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Tag: #VanDwelling

Three Years, 70k miles in a van, and feeling wealthy on $1,000 per month

Published January 8, 2018

BrianWilkins.org
January 8, 2018

Snowstorm near Pueblo, Colorado.

I lived in my 1990 Chevy G20 van for a solid three consecutive years. I bought it and began fixing it up in 2012, preparing for the unknown. I’ve touched down in 24 of the 48 contiguous U.S. states; and managed to miss Texas by about five miles. My heart raced as I’d learn the streets of new cities and states spontaneously, hoping I didn’t make a wrong turn or miss my exit. The van had every convenience possible.

Inside of the van, 2017.

Whether on remote land, BLM land, at truck stops, or urban dwelling, I’ve taken up temporary residence in many areas of the country at different times during this period. The van life is over for me, so now is the time for reflection and my version of Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere.” read more

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New Refrigerator, Cooking Appliances In The Van

Published May 9, 2016

May 9, 2016

After replacing all four shocks and getting a transmission service, I’m ready for the 8,000+ mile round trip from San Diego to Bangor, Maine and back. It should span about the entire summer. The ARB 50-quart refrigerator is expensive (around $900) but well worth it, particularly being a highly-efficient 12-volt fridge/freezer. I also highly recommend the Max Burton Grills.

Have a great summer all!

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Arizona Van Dwelling: Basics For First-Time Phoenix Campers

Published April 4, 2016

April 4, 2016

NOTE: SOME OF THIS INFO MAY BE OUTDATED, BUT STILL PROVIDES A GOOD BLUEPRINT FOR PHOENIX VANDWELLERS.

I’m leaving Phoenix until at least November of this year. I’ve lived there for a good portion of my life while in a van, so know the ins-and-outs. Its best to avoid all together in the summer months, which, heat-wise, span from April to October. But for whatever reason, some van and RV folks love the heat and will live there all summer. More power to you. March and April are still bearable months however, so this guide will help anyone traveling to the desert capital find a few parking spots, amenities and other friendly spots. read more

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Emergency Comfortable Showering For Vandwellers

Published April 4, 2016

BrianWilkins.org
April 4, 2016

Shower

SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA — When you haven’t showered in three days and you don’t feel like dealing with traffic and other Monday B.S. that comes with locating a gym to shower, this is an effective alternative.

Find a deserted spot, put on the shower shoes, two gallons of room temp water, 24 ounces of boiling water, generator for shaving/trimming tools, and shower away. Crazy the average American shower lasts eight minutes and uses 17 gallons of water, per one source. But two gallons is more than enough for your pre-wash spray down, then wash yourself with whatever you use (I’m a body wash guy), and use the remaining water to rinse. read more

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My New Bed In The Van

Published December 30, 2015
Chilling on the new bed!
Chilling on the new bed!

December 30, 2015

The cup is full of 90% hot green tea and 10% cold Barefoot Pinot Grigio; and lemon and honey. Always use a carbon monoxide (CO) detector when using any propane appliances indoors. Even Mr. Heater which is meant for indoor use and has a low-oxygen sensor, still requires a detector. You also need cross-ventilation all the time i.e. cracked windows on each side of the van.

The new vacuum is probably the best addition of all. No more searching for car washes in unfamiliar cities. Now vacuuming is part of the daily routine. The BioLite Nanogrid is great for 3-4 hours of bright light on a full charge. Those coil light bulbs in a desk clamp lamp are golden for a small inverter system like mine and are great for similar bright light when the BioLite dies. read more

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Kansas Shortcut Between Midwest and Southwest

Published November 10, 2015

BrianWilkins.org
November 10, 2015

The van is now approaching that 200,000 mile[stone]. Interstates are always best as far as speed limits, amenities (i.e. 24 hour rest areas, truck stops, etc.), lighting, smooth pavement and everything else that makes living on the road for months at a time more comfortable. But in most cases interstates are not the shortest route to your destination.

Those who have traveled a lot between the Midwest and Southwest (for me, Des Moines to Phoenix) have probably used the I-80 to I-25 in Denver route until you get to I-40. The scenery in Colorado, along with the atmosphere, is always worth the trip. But that route extends 1,600 miles. I decided to try the Kansas route that is only 1,410 and takes two less hours than the interstate/Colorado route. You also still avoid Texas entirely (albeit by only about 2.5 miles). read more

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A Typical Day In The Van

Published September 9, 2015
It takes about 10 minutes to set up/lock the generator and put the AC unit in the window.
It takes about 10 minutes to set up/lock the generator and put the AC unit in the window.

Always remember: minimize materialism, maximize liberty.

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Wallace, Idaho Rest Stop Has Interesting Story

Published November 17, 2014

WallacePic

NOVEMBER 17, 2014

This was sometime in early August; my third straight month living on the road. Forgot there’s over 100 hours of footage on my phone from this extended excursion , so might as well post some of it. One thing you can count on with Idaho and Montana: beautiful scenery.

And I finally showered in Spokane, Washington.

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Living In A Van: The Simple Life

Published July 6, 2014

July 7, 2014

Charging my battery bank at a rest stop in B.F.E., Nebraska.
Charging my battery bank at a rest stop in B.F.E., Nebraska.

There are three primary reasons I have lived in my van for the better part of the last two years: 1) I could care less what people think of me; 2) I like freedom; 3) you only live once (don’t the kids nowadays say that).

Gym memberships allows me to stay in shape and take showers (truck stops and their $10-$12 per shower services are utilized as well); internet via two hot spots allows me to work from where ever I want, and I can even hunt rabbits and squirrels, and go fishing whenever I want fresh meat. read more

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