The Van 1.0
Taking a break from my mental break to make a few notes about working on the van.
A few years ago, we bought a high-mileage former passenger sprinter and converted it to a camper van. Version 1.0 was a down-and-dirty fast-as-possible install for a weeks long trip to FL.
It worked. We ran electric off of two Jackaries and our water pump was a simple affair that was a USB camp pump pulling from a 5 gallon jerry can. We had/have a composting toilet (which I can't rave enough about) and a split bed/storage arrangement. It was great. But far from perfect.
First of all: Electric – Great for camping for a night or two, but for two people that despise cooking in a van, we need a robust off-grid AC solution. Enter Victron and Battle Born. Uhg they are EXPENSIVE. But, getting the right mix of power and AC just isn't a cheap solve.
Speaking of AC. We're installing an undermount AC from undermountac.com. 24v system. I think it will be a better solution because it will generate less heat pulling from the batteries for hours at a time.
Then water. We're adding a shower. Yes, we got pretty good at sponge-baths and finding truck stops and state parks, but nothing beats having your own small space you can just rinse off. So we added a 32gallon freshwater with proper pump, passive water heater and a 22gallon greywater tank. It should be a proper way to get clean. And we can always opt for a more robust solution from time to time.
Finally, we changed the sleeping setup by building our own custom bench/bed setup and moving it to the rear of the van. Still looking for custom cushions somewhere.
That is all. Today I am mocking up cabinets in cardboard to see if I can make them work in my low-top van. Oh, yeah, did I forget to mention? This isn't your normal high-top van. My SO can stand up straight, but at 6' 2” it's hunchville for me.
That is all. End of line.
words are our only real power
#essay #travel #vanlife
WolfCast Home Page – Listen, follow, subscribe
Thank you for coming here and walking through the garden of my mind. No day is as brilliant in its moment as it is gilded in memory. Embrace your experience and relish gorgeous recollection.
Into every life a little light will shine. Thank you for being my luminance in whatever capacity you may. Shine on, you brilliant souls!
— Go back home and read MORE by Wolf Inwool
— Visit the archive
I welcome feedback at my inbox
