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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Vandwelling 101- revisiting free entertainment

I get tired of being online on social media. I also like going where there is no internet or cell signal.

So, what can you do for free entertainment?

I love having audio books on hand. My second favorite...the old time Radio drama serials. You can find many of them online and download for off grid listening. I'll often put one in while doing routine cleaning or organizing tasks. There are millions of books out there.

Don't discount the old battery operated walkman Cassette players. You can find old audio books cheap or free out there on cassette tape. I used to have a box that was 2 ft by 2 ft by 6 ft full of the old cassette audio books. Use the solar yard lights with AA battery as a solar battery charger. Borrow the cassette books on tape from a library. Copy using the old dual deck boom box. Listen at your leisure.

That old smartphone that's no longer hooked up to the internet, it's a cheap mp4 player now. Chances are you have one hidden away in a drawer. You can transfer movies, songs, and digital Audiobooks to it by usb cable from your laptop.

Taking photos. I bought a canon elp digital camera complete for $5 at a Flea market. It works great. It came with a 32gb SD card. Easy enough to slip in my Laptop and copy. I have an old universal battery charger that charges the battery.

Then there are crafts like knitting, crocheting, or weaving. You cut your old clothes and cloth items into one inch spirals. You roll them up like a ball. You ate them set up to crochet rugs, blankets, or weave. The old ways from our great great grandparents.

I can sit quietly for hours and watch the birds, the animals, the trees, and the lakes. I really believe that a half hour viewing the sunset or the sunrise is beneficial to anyone.

These are just a few of the things i do that are very cheap or free. Try some, see what works for you

See you down the road

Lou

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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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Paypal.me/LouBurgess

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 - 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 - 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 101-3 I Want Hot Food & Coffee- Kitchen Gear

Cooking Gear

It's too expensive to always eat out & cheap fast food carries it's own health risks. So, what's the alternative?

I carry a two burner propane stove. I prefer the Ozark Trails one for several reasons.
*it has wind blocking panels
*it packs away smaller than most 2 burner stoves
*it's easy to clean
* lightweight and I can set it up in minutes

Cast Iron Skillet

I carry a medium cast iron skillet. Once properly seasoned, it's easily cleaned.
Cast iron offers even heat meaning meals properly cooked.

To clean, use spatula to get all food out, sprinkle coarse salt in it and use paper towel to scrub. Quick rinse with boiling water, wipe lard all around inside, store.

Stove Top Pressure Cooker

I have a 6 quart pressure cooker and I love it. I've cooked roasts, ham, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pork tenderloin roast on my camp stove or over an open fire.

In my opinion, it's extremely useful & has many uses.  Average cost about $25

Coffee Pot

One of my most used items is 6 cup aluminum coffee pot. It goes on camp stove or over an open fire. Not only is it useful for coffee but it's very handy to heat water for bucket bath!

Bucket

Yes I said bucket. Mine is muti-use
Washing dishes, wash hair, take bath, store kitchen items in, it's uses go on & on. Although mine is plastic, I'd like to get a galvanized one in the near future.

Saucepan
2 qt stainless steel with lid. So very handy.

This gives you more than enough to eat well

Vandwelling 101-2, I Need A Good Night's Sleep.

The first thing I plan is where is my bed and how big will it be.

I'm 5'4", slender, and I have two small dogs that are absolute bed hogs.

In my first vehicle, it was a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. There wasn't a lot of choice as far as bed layout and size. I merely laid out my bedding across the back seat and curled around my pups.

I was thrilled when I bought my 1997 Ford e250 extended body cargo van. My bed was very simple, a Coleman cot across the rear doors. It was not the most comfortable bed, but I added substantial padding underneath me & it worked. I was tickled to have a pillow and I could stretch out full length. Luxury!

I tried moving the bed in several different places but I found out that a rear bed from side to side worked for me.

When the Coleman cot bit the dust (losing springs and aluminum leg breaking), I replaced it with half inch plywood that I laid across 4 milk crates.
The milk crate base was great for storage but it was often awkward to access the storage. This type of bed, with 2 inch memory foam from a sewing store is definitely one of the easiest starter beds.

When you upgrade your bed at a later date, all elements of this starter bed can be used for other things. You can use the plywood for custom cabinet or a counter top or a table. The milk crates become stackable storage.

My current van is a 1999 Ford e150 conversion van. The bed is rear seat folds down. Mine is mechanical, rather than electrical. If I ever go back to a cargo van, I'd just use starter bed again until I find a futon of the size and style I want.

In Hawaii, my bed was a foam chair that folded out to the size of a twin mattress on the floor.

I guess what I'm saying more than anything is that you don't have to have everything perfect right from the start. I've always needed time and experience to figure out what suited me best. By being comfortable, but utilising simple solutions, it allowed me to enjoy myself more and to reduce my stress from the beginning.

It takes time and experience before you know exactly how you want your van.
For me, simple works better, and I always have to watch my budget.

See you down the road.

A Van Is NOT A House Vandwelling 101-1

One of the most important lessons is that while my van is my home, it is not a house. There is a learning curve and adjustment period when starting out.

I can almost see the puzzled looks and hear you thinking that I've lost my mind. I really haven't flipped my lid. Let's take a moment and explore this idea.

Usually a house has electric and you plug in or flip a switch. It has running water, a shower, and many things you think are necessities...but what if they aren't?

Living in my van is different from an apartment, a RV, or even camping. By discarding the ideas of making it a mobile house or a camper, we can approach the lifestyle from a completely new perspective rather than a pale imitation of sticks and bricks housing.

Let's make a list of what we really need. Everyone's list will be slightly different. I'm just going to go over some of the basics.

You need to be able to sleep comfortably. You need somewhere or way to store clothes.

You'll want to eat, cook, and stay clean.  Theres the matter of staying cool when it's hot or warm when its cold outside.

There's the matter of peeing and pooping.
These are everyday functions that we rarely think about how we accomplish them. Or we just try to adapt methods more suited to a fixed abode.

Looking at them in a fresh manner without preconceived ideas leads to an easier lifestyle.

You really don't need to wire your entire van like a house. In fact I rarely use the type of power used in a house. 12v dc (direct current) is much simpler, easier to learn and almost anyone can easily learn to safely do your own power system.

Sleeping. It's actually one of the easier parts of vandwelling to figure out and build your bed. Several types of comfortable beds don't require any actual building.

Your water system can vary from really simple to actual running water.

Storage for clothes, food, kitchen items can be modular or fancy custom builds.

Entertainment... Oh lots of variety and potential in this area. To TV or not to TV. How do I power my laptop? Where do I sit/lounge. Internet. Arggggh so many choices.

Showers and bathing...solar shower? Gym membership? Outside Showers?

How do I prepare meals? Do I want/need a fridge? How much power do I need?

Is your head spinning yet?

This lifestyle can be much simpler. You can actually start out with basics, and as you gain experience, your wants/needs will change.

A dear friend of mine had 4 batteries for power. She's now planning on selling two of them. Another person I know installed a 2000 watt inverter running off a second battery that was charged by her vehicle when running. We often buy more than we need when starting out.

Another person I know of is such a minimalist that she has 1 fork, 1 spoon, 1 bowl.

There are so many variations in this lifestyle from one extreme to the other.

I'll show you how to start with basic comforts. That'll get you going, there is a learning curve to this lifestyle and many buy way more than they need and have so little room that finding what you want is more work than necessary.

As you actually start vandwelling and gain experience, you'll start to figure out what your personal priorities are and you'll make better decisions about how to customise your van and amenities so that it truly is your home and lifestyle based on what is important to you.

That being said, this lifestyle doesn't suit everyone. This way, you can try it without totally overwhelming yourself.

Hopefully this introduction has caused you to think and ask questions.

See you around, more to come in the future.