Recent content by CarmeCoolidge

I've got 2 of the same basic model of Maxxfan that were there when I bought the van. They move a lot of air, but have some quirks. The one I can't figure out is that sometimes they will start up when I turn them on, run for 3-10 seconds, then shut off. At first I thought it turned off if there...

I've finished my modifications to the pre-built van I bought a couple of years ago. I want to use the space better, the cabinets it came with hold some stuff tidily, but they left a large amount of space unused and unusable since I can't stand up or even set up a decent sized table in there. I...

SOLVED: We updated our requirements to 19.5" tall, went with the 2 small fridge idea. Found a great deal on a couple of 1.6cu fridges, they even have freezer space! https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frigidaire-1-6-cu-ft-Mini-Fridge-in-Black-EFR100-BLACK/305520527

Yes! It would be sandwiched by an open air desk, the frame of the bed ~2' off the ground, and the wall behind it. The curve of the wall ensures some space, but depending on which I get I may have to position a tad away from the wall, yeah. Thanks for the advice :)

Before I finalize some renovation plans, I need to choose what fridge I'm going with. What are good places to look? I've been browsing home depot, best buy, and a couple of other home stores near me. I'm going to look at the larger furniture stores in my region to see what they have. I can go...

Does the access pass discount apply to any government/state owned campgrounds or just ones on federal lands/national parks? I'd imagine it's only the federal stuff since the california disabled pass does the same 50% discount. Very helpful information! Thank you both :)

I'm definitely searching the existing advice, lots of great info! With campgrounds, I haven't encountered any of the issues you expressed. It might be because I go to smaller, less populated areas maybe. My build is minimal and I'm wanting to keep it that way, so facilities are necessary. Since...

I'm a campground snowbird and I'm looking for every way I can save money on site fees. Not boondocking. I've got two big ones but I was wondering if there were any passes for campsites specifically. I don't believe it exists federally, but I thought I saw campground/campsite passes at the state...

Yes! Snowbird all the way. You do bring up a big plus that I knew about but had no way of knowing just how much space I could save. Thank you for the cabinet example example, big plus to no insulation! :)

I've gotten the same impression. 3 builds is the average. I'm going to go for 2 vans but many builds. A big part of my minimal idea is just as you said, I can easily change it later. Add this or that one at a time instead of having to basically learn how to build an entire house and do it right...

Got it! Thanks for the advice :) I don't mean to info-dump, but communicating this helps me process and develop it in my head. Plus, putting how I do xyz on the forum may help some onlooker figure something out. Thanks for your input :) I know they get interrupted by camper issues, but I...

Something like this? I would check with that device to make sure I get the "Power on/Correct Wiring" result then I can just plug in my 30amp to house outlet converter, an extension cord, then my surge protecting power strip? That's easy! Thanks for the help :) I plan on living full time in the...

Just brainstorming right now, so this doesn't have to be super technical. I know old is cheaper at the start but more expensive to maintain and run (lower MPG). However, I don't have enough experience with vehicle ownership so I struggle to even guess how long old would be cheaper than new. I am...

Cooking will be the first thing I work on when in the van. I'm still quite young so I haven't ever really cooked for myself. I lived on my own for a couple years, but I wouldn't really call what I did there cooking! Currently I have a basic camp burner. Do you have trouble finding the...

Van life is super flexible. Some people do a lot less, some do a lot more. I'm pretty early into it and averaging about $1,200. I could go down to $600. $400 goes to the campground site which I plan on solving by volunteer campground hosting which pays for a site and hookups. The remaining $200...