ya down the road
LOU

Vandwelling 101 - A Clean Van Is A Happy Van

Keeping the van clean is much easier and less overwhelming than having to deep clean it.

I thought I'd share a few of my personal tips & tricks.

Your van shouldn't smell...funky or excessively of air fresheners. Most air fresheners merely mask the smell.

So how to keep the van smelling fresh? There are a couple of things that make a van smell musty or funky.

Moisture: you can get condensation just from breathing. The answer is simple: Crack a window or open the windows/doors an hour or two a day.

Feet odor: one of the biggest culprits in van funk is dirty smelly feet. Using a small basin, wash your feet at least once or twice a day. Make sure you dry them completely. If you wear closed shoes, you need two pair. Rotate daily, leave open with some baking soda in them on the off day. Clean socks!

Dirty Laundry. Dirty clothes stink. Keep the laundry done, make sure clean clothes are completely dry before putting away. Air dirty clothes, then store in tied up plastic bags.

Food. Food crumbs get in seats and carpet. Use a dry scrub brush, a carpet sweeper, or go to car wash & use the powerful shop vacuum.

Bedding: wash or air out often to prevent funky smells. You can spray all fabric/carpeted areas and head liner with vinegar spray bottle. This will kill odor causing germs.
.

The potty. Trust me it can be smelly. Empty daily if possible. Rinse with a bit of dawn and water. Toss some baking soda in. Add water to urine jug.

I use very simple homemade cleaning products.
It's amazing how well your nose will become more aware of smells once you stop using excessive store bought cleaners with scents

These are my favorite cleaning items. They work well, are budget friendly, and are very environmental friendly.

Vinegar & water. Half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. (1:1)

Murphy's oil soap: used for greasy spots, food spills. One cup Murphy's oil soap to 3 cups water (1:3) great for cleaning the dash .

Baking soda: use anywhere you'd use comet in a house. Also used as fire extinguisher and deodoriser.

Dawn dish soap: I keep smallest bottle sold of dish soap.

See ya down the road
Lou

Vandwelling 101 - You've Never Done Your Own Van Maintenance?

I see so many new dwellers at the mercy of mechanic shops or they ruin their engine needlessly.

The following are some very basic things that any vandweller can learn to do,

You really want a manual for your van & engine. The two really good ones are Chilton and Haynes. A manual will cost approximately $30 at any auto parts store. Even if you rely on mechanics, you'll want one as a reference so that you understand the repairs needed.

You need a tire gauge and I recommend getting a 12v tire compressor. The tire compressor plugs into your lighter socket. They run $5-$10. A tire gauge is less than $2. The information as to how much air is on your van. Open the driver's side door, there will be a sticker telling you how much air should be in your tires. On mine, that sticker is partially torn. So you go to the physical tire itself. It will have the max load and a number in psi. That is the number your gauge should read if tires are properly inflated.

You need to know how to check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid. Sometimes if you have a leak all that is needed is replacing a hose. That is usually inexpensive, easily done, and can mean the difference between a running vehicle and a blown engine.

Do not overfill fluids. Transmission fluid is checked after engine is warm (running 20 minutes or driven 7 miles). Vehicle must be level with engine running.

Oil can be checked hot or cold. You check on the dipstick, refill in the cap that says oil. You check oil with engine off.

All of these checks can be done by anyone. Lift your hood, check your fluids. Use a tire gauge to check your tires.

Do not drive on low oil, low oil pressure, low coolant, or an overheated vehicle. Carry oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid with you.

These few simple things are the difference between a running vehicle or scrap metal.

See ya down the road
Lou

Vandwelling 101 - Daytime Parking Urban Areas

Everyone says arrive late and leave early at your nighttime parking spot. So, when your head is still foggy and that first cup of coffee hasn't kicked in, where do you go? Here's my experience on it.

Wake up, potty dog (remember to scoop that poop), brush hair or throw hat on, pull the windshield Sun protector down, and head for the nearest gas station with coffee/hot water. Grab coffee or hot water and breathe.

Head for a city park with a parking lot. Bonus points if it has shade tree, toilets, running water.

I refill my water jugs, empty potty jugs in bathroom down toilet or at a portapotty.

My trash is usually a Wal-Mart shopping bag or less. Don't put any bags with human waste in them in trash at park.

Don't park next to bathroom or playgrounds. That's just creepy and will make families a bit uncomfortable.

I try to park where I can have privacy while my side barn doors or my rear barn doors are open.

Even better when I find the ones with shaded picnic tables.

I use my backpacking stove in urban areas. If I'm at a park with picnic table, then I pull out my two burner propane stove. I can make breakfast, lunch, and make extra so there's leftovers for a cold dinner.

If you use a charcoal grill...take extra precautions with fire safety. Always pay attention when cooking with any open flame or coals. Too many huge fires start with a careless camper.

Rotate the parks you use and don't congregate with large crowds. Two to three vehicles together sharing the spot is more than plenty.

Be responsible about your trash and gray water.

Before you leave, check your area to make sure it's clean and tidy. No trash blowing around. If it was there when you got there,.pick it up anyway.

Keep dogs on leashes, under control, no excessive barking. Keep music volumes down so you don't annoy others. In other words, be respectful and considerate. Shirts on for guys, ladies it's not necessary to be half naked. People bring their families to parks.

Drinking in public...not a good idea. Draws attention to you, can lead to a DUI and your home being towed.

Remember, how you conduct yourself affects lots of other vandwellers.

See ya down the road
Lou

Vandwelling 101 - Lightweight Foods

When you're in a van, a lot of the old forgotten ways to store and preserve food actually work better than modern methods.

I travel without a refrigerator or modern conveniences, and I like to eat well. I'm not big on eating out or fast food.

My main implements are my 6 quart pressure cooker and my cast iron skillets. Using those I can cook as well over a campfire, a propane stove, a Coleman backpacking stove as I can in a regular house kitchen.

A friend dehydrated his own beef crumbles. You take hamburger and fry it up. Drain, rinse, fry twice more. Then put away in sealed glass jar.

Another friend carries a pressure canner. When she finds a good buy, she cans it in her van on the spot
Weight and space is always an issue in a van. I like to carry lots of food, but I also like it to be lightweight and not too bulky.

Some of the things I carry are freeze dried or dehydrated foods.

The nice thing about the freeze dried foods is they are not so high in preservatives and artificial ingredients. Their shelf life is ten years unopened, a year once you open them.

I love my freeze dried dehydrated foods. I like Augason Farms, but there are also other good ones out there: Thrive Life, Bear Creek, Wise.

I prefer freeze dried garlic bits to garlic powder. They're a much better flavor.

I also carry macaroni, and various kinds of pasta. Add a sauce, canned meat, and a vegetable, and you're eating well.

The cheese blend power and the tomato powder from augason farms: I buy in number ten cans, about $29, and they generally last me a year with heavy use.

A number ten can of the meat substitute lasts me about a month eating it once or twice a day. At a cost of approximately $10- not a bad deal. I've had friends tell me that their freeze dried meat is excellent.

I can highly recommend the dehydrated potato shreds. A number ten can of those go really fast around me.

Rice: rice keeps well, no expiration date. I like to carry at least a 20 pound bag. Often I'll take it and put it in quart sized zip lock bags.

Dry beans, split peas, lentils, barley: excellent value nutrition wise and space weight wise.

I also like the small cans of chopped ham or chicken breast as a meal base.

Root vegetables keep well and can be used in meals even when they shrivel a bit. Sweet potatoes are one of my favorites.
.
Celery and cilantro are easily dehydrated here in the desert. Sit in a glass and out of the sun. When dried, I store them in a glass jar. Empty instant coffee jars are easily repurposed as food storage.

It's actually easy to carry months of food with no refrigeration.

See ya down the road
Lou

Vandwelling 101 - Let's Talk About Kinds Of Vans

Ever since the days of flower children and vw vans, there has been a mystical draw toward that life.

You're looking at van advertisements. There are all these terms and types of van. Your head starts spinning as you try to find your dream van.

So let's define a few of the terms for you.

Vans come in two heights (standard and high top), and in two lengths (standard and extended) and two types of fuel (gasoline and diesel)

There are 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and one ton (standard or dually).

There are passenger vans, cargo vans, conversion vans, and camper vans.

Are your eyes crossing yet? Let's take some of the mystery out of van shopping.

If you plan on towing, I'd suggest at least a 3/4 ton van. Ford e250 or Chevy g20 or Dodge 3500.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it's enough to take the mystery out of van shopping.

Half ton vans: Ford e150, Chevy g10, Dodge 2500, tows about 4000 usually.
3/4 ton van: Ford e250, Chevy g20, Dodge 3500, tows about 6000 pounds usually
1 ton van: Ford e350, good tow vehicle. Chevy g30

Passenger van: 3 sets of seats (front, middle, and usually a rear bench seat)

Cargo van: driver's seat, front passenger seat, rear space empty. May or may not come with cage behind front seats.

Conversion van: rear seat turns into a bed. I've had both Ford and Chevy conversion vans. The Chevy folds into a bigger more comfortable bed.

Camper van: has bed, stove, dinette (usually makes into a bed), sink, potty, shower, fresh water tank. Not all will have all of these, but they have at least 3 of the above list to be considered a camper van.

Prices from low to high (generally)
Passenger, cargo, extended passenger, extended cargo, conversion, high top passenger, high top cargo, camper, high top camper.

This is by no means the definitive van reference guide, but it will take a lot of the confusion away when van shopping.

Thanks to Ky for correcting me on the Chevy van sizes.

See ya on the road
Lou

© Tumbling Tumbleweed 2017

Vandwelling 101 - Oh Shit...Being Responsible and Green

There are many out there who just aren't responsible about pee and Poo. It needs to be talked about how to be environmentally safe.

Improper disposal of your urine and feces (pee n poo) can lead to many illnesses, sometimes life threatening.

Giardia is an intestinal parasite found in water contaminated with feces (human or animal). That clear mountain spring...could leave you very sick or dying.

Typhoid & Cholera were common illnesses caused by contaminated water when wells were the usual water sources. Many foods get recalled from e coli contamination...someone pooped in the fields.

Dysentery...Also known as diarrhea or the trots...caused by contaminated water or improperly cleaned dishes.

These feces spread diseases and infections can kill you and your pets. Learn to be responsible and green

It's not a glamorous topic, but if you want to be a vandweller, then you need to look at this and learn proper safe methods of disposal.

In urban areas, I look for a port-a-potty. I empty my urine bottle and my poo bucket daily. I duck in, empty them, rinse with a bottle of water, add a splash of laundry soap in them and put them away.

When boondocking, I use cathole method. Make sure you are a minimum of 200 feet from any water source or dry wash.

Human urine, dilute, (equal amount of water to urine) pour at base of tree at least 200 feet from water.

They make an incinerating toilet that I have been eyeing for off grid use. It's pricy but it's also very safe method. https://incinolet.com/

You can compost but it requires proper knowledge of how to compost and ensuring compost heap or barrel reaches proper temperature. It's not just piling your human poop up like a former neighbor of mine did. There's actual science to learn and follow. Almost any agricultural extension office will have free or low cost booklets on composting.

Learning how to properly handle human waste keeps us from being a third world disease borne society.

You're either part of the problem or part of the solution. Do your research.

See ya down the road
Lou

Vandwelling 101 - You've Just Moved Into Your Van...What To Expect

You're exited. The day has come, your new life of freedom and adventure awaits you. You're a vandweller now. No more mundane housework, nothing but excitement ahead right?   Ummm No. Not even close to reality.

First of all, no matter how well organized you are, a move is a move. It'll be awhile before you remember automatically without thinking about it where things are.

Second...while in sticks n bricks it isn't critical to immediately always put things back where they are, in a van it is vitally important. That bag of canned goods you put right next to driver's seat...will roll around the floor and scatter.

Those things you put up on the dash...are going to slide as you turn a corner and fall.

oh shit...that crash from the back...what did i leave laying on my bed.

Best one of all...you forgot to secure the pee jug and your carpet now reeks. (easy fix)  Great Value pro-strength carpet cleaner & a roll of paper towels $5.

The biggest pitfall for newbies vandwelling is expectations and boredom. I remember that phase well. I've been in a van awhile. I've yet to have time to be bored.

Today I thought would be a boring relaxing day watching videos and facebooking. What I've actually done:

-moved from night parking spot to daytime spot facing east to take advantage of passive solar heat
-dog pottied, fed, & bundled up in a blanket
-coffee on. burner left on a bit to warm things up.
-morning tidy up, make bed, brush hair, change clothes.
-rearranged van a little to make better use of space, reduces clutter
-took trash to a dumpster
-checked my pm's and notification, answered as needed
-quick empanadas pastry for breakfast

It's noon, I've found enough change while cleaning/organizing that I'm going to treat myself to a green chile hamburger meal from Blake's.

I already know where I'll park tonight so that chore is done.

Those first weeks in a van will be spent getting to know your new home and routine. It's totally normal at first to have the night parking dominate your day.

You'll also find that every single thing you took for granted in your day requires active thought, changing clothes, getting clean, dealing with meals and clean up. This is totally normal.

After a couple of months, life will be much less frustrating. Things will start to come naturally. You'll become much more tolerant of other's lifestyle choices since it really doesn't affect you.

In my opinion, vandwelling is a much better easier way of life. I don't want a sticks n bricks house or apartment. The money I used to spend on rent now goes for gasoline & land payment.

Finally had enough time to sit down and compose a blog.

So, See ya down the road somewhere
Lou

Vandwelling 101 - Why Buy Land

As one of the biggest rebels on the plane, most ask me...why buy land, you prefer living in your van. 

Actually yes I do prefer my van. It's nice to own off grid land where codes allow me to park my van (or my vintage 18 ft Amerigo travel trailer)  legally and stay there for as short or long a time as I wish.

As long as I own property, it differentiates me from homeless drifters. As a landowner, I'm more likely to respect land and private property, I'm not as likely to get ticket from BLM or DNR for "living on public land".

I remember a "YouTube star" getting a $300 ticket on BLM land. Guess he shouldn't have been so public about living full time in his vehicle and how he really doesn't work.

Society and the law is getting tired of the so called hippies and homeless squatting wherever they like leaving trash and human waste around. Actually so am I.  Like other responsible people, i pull into a campsite and if there's trash n waste, I get out my rubber gloves, face mask, garbage bags, and rake. When I leave, it's clean and looks like mother nature intended. I tend to be welcome back almost anywhere I've camped. It's called Leave No Trace.

Eventually I'd like to have an acre here and there in several states where i can pull onto my own property and enjoy the beauty of nature.

I just signed contact today for a piece near historic Rte 66.

I buy owner financed vacant land with a low down payment and low monthly payments. I can make my payment online with just a few clicks on my smartphone. It's literally that easy.

see Hannalore Inman at http://www.LandIsHome.com go see if something there interests you. Ask questions.

see you on the road
Lou

Vandwelling 101 - Safety When Parked Alone

Many people make many suggestions on Facebook. Lots of those suggestions are based on over thinking and over reacting.

Bear spray or Wasp spray...if you carry it to protect yourself from humans and use it other than its intended purposes, you could be in really big trouble. You are at risk of being charged with assault with a deadly weapon, intent to do grevious bodily harm. FELONIES.

Much of the rest of the world don't see us as nomadic adventurers. Instead we can be seen as homeless living in our vehicle. Granted, I consider my van a very compact and comfortable tiny RV. However, the rest of society may have a different view. Remember we live in a consumeristic society that thinks more is better, bigger is better.

Let's talk about the things I rely on to keep me and my van safe.

Most of the time simply yelling What The Hell Do You Want deters people. There's also Get The Fuck Away From My Van. Quite a few thefts are crimes of opportunity.

1. Keep my cool, be aware of my surroundings, stay a little alert at all times.

2. At dark, my windows up, doors locked, keys handy, van always ready to start and drive away.

3. If someone approaches van after dark, I don't get out of van. If i roll window down, it's an inch at most.

4. Say someone actually breaks a window...put keys in ignition, start van, drive away.

5. Always remember you have the ability to escape...put keys in and drive away. You're boondocking & have things outside van? Drive away. Things can be replaced. You or your pets can't.

6. You have weapons to defend yourself in your van. Look at your kitchen items. I know I carry a couple of cast iron skillets. I definitely carry kitchen knives & good camping knives. The tool box....tire iron, hammer, screwdriver, big wrenches...these all work. An ink pen or pencil can also be used.

The point I'm trying to make, if you choose not to carry a gun, rifle, stun gun, then just look around your van. There are plenty of items you can use to defend yourself. Your primary weapon is your attitude & determination to not be a victim.

The goal is your safety, your pets safety, and your van intact.

So stay safe and relax a little.
LOU

Vandwelling 101 - The Zen Of The Van

I'm amazed at the new breed of vandwellers. They get everything all set up and perfect before they take their first trip. They pack way too many normie things as well as way too many clothes.

When I moved from a Pontiac Sunfire with a cartop carrier into my 97 Ford e250 extended body van, I put my stuff inside, added a camping cot, and still had 3/4 of the van empty.

I needed some time to get to know my van, the Zen of the van. It would tell me what was needed. First thing it whispered to me was it's name...it was the Rolling Doghouse. Mona and Bear ran that van.

Having had to replace my Ford conversion van, I bought a 1990 Chevy Mark III conversion van. I've left the seats in and actually I'm liking it. It's been fun working around the seats but they come in so handy for holding stuff from flying forward or I bungee things to the seats.

First thing in was the hassack with storage and a reversible table top. It went behind the second row of seats into the bed.

The next major renovation and installation was a chest of drawers behind the third row seat. The third row seat actually makes into a full double bed but I'm a little short thing with a fat little Chihuahua. We fit on it without folding it down into a bed.

This week I found a narrow depth cabinet with the laminate doors laying beside it. Poof into my van it went. Perfect solution and it was free.

The point I'm making is that by doing it as I go and taking my time, it's actually turned out much better than if I had planned it.

This is not even close to my first van...so I've got most of the gadgets I needed already. Less is definitely more.

I do flea markets as a vendor so I also needed room for my stock and my jewelry making supplies.

It's all coming together nicely. I'm happier than if I'd been given a camper van. This space suits me, my life, and my properties.

You won't learn how to make your van perfect online or in a book. That comes with experience and a van strips away the mask of possessions we use to distract ourselves and hide from ourselves. That is the Zen of the van. You don't have enough room for possessions to hide from yourself. Unless you've got 400 watts solar and a huge battery bank, you can't use electronics or appliances too hide from yourself.

Bottom line, the prefect van Is the one you have at the time.

Here's my list for the basics you'll need while you're learning the Zen of your van:

Something to sleep on (a bed)
Something to sleep in (blankets, sleeping bag, pillow)
A way to cook & make coffee ( 2 burner propane stove, backpacking stove, butane stove, Coleman dual fuel stove (I've used all of these types at one time or another))
Coffee pot, sauce pan, cast iron skillet
A small bag of clothes (you can always buy clothes cheaply at thrift stores)
Empty large coffee can (makes great potty)
Washcloth, towel, bar of soap
A hat
A sweater/sweatshirt
A damn good sense of humor

See ya on the road somewhere
LOU

Vandwelling 101 - Gadgets

We all love gadgets. Newcomers buy lots of them, and end up losing, breaking, or being unable to find them in all the stuff they bought.

Here are some I've actually found useful. Generally they are small, easily tucked into a nook or cranny, easy to use, and make my life easier. I refuse to be a slave to gadgets. 

1. Kaito Voyager solar crank radio. It charges a variety of ways: solar, hand crank, USB, battery. It includes a light and USB port to charge smartphone. It's a NOAA weather alert radio. 

2. Universal car charger for laptops. It comes with a variety of tips and voltage adjusts. Look on back of your laptop for correct settings. I run my Toshiba off it.

3. Platinum choice solar phone charger. Easily one of my favorite because of size and shape. 

4. U2Cool usb/electric fan. At $10, this little USB fan is a definite win. The fact it folds flat and can run off a small battery bank makes it double useful.

5. Small 2 port solar phone charger & small battery bank. Charge bank during daylight, handy for night or portable use. 

6. My Coleman 440 single burner stove. Dual fuel Coleman fuel or white gas.

7. My oil lantern (uses lamp oil). I love it. Generally a bottle of lamp oil lasts me at least a month.

For the record, I'm not affiliated with any of these products, I don't have an Amazon store, and I don't accept any free or discounted products for review.

Vandwelling 101 -Unplug From The Grid

Seriously... If you need all that electric power...buy a mobile home or a Rv and put it in a park.

Otherwise, unplug.

For most routine things, that cigarette lighter power plug in your van will work.

I can charge my laptop (car cord), netbook (car cord), tablet, kindle (old school e book reader), and cellphone. I even have a USB battery charger.

Get out of the van and into life. That smartphone doesn't have to be in your hand as if it's a part of you.

Don't be afraid to travel where you have no signal.

Want light? Oil lantern at Walmart about $7. Enough lamp oil for a month about $8.

Cooking? Propane, Coleman fuel, alcohol stove, rocket stove.

Heat? See cooking.

Instead of giving up comfort, I've gained time & peace.

So...Unplug

Vandwelling 101 - Let's Talk Stealth

Stealth is one of the most discussed topics in van groups. There's almost an obsession with it. In my opinion, it's one of the most misunderstood and misused terms there is.

It's almost impossible to be 100% stealth. Granted there are many places where it's illegal to live or sleep in your vehicle.

First of all- the law enforcement are much better observers than you think. They pretty much know that you're there.

Law enforcement is often selective based on complaints and your own behavior. I've actually had police tip me off to where to sleep so they don't have to officially notice. I've never had a ticket for sleeping in my vehicle. I've been notified twice that I had a couple of hours and that any vehicle remaining after that time with people sleeping in it would be ticketed. I chose to move my vehicle.

These are my own personal guidelines for sleeping in my conversion van when not boondocking in national forest or BLM land.

-keep vehicle legal at all times...up to date registration, title, plates, sticker. 

-don't draw attention to yourself or your van. This includes attire, stickers.

-I keep my license, registration, and insurance card in a plastic bag clipped to driver's side visor. Law enforcement is well within their rights to ask for this documentation. I also inform the officer that I'm reaching up for my documents prior to doing so. Police are not necessarily the enemy...unless you give them reasons to be.

-there are no illegal substances in my van. Any alcohol is stored back by the back doors, not easily accessible to the driver.

-keep dash and front seat area neat and uncluttered. This makes a better impression and deters theft. Expensive electronic devices don't need to be easily visible

-where I sleep isn't where I spend my day. I pull in, put my windshield cover up, go in rear where I have blackout curtains hung up.

-don't park the same place every night...unless you're renting a driveway.

-use headphones or earbuds. That flickering light from your tablet or smartphone draws attention. Blackout drapes

-my dogs food, treats, and water are always clearly visible. I've actually had a do-gooder call animal control on me. I now keep shot records and license up on visor next to my vehicle papers.

-don't dump any liquids, trash, or human waste. This is the number one complaint many have with dwellers.

-don't run in and out of your vehicle... Especially at night

-keep your vehicle and yourself clean

-be respectful of property and property owners. That residential street is not the best place to park.

In many parts of the southwest, vandwelling is not looked down upon. I base in Las Cruces NM where I can be open about my lifestyle.

I empty my potty daily...in a portapotty. Perfect place to safely dispose of human waste.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of how to be a stealth vandweller. This is merely my own experience.

Vandwelling 101 : Leaving No Trace Behind

Let's talk about how things look when you pull out.

It's called Leave No Trace.

When I pull out of a site whether it's for one night only or boondocking for two weeks (the usual legal length of time allowed by law in national forest or BLM), I check before I leave to make sure the only thing left behind is a few faint tire tracks. Leaving a clean site behind starts the minute you pull in.

Let's talk gray water. Gray water is water you've used to wash yourself, your clothes, your dishes, or any other thing.  Gray water also refers to any liquid left over from cooking.

We are talking vans here, not camper vans or an rv with a gray water tank. Vehicles that have gray water tanks should only be dumped only at a dump station.

Take an old t-shirt and use it as a filter to get any food particles or trash out of the water. I filter it into a bucket. Find a tree or shrub at least 200 feet from any body of water. Pour the filtered water at the base of a tree. The root system of the tree helps filter and clean the gray water.

Please please please watch the use of soaps and any chemical cleaning product. Never use any soap or shampoo in any body of water.

You'll need a few supplies and some good habits to do this.

I carry a folding rake, some plastic kitchen sized trash bags, and an empty cat litter pail.

Cans: cans are rinsed out of any food, you can also burn them in a fire pit. Rake then out, flatten them so no animal gets their head stuck into them.

Plastic beverage rings: easily the nastiest trash ever. Using knife or scissors cut them so that they are just plastic strips. Make sure they go in the trash you take with you.

Using the plastic cat litter pail. They have a lid that snaps down tightly. Use it for trash. I've had squirrels or possums take and scatter trash left in a plastic bag before. You then get to enjoy hours picking up that trash. Also plastic trash bags blow and are hard to chase down.

Left over food. Dig a small hole and bury the food. Again always at least 200 ft from any water source.

Now, you've packed up everything you brought out with you. The rake and the trash pail are sitting next to the van. You've raked the fire pit out, made sure any fire is out, and poured water into the fire pit.

Take the rake and gently rake your area leaving behind no papers, plastic, or trash of any kind. Pick up any remaining trash that may have blown around and put it in your trash (the lidded cat litter container). Be sure to rake up any broken glass.

If the site had signs of humans before you got there, clean that up too.

I keep a box of disposable rubber gloves in my van. They are cheap at dollar stores or Wal-Mart. Toilet paper doesn't decompose like people think. Don't bury it or leave it on the ground. Either burn it in the fire pit (safe and sanitary way of disposing of it) or put it in the lidded trash can.

When you pull out, all that should be there are a few faint tire tracks. If you got stuck and made ruts, use your camp spade and a rake to level the dirt back to how it should be. Don't leave piles of brush and sticks laying around.

If you follow these guidelines, others won't object to people enjoying public lands as intended.

Vandwelling 101 - Mornings & Comfort

I'm in my van and even in New Mexico it's really chilly in the morning.

Tip # 1: park facing east. Passive solar helps heat the van in the morning.

I always wake up having to pee in a cold van. No problem, my windows are covered at night for privacy and it helps keep heat in.

If I've parked at Wal-Mart or another business, I move the van to a daytime parking spot. It can be a park, Starbucks, McDonald's, or even a non residential street parking spot.

Next my Chihuahua goes out on her leash attached to the van.

Now, time to warm up van. I pull out my two burner Ozark trails propane stove and put coffee on. I always unscrew the propane canister from the stove. I've had one leak in the travel trailer from movement. It only takes a moment to take it off or put it on. I always stow my stove before moving the van. It literally takes about one minute.

While my coffee heats, I make breakfast for Mona the Chihuahua. My breakfast is usually a pastry or empanadas.

I leave the stove on, a window cracked half an inch.

This morning I'm being lazy. Most mornings I've already made bed and neatly folded the lap quilts I use to cover/insulate windows.

Trash bag gets tied shut, potties next to the door. Next is go to a park with vault toilet or portapotty.

Trash gets taken out, potty jugs emptied. I'll cover safe sanitary methods of dealing with human waste in a separate blog post.

I love the difference in pace that vandwelling offers me. I'm sipping my coffee, Mona is enjoying her sun nap and it's a good morning in Van Land.

Getting Ready For Night Time

A lot of the nights in the city, I go to Starbucks for some WiFi, do a little Facebook, watch a video or two. Then it's time to pull into my sleeping spot.

Where I currently am, there's no crime in sleeping in your vehicle. I tend to prefer legal parking spots only.

I have a routine that makes it easy to go discreet for the night.

I pull in and put up my windshield cover. It's one my dad gave me three vans ago.

Mona gets let out on her leash for a last goodnight potty.

I have lap quilts that I use with oversized clips to cover the front Windows. Up goes the drivers side window cover first, then the passenger's side ones.

My shoes are left up front in the driver's seat floor. Often I'm charging either a phone or a tablet. I have a battery operated three way light on a hook. I turn that on and get my pillows set up right.

Getting into bed with a Chihuahua always involves some cuddle time. She has her own bed and blankie that supposedly tell her where her part of the bed is. Good joke. Her part of the bed involves being as close to me as she can.

Then it's time to recline, either read on my kindle, watch a video, listen to an audio book, or enjoy some writing.

I keep ear buds handy so others don't have to hear my books or shows.

The potty is handy. It gets emptied in the morning at one of the numerous portapotties that are around town. Never ever is it emptied on the ground.

Trash is emptied in the morning and before I go park for the night.

These things are part of being responsible and respectful of others. To be neat, quiet, respectful, means being welcome to park places. It also means other dwellers behind me don't have issues.

See you down the road
LOU

Vandwelling 101 - Learning How To Cook Healthy

One of the big things about vandwelling is re-learning old skills (or in the case of some learning for the first time).

Food and diet has lots to do with health. Poor diet has everything to do with bad moods, depression, and sickness.

When planning what I'm going to eat, I try to use several colors and textures.

In order to eat healthy, you'll need some basic tools.
This is my personal list.
-6 quart aluminum pressure cooker
-2 cast iron skillets
-2 quart stainless steel saucepan with lid
-stove top coffee perculator
-stainless steel steamer basket
-set of utensils (metal) at dollar tree (spatula, serving spoon, slotted serving spoon, ladle)
-good paring knife
-good chef's knife (I use my camping knife)

The above list stacks into a compact pile. I can cook almost anything in the van that most people do in a full kitchen.

My groceries include but are not limited to:
Rice, dried beans, barley, split peas.

I love using fresh veggies, and any root veggie does fairly well in the van. Buy local and what's in season.

I also cut veggies up and dry then on a paper plate for later use. After they are dry, I store then in jars or in zip lock bags.

I have several methods of cooking.
-a two burner propane stove
-homemade alcohol stove
-Coleman dual fuel two burner stove
-camp fire
-solar

I use one of the containers that fried chicken came in for solar oven. Works like a charm. Put food in it, put lid on. Put on dash while parked facing into the sun.

One of my favorites is to fry some canned meat and some rice, add various veggies, then scoop a hole out on one side and scramble an egg in it. Spoon into a tortilla, and voila...Food with its own plate

Another of my favorite meals is simply making wraps. Any available meat, cheese, fruits, avocado, and sometimes even cole slaw.

Properly seasoned cast iron skillet wipes clean easily.

I do get a little teasing for the amount of canned and dried foods I carry. They come in handy on those months that repairs or unexpected repairs come up.

See you on the road
LOU

Vandwelling 101 - A Van Is Not A House...Really

Once again I've run across newbies or those who failed in their first attempt at vandwelling and their unrealistic expectations.

A van is not a house. It really isn't. You learn how wasteful you used to be living in a van. Forget unlimited electric power, lots of appliances (that goes for beauty and hair appliances too). Forget unlimited hot water and unlimited running water.

Power costs money. And if you need unlimited power and running water and can't do without them, then I suggest you either stay in a house or get a rv and live in an rv park forever.

I have one deep cell battery in my van. I'll be adding an extra starter battery to my set up simply because I'm scrapping my old van and had just bought new battery for it.

I have two laptops, a smartphone,  a tablet, and various electronics like GPS and Bluetooth speakers. I have no problem keeping things charged. I have two small solar phone chargers. My deep cell is currently being charged by an electric battery charger when I have legal access to electric or by jumper cables off my van when I don't. Eventually I'll add a way to charge it off my starter battery.

I've got a 400 watt inverter, a 600 watt inverter, and a 100 watt inverter. I rarely use any inverter and when I do, it's mainly the 100 watt inverter.

Average deep cell battery is about 80ah  (amp hours). Average smart phone uses 1 amp for about 4 hours to fully charge it.

For those who need blow dryers and such...usually you take a shower in some sort of facility...a truck stop, a gym, or similar. Use your blow dryer in the facility on standard electric.

If you must use these items in your van, look at 12v appliances in a truck stop. Road pro makes a variety of good 12v products.

Get a car charger for your laptops. I actually have two universal laptop car chargers. They work great.

Instead of interior electric lights, I have several battery operated flashlights and lights. I also carry a lantern that operates on lamp oil.

I use an Ozark trails two burner propane stove. No electric needed.

Bottom lines
1. Break the dependence on unlimited electric.
2. If you want to use power in your van then there is no alternative except to learn about power systems and their costs.

I see more newbies try to make their van into a house or a huge rv. And I shake my head at the unrealistic expectations.

See you on the road.
LOU

Vandwelling 101 - Overnight Parking at Wal-Mart's

Many people talk about boondocking at Walmart.

Boondocking is dry camping without any amenities.

We do not boondock at Wal-Mart's. We do sometimes use their parking lot for overnight parking.

Let's get some things straight before we even talk about how to park overnight at a store.

The parking lot is not public property. It is private property that is open to the public use conditionally.

Wal-Mart does NOT have to allow overnight parking and the ones that don't aren't mean or nasty. Overnight Parking is a courtesy some stores extend to their customers. So... get that entitled attitude and dispose of it. Look at it as being a guest on THEIR property

Ok, now that we've looked at some of the important information, let's look at some common sense rules so that you don't ruin it for everyone. Remember, you are a guest on someone else's property. Be courteous, polite, respectful.

1. First of all, check that this Wal-Mart actually allows overnight parking. No, not an app, actually get out of your vehicle and go in to customer service desk and politely ask if you may park overnight. If there are signs saying No Overnight Parking, then there is no overnight parking.

2. When overnight parking is allowed, usually it's in a designated area. Most of the time it will be over by the gardening/automotive sections. You'll be parked as far away from entrance of the store as possible.

3. Arrive late, leave early.  I usually pull into a Wal-Mart after 5-6 pm. In the morning, about daybreak or before 7 am,I get up, make coffee, put it in my travel cup, and pull out.

4. When parking at the Wal-Mart, I back in to a far spot, pull my front and rear curtains, put up my windshield Sun protector. No cooking outside, no chairs outside. My van from the outside doesn't look as if I live in it full-time.

5. I do go inside and shop at the store, even if it's just a Pepsi or a can of soft dog food. Receipt gets scanned into my Wal-Mart savings app and clipped to the visor.

6. Trash goes in a dumpster not on the ground. Grey water doesn't ever get dumped at a Wal-Mart. If I've a pop or remainder of my coffee to dump, I dilute it with water and pour at base of tree or bush.

7. Carry potty bags for your pup...that's just good manners anywhere. So scoop that poop

8. Many Wal-Mart's now have security. Smile, wave politely, or otherwise politely acknowledge them. They notice who's parked there, how long, and how often.

9. Don't play your electronics loudly. They sell headphones in the store.

10. It's not an RV park or a campsite. Don't congregate and socialize. Don't draw attention to you and your rig.

11. Wal-Mart store bathrooms are not a public shower. As a vandwellers, you should know how to wash up in your van. Be neat, clean, don't look like a homeless person.

12. Do not beg, panhandle, ask others for food, gas, change. That's just incredibly rude.

13. Never ever never dump body fluids or leave a pee jug on the ground. Never.

Although I really prefer boondocking in national forest or the desert, I have successfully parked at many Wal-Mart's in the nation successfully. To date, 

I've only been advised to leave one, and that was by others parking who informed me local ordinances prohibit over night parking and it was strictly enforced. I chose to find safer legal parking.

If you act with courtesy and respect, you'll have no problems with overnight boondocking.

If you wish to donate or help out (I need to replace the engine in my van, the cost is $1896) paypal.me/LouBurgess

Vandwelling 101 - I need power

Setting up a simple 12v system isn't hard.

You need
-a deep cycle battery (about $100)
-a battery box (about $8)
-a dc power unit (I used a triple socket one)
-2 metal clip ends
-electrical tape
- 100 watt inverter (no bigger than 100 watts)($20)
-a type of battery meter
-a way to charge deep cycle battery
-some basic math skills

You put battery in battery box. Mine sits in front on floor on passenger seat floor.

Cut end from triple tap so it's just wires. Separate wires and strip ends so 1/4" copper wire shows.

Thread wires through clip ends. Use crimper or pliers to close.

You'll need to touch clips -one to each battery post. Note which way they light up. Add some red electric tape to the positive one.

Now to run your power set up.
Clip red to +, the other one to - posts.
Lightly put lid back on battery case.

Put dc USB plug in one of the dc sockets. Attach your phone or tablet cord to dc plug just as if you're using dash lighter socket.

To run small electric, insert 100 watt inverter and plug in.

A van is not a house. Forget electric hotplate, microwave, or electric heater. Not happening.

I have 2 dc universal plugs to run my laptop. Ebay $7.50

Never leave this setup unattended.

I'll cover charging battery in another post.

You may donate at paypal.me/LouBurgess if you like.

Vandwelling 101 - Oh Shit My Van Broke Down

If you travel fulltime, you need to learn to do basic maintenance and simple repairs.

I actually carry enough to do full teardown and rebuild... And it fits in one tote.

I travel on very limited funds. Mechanic shops just aren't in my budget.

Anyone wishing to help with current major repairs click this link. I'll either repay as soon as I can or pay it forward, your choice.

paypal.me/LouBurgess

So let's talk about what basics you need to do most repairs.

First you need a manual, either a Chilton or Haynes manual specific to your vehicle. They run about $30 at any auto parts store.

I have a haynes manual for Ford full sized vans. My van is a 99 Ford e150 V8 5.4L engine.

If you don't know which manual, your vin number is on your title. That tells them which vehicle make and model you have.

Tools
The basics. Mine all fit in a tote. 

Tire pump compressor. $10 Family Dollar

2-1/2 bumper jack. Autozone $54

Good lug wrench.

Battery jump cables. Good set. Thicker the wires the better.

Ratchet set with both sae and metric sockets. 

Autozone $10 set is good.

Hammer. 

Set of wrenches. Ace hardware $5

Set of pliers. Ace hardware $5

Serpentine belt tool. Harbor Freight $15

Set of screwdrivers. Ace hardware $5

Universal socket

Nutdriver, automatic screwdriver with set of bits. Walmart $10

While this is not a comprehensive list, with these tools you can fix almost anything

Vandwelling 101 - Cleaning Up Your Act

Here's one of many ways to get clean in a van.

What you need
-way to heat water
-big pot of some type
-soap
-washcloth
-plastic cup

First I heated water using an alcohol stove in a sterno stove frame.

To make alcohol stove,
Take small can...Vienna sausages, or small can from tuna, chicken, ham.

Put a couple of napkins in it, used is fine. Fill with 70% isopropal alcohol.

Set in stove frame, light, put covered pot on it. I used my stovetop percolator.

Fill big soup pot with a couple of inches cold water. Add hot water until it's a comfortable tempature.

Grab plastic cup and wet hair. Use Castile soap to work up lather and wash your hair.

Lean over pot and using a cup, dip water and pour over your head until clean.

Now using washcloth, wet your body. Add a little soap to washcloth and scrub.

Rinse washcloth and use it to rinse your body.

Get dressed.

Disposal of water.

Pour water by tree roots at least 200 ft from any water source. Tree roots and sandy soil help purify the water.

Remember, less is more.
Your body gets clean by brisk scrubbing rather than lots of soap.

Odor is caused by dead skin cells, moisture, oil. Scrubbing will take care of that.