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.

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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.

Vandwelling 101- Where To Park

The question of where to park comes up often.

There are several types of basic spots- daytime, places I can cook with my propane stove, evening, and sleeping spots

Let's state that I only advocate parking legally. That means public property or on private property with owner's permission.

The second point I'll bring up is stealth. You may think you're stealthy, but generally police and observant people know you're there. In my experience, as long as you are not drinking, doing drugs, running in and out, don't have people coming to your van, they generally don't worry about you. The goal is to blend in with out attracting lots of notice.

Let's clarify something...places like shopping mall parking lots or Walmart are actually private property. That means they have the absolute right to say whether or not overnight parking is allowed. Violating their policies can lead to tickets, a boot on your van, or towing. All of which cost unnecessary expenses.

While traveling, I generally overnight at a truck stop unless they have a posted policy of no overnight parking or limited time parking.  I will park overnight at some rest areas in the southwest, but I'm not a big fan of rest areas.

At night, I have a reflectix windshield cover that goes on my dash. I have strips of blankets that cover my front windows and my side door windows.

I never ever park overnight at city parks. Usually you'll see a sign saying they close at night, anywhere from dark-to close at 11. Police make a point of checking on any vehicle overnight next to a park.

I don't put anything outside. My van looks like any other vehicle parked.

Do not dump your trash or gray water on the street or at your parking spot. If you use any type of potty in your van, find a portapotty to dump your human waste in. Otherwise, look on national forest websites to understand how to safely handle human body wastes. It's not that complicated and it keeps us all safe.

I generally don't pay to stay in a rv park or other in-town camping spots.

I've found parking near industrial areas or businesses is good. I like some of the short dead end keyhole type streets that are industrial. I pull in, turn around facing out, and park.

In daylight hours I like to go to a public park, scenic attractions, or even a mall.

When I'm in a city, I don't park the same place every night.

I'm a big fan of national forest or blm camping. You can generally park for up to 2 weeks. Always refer to their website to see where camping is permitted.

https://www.fs.fed.us

https://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html

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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