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- 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-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- 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 - 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- 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 - 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 - 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.

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.

Vandwelling 101 - Cheap Entertainment

What to do to other than being online all the time?

I carry a backgammon set, a portable travel set of dominos, about 10 dice, and a deck of cards.

I need to find 4 good decks of pinochle cards. I love a good game of double deck partners pinochle.

I also plan to add a cribbage board to my small games hoard.

My entertainment takes up about the same room as a laptop and is imagination powered. Sometimes you just need to unplug.

It's definitely worth getting good cards with plastic coating. You can wipe down with a damp cloth, play a hand or two through baking soda in middle, and they're as good as new.

Rather than expensive bulky board games, this small list offers endless entertainment.

Check back later, I'll update this entry with photos

Vandwelling 101-Traveling With Dogs

Quite a few of us wouldn't dream of leaving beloved fur family behind.

I travel with two small dogs. They love it. All I have to do is say ROADTRIP! Mount up! And I've two happy eager quivering pups.

There are two parts to traveling with dogs:
Their comfort
Consideration of others.

I carry bottled water to avoid tummy upsets. We schedule frequent potty stops. I am able to keep fresh water and dry food always available for mine, even while going down the road.

The front passenger seat is known as Chihuahua Command Central. It's set up for comfy naps, a good 180+ degree view, and is their favorite spot.

On the floor is a crate with door removed for those private puppy times.

It's important when traveling with pets to make sure everything is secured so nothing falls while moving. I learned that the hard way...no problems except scaring da pups.

Leashes... I keep two sets handy, I retractable, and one standard length. I always put them each in their own places.

Shot records are kept clipped to the visor. Little bear nipped someone once nearly breaking skin. I promptly apologized and grabbed the shot records to reassure the individual that said pup was current.

I know many like to leave dogs off leash. I'm not one of them. I carry portable pen, leashes, and my dogs are not allowed to run free.

In the desert, you need to be alert for coyotes. Often that lone coyote is just a lure to get your dog back where their pack is waiting. You also have to watch for snakes and birds of prey.

Louisiana was gators, loggerhead turtles, snakes, eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey. Keeping pet on leash and being vigilent means your beloved fur family continues to enjoy good health and travel with you.

Scoop that poop. Even in wild areas. Poop draws flies and bugs. Clean up after your pet. Also you don't want to step in it and bring it back in your van.

Walk pets away from the van to pee...or you'll have loads of flies.

Not all dogs are friendly. When traveling, be conscious and considerate of others also walking dogs. My tiny cute dogs will bite, are protective, and easily distracted.

Take good care of your pets.

See you on the road.

Staying Warm

Park facing east. If you're boondocking, turn van so that you're facing sunrise in morning.

My usual routine when boondocking:

Get up and let my two pups out on leash attached to front passenger seat. They go out side barn doors.

Put coffee on. Warm hat on head, crocheted shawl over my lap.

Dogs inside, in their warm bed on front seat. Fleece blanket over them.

Coffee in hand, a quick hot meal in cast iron skillet. Think outside the box. Some canned meat, rice, and spices. Clear spot in skillet and scramble an egg if I have them on hand. Portion out hot breakfast in three portions, me and my two small dogs.

An after breakfast potty for them, then in their beds with fleece blanket over them. By ten am it's warm and toasty in van without using my buddy heater.

Now it's time to read, relax, watch videos, chat with friends.

Developing morning routine gives good start to the day. A van is mobile, you can turn it around to take advantage of the sun warming the interior.

Yes I know I'm in desert southwest, but I started doing this in Michigan snowy winters. :)

See you down the road