Are We Crazy?

[PSqaured]

Hi,

Long time lurker, brand new member.

A little background, we are both in our late 20's and have a dog. Both of us are business owners who work pretty much 24/7, we love what we do but its time for a break. In the coming months we will be selling our house and moving to Florida, tired of the Ohio winters among numerous other things. We've tossed around the the whole van life thing for the past 3-4 years and are now seriously spending time trying to figure out if this is for us.

My main idea is to spend 6 months to a year on Florida's west coast, spending time at campgrounds ( close to/on the beach) or trying to park at public boating boating docks and things like that. I've reached out to numerous different cities across Florida and most of them have said overnight parking is fine at those locations.

The biggest things that I am trying to figure out if they are realistic or not are as follows:

#1: AC- I will be planning on working in the mornings and need AC not to mention our dog needs to be safe. The goal is to bring her every where but if we need to keep her in the van I want to be 100000% sure she is safe. My plan for AC is a small 5000 btu window unit mounted near the top of the fan with about 1200 watt monocrystalline with at least 400 amp hours of batteries. My only concern is this wont be enough, I want to build a system that can run 24 hours "IF" possible. Meaning sun is out and all that fun stuff. We are looking at 150+ WB sprinters.

#2: Jet Ski- Seeing as I am not really going for the super urban stealth build we have tossed the idea around of hauling a jet ski with us, this would also go into my plan of camping at docks since it would look like we have a reason to be there due to the jet ski. I love to fish and if would be a way to get off shore a bit and explore.

#3: Shower- We keep going back and forth if we want a shower, we've stood in a few of them and cant fit. I'm 6'4 230 so a shower would take up a decent amount of space. Those of you who built showers, was it worth it? Since we plan on being on/near the beach all the time I feel like a shower would be a must have.

Lastly is experience, both our cars at the moment are not conducive to camping in. I am a try before you buy type of guy and am having a hard time finding any rental vans in our area (ohio), If anyone is near by and would rent there van/let me bug you with a million questions please let me know.

We've tossed around the whole boat life thing but at the moment we both don't feel like we have enough experience to do that.

Thanks,
P2

 

[rruff]

Welcome!

You say 6 months per year, is this in the winter only? Back to Ohio for the rest of the year? You need some good data regarding temperatures and insulation to determine your AC needs. I've never used AC... seems like so much hardware and $$$ to make that work well on solar, but if you are only there in winter, it might not be that bad. And you can't plug in?

The amount of stuff that people deem "essential" is all over the map. I like simplicity, and doing without modern conveniences and toys does not feel like suffering at all. So no indoor shower or jetski for me! But you need to know yourself and what is important to you. If you want a lot of things and comfort, a bigger rig than a van might be in order. Stay at an RV park where you have power and hookups?

Also, someone mentioned cheap camping at Rocky Point (Mexico, north end of the Sea of Cortez) recently. If budget is limited, that might appeal to you as a beach spot.

 

[JDub]

Hi,

Long time lurker, brand new member.

A little background, we are both in our late 20's and have a dog. Both of us are business owners who work pretty much 24/7, we love what we do but its time for a break. In the coming months we will be selling our house and moving to Florida, tired of the Ohio winters among numerous other things. We've tossed around the the whole van life thing for the past 3-4 years and are now seriously spending time trying to figure out if this is for us.

My main idea is to spend 6 months to a year on Florida's west coast, spending time at campgrounds ( close to/on the beach) or trying to park at public boating boating docks and things like that. I've reached out to numerous different cities across Florida and most of them have said overnight parking is fine at those locations.

The biggest things that I am trying to figure out if they are realistic or not are as follows:

#1: AC- I will be planning on working in the mornings and need AC not to mention our dog needs to be safe. The goal is to bring her every where but if we need to keep her in the van I want to be 100000% sure she is safe. My plan for AC is a small 5000 btu window unit mounted near the top of the fan with about 1200 watt monocrystalline with at least 400 amp hours of batteries. My only concern is this wont be enough, I want to build a system that can run 24 hours "IF" possible. Meaning sun is out and all that fun stuff. We are looking at 150+ WB sprinters.

#2: Jet Ski- Seeing as I am not really going for the super urban stealth build we have tossed the idea around of hauling a jet ski with us, this would also go into my plan of camping at docks since it would look like we have a reason to be there due to the jet ski. I love to fish and if would be a way to get off shore a bit and explore.

#3: Shower- We keep going back and forth if we want a shower, we've stood in a few of them and cant fit. I'm 6'4 230 so a shower would take up a decent amount of space. Those of you who built showers, was it worth it? Since we plan on being on/near the beach all the time I feel like a shower would be a must have.

Lastly is experience, both our cars at the moment are not conducive to camping in. I am a try before you buy type of guy and am having a hard time finding any rental vans in our area (ohio), If anyone is near by and would rent there van/let me bug you with a million questions please let me know.

We've tossed around the whole boat life thing but at the moment we both don't feel like we have enough experience to do that.

Thanks,
P2

Welcome! I'm like you, Hot water on demand and an available shower when boondocking is a major requirement for me. You might consider something like this - a propane fired, on demand tankless water heater. I just bought this one on sale from Amazon (less than $200 and F.S w e coupon) to install on my deck. 2.64 GPM, water pressure activated (hose or pump) and runs off a standard propane bottle - this size would be better if there's two of you. Comes with all the hardware needed. I use a smaller version on the road (I'm in a Jeep GC) that hangs off a pounded in metal fence post whenever I'm rough camping. It's supplied from a 6 gal water jug and a rechargeable pump supplies the pressure. I've had good luck with mine although others have had some issues with different brands. Mine are both Foruee's. Just be sure to check with the management at campgrounds before you use something like this outside regarding their gray water discharge rules. I've never had an issue out in the woods though.



Cheers and welcome again!

 

[Frood]

Campervan rentals in Ohio...

https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-search...ffset]=0&address=ohio&filter[type]=camper-van
Do you have a pick-up truck? Another option than camper-van is a camper on a pickup... then you could still tow jet-skis. You may want to check out RV's and motor homes as well. You might be able to find something suitable for a rental there, and if you aren't needing to go stealth and aren't going to be in the snow and cold a motorhome may be a better option.

** Edit **

Please don't take the above outdoorsy as a recommendation. That is just what came up after a quick google search and I don't have any experience with this company.

 

[WinneNomad]

You might consider staying more out west. I have found the Quartsite/Yuma AZ LTVA areas are ideal for long term camping. The LTVA at Yuma has a lake which I am pretty sure you can put your jet ski on for recreation (please if anyone knows differently correct me if I am mistaken about the jet ski on the lake). Also the Yuma LTVA is close to a Walmart. You can stay there and at Quartzsite for 7 months at a cost (currently) of $180. And, the best part is that you have water, a dump station and trash receptacles. Plus lots and lots of space for camping (especially at Quartzsite). From my experience the typical Quartzsite campsite is probably over an acre of land.

For the camper I would suggest looking around for a good buy on a used Class C RV. I looked for quite a while and finally found a 22' Winnebago that only had 24K miles on it. The price was $14K although with the pandemic the prices have probably gone up 50% since then. The RV has a shower, hot water (propane), a stove, microwave, air conditioner, large refrigerator (powered by propane), toilet and sufficient water to last for approximately 7 days. In the mornings I turn on the built in generator to make coffee but other than that I pretty much do not use the generator (4K watts). Maybe on a hot day I might turn on the generator and run the A/C for 20 minutes or so in the evening to cool things down.

During the months (October thru April) you pretty much do not need A/C. Plenty of breeze to keep things cool.

The Quartzsite campers from my experience are very nice and interesting. Although for the most part they are older. I think the nickname of "Wrinkle City" applies to the LTVA at Quartzsite.

I use a small portable 90 Watt solar panel system to recharge the house batteries (2 12V deep cycle batteries).

I hope my post helps.

 

[nature lover]

You don’t have to be crazy to be a nomad, but it helps. “ crazy“ might be the word other use. I prefer eccentric, independent, freethinker, someone who doesn’t want to be in a box and enjoys thinking outside the box. We may not be crazy but we do like to walk to the beat of a different drummer.

 

[eDJ_]

Straight up, I don't believe that there is anything "crazy" about choosing the lifestyle that is right for you. Anymore than choosing a career path. There is more than a million choices which range from the status quo to the unconventional. Just know that no matter what you choose to do some will question the validity of it as if it's their prerogative.

When I was a little kid we lived in southern Ohio (and I still do) and we bought property in Bradenton, Florida. My Dad met an older couple from our general area in Ohio who was an Insurance Agent. He had built a business in Ohio and one in Florida so he could "snowbird" and live in pleasant weather year around. Dad traveled in his work constantly and didn't have much permanence anywhere but this Insurance man had what Dad thought to be about the right blend of basing himself in two desirable locations.

Later in my working days I drove across the western Florida area from Baton Rouge. LA to Tallahassee FL. I was one beautiful trip and I wouldn't mind retiring there as I thought it was totally beautiful. Saw lots of RV's there too.

One of the older gentlemen where I live bought a Terry Tarus Trailer (about 26 ft) and towed it to Florida and set it up in a Camp. The Camp had full time personnel who tended the tenant's property (trailer) when they were back up north. There was very little lawn mowing to do, good shore power, water, and sewage. (cable/ broadband internet available) He had 2, 5000 BTU AC units (front & rear) so he could more than adequately AC part or all of the trailer. (bedroom/bath at night) and living/kitchen in the day)

In the end, there are many ways to be a nomad. Moving two or three (or more) times a year or being full time traveling constantly. Myself I liked that area around Pensacola, Fla myself. To me it's the Big Easy New Orleans once was.

 

[afblangley]

Lastly is experience, both our cars at the moment are not conducive to camping in. I am a try before you buy type of guy and am having a hard time finding any rental vans in our area (ohio), If anyone is near by and would rent there van/let me bug you with a million questions please let me know.

Renting a van for a week or two is a vacation, it's insufficient for ascertaining whether you're cut out for full timing or not. But I don't think you need to make that decision. You have two cars, sell one (or both) and buy a van. You're going to need a vehicle regardless of where you live. Build out the van so that you can live (part time or full time) in it if you choose. If you decide to rent an apartment, the van serves as your everyday vehicle.

Get the shortest van that will fit your desired layout. I recommend the the 144" WB. I own a 170" and it is my primary vehicle. There are few places where it can't go but maneuverability in cities is sometimes a hassle.

Prices on Sprinters are very high right now. I was told that I could sell my van (which I bought new last year) for more than what I paid for it, despite putting 25k miles on the odometer. We're in crazy times...

PS: With you're height, you may want to consider a high roof Transit. It's tall enough that you may actually be able to fully stand up even when showering.

 

[scaredycat72]

You don't have to be crazy to live this lifestyle, just adventurous.

It's definitely a good idea to try out this life before you hop into it. Too many people just assume they're going to love it, spend months to years building out a van, then decide it's not for them months into the journey. Wasted time and resources. Renting a van will give you a general idea of what this life entails.

I always caution people on selling their homes if they ever plan to have another one, unless their money is good like that. With home prices increasing at the rate they currently are, that $300,000 house you sell this year could be a $500,000 house in 3 years. If there's any doubt, I would rent out my house or Airbnb it until I know for sure vanlife is for me. A property management company can take care of the day to day management of renting it out.

I think a 5000 BTU window air conditioner pulls between 4 and 5 amps so a 400 amp battery system should be more than enough to run it 24 hours. I don't know a lot about battery systems but I do know 1200 watts in solar panels is going to require a lot of space and most vans aren't big enough to accommodate that many. You also might not need that many to charge 400 amps batteries but others can help you with that.

Take care.

 

[frater secessus]

Renting a van for a week or two is a vacation, it's insufficient for ascertaining whether you're cut out for full timing or not.

True, but it can quickly reveal if one is not cut out for it.

 

[rruff]

I think a 5000 BTU window air conditioner pulls between 4 and 5 amps so a 400 amp battery system should be more than enough to run it 24 hours.

That's at 120V, so 500W+. Always work with watt-hrs when looking at consumption, which in this case is >12,000 w-hrs/day. 1,000 amp-hrs if you are using 12v batteries. It's prohibitive to try to size it for extreme heat/humidity. Most people just run them for the hottest part of the day, but it's still a lot of panels and batteries to handle that.

 

[scaredycat72]

That's at 120V, so 500W+. Always work with watt-hrs when looking at consumption, which in this case is >12,000 w-hrs/day. 1,000 amp-hrs if you are using 12v batteries. It's prohibitive to try to size it for extreme heat/humidity. Most people just run them for the hottest part of the day, but it's still a lot of panels and batteries to handle that.

That's not accurate. The unit doesn't run continually. It cycles on and off. Based on an average, a 5000 BTU window air conditioner uses 4 to 5 amps an hour. A 400 amp hour system should be able to power a 5000 BTU window unit just fine with plenty of amps to spare.

Refrigerators are the same way. My 12 volt fridge is rated for 45 watts. If it didn't cycle, it would require 2,160 watts to run 48 hours. Because it does cycle, I can run it off my 500 watt hour battery for 48 hours, and that's with it completely empty. If it was full, I could run it longer.

A straight calculation like you're doing would be necessary for something like a lamp, that doesn't turn off.

 

[rruff]

That's not accurate. The unit doesn't run continually. It cycles on and off. Based on an average, a 5000 BTU window air conditioner uses 4 to 5 amps an hour. A 400 amp hour system should be able to power a 5000 BTU window unit just fine with plenty of amps to spare.

Amps are meaningless without the voltage. Power (watts) is A*V. Energy is watts*time, usually W-hr or kW-hr.

4-5 amps average is 480 W to 600 W average with a 120v AC. My numbers are correct for that. A 12v 400 amp-hr battery (4,800 W-hr) would be completely drained in 10 hrs or less. 12v AC systems for vans are typically >10,000 BTU, and they will cycle on and off unless it's really hot. Most vans are not nearly as well insulated as a house, which means they need more energy to heat and cool the same space.

BTW, your refrigerator won't use less energy with food in it than it does empty.

 

[scaredycat72]

Amps are meaningless without the voltage. Power (watts) is A*V. Energy is watts*time, usually W-hr or kW-hr.

4-5 amps average is 480 W to 600 W average with a 120v AC. My numbers are correct for that. A 12v 400 amp-hr battery (4,800 W-hr) would be completely drained in 10 hrs or less. 12v AC systems for vans are typically >10,000 BTU, and they will cycle on and off unless it's really hot. Most vans are not nearly as well insulated as a house, which means they need more energy to heat and cool the same space.

BTW, your refrigerator won't use less energy with food in it than it does empty.

I'm going to agree to disagree.

 

[Catalyst1]

Amps are meaningless without the voltage. Power (watts) is A*V. Energy is watts*time, usually W-hr or kW-hr.

4-5 amps average is 480 W to 600 W average with a 120v AC. My numbers are correct for that. A 12v 400 amp-hr battery (4,800 W-hr) would be completely drained in 10 hrs or less. 12v AC systems for vans are typically >10,000 BTU, and they will cycle on and off unless it's really hot. Most vans are not nearly as well insulated as a house, which means they need more energy to heat and cool the same space.

BTW, your refrigerator won't use less energy with food in it than it does empty.

On the refrigerator, I don't think that is true. I have read elsewhere that it is much more efficient to have a full fridge than empty. The contents retain the temperature for a while when it cycles off. It you are just running it empty, you are basically running it like an air conditioner. You are keeping the air inside it cold.

 

[rruff]

On the refrigerator, I don't think that is true. I have read elsewhere that it is much more efficient to have a full fridge than empty. The contents retain the temperature for a while when it cycles off. It you are just running it empty, you are basically running it like an air conditioner. You are keeping the air inside it cold.

The contents retain the temperature when it cycles off... but then you have to cool the contents again when it cycles on. It changes the length of the cycles, but doesn't change the %on and %off.

 

[Frood]

On the refrigerator, I don't think that is true. I have read elsewhere that it is much more efficient to have a full fridge than empty. The contents retain the temperature for a while when it cycles off. It you are just running it empty, you are basically running it like an air conditioner. You are keeping the air inside it cold.

Yes and no... It takes extra energy to get the temperature of the contents down to the fridge temperature, but once it's there it takes MORE energy to raise the temperature of the contents back to ambient. So you use more energy up front to reduce the temperature of a larger thermal mass which helps maintain the lower temperature in a full fridge. In the end, though, you wind up with the same energy balance (modified by the energy efficiency of your device, power sources, etc).

As for how frequently your fridge runs, that depends on how frequently you open it, whether it is top-load or front-load, and how well insulated it is. A VERY well insulated fridge that isn't opened will absorb very little heat and will need to cycle less frequently once it reaches temperature. An inefficient fridge will cycle constantly because it is constantly absorbing ambient heat and needs to run the compressor to make up for that.

EDIT:: On a side-note: If you put room-temperature items in your fridge, it will run more overall to bring them down to temperature. If you get cold items from the store and put them in the fridge, depending on the temperature of the items you may actually increase the time till the next cycle needs to run to bring the internal temp down to your set temperature.

With high enough level mass you can actually calculate all of this... higher level than mine anyway. I understand how the theories apply and can see the logical sense of it, but don't ask for direct equations for implementation.

As for AC, this all comes down to the age-old insulation debate. The purpose of insulation is not to keep something hot or cold... it is to isolate an environment from external factors making it easier to manipulate the temperature artificially. In the desert, where temperatures get over 100F on a regular basis, unless you have amazing insulation to prevent your internal environment (inside your van) from absorbing external energy, your AC will be running almost constantly. Parking in the shade, etc, will help prevent directly absorbing solar radiation, but the internal and external temp will still try to equalize. The efficiency of your insulation is what modifies the rate at which this equalization occurs. The better your insulation the less your AC has to work in the heat and the better your heater will work in the cold.

 

[rruff]

With high enough level mass (math?) you can actually calculate all of this... higher level than mine anyway. I understand how the theories apply and can see the logical sense of it, but don't ask for direct equations for implementation.

The fridge interior absorbs heat energy from the external environment. The amount is proportional to the difference in temperature between the inside and outside, and inversely proportional to thermal resistance (insulation) of the refrigerator. For any particular fridge the later shouldn't vary, although a wild card will be how often you open it.

It doesn't matter how much stuff you have inside it, once it has stabilized to the interior temperature. The contents only effects the cycle times, not the % on and off or the electrical energy that the fridge consumes. For instance a fridge that is set for 5 degree swings (say 32-37F) will cycle on when it gets to 37 and off when it gets to 32. If there is nothing but air in the fridge, then the contents will go from 32 to 37 quickly because that same rate of heating (energy from the outside) is only affecting the thermal mass of the air, and the inner walls of the fridge. But it will also cool down to 32 quickly when the compressor comes on for the same reason. If the fridge is full (more thermal mass inside) it will take longer to go from 32 to 37 and also longer to go from 37 to 32.

 

[GotSmart]

Polycrystalline panels. Not monochrystaline. They absorb power better on hazy and partially cloudy days.

Research Air Conditioners. There are new units on the market that can fit any space useage.

If you are planning on working out of your living situation, check out the floor plans on RVs. I have one friend that has about a 25 ft class C. Built in desk so all the electronics are in a safe place. Dropping your work laptop can be a disaster. The comfort level is closer to what you seem to want.

Don’t sell anything until you have a written plan and have tried the lifestyle.

Research cell plans and hotspots.

Good luck.

 

[rruff]

Polycrystalline panels. Not monochrystaline. They absorb power better on hazy and partially cloudy days.

Google says the opposite: https://www.google.com/search?q=pol...5IBBjAuMTQuMZgBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz