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I've asked a few electricians this question...and most don't see a problem, but I wanted to check-in with the folks here first. I'd like to use a small 12V/DC computer fan like this...

I had one of these...

Obviously one would need a large solar+battery setup, but this mini heat-pump idea might work for some vandwellers. Also, I believe heat-pumps offer a 3/1 advantage for heating...put in 1 unit of power and get 3 units out as heat. YMMV

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...

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...

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.

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...

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:

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...

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.

Interesting video on catching mice with peanut oil: Anyone game enough to try this on van/RV 'friendly' packrats?

If you took a standard bike.... and 'condensed' it down to it's most basic parts, added a battery and motor...and then removed the chain and pedals....you might come up with something close to this...

It probably will be pricey....but could be a big 'game changer' to conventional vans: http://www.viamotors.com/vehicles/electric-van/

I know this is not practical currently but in 5-10 years vans like this will likely be more common--and possibly cheaper as competition kicks in. https://electrek.co/2017/01/13/renault-all-electric-commercial-vehicles/ For those that could afford the initial expense (LESS-CheapRVLiving.com ?)...

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...

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

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...

Anyone know what type of rig this is? Looks like it handles off road and city traffic equally well!