Can't Hardly Wait

[ramblingvanman]

So, I have the class b now and it needs some remodeling. It needs insulating and I want a better bed among other things. OTOH, I am very excited to get on the road NOW. How hard is it to remodel little by little while on the road? Logically, I know it is better to wait, finish the remodel, replenish my savings etc... But I am ready to go. I am seriously considering knocking together a bed of 2x4s and 3/4" plywood with a cheap mattress and going. I don't plan to be north when it is cold or south when it is too hot(I am used to the heat anyway), so I am thinking the insulation can wait awhile. Okay, the downsides. I have the bathroom and the sink ripped out to insulate. Same with the floor covering. All of the plumbing and tanks are still installed, just the fixtures and walls torn out. I lived in a conversion van with no sink or bathroom for years, so I doubt it will be a major impediment. I have a shovel, so I can dig a small latrine when on BLM land and bury the waste materials. I am used to my solar shower anyway.

So, am I totally crazy or what?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

For an experienced road warrior, such as yourself, it shouldn't be a big deal
Just make sure all the mechanics and tires are good to go.

Our van is "a build on the fly" and still evolving after more than a year. Nothing fancy but quit functional
I'm sure we could have built a "fancier" rig, but our focus was/is to get out there and enjoy ourselves.
On the downside...we are not always able to find a place to do certain things. Currently, we would like to install vinyl flooring, which means un-skrewing the galley unit and a drawer stack, plus the mess what we tear our. Also want to swap the roof rack for larger and add more solar, and a hitch (along with some small projects. Not cool in a parking lot
Finding a place to do these things ain't always easy. Fortunately, we know a guy where we are hanging for August Should be able to get a few things done as time/space allows per his schedule.

Bed frame...I used a regular bed frame drilled/bolted to the size we wanted with ply top. Pop off the casters and cut legs from steel conduit for legs that slip right on the existing legs. Set the conduit in PVC caps to keep from chewing the floor. Its lighter than the 2x4s and a thinner profile

Good luck and happy travels.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

There have been several people here who have posted that they have successfully done a lot of work at the far end of Lowes and Home Depot parking lots, which let them go in and buy just what they needed, WHEN they needed it, without having to find someplace to store a lot of materials in their rig while simultaneously trying to live in it.  Also, I think both stores will cut plywood and similar panels for you, if you go in with exact dimensions you need.

The big thing, of course, is power.  Do you have a way of powering or recharging electric saws, drills, etc. in some parking lot if you are not plugged into the grid?

Regards
John

 

[ramblingvanman]

Good point on the power, what I did when I stayed in  the Dodge was put the charger in my laptop bag(a Swiss Gear backpack) and plug the tool charger, my razor charger, and my laptop into a power strip also in my bag. The only thing people could see was my bag on the floor with 1 cord going in(laptop) and 1 cord coming out(power strip). No one has ever even commented on it. However, since I now have plenty of space for at least 2 house batteries, I will buy at least 1 and hook my 400w inverter to it. I can easily charge my tool batteries from that while driving. I don't know how it will work while sitting though.

 

[ramblingvanman]

While we are on the topic of electricity, what do you guys think of these? Worth it or no? I see Bob recommended the RoadPro 12-Volt Portable Stove, Black in his blog a year and a half ago, does that recommendation still stand?

http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-12V-H...sim_263_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1QPKNSWE5X8ANW3SWDWF

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=B00030DLEE&linkCode=as2&tag=cheaprvliving-20

 

[akrvbob]

Very much!! I still highly recommend the Roadpro oven.

If you don't already have your tools, I use Ryobi drill/skill saw kit and bought a 12 volt charger so it plugs right into the cigarette lighter plug, no inverter required.
Bob

 

[ramblingvanman]

I have a Dewalt drill with 2 batteries, a harbor freight drill with 1 battery, a Ryobi sawzall with 1 battery, and a Porter Cable circular saw with 1 battery. Except for the Dewalt, they were all gifts so that is why the mixed bag. I already have the Cobra 400w inverter, so it isn't like it is an extra expense; at least not until I expand my power system anyway.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Good point on the power, what I did when I stayed in  the Dodge was put the charger in my laptop bag(a Swiss Gear backpack) and plug the tool charger, my razor charger, and my laptop into a power strip also in my bag. The only thing people could see was my bag on the floor with 1 cord going in(laptop) and 1 cord coming out(power strip). No one has ever even commented on it. However, since I now have plenty of space for at least 2 house batteries, I will buy at least 1 and hook my 400w inverter to it. I can easily charge my tool batteries from that while driving. I don't know how it will work while sitting though.

While I've no personal experience with trying to charge tool batteries by an inverter, I've seen anecdotal reports that some brands seem to charge just fine off modified sine wave inverters, and some brands refuse to charge unless they are given a pure sine wave.  Probably Yet Another thing for you to check out.

Regards
John

 

[ramblingvanman]

So, today I installed and wired up the tow hitch. I bought one at the local junk yard for $30 including the plug and part of the harness. I made the rest of the harness. I would have taken pics, but I was racing to beat the rain.

 

[SternWake]

I have a Dewalt drill with 2 batteries,

Years ago I heard reports that Dewalt battery chargers specifically were not happy With Modified Sine wave inverters, and would release their magic smoke.  I do not know if it still holds true.

I bought a 400 watt pure sine wave inverter just for my rechargable powertools.  I did once lose a Sears craftsman charger to a MSW inverter.

I rewired that 9.6v drill to attach to my 12v battery via 10awg when it failed, as I needed the drill.

 

[ramblingvanman]

Years ago I heard reports that Dewalt battery chargers specifically were not happy With Modified Sine wave inverters, and would release their magic smoke.  I do not know if it still holds true.

I bought a 400 watt pure sine wave inverter just for my rechargable powertools.  I did once lose a Sears craftsman charger to a MSW inverter.

I rewired that 9.6v drill to attach to my 12v battery via 10awg when it failed, as I needed the drill.

Ok, good to know. Thanks.

 

[wagoneer]

So just go already you will be fine .

 

[Oberneldon]

I have used the Road Pro Hot Pot this year and it works well - I used it to heat water for food and washing

I have heavy ga wiring and heavy duty outlet on 10 amp fuse to run it

It has 2 covers on top - one is a cup and one is a cover. It must be kept upright or it will leak

Brent

 

[SoulRaven]

To date, I have never been very impressed with 12v cooking devices. I'll take a camp stove any day. For hot water I find it most convenient to boil about a gallon of water and put it in an insulated picnic cooler with a spout on it. That will provide HOT water all day, and warm enough water to enjoy a shower the next morning.

 

[Oberneldon]

For me the best part of the 12 v hot pot is that I don't have to set up my stove, take out a pot, put water in it, and pick it all up when I'm done just for heating water. It is simple to just pour water in, heat it and pour it into my instant, what ever, and wait a few minutes and eat.

I also heat up two pots worth of water and put it in my 24 hr thermos the night before and have nice hot water to wash and shave in the am.

It is a convenience item that is small and handy. You just need to ensure you keep this one upright.

Brent

 

[highdesertranger]

well all of my rechargeable tools are dewalt and I charge the batts of a msw all the time. I do want the 12v charger that will come in time. another point you don' need 2x4 construction in your van/rv, you are not building a wall. 2x2 and 1x2 is plenty especially if you use 3/4 ply. you could even go with 1/2 or less ply with the correct building techniques. highdesertranger

 

[wagoneer]

been using the Milwaukee M12 system, batteries are squirlly, but charge just fine (pure sine wave) Going up to Lake Tahoe with the Fam for a week, kids and hot dogs whoopee.

 

[TMG51]

I've cut holes in my top, installed vents, tapped external plumbing connections, changed my oil, taped off and spray painted trim pieces, etc while traveling... all usually done on some deadend road with no one looking. Occasionally I do work in Home Depot lots also. I have had police drive by and not look at me twice.

 

[ramblingvanman]

well all of my rechargeable tools are dewalt and I charge the batts of a msw all the time.  I do want the 12v charger that will come in time.  another point you don' need 2x4 construction in your van/rv,  you are not building a wall.  2x2 and 1x2 is plenty especially if you use 3/4 ply.  you could even go with 1/2 or less ply with the correct building techniques.  highdesertranger

iI am a pretty heavy guy. I want strong without having to worry about the wood breaking. 2x2 might work, but I would be concerned about 1x2.

 

[Almost There]

It depends on which direction you're using the 1 x2 on. Some use it for slats instead of plywood so that they have air circulation beneath the mattress - important if you're ever planning on living in the van in colder weather.

2x2 uprights and cross beams are plenty until you get into the total body weight of occupants say over 450lbs or somewhere thereabouts or you're planning on using the bed for gymnastics!