Vandwelling 101 How much propane do I have left

 How much propane is left in my tank.

Today I sold a BBQ grill with a weight scale telling me how much propane is left in the tank. Cute idea but if you've ever camped in freezing blizzards or cold winter,  you have several ways to tell how much propane is still in your tank.

Method 1

Feel the tank. It's colder when you have propane.  

Method 2

Pour some water on the tank.  Just a little. 

You'll easily see how full it is 

Method 3

Pick It up 

A standard tank is called a 20lb tank. It takes about 7 gallons of propane. Full tank is heavy.  Empty tank is light. 

Propane tips.  Turn the knob on the tank all the way on. Adjust propane on appliances. 

Don't fill half full tank. They have to exhaust all propane to fill them.

Don't keep a leaking propane tank. 

Turn off tank first,  then the appliances hooked up to it. Otherwise you have propane in your hose.

Propane is heavier than air. If you smell propane,  turn off everything and exit leaving doors open.  Propane smells like rotten eggs.

If you have appliances with pilot lights,  make sure that the pilot light stays lit.

Otherwise you will have a small propane leak.

Storing propane tanks on a hitch mounted shelf is not a good idea. 

It adds weight to rear axle. If you are rear ended,  it can be very dangerous. 

I used to store my propane in a milk crate right next to a side barn door or passenger front seat floor.  In case of emergency,  open door,  kick out,  drive at least a couple hundred feet. 

Never travel with propane hooked up to stove or heaters. 

Cost of refills is less than $16. Cost of exchange is about $20

Cost of 20 1lb containers is about $80

Currently 1lb propane bottles are about $4 to $5 each. Generally you save  $64  each time you refill a 20lb propane tank rather than buying 1lb cannister 

See you down the road 

Lou

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Vandwelling 101: People go missing, get hurt, get lost, or die

Although I didn't know or follow newcomer Gabby, it brings up important things often missed or ignored. There is a fantasy element about vanlife. It is a skilled lifestyle and very trendy. It is (in my opinion) no more dangerous than any lifestyle. But ignoring reality or risks isn't safe in any life style. 

I have health issues. I have to always keep in mind that if something happens, help may not be right there. Or a vehicle issue or accident can happen anywhere. 

I know of friends who have changed. I have twice traveled a distance and even after trying to check, it just didnt work out. I bought land by someone with someone else. Mistake. Lesson learned and it was only financial.

I know a few couples who broke up in vanlife. 

Many buy vans only to find out, this isnt what they wanted. Others test out by not selling everything they own.

I believe same lessons found out in the 60s by hippies. 

There is no magic answer. There are as many types of groups as there are people. 

I have decades of having wanderlust in my soul. There are amazing times, there are dark times, and one of the lessons i learned early is that you only see a tiny glimpse. I have had the roughest 3 years in my life. Only because of amazing friends in private have i come through. But i have also met some really icky people. And several stalkers or creeps.

You learn to trust that uncomfortable feeling. But even then, the most skilled person can get lost, injured, or hurt. 

I absolutely almost panic without cell service or unable to charge my phone. 

In colorado, i either had to drive over a mountain or to a town 30 miles away to have phone. And 9 miles by a river to have hotspot. Different service providers. But near enough regular neighbor if maybe a long walk. 

Many young kids prefer texting. But if i have a doubt, i want voice or video.

I have had 3 narrow calls on being in danger of death. Twice were where i just rented a room. You dont see it until you are trapped. 

And was stuck in national forest with someone i found out was abusive. The green herbal medicine turned out to be pcp. I was very indignent since i didnt think i even knew anyone who used it. I checked in twice daily with a friend as a safety check. I thought i was being silly. But i met his new wife at a pow wow. Knew why she hated me. I told her if ever came a time things were bad, come see me. I had him arrested. He finally pled guilty. In michigan you only serve 42 days for inuring someone during domestic assault. I sold my 30ft vintage class a rv for scrap. He kept moving into it in storage. This is years and decades ago.

Fantasy youtube and blogs rarely cover reality. 

My life has never been running away. It didnt solve any problems. It has been dangerous at times from weather. 

This life is just life. It requires common sense, luck, skills. 

She could have been me, several friends, or some aquaintances. A friend in private broke a confidence and saved me from a very bad decision.  I might have been in a dangeruous situation without money or help. It can happen to anyone. 

I have no desire to capitaise on a trajic situation. I hope by sharing my experience, that someone else doesn't die from a similar situation. 

Vandwelling 101: You want power in yout van?

There have been questions and confusion about power. 

It is easier learning in sections

Here is how i learned.

Step 1. Learn to make power box

Its a battery separate from other systems. 

I got a used reconditioned interstate deep cycle. 

Pair jumper cables. Battery box. 

It sat on passengers front floor wedged so it couldnt tip. I used it to jump my van when needed and kept hooked up 20 minutes after starting van to charge back up. 

Did that couple years. Got knocked out rear door and had to replace. 

Next i added clip on power socket. 

After that, next addition had 2 usb plugs and a digital voltmeter. Pretty simple. When not using unhook negative cable. 

Finally wired in van to starter battery, added dorman switch and bought multimeter, 100 watt inverter. 

I found 2 10 watt solar panels in free box at ltva in quartzsite. Got expert at moving for best power and how much they charged. 

Last year bought big solar panel.

Found out too big for me, 24v, and charge controller really expensive. Sold it and had bought used 100 watt panel and charge contoller. 

Starting out 10 watt panel and experimenting was good choice. 

Here are some tips

Dont go all in at first. I promise you will ruin at least one battery while learning. 

There are some good things about not having money at first..i learned as i went. 

Never ever hook jumper cables under hood to charge house battery unless parked. Dangerous. One new idiot tried it. Hood flew up on I95. And she passed herself off on youtube as expert teaching. 

Safest to learn power with battery in box charging by jumper cables. 

Use the free apps with wire sizes, fuses, and safety. 

I know wiring 12v. Got interupted. Know better, picked up where i left off rather than check from scratch.  Started small fire.  Think was less than 2 amps. Cross connected positive and negative.  Promise wire insulation becomes liquid n drips instantly and open flame. Grabbed wires, pulled hard, tossed out open door.

A van's interior and engine electrical are NOT 2 separate systems, they are 2 interconnected systems. 

This is merely an overview. 12v wiring will start a fire faster. You need to understand power before installing.

Screwing up or not being careful can start fire under hood, under dash, or interior. You can explode batteries or fry your entire electrical system.

See you down the road

JustLou

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Vandwelling 101 -- Fire, Propane , and Safety

Life is always about risks. 

Those who take no risks or play it safe often have no joy as well. Their lives become stagnant.  Those who take too many risks experience chaos and too many ups and downs.  

So,  where is the line on risks.  What factors into risking/not risking. 

First,  let's look at fears.  Not all fear is bad.  A healthy fear prevents us from taking risks that will injure or kill us.  

As a child,  I was told don't touch the stove, you'll get burned.  As an adult,  I'm careful using a stove and know that carelessness can burn down my van, kill or injure me.  But, I'm not afraid of using my stove or propane.  I always double check the propane valve,  the hose and hookup,  and the burner knobs. I keep a box of baking soda (the big one)  on hand for a fire.  (It's used much more for cleaning. )

The Propane Tank

I hear of too many who disregard updating,  upgrading,  or having their propane tanks inspected.  In my opinion,  this is one of the most dangerous things you can do.  I also disagree with refilling the one use propane bottles.  They make a refillable one pound propane bottle.  I have the adapter to fill one pound bottles from a larger tank,  but I've yet to use it because I've not bought the refillable one pound tanks.  Could I refill the throwaway ones,  yes.  Will I do it? No.  All it would take is one open flame and a leaking tank to cause a fire.  

I transport my propane tanks inside.  I make sure thet they are upright, and i strap or bungee them in place if they are not wedged in.  I also always store them right next to a door so that in an emergency,  i can open the door,  kick them out,  and drive the van a safe distance away.  As a matter of fact,  i store all flammable liquids right next to a door.  

There was just an article in the news of a big RV totaled by a fire started with the propane refrigerator.  So, I don't think my precautions are out of line.  

Some people refuse to use propane.  I understand their fears and respect their choices.  But, i use fears to think about what things I can do to prevent bad accidents by having safe processes on hand to try to mitigate any risks. 

Do not ever ignore your fears,  but use those fears to think about your life and lifestyle. Use those fears to develop good safely practices. 

Good coffee to you,  see you down the road

Just Lou  and Kira too.

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Vandwelling 101 - Vandwelling is a skilled lifestyle with a learning curve

I've seen so many that discount the amount of skills needed for this life.  

I just had to wire on the fly,  a better solar and battery setup in my van without losing the food in the fridge; safely,  without doing it halfway,  with only what i had on hand.  I used an old set jumper cables,  two battery cable ends,  and had it up and running in less than a half hour.  

My starter has gone out again.  A stalker caught me as i was being towed into the LTVA and has pushed me repeatedly for the guy who works on his van to fix it... for only $450 plus the parts.  He's assured me his mechanic (who has never seen my vehicle)  knows that it's the flex gear in the transmission causing this issue.  Lol.  Can I get a new flex capacitor at the same time. Luckily I know a fair amount of mechanics skils. 

Too many try to do everything all at once.  Stop it. That's a good recipe for failure.  

Too many also try to make it into a house. A house doesn't jolt and jiggle going down the road.  You may store dry and canned food anywhere it fits,  not just in the kitchen.  

I think this is the first time,  since having my trailer,  class a 30 ft motorhome,  or old travel trailers that I've had a kitchen and power prewired in.  

I know it's the first time I've had a fridge in years.  I didn't miss any of these items.  You simply change your buying habits and cooking habits.  

I could turn around tomorrow and start over in a compact car and still cook, sleep,  and have power with much less than $100 build.  

You need to learn power systems.  You need to relearn food and cooking.  Every drop of water you use,  charging your electronics,  what electronics you use.  

My point is this is a very different alternative lifestyle and not just anyone starts out expert.  Don't expect yourself to be one.  And what you think you want and need will change drastically your first year out. 

Good coffee to you

Vandwelling 101 -- Personal updates

It's been a while since I wrote this blog regularly.  A lot of things happened in my life,  including my van down constantly for over 6 months.  

Just as I was ready to get on the interstate for a trip that's been postponed month after month,  again my van didn't start.  This time it's just a V-belt, and was a bit harder to find the correct size. It's a 48 hour $11 delay.  I am so grateful it was literally 5 minutes before I left,  that it's an easy and inexpensive fix. 

New batteries,  new fuel pump,  new alternator, 2 starters, oil change,  and everything ok.  The correct belt on Monday.

I'm so excited to be back traveling finally.  I only planned on staying one month. 

So finally,  Monday,  i start off once again

See you down the road,

JustLou 

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Vandwelling 101 - When Your Van Breaks Down

Someone asked me what do you do when you're broken down.  Lol.  I've spent most of the last eight months one problem after another. 

First, go directly to store or lot owner and be honest. I've a fixed income.  I've had to wait for mechanics.  Up to a month or three non running van.  

Keep exterior area clean.  Whether you or others.  I've picked up trash left by others.  

Don't have people congregate where you are.  Don't cook or sit a chair outside.  Don't leave food waste or human waste or dump bunches gray water. 

It's basic common sense.  I had to tow away to different spot twice.  Better than having an issue.  Both times were because of someone else. 

You just communicate,  do your best,  and as long as you're doing something about it,  generally you'll manage to work it out.  

See ya down the road, 

JustLou

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Vandwelling 101 -- 2020 Holiday Blahs Revisited

It's Christmas Eve for many, but what about those in a van or nomads alone and on the road.  Often we see many during this holiday time that feel left out or bereft.

So, let's talk about self care and alternative ways to enjoy this month,  especially during the covid-19 pandemic. 

I just went to Dollar General and splurged for less than $10. I bought Eckrich jalapeno and cheddar sausage links.  The 6 links will make either 2 or 3 good meals as the meat base of a meal.  Today,  I'll make potatoes, carrots,  and onions to go with them. Add a slice of whole wheat bread with real butter..ooohhh a treat.  

I got a pkg of 6 fun sized milky way candy bars for $1. The small decadent chocolate sweet satisfies my sweet tooth.  

I also bought $1 canister of potato chips and a box of sweet cereal.  That's my snacking supplies for enjoying while watching movies.  

Entertainment...ahhh thank you YouTube and tubi tv and Pluto for free choices of shows and movies to entertain me.  I have streaming subscription to both CBS and Hulu. 

My holiday attire is comfy leggings or sweaters topped with long sleeve t shirts.  Add a $3 fleece blanket folded in half diagonally for a shawl. 

Next i bundle into my big sleeping bag and liner with snacks and my two 2-liter rc cola for refreshments. 

Add one small chihuahua who steals the bed and demands her share of meals and snacks,  I'm all set for the holiday weekend.  Bliss. Just me and Kira. 

I'll be watching non holiday movies as usual,  King Ralph, Coyote Ugly, The Diehard movies, NCIS, Seal team,  Hawaii 5-0, NCIS Los Angeles. 

So rather than feeling lonely,  neglected,  or self pity,  I've made a pro-active plan for myself and the end of the year holidays. 

So enjoy whatever festive holidays you celebrate at this time,  Kira and I will sit this one out,  enjoying each other. 

See you down the road

JustLou and Kira

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Vandwelling 101 -- Side post batteries and battery shelves in vintage vans

This blog article will be more of educational and theory about why Chevy van and vintage vans with side post batteries tend to cause issues. 

First, a cheap battery is the most expensive thing you can buy.  Batteries are definitely the item that you get what you pay for category.  

Cheap side post batteries have very soft lead where the bolts go in.  Tighten it just a quarter turn too much and you strip the bolt hole threads.  That is not repairable by an average person.  Then the bolt will rotate and make the hole bigger as you go down the road. I've had one arc on me.  

Battery case design has changed slightly.  Getting the battery clamp that secures battery to shelf to hold battery as originally designed is almost impossible.  You can add battery strap to it,  but I'll be designing a modification that involves using standard battery box custom fitted and secured to original battery shelf.  

I have used Walmart Walmart everstart batteries,  interstate batteries,  and I've currently replaced both starter and house battery with good Duracell batteries.  The difference in weight,  case construction,  and posts is easy to see.  

I recently converted my side post battery to a top post. I completely replaced the negative cable with ground,  and replaced the cable end of the positive battery cable. 

Battery cables and ends are crucial parts of your engine electrical.  

It is very easy to replace battery cable ends. And replacement of my negative ground battery cable was less than half an hour including removing old battery cable.  

Replace any old wires.  Replace any wire with insulation that's cut or has rough surfaces.  I was shocked to see 4 splices in a starter wire.  It takes longer to splice it than to replace it. 

A box of varied quick connects and ring ends is standard in my vehicle.  As well as 3 colors electrical tape and various new wires in a variety of gauges. 

Cold and heat both kill batteries.  As well as a dry cell.  Check battery fluid both for low and for acid.  

Clean any corrosion from both battery posts and cable ends.  That white stuff means your battery doesn't have good connections.  It also means take your battery to be checked if you're unsure as to how to check it. 

My new batteries are 12.75 volts when fully charged.  A simple voltmeter or multimeter tests battery and your alternator just fine.  

My vans have an analog battery meter.  It usually goes from 8 to 18. The halfway mark is 13 volts.  

Overcharging is as bad as undercharged battery.  

This is by no means a comprehensive guide to your battery.  But this may help reduce your repair and replacement costs.  

You can take down your entire engine electrical with one faulty part. It causes a domino effect that ends in very costly repairs.  

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Vandwelling 101- Eating Well On A Budget

Nothing beats sandwiches as a meal that's both healthy and inexpensive.  Add a piece of fruit,  some chips, and you're looking at approximately $1.50 a meal.  

A recent trip to Walmart cost me about $10. I got 2 pounds lunchmeat (#4.78),  8 ounces sliced cheese ($2.22),  a loaf of bread (88 cents), a 2 liter of store brand cola (86 cents). That easily covers the base for 2 days meals for me.  

That's about $5 a day for 3 meals, about the same cost as a very cheap fast food meal for one meal.  

Breakfast is another inexpensive meal.  A package instant oatmeal,  some fruit,  a cup of coffee. That runs $1 for a full meal.  

I buy fruit on sale.  I prefer fresh.  That usually means grapes or bananas.  Cantaloupe is another good bargain. 

Lately I've preferred meals with little to no cooking required. 

I keep cans of meat on hand,  tuna, salmon, chicken breast. They can be used for sandwiches or as the base of a meal.  Instant rice is a good deal when I'm in town.  The higher cost is offset by reducing cooking fuel costs and time.  

There are many varieties and variations in meals and food. Very little extra time or effort involved in making my own as opposed to eating out. 

Good coffee to you

Just Lou

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Coffee! Vandwelling 101- Coffee

When you're first starting out, you generally don't have a lot of money or the right equipment.  Morning coffee sets the tone of the day for me. 

Here's how to have coffee on almost zero money for equipment and no kitchen setup. 

Method one 

Sterno stove frame and ozark trails stainless steel cup

About $5 for cup,  about $7 for folding sterno stove frames and a can of sterno runs about $3. 

Figure 1, folding sterno stove with sterno canned heat and a sterno pan

When I first started,  even that was too much investment.  The following method only costs the amount of a bottle of isopropyl alcohol,  usually about $2.

I used a empty small Vienna sausages can. I put used paper towel in it and filled it half way with rubbing alcohol 70% or higher.  

I have a little wire rack to go on it and even an old empty can is useful to heat water in.  If you don't have a wire rack, cut slits just below the top rim all the way around the can.  An alcohol stove must have airflow to burn.  Conversely,  easily put out by putting a lid on it. 

The coffee

I like instant coffee.  I waver between Taster's Choice or Great Value Columbian. The GV columbian runs $5.98 for a 7 ounce jar that easily lasts me a month.  Taster's Choice usually runs about $8.97 for same sized 7 oz. jar. 

Figure 2: Taster's Choice Instant Coffee

You can use regular ground coffee,  tie up 2 tablespoons coffee in a coffee filter and put in the water.  Bring water up to a boil.  Don't over boil it too long or it becomes bitter. Or you can drop your tied up coffee in a cup and pour boiling water over it.  Allow coffee to steep until it's desired strength.  You've just made the coffee variation of a teabag. 

Cream and sugar?  Flavored coffee? 

I do enjoy cream and sugar in my coffee

The flavored liquid nondairy creamer small bottle costs $1 at Family Dollar stores.  It doesn't need refrigeration after opening.  Just be sure to close it tightly. 

The powdered flavored nondairy store brand creamer is generally about $3 for a largish bottle.  

Figure 3: Nondairy Creamer (powdered) 

There are many choices in nondairy creamer. 

Sweet? 

There are too many choices of how to sweeten your coffee from sugar to agave to honey to zero calorie artificial sweeteners.  I prefer raw sugar, but I've been known to use honey,  light brown cane sugar, dark brown cane sugar,  or even karo syrup. 

Flavoring Your Coffee 

I'm known for enjoying various flavors of coffee.  I'll add cinnamon,  marshmallow,  or any flavored extract generally used in baking.  I also enjoy adding a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder for a hint of dark chocolate flavor. 

I hope you've enjoyed this blog today.

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Good coffee to you

JustLou and Kira too

Vandwelling 101-- When You're Just Starting Out

People drive themselves crazy trying to set van up for what they think they need.  Often they buy so many gadgets and think they need all that stuff.

Less is better. I'm currently drowning in stuff because I took a break and lived traditionally.  Some days I think about pulling up to the dump and throwing 90 percent away. 

When you start out day one,  I'd say window coverings are most important.  Normal time for me to pull in and make van completely private is at most 3 minutes.  

Once I replace my light colored front window curtains,  it'll be about one minute. 

My old way,  a good Dickies brand heavy reflectix windshield cover,  a blanket on bungee held with clothespins on each front window,  pull side shades and rear shades and I was done.  

The trucker curtain on a rail is a game changer.  You'll pull one from each side over front windows and they meet in center.  

A stove,  a buddy heater,  an adapter hose,  and a propane tank are the majority of what I use.  A small potty jug that I enjoy into portable potty or vault toilets pretty much completes all the basics for comfort.  

I found a cooler and dealing with ice to not be worth the expense or effort. Instead I find the little 6 pack cooler full of ice more than did what I needed on hot desert summer days.  

A generator was generally not worth the noise,  weight,  or effort to me.  

A rv battery wired to my starter battery changed my comfort level a lot. But for 4 years I charged battery while parked using a set of jumper cables.  A simple clip on female dc power socket was $7. When I added a 100 watt inverter I rarely used it. 

I never did get around to installing a roof vent fan.  Conversion vans have screened side windows. I added a usb o2cool fan abs bought a 12v oscillating fan.  This worked in southern New Mexico hot summer days.  

Hitch shelf racks add a lot of weight on rear and make rear doors a pain to get into.  They also tend to bump on ground on high grade drives, or pulling out of gas stations. 

A good rechargeable light is another game changer.  And I wouldn't be without my solar/ crank/ battery am/FM/ weather radio 

You need less than you think and you'll enjoy not having so much gear to take care of daily.  

 Good coffee to you, 

Lou

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Vandwelling 101 - The Morning Routine

Today both my vans are at the mechanic, and I'm ill at a friend's place temporarily.

It's nice to wake up,  heater on,  bathroom three feet away with running water. 

However,  my morning coffee routine is disrupted. 

First,  he uses a different brand than my favourite tasters choice freeze dried coffee.  It's good,  but every sip jars my senses telling me it's not my coffee. 

Second,  he uses pure white sugar.  I'm used to the flavor of the raw sugar.  

And my beloved little Kira's affected as well.  Every morning she's allowed drop of coffee off my finger.  She gets 3 wet fingers of coffee,  a total of 6 drops of coffee.  She's the only dog I've ever had that doesn't sneak sips of coffee out of my cup.  She's had her 6 drops of coffee and curled back up against me.

The one thing in my world that speaks of civilized behavior is the sacred morning coffee. 

Good coffee to you

~Lou and Kira~

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vandwellng 101- Little things can turn into expensive repairs

Looks like I'll be redoing all new wiring under the hood of the 73 high-top camper van.

It all started with a starter solenoid going bad and a crazy (literally) mechanic. The So-called mechanic missed the second battery when replacing a starter. 

So a simple starter then became a starter and the wiring to it. 4 wires not 3. And no photo or diagram.

The starter is normally 20 minutes and a $55 part. It's one of the easiest abs cheapest repairs to do. Usually. 

It's hard to understand how even a beginner can fail to see both batteries under the hood. He did. I came out just in time to see sparks flying under my vehicle. He'd also taken bolts of first rather than disconnecting the wires. Oopsie. That meant the short ran through the entire electrical wiring. 

That sent extra current thru a vintage system. The batteries were affected by it and the desert summer heat. It also meant the cables near the battery failed on one, the ground wire on the other was the next to go almost causing an engine fire. 

So rather than kill 2 more batteries and the alternator, I need to go through the entire set of wires under the hood and check each one, replace fusible link, 2 sets of wiring harnesses, check and maybe replace the alternator wiring harness, and test the alternator. All while being parked half hour away from town. 

Add to that the repairs and getting the other Van safely back to parking spot only to barely coast it in, its going to be heavy repair on both vans starting $250 in debt this month. The 73 needs the wiring fixed and the 90 threw 2 serpentine belts. I've 2 batteries to replace and the duralast Maine House battery looks like it's toast. 

Added to that, the rear corner wood went bad on the travel trailer. 

Looks like I'll have to winter where I am and I might not have a running Van this month. 

I've had it much worse. At least I'll be able to fix each one. Thank goodness none of it is heavy, just tedious and it's too cold this week. Next week will warm slightly. 

On the plus side, I've found all my cold weather Michigan warm clothes.  I had not cleaned out all the panty dry goods or the big pantry full of foods. I even found my stash of the drink singles you add to a bottle of water. All my yarn and knitting needles and crochet hooks, and loads of books were stored in the trailer, my wool blanket, my quilts, and my hefty crocheted blankets were there as well. 

Its the season. It'll get better.

And I've 3 20 lb propane tanks so one run to town will give me plenty for heat and cooking. 

I had wanted to go see friends and do some traveling. And again I'm delayed. This is the reality of full-time vandwelling 

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Vandwelling 101 -- The Importance Of A Morning Routine

it is vital that you develop a routine to start your day. 

It's easy to just drift, hours become days, days become weeks, and weeks melt into years, squandering your time and resources.  I do not suggest rushing around with every moment packed with "meaningful moments" and frenzied attempts at mimicking the life you think is desirable. 

It's also easy to live by feelings and impulse. That's just as harmful (in my opinion) as living without emotions. 

I'm talking about balance, values, and self-discipline. Character. Freedom. Integrity. Really embracing all of life, good and bad. So, what does a morning routine have to do with this? Everything, it has everything to do with how your life is lived and who you become. 

My morning routine bridges the gap between sleeping and waking up. It sets the tone for my day. It helps me get things done. It facilitates a nice even emotional keel so that when life smacks me in the face full force as it tends to do, I'm able to roll with the punches.

Many will tell you to start the day off with a full breakfast. That's not me. Each person is different. I need to ease into my day gently with quiet and solitude. In my opinion, talking before the morning coffee is a crime worthy of the death penalty. 

I started this blog entry yesterday and as usual, my day went off the tracks. I did fix the stuck Van side door lock and I was able to close door fully to avoid a big draft. 

Today, in spite of very cold morning weather, my day is on track. I've had my morning coffee. The potty has been emptied while walking Kira for her potty. Trash has been taken out. The bedding is put up, and all the pillows as well. Kira is in her sweater and her collar on. Breakfast is last night's leftovers reheated and tastes delicious. 

I've filled the water jug (from big jug to gallon sized for ease of use). I have a small sink full of dishes to clean and put up. I've a second cup of coffee almost gone, and I have time to enjoy the crisp day.

And I got this blog finished and posted.

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Vandwelling 101- A Day In The Life Boondocking

Good morn. I've turned on the stove and made my coffee. 

The bedding has been put outside on racks to air. It's a good second use for my flea market table legs. I air my blankets every morning and bring them in at sunset. It's an old custom with good science behind it. 

We all shed skin cells and hair every day. Airing the blankets and quilts after shaking them keeps the dust mites down and the bedding fresh. Surprisingly making your bed in the morning doesn't allow mattress or bedding to air and it will be a hospitable environment to mites and other crawling insects.

I've put solar items in the front window to charge things up. 

Yesterday,  using only one $3 solar light from Walmart, I charged up 5 AA batteries with no real effort.  That meant fresh batteries for two flashlights. 

I sleep in until the sun comes in the front windshield and starts to warm up the van. Thar conserves the amount of propane I use. At night I shut all windows an hour before sunset to allow the sun to warm the van up. I turn the stove on for approximately 20 minutes., I put a heavy cotton robe on, a crocheted hat, and wool knee socks on to stay comfortably warm. I snuggle with Kira in the blankets and either watch videos, read, or listen to an audiobook. 

Vandwelling 101 Vanlife Stealth and other trendy terms

Everyone uses the terms vanlife and stealth camping.  All of a sudden it's trendy and many experts abound. 

First of all,  someone will figure out you're in the van.  Most people don't pay a lot of attention. Most police don't bother you once they find out you're not drinking,  using drugs,  engaged in any illegal activities,  not begging or damaging anything.  If your vehicle doesn't look trashy and your license,  insurance,  and tags are up to date,  you'll find they aren't too bothered by you.  Also make sure you're legally parked. 

Businesses don't get upset as long as you don't abuse their property (including dumpsters), don't leave trash behind,  or interfere with their business.  

Be responsible.  Be considerate.  Don't draw attention to yourself. 

You'll find endless pages,  websites,  blogs,  and videos on how to rebel in lockstep with everyone else. How insane is that to rebel and conform ro all the other rebels.

That's not what vandwelling is about.  It's also not about feeling superior to those who chose a more traditional life. 

It's merely a different way of life.  It's not about begging or living free on public land.  Freedom isn't the absence of responsibility.

It's a highly skilled lifestyle. Everything you've taken for granted will have to be relearned.  Power,  water,  bathing,  personal hygiene,  belongings,  cooking,  eating,  trash disposal,  and dealing with human waste all must be relearned and thought about. 

It's not turning a van into a house or homemade rv.

It's thinking about every aspect of life and how you do it.  It's also about getting rid of distractions and knowing who you are. 

Solitude versus isolation.

Life still happens,  it's not a way of running away or a magic elixir to fix all your problems.  

The photos of that cute couple,  a van is small for one person,  add a partner and a pet,  and even the best relationships can be strained. 

And you'll find that person who blogs or does videos is not the bigger than life hero but an ordinary person in real life,  myself included.  

I've no major answers to the questions of life in a van,  just lots of experience and lots of learning from my own mistakes.  Mainly i know that vans break down and die,  and no matter what happens I've a few friends that care. 

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Welcome to life in or out of a van

Ok time for some more Lou mythbusting

Ok You know all those ones you think are really together and Expert

Here is reality as i am and have seen

First of all my van is never as neat or perfect as i wish. Some days the van and i are a hot mess. And some days you'd think I've lost what little sense i may have ever had

And far from having my poop in a group...some days it's spattered and far flung

I love those quiet boring Serene days

But between dogs and life and friends and things that crop up...lol

When i hear a strange noise in van I'm like omg oh hell no.
Organised and money perfect...nope not even close

My van will never be Shown as the nice set up

My van has been muh home for years. It's not got an official name. And i was surprised to be recognized. (Parts of van views plus really cute dog blew my cover)

My van is home. I'm actually pretty ordinary and dont stand out that much

Potty jugs still get spilled very rarely now
The dog had pooped all over my clesn sleeping bag. And something either finds three black hole in the van or a perfectly stored and secured item decides to go flying.

The coffee will get knocked over. And guess what i did on last two days

Left lights and and battery dead
Tonight it was being so busy i forgot to get gas. Engine stalled at light. Made it safely to station on fumes

My point is this

I'm good because I've made every mistake and then some.

The difference is
The other day when the hightop green 73 died. No panic. Trust me i had no time. But so used to the drill
Stranger pushed me off gas pump and coasted to good spot.
Went on store and told them. They are used ti it by now. Hooked 12v van in and turned on. Cold pop. Charged phone. Pulled front curtains for shade

And I'm not unique.
I could tell you at least a dozen of us old experienced ones take turns in this area.

Hell I'm so used ti vehicle being dead at gas pump it's more oh hell than omg

I had 2 or 3 months with zero van breaking something

It's this simple
Something will go wrong
You will be stranded and stuck..maybe an hour maybe weeks.

This is life. In a van or a house
.

And eventually you'll sometimes instead of fear..know ah shit me too here we go again

You'll handle it. Somehow we always do.  Breathe

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Vandwelling 101 - The Holiday Blahs

Many full time vandwellers are often far from family and friends during the holidays.

Some like to get tougher with others, some prefer to be alone at this time of year.

Here's what my thoughts and actions are at that time of year.

First of all, I'm not Christian. Although the holidays are very secularised, they are basically Christian religious holidays. Make no mistake. I'm not anti-Christian. Feel free to say Merry Christmas and celebrate your holiday. I'll treat you with just as much respect as i do other religions.

I don't measure my happiness based on how many people send me cards or gifts while ignoring me the rest of the year. It reminds me of those who base their view of themselves based on how many Facebook friends, likes, shares, or reactions to their posts.

I pay attention to my friends online who are feeling down or alone. Often just a few words letting the person know that it's ok to not always be ok helps them get through a tough period. By the way, i do that all year around, not just during Christmas holidays.

I stock up on favorite foods and snacks. I find a place where i can legally park with free WiFi. I treat myself to a mini vacation from people and things. This is my time to myself to rest and recharge, a time of reflection and solitude.

Solitude is much different than loneliness. I'm grateful for all that i have and that the need for excessive things is not part of me. I remember that I'm lucky enough to have the luxury of choice, to not measure my worth based on possessions, but on experience and friends. I'm rich in that.

So rather than be blue about what you don't have this holiday season but be happy focused on how much you do actually have.

Good coffee to you. See you down the road

Lou (and Kira)

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Vandwelling 101- Making $ On The Road

There are many ways to make money while on the road. I'm not talking about begging or busking, but real work and real skills.

First of all, let's redefine jobs or working. Instead of a traditional 40 hour job that you work for someone else, let's look at what skills you have that someone else will pay you to do.

I don't have any marketable skills you say...bull is what i say.

A job is anything someone will pay you to do. Let's confine all discussions to legal skills and honest labor. Let's also stay or of questionable areas. No selling paraphernalia "for tobacco use only."

People are busy nowadays. Some of the odd jobs they will pay you to do are: cook, clean, do laundry, yard work, walk the dogs, watch the children, water the garden, weed the garden, clean out a garage or storage shed. 

In the winter, shoveling snow and sidewalks can be very lucrative. 

In New Mexico, code enforcement issues like weeds or painting the house number on the curb is another good way to earn money. 

If you are willing to work, you can often find ways to make money legally. 

I am able to accept payment from debitcards and credit cards using the PayPal Here app and the PayPal card reader. The app is free, the card reader is also free. 

PayPal charges a small fee on each transaction. It protects both the buyer and the seller. The money is available instantly in my PayPal account. I have the PayPal debit card so i can instantly use the money at any store or withdraw cash from my account.

I can advertise free on Craigslist, the OfferUp app, or the Letgo app. 

It is important to have more than one way to make money. 

Today i picked up a writing gig, editing and fixing up a resume. Every few dollars adds up. 

See ya down the road,

Lou

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