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.

If you feel my blog is helpful and entertaining feel free to donate a $1 or $2 at PayPal.me/LouBurgess

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