Vandwelling 101- Expectations versus Reality

omg- we've bought a van ...follow our adventures on [insert favorite social media platform ]

So starts the hashtags and dreams of many a newbie. Some will actually learn to love and appreciate this lifestyle. Many will mourn the modern conveniences they've given up without really thinking what this lifestyle entails.

It's not all beach sunsets and margaritas. Some days it's hot, dusty, sticky, dirty dishes, omg where and how to do laundry.

Most days (to me) are actually good. A lazy morning parked under a shade tree enjoying coffee and cinnamon rolls.

Then there are days that a black hole in the van swallowed glasses, phone, tablet, or even your favorite coffee cup. Who knew vans had so many nooks and crannies to swallow stuff up. Finding a black phone under the driver's seat...an exercise in frustration. Tip: any florescent tape or bright colors electrical tape...make an X across back of phone case. Phones also slide up into the front of the dash...

I'm currently chasing turquoise heishi around the van...it's here somewhere...and i needed it yesterday.

Things spill on floor...no matter how careful you are. Get a runner rug or floor mats. You'll be so grateful you did.

Stealth parking...with a small dog???   hahaha

Omg...van won't start...left radio or lights on way too long. Got distracted, was jamming to some tunes....it happens. Haul out your jumper cables, connect to your house battery and starter battery. Wait about ten minutes and jump yourself. Leave cables connected for about 20 minutes while vehicle runs so you charge your starter battery back up..

I could go on...but here's what I'm telling you...even if it's not the picture perfect life instagram led you to believe it is...you're not doing it wrong.

Even in a van Life Happens

see ya down the road,
Lou

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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 - More Free/Cheap entertainment

I'll bet you have an old smartphone or two around that's no longer activated but it still works.

Most people don't realize that is basically on MP4 player.  Why pay for an expensive iPod or video player when you can use that old phone that you're not using to download videos and to download audiobooks.

I do that on free Wi-Fi at Starbucks or McDonald's or Walmart.

It's pretty simple. I used the tubemate.net app

I go to Walmart and McDonalds Starbucks grab a coffee or Coke and sit there and download. it's really easy to download audio books. In about two hours I've got more than enough entertainment for 2 to 3 weeks

if you feel this blog has been helpful to you feel free to donate a dollar or two at PayPal.me/LouBurgess

Vandwelling 101 - cheap/free entertainment

I get asked often how I download so many videos.

I do a lot of it on my smartphone. I use an app called Tubemate. It also works on tablets.

Only download it through www.tubemate.net

Instructions: you'll need to go to settings on your phone. Usually it'll be a box to check "allow installation of non market software
After installation, open the app and go to preferences. You'll want to check the box "download on WiFi only" and also set storage to the external microSD card. I use a 64 mg one.

I've been using this app for several years.

I also use Netflix to download shows.

There are many places that offer free WiFi. McDonald's, Starbucks, Burger King, your local library. You can also Google "free WiFi + name of town you're in".,

Installation of tubemate is easy. It's basically a mini browser and there are several sites set up in it...YouTube, Daily Motion, Vimeo, and more.

If you feel this information is helpful and you wish, you can donate a dollar or two at paypal.me/LouBurgess. Enjoy the info either way.

Vandwelling 101: Those Rainy Days or Dust Storms

Today is day two of dust storms and high winds. You need to plan ahead for those days where you're cooped up in the van.

Both rainstorms and dust storms mean VAN buttoned up tight. Yesterday was 25 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. It was also in the 80s. Vans retain heat. There's also the moisture from your breathing.

Try not to boil water or cook on those days. Van gets a musty smell quickly. I tend to snack all day rather than eat big meals
Bathing...quick washup with wet washcloth. Seal in zip lock bag.

Ok, you've been on Facebook half the day, watched hours of video, what next...
Often I putter with cleaning/organization while listening to an audio book. And there is always naps.
I have a Chihuahua named Mona. On rainy days, she holds it as long as she can. She's learned about the windy dust storms...out, quick per close to van, and she's ready to jump back inside. In the beginning, I had to hold her, comfort her, and keep telling her She's safe. Now...just get out of her way do she can pick her comfy nap spot.  She instinctively knows now that the van is her safe place.

Another thing I like to do on weather days is read...either paperback or e-books.

So, I hope this helps.

See ya down the road
LOU

Vandwelling 101 - A Clean Van Is A Happy Van

Keeping the van clean is much easier and less overwhelming than having to deep clean it.

I thought I'd share a few of my personal tips & tricks.

Your van shouldn't smell...funky or excessively of air fresheners. Most air fresheners merely mask the smell.

So how to keep the van smelling fresh? There are a couple of things that make a van smell musty or funky.

Moisture: you can get condensation just from breathing. The answer is simple: Crack a window or open the windows/doors an hour or two a day.

Feet odor: one of the biggest culprits in van funk is dirty smelly feet. Using a small basin, wash your feet at least once or twice a day. Make sure you dry them completely. If you wear closed shoes, you need two pair. Rotate daily, leave open with some baking soda in them on the off day. Clean socks!

Dirty Laundry. Dirty clothes stink. Keep the laundry done, make sure clean clothes are completely dry before putting away. Air dirty clothes, then store in tied up plastic bags.

Food. Food crumbs get in seats and carpet. Use a dry scrub brush, a carpet sweeper, or go to car wash & use the powerful shop vacuum.

Bedding: wash or air out often to prevent funky smells. You can spray all fabric/carpeted areas and head liner with vinegar spray bottle. This will kill odor causing germs.
.

The potty. Trust me it can be smelly. Empty daily if possible. Rinse with a bit of dawn and water. Toss some baking soda in. Add water to urine jug.

I use very simple homemade cleaning products.
It's amazing how well your nose will become more aware of smells once you stop using excessive store bought cleaners with scents

These are my favorite cleaning items. They work well, are budget friendly, and are very environmental friendly.

Vinegar & water. Half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. (1:1)

Murphy's oil soap: used for greasy spots, food spills. One cup Murphy's oil soap to 3 cups water (1:3) great for cleaning the dash .

Baking soda: use anywhere you'd use comet in a house. Also used as fire extinguisher and deodoriser.

Dawn dish soap: I keep smallest bottle sold of dish soap.

See ya down the road
Lou

Vandwelling 101 - You've Never Done Your Own Van Maintenance?

I see so many new dwellers at the mercy of mechanic shops or they ruin their engine needlessly.

The following are some very basic things that any vandweller can learn to do,

You really want a manual for your van & engine. The two really good ones are Chilton and Haynes. A manual will cost approximately $30 at any auto parts store. Even if you rely on mechanics, you'll want one as a reference so that you understand the repairs needed.

You need a tire gauge and I recommend getting a 12v tire compressor. The tire compressor plugs into your lighter socket. They run $5-$10. A tire gauge is less than $2. The information as to how much air is on your van. Open the driver's side door, there will be a sticker telling you how much air should be in your tires. On mine, that sticker is partially torn. So you go to the physical tire itself. It will have the max load and a number in psi. That is the number your gauge should read if tires are properly inflated.

You need to know how to check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid. Sometimes if you have a leak all that is needed is replacing a hose. That is usually inexpensive, easily done, and can mean the difference between a running vehicle and a blown engine.

Do not overfill fluids. Transmission fluid is checked after engine is warm (running 20 minutes or driven 7 miles). Vehicle must be level with engine running.

Oil can be checked hot or cold. You check on the dipstick, refill in the cap that says oil. You check oil with engine off.

All of these checks can be done by anyone. Lift your hood, check your fluids. Use a tire gauge to check your tires.

Do not drive on low oil, low oil pressure, low coolant, or an overheated vehicle. Carry oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid with you.

These few simple things are the difference between a running vehicle or scrap metal.

See ya down the road
Lou