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Like it or not, someday soon this will happen. A 'slimmed down' version of this would certainly help: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2022/07/01/retractable-solar-trailer-from-spain/ Combine this with a PV roof & PV awnings and your "fuel" production (when parked) could be greatly increased...

Well here's one I don't recommend: :o

Interesting video on a simpler way to cool PV panels--(to increase panel efficiency/lifespan) plus the potential to use the removed heat: For those van builders with fixed panels (+air gap) above their roof, this might be an interesting option. A clever tie-in with a max air roof fan...

Very true...but you can't eat diesel. :o

Interesting video on a pressurized kerosene stove...modified to run on vegetable oil. It looks like you first have to preheat the base of the burner with alcohol--to get it up to temperature. Might be a cool project for someone who wishes to get dual-use out of their cooking oil.

From the linked article: Xponent said it designed the Xpanse so it doesn't cause problems when the wind picks up. For one thing, the solar panels are separated from each other to let air pass through and thus stay stable "even at relatively high wind speeds," the company said in a statement...

Who has an extra $10k for this nifty item: https://autos.yahoo.com/rv-solar-awning-help-power-040100481.html;_ylt=Awr9IlbHLHhhGEAAEW1XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZANBMDYzNF8xBHNlYwNzYw-- Perhaps with competition, these will get cheaper (?)....and EV RV's more practical.

Interesting story about a new battery system that does not need an inverter (to produce AC power): https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2021/07/19/german-start-up-offers-5-2-kwh-ac-battery-that-works-without-inverter/ These are already for sale in Germany--for home use. Maybe these will 'trickle...

It's been said before but bears repeating, ALWAYs show your appreciation (of being allowed to stay ONE night in a parking lot): Shop at the establishment AND (if possible): * Return lost shopping carts to the front drop-off (cart) enclosures * Pickup & dispose of some of the parking lot trash...

Not needed there...electric vehicles get free regenerative braking on the way down. :) ...Can't do that with a I.C.E. Best places (to install them) are probably gas stations, rest stops and parking lots. Also keep in mind that many campgrounds (KOA, etc.) already have 30 & 50 amp power...

Some good information here (VE, eDJ and Weight). If this could be used for hydronic (floor) heating it opens up a possible option to heat a van--or at least a secondary/backup option. Heating up an insulated mass (van floor and anything attached to it) would be a smart way to go--no gases to...

Standby for at least 200,000 more 'Nomad wanabe' types joining the club.

This might be worth a try: (Crisco candle heater...and MUCH cheaper than soy wax) Please report back on it if you should try it.

Looks like Ford is finally listening (slightly) on the subject of camper vans: https://www.yahoo.com/news/ford-upgrading-2021-transit-easier-123800091.html Sadly, it looks like the new ones will STILL have tiny wheels...and a horrible ground clearance. Who designs the rear suspension struts...

LONG video but very interesting details on 'storing' electrical power for the grid.  This might just be the edge that solar & wind farms need:

Just remember, you can make/store electricity (via solar+battery) almost anywhere--can't do that with propane, diesel or gas.

Very nice design.  I saw someone a few years ago with a very similar design-- and he was quite happy with it.  He had two  ~2 gallon jugs that were kept in the 'box'.  One was for the liquid waste and the 2nd one was full of wood ash--from previous campfires.  He stated that the wood ash was ...

This is currently not practical for most of us...but might be the future for big battery setups: Video shows a homemade capacitor bank added to a solar panel. An electrician friend of mind said this would be VERY expensive (currently) to make...but would reduce high amp load/stress from a...

Scott,  If you haven't already seen this: Long video on a really cool (and $$$) van....the portion about his shower starts at about 10:20.   Looks interesting...but his radiant heated floor is what I want.

I have no affiliation with this company.....but they have a very impressive van heating system: ....along with a recirculating shower setup--including filter(s) and UV sterilizer.