Search results

Biggest regret:  Bought a small generator when I first started van camping.   Rarely used it, destroys the peace and quiet at your campsite (--even my 'quiet' Honda model), annoys neighbors and is a hassle to store/fuel/service.   Sold it soon after. Favorite addition:  1000 watt MSW inverter...

For starters I'd read up on the "C Head" composting toilet.   You will want to have separate containers for the liquid and solids--as shown in video, otherwise you're going to have major odor issues.   There are more basic ways to to this but If I ever build one I'd copy the C-head model--minus...

This is the  best advice given here.  With a little effort, one could build there own 'C-Head' (seperating) toilet...in place of a standard porta potty.  Link to C-Head model:

Richard,  I like your outside-the-box (van) thinking on this topic and would like to be kept informed on any future trials or testing.  Keep those interesting ideas flowing!

Update: Took my van to local Dodge dealer for 112K checkup and 'mystery fire' investigation.   Service department manger stated they could not find any obvious cause (damaged wire, burn damage,etc.).   They believe it still could have been burning nest debris--or a piece of burning material...

Had a somewhat scary situation while driving on I-15 recently.......Black smoke coming from the ventilation ducts in our  RoadTrek (dodge 3500, with the 318).  Naturally, as Murphy's Law would have it, this happened in heavy Salt Lake City traffic.  I put on the emergency flashers and slowly...

I've never liked adding chemicals to the potable water tank--and only use the 'pink stuff' in waste tanks and traps.  What I do: Drain all tanks--including water heater tank,  blow out all PW lines at low pressure (~30psi) and  remove the water pump inlet filter/cover.  So far no issues (+15...

My 3-way Dometic fridge is built in but I also added insulation--replaced the door panel with 2 layers of reflectix.  In additon I glued some on to the inside of the door.  This did help--I have been able to reduce the cooling setting from 5.5 to about 4.5 and still maintain the same...

I hate those damn tolls too!   You can usually go to a web site and pay these on line....no late fee if you pay within   X (?) number of days. Here's one of the links for Southern Cal: https://secure.thetollroads.com/violation/payTolls.do

Save the 'broken' ones--they make a great toy for teenagers! (1) Cut off the metal or plastic end (outlet) all the way back to the point of breakage and trash this section (2) With the remainder, (inlet fitting and hose portion) cutaway about a foot of the outer fabric to expose the inner...

VFN:  I've owned  a RT 190 Versatile (19')  for 15 years now and have been quite happy with it overall.  I love not having to tow a trailer and never have had the desire to want something bigger.  Even the newer RoadTreks seem too big (190) for me....I think I'd choose the 170--if I was to ever...

Still pretty darn pricey--and a rather large item to store.  There are many ways to make-your-own (on YouTube) or you could get this one:   http://shop.solarcookers.org/?pn=Starter+Kit&p=644&c=27&cn=Solar+Cookers It works well, stores easily and some of your $$$ goes to women in Africa.

You could also make your own "Wonder Oven" such as this: This could also double as pillows/foot rest/etc.

Might be a nice addition--for Prius campers: http://gizmodo.com/this-microwave-oven-is-the-size-of-a-thermos-1777762301

IMHO California is the only state where most drivers know how to get on to a freeway--speed up quickly/match traffic speed/merge quickly.   Denver (CO) however has the most dangerous drivers--I try to avoid it as much as possible.  Beautiful state otherwise.

Orange County (CA) freeways--terrible traffic!

Good point.....probably much more noticeable in a smaller vehicle, but I would expect the % losses to be about the same.  Example: A 10% loss in a 40 mpg car is 4 mpg vs 1.2 mpg in a 12 mpg camper van.

Detailed writeup from Autoblog site.  http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/28/roof-racks-fuel-efficiency-study/ The short version: Up to 25% fuel consumption penalty.   Some of us don't have a choice  but travelers that put on a lot of mileage might want to modify what they put on the roof...and...

Good Advice!  I believe Bob did away with his---by having a good size "house battery" bank and extra solar.   I don't have solar (yet) but I"m usually moving between camp locations every 2-4 days.  This allows me to charge up the two house batteries  by driving (alternator) alone.  IMHO avoid a...

Here's the spec's on the Tesla Power Wall: TechnologyWall mounted, rechargeable lithium ion battery with liquid thermal control. Model6.4 kWh $3,000For daily cycle applications WarrantyTen years Efficiency92.5% round-trip DC efficiency Power3.3 kW Depth of Discharge100% Voltage350 – 450...