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