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- 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-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- It's Cold Outside...Staying warm

It's been some time since I covered cold weather tips. I'm originally from Michigan. I did a couple of winters in my home state. Cold can kill you. So how do you stay warm and safe?

First hang blankets...blankets are not expensive at thrift stores. Look for wool, quilts, crocheted afgans. Each has a use.

Hang blankets over Windows. I use a bungee and Double the blankets over it. Those side barn doors...hang blankets over them. Hang blanket right behind the front seats and across the rear doors.

Your bed...under the mattress or pad...hang a nice heavy blanket as a bed skirt. This cuts the drafts off.  Hang blankets around your sleeping area like the old medieval castle beds. Castles were cold and drafty...so the four poster curtained bed was a necessity.

Get some nice thick hall runner rugs...put them on the floor. I had 3 layers of thick carpet. It made a world of difference. No need to install wall to wall. Just lay them down on the floor.

Park facing east. That morning sun will quickly warm up the van.

Use windshield cover. Those nice silvery bubble window Sun protectors...keep warmth in.

You'll want a wool hat, torque, warm socks. You lose body heat through your head, hands, and feet.

Many a morning in Michigan I sat in my front seat, with my coffee, upright in a sleeping bag. A fleece blanket tossed over my shoulders like a shawl. Now I have a fleece hooded cape. I love it.

Warm socks...warm socks make a world of difference. Put your socks in a gallon Zip lock bag. When your feet get cold and wet...and you have a nice dry pair of socks...it's good.

Do not leave any heater on overnight. Some have woke up to a fire, or died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Just don't. Heaters need at least a foot or two clearance.

You can sleep warmly in sub zero temps. I used nylon sleeping bag inside a bigger Coleman sleeping bag. A fleece blanket for over the head and mouth. Warm socks. I filled 20 ounce pop bottles with hot (not boiling) water and tucked them deep in my bed. Make sure to cap tightly.

You can catch frostbite easily and quickly. Keep several pairs of the 99 cent stretchy gloves in a zip lock bag. If your hands get wet...change gloves immediately. Yes...This one comes from experience too.

You'll want at least a couple of stocking hats. And I still have two of the hats with face masks.

Remember to slightly crack a window...condensation from your breath can make it rain inside.

These are just some of the things I did while living in a van in frigid Michigan winters.

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See ya down the road