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Solar panels generate electricity but they don't store it. The Wave can't run off solar, it needs a 12v (or 110v) source. So a large battery bank is still needed. In broad daylight, it may be possible to have enough panels to compensate for the energy the AC is using, but the concept is...

Heating and cooling in one device is of dubious value. Heating with electricity is extremely inefficient. To do so while boondocking would be ridiculous. But even with hookups there are better and cheaper options. The Wave 2 may be a viable solution if two elements are in place. One, you are...

I thought professionally made window covers were over priced. My initial attempt was DIY, I traced the patterns and cut Reflectix. In my second attempt I bought the WeatherTech kit. On the third try, the Heat Shield kit. None of these products worked satisfactorily. The covers were flimsy...

I wish it was feasible to convert Sprinter's OEM HVAC to run on auxiliary power. Unfortunately, it is not. It is easier to replace or supplement the existing system. This topic has been addressed multiple times on the Sprinter-source forum. If you want details on why it can't be done, do a...

There are a few around. It used to be an option. It was discontinued a couple of years ago due to poor sales.

If you're shopping for a high roof, why are you looking at Dodge? The Promaster is more affordable than the Transit or the Sprinter, why aren't you looking at it? I have a VS30 generation. I don't know that I average 20 mpg with a lot of city driving and a heavy foot. What I do know is that...

It cost less than $1000 to buy a 120V portable AC and a generator to run it. If that’s acceptable, it’s the cheapest solution by far. My RV as traditional rooftop ACs powered by a built in generator. That works well, but that solution is not congruent with the use case scenario for my van. As...

Of course not. RVs are built for recreation. Anyone who wants to live full time in a vehicle will have to modify it for that purpose, whether they start with a Prius, box truck, school bus, or van. Starting with a factory built RV makes this less of a task. I agree, most factory built RVs are...

I know my comments are going to controversial, but.... If you have decent credit, consider buying a factory built RV. The end product will be much more comfortable than most of us could build ourselves. You conserve time and energy and get going on adventure sooner. RVs can be bought with 15-20...

It is not difficult to "stealth camp" in the Atlanta area. Park and ride lots, non gated apartment complexes, Publix parking lots and street parking are all viable options. I spent quite a bit of time this past winter there. In particular, I've used the Indian Creek and Panola Park and Ride...

For sure, a portable power station can be the sole source for supplying all the electrical needs in a van build. Using one simplifies the knowledge required to build DIY. In addition, it saves space, has flexibility (can be removed and used outside the vehicle), and comes with a warranty. The...

In my opinion, there is a big difference between "no build" builds and simple builds. Most no builds tend to be minimalist designs, hobbled together with flimsy, plastic structures. Whereas, simple builds are usually on a tight budget, but still have systems (albeit basic) using durable...

Add me to the camp that chooses the simplicity, portability, and compactness of the power station. DIY electrical systems don't come with a warranty. EcoFlow has a 5 year warranty on their LiFePO4 stations and the large Bluetti stations come with a 4 year warranty. I believe these companies will...

I too prefer battery powered options where feasible. I tried three different battery powered lights, they had two issues: the longevity of the battery was too short, and more critically, they didn't give off a sufficient amount of light. On the fourth try, I finally found something that works...

OEM windows can be removed and replaced with aftermarket windows. It's not cheap (if you're paying someone to do the labor) but it is possible.

In a passenger van, the manufacturer has done some of the heavy lifting. They've installed the walls, flooring, windows, and HVAC. The result is better and cheaper than most of us could do or have outsourced. It's unequivocally easier to do a buildout starting from a passenger van. Factory...

I am assuming that you're in a relatively nondescript vehicle. If you're in a big RV, I recommend joining Harvest Hosts. I've never been to Lincoln, NE. But I look for places to park in unfamiliar areas all the time. Here are some places I'd check out if I were there: The parking areas near the...

I guess I've been in one too many nasty gas station bathrooms... One of the nicest things about owning a van is never having to use a public restroom. I am not familiar with the Sandinrayli brand portable toilet, but I've owned a Thetford Curve for many years. It is used on an occasional basis...

Pickup trucks can cost as much as vans. You can tow with a van better than you can sleep in a pickup truck. If in doubt, start with a van that has decent towing capacity. Then if desired, add a trailer later. If you want (and you should) a high roof van there are really only 3 choices, all of...

My opinion is probably going to be unpopular, but to keep a good conscious, I have to chime in. Your logic is flawed. It’s much easier to regulate exposure to environmental toxins by careful selection (and maintenance) of a stationary site than it is by constantly moving around as a nomad...