Choice of vehicles

[peck]

While preparing to convert my 2003 Ford E250 Cargo Van into a living space, I ran across a 1995 Ford E350 Carryall Van (I think it's called) that had been converted into a party bus by a group of golfers. It has a 350 cu in V8 with 150K miles on it, a storage shed and a 6500w generator (wired for 120v and 220v) mounted on a platform on the back, a mobile home air conditioner on top, a big screen TV above the windshield, a rear-mounted camera, six bench seats and a table arranged around the inside perimeter, a sound system, a roof vent w/fan, a chrome clothes rack pole running down the center, and more. I mean, it's like a rolling penthouse. And best of all, it's already all done and I could move in right away.<br>I can get a loan to buy the party bus, while I would not be able to finance the conversion of the E250 until I sold my house. But I worry about&nbsp;the "stealth factor" in a vehicle that size, painted yellow and red with a black stripe. It really does scream for attention.<br>I don't think I would mind the police at my door, wondering what I was doing, or asking me to move. Unless, of course, it became downright impossible to find a place to stay, unmolested. But are vandwellers easy targets for robbers and other unseemly sorts? Is it unrealistic to think I could live peacefully in such a vehicle? Or is it just inadvisable?

 

[akrvbob]

Tellus more about your plans. Will you be living and working in towns? Can you move to a more vandweller friendly town? Will you be camping on public land?<br><br>Do you own your current van outright?<br><br>My first thought is that going into debt at the beginning of you new life is generally not a good idea. making the new van livable shouldn't cost much. $50 to build a bed and buy some reflectix. Then go to a thrift store and buy a set of drawers and an old desk and a file cabinet. Throw it in and you are home.<br>Bob

 

[peck]

My plans are not definite at the moment. Though I am employed, I have been off work for four months due to an injury. But whether I go back to work or not, I'm so far in debt that selling my house will only get me part way out.<br><br>The overall objective is to be free from debt, because I know that I will never be free so long as I have debt. The fastest way to retire debt is to increase income and reduce expenses. But I have no control over the income element of that approach, so the only thing I can do is reduce expenses - mainly, housing.<br><br>I do own the van outright. That, and the stealth factor, are its main advantages. But I can't live in it as is. I need to insulate.<br><br>I saw an example of a conversion that used strips of styrofoam between the skeleton and the outer skin. But the strips didn't fill the void completely, and I thought it might be more effective, if not easier, to fill that cavity with styrofoam peanuts. Same material, right? I don't know. Is it?<br><br>Then I'd planned to cover the skeleton with styrofoam panel insulation, and cover that with plastic, and cover that with some type of wall board or panelling.&nbsp;I was going to use Reflectix in the space between the styrofoam panel insulation and the windows, on a hinged section that could be opened for viewing out the windows while driving.<br><br>But I don't have an overall design plan. I can't seem to get past the insulation. I don't know what to do about insulating the fiberglass high-top, for example. I don't know much about generators and electricity and auto mechanics (although I probably will before it's all over).<br><br>I don't know how "vandweller-friendly" any of these towns are. I don't know anyone else who even thinks this is a remotely sensible idea. But that's ok because, most people seem insanely driven to me, living the way they do, hostage to their possessions, embracing indentured slavery, conniving and cheating each other. Who needs it?<br><br>I doubt I will be camping on public land. I am trying to keep working because my job pays well, and it would be a long drive to work from the State Forest, which is the only public land I know about (I suppose there is the Courthouse Lawn).&nbsp;I might want to live in the State Forest in the van, though, if I don't go back to work, and am not welcome in the city.&nbsp;But for now, I just need some feedback on styrofoam peanuts.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Dont think you have to completely fill the space between the panel and the skin with insulation.&nbsp; A lot of people use reflectix and that stuff is even thinner than foam panels.&nbsp;

 

[Willy]

If you decide to go the Reflectix route, look for <span id="post_message_1276470542">Ayr-Foil A2A instead. just as good and, up here in B.C., about 1/2 the price.. puts it on the same footing as white polystyrene insulation (which is cheaper than blue foam). You can glue/tape Reflectix style insulation to the fibreglass top. Foam peanuts wouldnt work too well because, while the peanuts themselves have a pretty good R-value, the air spaces between don't. ..Willy.<br></span>

 

[peacetara]

I've been learning a lot about insulation since coming into Van Dwelling.&nbsp; This is what I have learned:<br><br>"Dead Air Space" is considered a GREAT thing.&nbsp; Air works really well as an insulator, so I'd suggest just leave the space there, and put up the styrofoam paneling.&nbsp; If you can get it, get the styrofoam paneling with the reflective side (looks like aluminum foil on 1 side). It will help reflect heat/cold.<br><br>Personally, I have 3/4" styrofoam paneling up, on the walls and ceiling (and doors), and am really happy with what I have.&nbsp; The 3/4" stuff bends some, which is nice if that is needed.&nbsp; Otherwise get the thickest stuff you can put in.<br><br>With Love,<br>Tara

 

[blkjak]

welcome .... blkjak

 

[papas34]

<span id="post_message_1276659929">blkjak......</span>Welcome<br><br><br>Here is a section on insulation:<br>https://vanlivingforum.com/?forum=263736<br><br>I would worry first and foremost about off gassing.....forget about the peanuts....<br><br>Reflectix type insulation seems to me the way to go........you most likely will find heating your van is easier than dealing with condensation and ventilation.<br><br>You did not state price of the Chevy, but it sounds like a lot of money was spent on the van.....sometimes you can save a lot of money by letting others buy and build custom vehicles......just be sure the condition is ok and that you can live with most of the things and change those your not so happy with.......what is it like driving around with a storage shed on top of your van??????<br><br>One thing about it....we have lots of options in life...lol<br><br>Your van is paid for.......a wind up lamp with a radio can be bought for $20, a thrift store might provide a mattress for $10 and a sleeping bag........everything else are just luxuries and a move up.<br><br>I know a guy who parks his 5th wheel at the rear of the parking lot of a small restaurant just outside of town....he get free parking in trade for extra security.&nbsp; <br><br><br><br>