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It's been a minute, hasn't it? I broke my heel bone in March, so progress on the van has slowed significantly. For two months it served as my handicap-accessible van rather than a home on wheels. I had surgery to put my bone back together (I'll set off metal detectors now), and have been focused...

I am trying to figure out some mounting options for an amateur radio antenna on my 2003 Dodge conversion van. With a high-top roof, the typical hole through the roof trick won't work because fiberglass is not an electrical conductor, so a poor ground connection. I'd consider a rain gutter mount...

It's just another battle in the horsepower wars. My Dodge's 318 V8 can't even spin its wheels on dirt, but who really needs to? It's not like you're going to be drag racing your house.

It won't win any art awards, but the rust hole is fixed. I used an old license plate as a patch . :D I riveted it on, bondoed around it, and painted the whole thing. It's not pretty but it does the job. I mostly replaced the ABS sensor, except I couldn't get the old sensor out of the hub with...

If you already have the van, try some short getaways with minimal equipment, a "no-build build," to try before you buy. That's essentially what I'm doing. I'm stuck in an apartment lease for another year, so I'll be using that time to determine if going full-time nomad is really for me. I...

That is my eventual plan as well. But for getting started, all of these options are cheap, quick, and easy. Keep the good ideas coming!

Only 350 lbs on an RV? Bummer. My van came with no hitch installed, which leaves me free to choose and install one rated for the weight I want to carry. I've picked one out rated for 600 lbs, which should work for the KLR plus the weight of the carrier itself.

I added some cheap LED lights to the interior. I do plan to install a house electrical system later, but until then this should suit all of my lighting needs. I'm getting new tires tomorrow. Then I need to figure out what's wrong with the parking brake, fix that, and hopefully that makes the...

Thanks! I do need to build a better bed, if nothing else. I don't want to sleep on that.  ;)

All true! My plan is to install a trailer hitch, then use a motorcycle ramp/carrier that attaches to the receiver. It'll be a little extra length off the back of the van, but no trailer, so it should be easier to carry my bike around. Though I don't have the benefit of a nice enclosed garage...

I've mentioned elsewhere that part of my van plan is to bring my Kawasaki KLR650 with me in my travels. I can use the van as my home base and use the bike to explore the general area once I'm there. I call it "moto-glamping."  :D Who else out there brings a bike along for the ride? Any concerns...

I started reading "Ghost Rider" by Neil Peart (drummer of Rush) shortly before he died. As a fellow motorcyclist I found it particularly inspiring, but I think any modern nomad can appreciate his tales of life on the road whether you prefer two wheels or four.

Another east coaster, checking in! I'm in NH. Still fixing and configuring my van. Haven't set out on any road trips yet, but planning to this summer. As for something like Google Groups, ever since Yahoo Groups imploded a lot of those groups have switched to Groups.io. It works pretty well...

It's not high tech or sustainable, but as a first step toward lighting up my living space, I found a way to instantly light up my no-build build until I get some kind of house electrical system installed. I picked up a 4-pack LED lights for $10 at Ocean State Job Lot (a New England outlet...

Front brake pads! Also discovered a corded front tire, so I've made an appointment to replace all four this weekend.

If I go full time, I'll swap the KLR for a smaller bike too. No need for a bike that can gobble up miles when the van is already doing it. I did the front brakes this past weekend. Much better now. While I had the front wheels off I noticed that one of the tires, which I knew was worn, was...

I just replaced the worn out ignition switch on my Dodge van. Common problem, disables windows, turn signals, stereo. This weekend's project is front brake pads. It's always something!

It's probably still a good idea to not put up a tall antenna mast in any residential areas, though. It's completely legal, but this proves it can attract unwanted attention. I'll save my ham radioing for parks or less populated areas. :)

I started listening to the audiobook of Neil Peart's "Ghost Rider" a few months ago while going through my own life falling apart around me. He passed away while I was in the middle of the book. Audible made all of his books free for the rest of the month, so I snagged them and have been...

I can not, although the extra headroom still helps. The bed it came with is built pretty tall, and I can still sit straight up on it without hitting my head on the roof. I'm somewhat old school with my radio stuff. Mainly 144/440 FM repeaters these days, though I do have an HF rig and wire...