Boondocking/Stealth . . .or not!!

[Simran]

I am mid-week through my first full week living in my van during the week. I am neither stealth nor boondock camping. I am working in this small town for a phone company as a contractor. One of the gentlemen on the board of directors asked me where I was going to park my van over night; I told him I thought I'd just park where the construction crew parks there equipment overnight. He gave me a nod and asked me if I needed electricity; I assured him I didn't as most everything I have works off either a battery or gas. I added that I will also go to a campground once or twice a week for a shower and can use the opportunity to top off my batteries; so this is a very good situation for me now. I don't know how well it will work everywhere I go; but it will work well here.<br>BTW, heater weather here at night lately; high teens &amp; low twenties.<br><br><br>bye bye motels,<br>gus<br><br>

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Cool and congrats!&nbsp; </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Boondocking and stealth are okay but if you can park where you get the nod of approval and have a paycheck coming in, you have a good&nbsp;thing going.&nbsp; It's definitely sustainable.&nbsp; </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I'm not sure how big your battery bank is but you might need a more frequent top-off depending on the usage.&nbsp; Don't drain the batteries too far too many times or it can really cut into the life expectancy.&nbsp; Then again, if you're not using a lot of juice, it can last quite a while!</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Congratulations on a great start to a lower stress, lower cost existence.&nbsp; It's fun!&nbsp; </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">One word of advice - you might want to invest in some baby wipes.&nbsp; As a big sweaty dude, I'm surprised how well they work so I don't have to hit the shower quite as often.&nbsp; Twice a week would probably be good but if you can find a gas station with a single, locking door you can get a good sink bath in a few times a week.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Have fun!&nbsp; It sounds like you're living the dream!</p>

 

[ped]

<P>Get yourself a camping solar shower bag and one of those folding shower rooms. They work great and take up little room. I mix my water for the shower on the stove to get the temp just right then pour it directly into the bag. Save you a bunch of money on campground fees too.</P>

 

[Wild_E]

I use a 2 gallon spray pump setup, just warm water add into the sprayer, pump up the pressure and spray yourself down.&nbsp;

 

[Simran]

Those are all good idea's guys and I certainly appreciate them. I will, no doubt, use one or more of them as time goes on and I get a better feel for what will work for me. Right now I'm still putting this thing together as I live in it. I get a per-dium above &amp; beyond my wage and the county camp ground here only charges $15 for a site with electric. I almost feel like I'm being a little bit too tight not using the campground all week but I really need the experience of winging it without any ties to anything.<br>I've done it in a tent before many, many times for weeks on end. However, I've realized living in a van opens up many more possibilities I'd like to explore off grid.<br><br>

 

[akrvbob]

If it is still heater weather, did you consider using a small electric heater in the van? Of course you can only use it when you have shore power, but he did offer it to you. Remember, he is probably glad to have you there as a "guard" to watch the site, so it isn't charity, you both get value. In fact some people pay RVers to stay and watch the site.<br><br>Sounds like you are off to a great start! Bob<br><br>

 

[SoulRaven]

Sounds like you have a great plan, are positive, and well on your way... congratulations on your determination, that's what it takes...<br><br>PS Never pass up shore power... If there were rules, that would be 1st or 2nd...<br><br>

 

[Simran]

<P>

Never pass up shore power... If there were rules, that would be 1st or 2nd...<BR><BR>

</P>With this quote and Bob's words of advice on shore power; I consider myself told.<IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif"><br><br>gus<br>

 

[SoulRaven]

Gus no matter the situation, you like me, will wake one day and realize that you are safe, secure, and happier than ever...<br><br>Good luck my friend, this is the adventure of your life...<br><br>

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Amen on the shore power.&nbsp; I used to feel guilty letting Dad give me free shore power.&nbsp; Today it's cloudy and there will be little solar.&nbsp; Off grid is nice but shore power is even nicer.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">As far as the electric heater goes, it made the difference for me.&nbsp; I use a little electric one and at 10 or 20 degrees outside, it's 70 or so inside.&nbsp; Stay warm and hopefully you won't catch a cold.&nbsp; The more comfortable it is inside the vehicle, I would say the more likely you are to want to do this longer term, too.&nbsp; I've slept in the express van for close to a year and love it.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Have a great weekend Gus and everyone.&nbsp; Keep living the dream!&nbsp;<br></p>