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  1. J

    Oh. My. Days! Look at these!

    It's almost 1am and I can't sleep.  That usually means some YouTube time exploring anything van life related.  I don't expect these vehicles to be new to some folks (like Mike) but I am drooling over their existence!  My favorite is #3 in the countdown - The Earthroamer XV-LTS.  Two gas tanks...
  2. J

    Parking Question

    I'm nervous to ask this because I feel like I should know the answer, but I don't.   :blush: Why do folks park their vans and RVs on rocks, wood, or blocks?  I see this in driveways (mostly with RVs) but also in van life videos when people arrive at a parking spot (usually off pavement) for...
  3. J

    The Future of Van Life

    Is the future of van life in trouble? A couple of months ago, I never even heard of van life.  Once I found out about it, each day solidifies my desire to do it.  So, as someone with fresh eyes, as I do more and more research about the life, I can't help but notice some disturbing negative...
  4. J

    Can you de-computerize newer vehicles?

    While I appreciate and benefit from technology, I'd prefer to have a van that isn't computerized at all, right down to manual windows and locks.  Not to mention that the more electronics there are in a vehicle, the more there is to break down.   I'm not sure exactly how to word this but, is it...
  5. J

    Book Recommendations? Back to basics, traditional skills, etc.,

    I spent some time today researching van life from a 'prepper' point of view.  (Hence the resurrection of that thread.)  What I'm interested in finding is a great book or three about how to go back to basics and live without technology or electricity. To be more specific, I'm not necessarily...
  6. J

    As an experienced vandweller, how has your perception changed?

    I gave up my TV in the 90's.  When Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn died, so did Hollywood.  I got tired of paying for the privilege of having garbage dumped into my living room.  (And I don't miss it.)  About 18 months later, I noticed that the effects of advertising and the media had worn off...
  7. J

    Solar Powered EVERYTHING, including A/C and cost of the van, for under $15,000!

    Even in all my newbie-ness, I know an impressive build when I see one!  It's not the prettiest build (though it's not ugly either) but it's most definitely impressive and luxurious in amenities!
  8. J

    Mail Forwarding Service - some things I don't understand.

    I've been hesitant to ask questions about this because I feel stupid not understanding it.  I checked archived threads but haven't found solid answers to scratch this itch. #1.  I'm assuming only full-timers need a mail forwarding service.  If you're part-time, you have permanent residential...
  9. J

    Airless Tires?

    I saw a bicycle with airless tires the other day and it made me check to see if they made them for vehicles.  They do.  Does anyone have any experience with them?  Opinions?  It would be great to never have a flat tire but I don't know anything about vehicles since I haven't owned one in about...
  10. J

    Build Question about Materials

    Whichever vehicle I end up with, I want to be sure to maximize my gas mileage.  Part of that is keeping the weight of the build down as much as possible.   I love wood.  I'm a log cabin and flannel kind of guy.  However, I live in a 1970's apartment building in a big city which means everything...
  11. J

    What are your thoughts about Raptor coating your van?

    I've never heard of this stuff before watching a YouTube video about a vandwelling couple that drove from Key West, Florida to Alaska in a van that they painted with the Raptor coating.  The guy was paranoid about rust so he rubber lined the metal floor in the back of the van with truck bed...
  12. J

    Hindsight: If I knew then what I know now.

    I would really like to hear from some full time vandwellers (epecially, but all are welcome to respond, of course) what they might choose to do differently, based on their experiences.  For example: If you could do your build over, what would you change, add, remove or re-design? What was a...
  13. J

    Insulation FOR heat and AGAINST heat. Is there a difference?

    I've tried researching this to the Nth degree but have found nothing.  This leads me to believe that there's no difference between insulating against summer heat and insulating to keep warm in winter.  Is my assumption right?  I'm more concerned with staying cool than keeping warm.   Also, are...
  14. J

    Kodiak Solar Power Generator by Inergy - Your opinions, please.

    I saw another YouTube video on solar and would like people's thoughts on it.  The man isn't a van dweller, but a family homesteader (and a great guy).  Is this a viable option for van life?  Granted, you couldn't charge while you're driving but I can see some benefits to this set up.  And it's...
  15. J

    Do you have a dashboard camera? Why or why not?

    Just another subject that's crossed my mind.   I can see the benefits of it, such as helping authorities if you catch an accident/incident on camera, or even just covering your own backside in case something happens.  Even to use as part of a security system on your van.  But, are there any...
  16. J

    Natural Disasters and Van Life

    I was re-watching the movie GeoStorm on my computer.  I love natural disaster/end of the world flicks!  Even the cheesy ones!  This got me wondering...   Has anyone experienced a natural disaster while living in their van?  Been woken up in your van by an earthquake?  Felt one as you were on...
  17. J

    The GOLD secret for power AND stealth? (It's not solar.)

    I was watching a YouTube video from a woman on the east coast who is a solo van dweller and says she doesn't have solar power because being stealth is of the utmost priority for her.  While reading the comments, there was a very interesting one I wanted to ask you experienced folks about.  ...
  18. J

    Testing

    Just a test per mods.
  19. J

    Windows or No Windows? Your preference?

    I'm seeing a lot of builds where folks completely panel up the windows.  Others just cover them at night with shades or Reflectix. Thinking about the pros and cons, I see both sides.  I don't mind not having any windows as long as I have good lighting.  It would make me feel more secure at...
  20. J

    For Christian Van Dwellers...

    Do you ever attend services at a local church in the area you happen to be in?  Personally, this is something I'm really excited to do each week!  Sitting at home for 15+ years as a hermit, listening to sermons on YouTube from pastors around the country (as well as the world) has me very eager...
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