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 - Let's Talk Extreme Temperatures

Everyone's first answer is to travel to cooler weather in this heat...to go north.

That's fine, but exactly how far north...New Mexico was 105 degrees the other day...and North Dakota was 100 degrees...

Sometimes heading north to "cooler weather" doesn't work.

So, let's examine what does work.

If you can, go up in elevation. You get 5 degrees cooler for every thousand feet.

Park in shade, facing west in the morning, east in the afternoon.

Carry twice or three times as much water as you think you need. Lemonade will cool you down much better than a Pepsi. Also wet a wash cloth and rub down with it. You can carry a spray bottle with plain water to mist yourself.

Carry big bags of potato chips...no really...do this. When you're feeling the heat, a handful of potato chips and a cola will replenish your body. I tend to carry a couple of flavors.

Try to park so that any breeze goes across side to side of your van.

Curtains...i have curtains on bungee cord curtain rods where my van doesn't have shades.

I have one O2Cool usb 5 inch fan. It makes a big difference.

I try to park where i can open as many doors of the van as possible. Between parking in shade, a breeze, and ventilation, you can lower interior temperature by a substantial amount.

Siesta...the siesta culture exists for a reason. The hottest part of the day will usually be between 3 pm and 6 pm. So, generally from 2 pm until sunset i rest, relax, watch videos, or nap.

While i was informed someone died in 97 degree temps, both me and my dog were reasonably comfortable at up to 107.

Learn the signs of heat exhaustion. Wear loose comfortable clothes. And that straw hat is not a fashion accessory but a life saver. Try to utilize the buddy system.

Stay safe, hydrate, see ya down the road.

Lou

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