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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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.

If you enjoyed these blog posts, consider donating a $1 or more at PayPal.me/LouBurgess 

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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 : 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 - 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 101-2, 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.

Coming Soon -- Especially for Newbies

In the past, I've blogged primarily when I had something I felt worth saying rather than a weekly or daily blogger.

I've always found writing easy for me but I've never really yearned to be a published author. Let me clarify one thing...I have the utmost respect for those who are published authors, it takes much more than most of us will ever begin to guess.

I'm an experienced vandweller and RV-er. Many of you know that I have a smaller van group on Facebook. Lately I've had friends suggest I do a book on vandwelling.

I've always shied away from presenting myself as a guru or voice of authority on vans or vandwelling. I've always been turned off or repelled by those who endlessly promote themselves with YouTube channels or websites and forums.

While I am neither a guru or the ultimate authority on vandwelling, I am experienced and love sharing what I've learned along the way.

A lot of my lessons came from
     a) making common mistakes and
     b) being on a really tight budget.

Having MS means fatigue factored in and I had to figure out easier ways to do things.

So, I thought I'd use this blog as a means of passing on things I learned from other even more experienced travelers, the lessons I learned the hard way, and my personal philosophy on how to live this lifestyle.

I'm currently temporarily in an apartment, but I'll be returning to full time vandwelling and traveling early January 2017.

So, watch this blog (I'll set it up soon for email subscription) and I'll go over many of the basics starting very soon.

Perhaps I'll see some of you on the road soon.

Van Essentials For Newbies

I've watched many newbies way over pack. So I created this list of what I consider essential for boondocking in a van or vehicle . This is not an exact science. This is just what I believe it takes to live comfortably.

-two burner propane stove (I use Ozark Trails, about $35)
-small can, bottle of isopropal alcohol, 2 bricks
-coffee pot (stove top or campfire)
-cast iron skillet
-6 qt pressure cooker
-coffee cup
-beverage glass (old small glass instant coffee jar works great)
-camping dish (old aluminum pie plate makes both a good plate and bowl)
-P-38 can opener
-1 fork, 1 teaspoon, 1 Big spoon, pocket knife, pkg of pocket lighters
-good flashlight (I use tactical flashlight from AutoZone. about $4)
-water jug (Aquatainer 7 gallon, Walmart $15)
-sleeping bag
-Mr Heater Buddy Heater
-propane adapter hose (use on both propane stove and buddy heater)
-20# propane tank
-crate of dried foods (rice, beans, split peas, lentils, and such)
-crate of canned goods
-deep cell battery
-USB/female DC plug unit
-jumper cables
-bungee cords
-ratchet tie down straps
-tow rope with hook ends
-cotton clothesline
-clothespins
-camp chair
-foldable TV tray
-one pair shoes, one pair sandals
-one bag (5 outfits)  clothes
-spray bottle
-apple cider vinegar
-ebook reader full of books
-tools including
     -12v compressor tire pump
     -set of screwdrivers
      -pliers
      -vice grips
       -ratchet and sockets
-at least 2 heavy duty tarps (shade and shelter from elements
-5 gallon bucket
-one jug laundry soap
-spade or camp shovel

This list is by no means the last word, but with these items you will be at least comfortable.

Traveling Slowly, Stopping Longer

I'm on no particular time table. There is no place I have to be at any certain time.

Learning to live this way has been incredibly freeing. Stress drops off. I no longer deal with traffic or bad weather. If it's windy or raining, I just find a safe place to park. I route my driving through busy cities at off peak times or find a base to park and explore that city.

Often I'll spend all day at a park. Pull out my propane stove, cook a simple meal. Watch the birds fly and the squirrels run around. Take time to just breathe and enjoy.

No television in my van. I can stream videos, watch "tv" on hulu or cbs.com i might watch ten hours of "tv" a week.

I love listening to audio books, or enjoying a real book.

Since I travel with two small dogs, I take walks. Rarely do I have time to be bored.

While my living space may seem small to some, in a sense the whole world outside becomes my front yard.

This lifestyle has improved my health, my disposition, and my attitude. It's also much more affordable than many cheap apartments. In a sense, I've come into my own, discovering both the world around me and who I've always been meant to be.

Travel is broadening.

A Van Life...What To Wear

This particular post is directed mainly at women. As a woman, I may have opinions on men's wardrobe but no real experience.

Every single vandwelling woman almost always packs too many choices in clothes and footwear.

I've been traveling off and on for decades. I've been full-time in a van again for about 3 years, before that 2 years in a compact car.

So I've gained some experience and insights on clothing.

Tip #1
Get rid of that suitcase. They are awkward to pack in the vehicle. They also make you look homeless.

I currently use a plastic 3 drawer unit.

Tip #2
Roll your clothes.
I roll my clothes right after i wash and dry them. They have fewer wrinkles (there is a learning curve to rolling clothes), and take up much less space.

Generally I never have clothes hanging in my van. They are apt to fall in transit. I do hang one sweater and my coat.

Tip #3
Build a wardrobe around a concept and a few compatible colors. Definitely look at comfort and ease of care when selecting items.

Tip #3
Footwear.

Less is more. In Michigan winter I had one pair of boots, one pair of tennis shoes. I recommend pull on boots and tennis shoes with Velcro fastening. Zippers either break or become hard to close when they get wet or dirty.  Shoelaces in a wet snowy winter become a tangled nightmare.

In the warm southwest I wear either sandals or Crocs. Sandals should have a hard bottom. You learn that as soon as you step on thorny seeds or a rock.

I keep a pair of dark slingback heels in a drawer with a black cocktail dress but I've really never had an occasion to wear it.

I have about 5 skirts, 4 long jean sleeveless dresses i wear over a t-shirt, a couple long sleeve t shirts, several short sleeve t shirts, a few tank tops. I add leggings under the dresses or skirts in cooler weather.  Almost every piece can be worn with each other.

I currently have a wide plastic three drawer unit for my clothes. I'm really thinking of downsizing yet again.

See you on the road somewhere.