Daily Full Time Living in my Box Truck in Canada

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Wild_E

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 20, 2011
Messages
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Location
Ontario Canada
<div>I was asked about living in my Truck so here it goes;</div><div>Yes, I live in my Truck full time, it has windows, vents and roof vent, the drawback is the roll up door in the back, in the future, I will look for the barn door style. In the spring will be operating my business storage out of it as well. I am downsizing everything. Too many types of services, so just paring it down to two.</div><div>Carpets; Commercial &nbsp;</div><div>Windows; Restoration and Resi - Commercial</div><div><img src="http://wildernessreturn.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/myfordhome1988.jpg" alt="" /></div><div>I am getting rid of everything really. Take gear to the property, have a separate back up Van for bug out vehicle/storage and a small utility trailer. In the downsizing situation, right now I have a small office and storage set-up. The landlord is a real jackass, and in Two months, I will not have to deal with him ever again. In separating myself from the equation, I took almost 2 weeks to deliberate and look at where I want to go, what I want to do and how to go about doing it.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Most things I do now, I will not do soon. Window Cleaning and Window Restoration will be the main focus and Commercial Carpet cleaning will be the 3rd service. I will be able to keep everything in the back of the Truck-Camper as well as in the utility trailer. My spare Van, I hope to bring to my buddies place and use it for Prepper/Survivalist storage, use as a genset, yes, large one that gets good economy and is quieter than a Honda genset. Cost, just a bigger inverter!</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Storage; you can use big plastic totes, yes, though right now I am sort of stealthy parking so can not have stuff that looks like I live there under the vehicle or beside it. Do not keep valuables in it though, mice will chew through them and thieves will take them! I can not stress that enough! I do have some metal locker/storage totes, that I will be filling up with stuff and putting in the back or in the spare van, mice! arrggggg..</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Just get rid of stuff, we have way too much stuff, stuff stuff stuff! In the old days, people moved about with a Trunck that was it. Some cloths, some tools and knew how to make their own tools. I am downsizing, I went from a 3 bedroom house with a den and garage to my camper, back up van, work van and utility trailer, and my soon to be gone office storage. I am just selling off the equipment there, get rid of it, do not need to have heated space anymore and will save about $200+ a month.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>I live off grid, stealthy in the back of a Farm. Providing Security, that is what I tell everyone who asks, or comes to the locked gate. The property has lots of machines and scrap metal there. Since I have been there, he has had no thefts at all. If you do not live stealthy by all means but skirting and cover the tires, it will save you tons on heating, and the floor will be much warmer. Right now, on top of the wood floor I have a basement rated under pad, and now about 5 layers of rugs and carpeting. If and when I do it again, I will not use resi carpeting, just carpets, and make sure they fit better, screw them down so they do not move about. Geezz do they ever float around if not tacked down!&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Solar for the battery charging, and I am trying to build a wind generator, but might just break down and buy one, ready made. I do have the little survival genset in the back of my Van right now, little dude old, bullet proof design 300 watts. The other is an 800 watt, Chicago Genset. This wattage it a bit low, so the upgrade will be 1500 or 2500 watts. The advantage is this 800 watter is light and can be moved very easily is fairly quite and starts great.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>My little utility trailer fits on the back no problem pulling it, with my 7.3 ltr Diesel engine Ford 1988 Box Truck with Ambulance package. Now do not ask me what the package is, the only thing that was left of it, was the Vents and windows. The truck does need some work, that I am slowly getting around too. It does drive nice, gets better fuel mileage than my older Astros did, and rode nicer as well. It is a little loud when you drive, so will be putting in some more sound proofing in the cab.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The back is now separated into the front being the living area, and the back 1/3 is a workshop and storage area. Soon to house my genset, with a rubber mat to sit on, a muffler to make it quieter and to run the exhaust out the bottom. Air intake is by way of the non sealed rear roll up doors, way lots of air let me tell you.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>I use the back as a shower area as well in the summer and in the winter, I make do in the front area, or just go to the gym. For the shower I use tap water that I get from the local gas station, very nice attendant lets me fill up a 7 gallon plastic pail. I then put some water, about a gallon into a pump up sprayer. Get in a plastic tub, pull the plastic sheet around me and use the spray pump as shower head. I use less than a Gallon normally, sometimes as little as 2 ltrs and come out smelling nice and fresh. Just ask my Dog, whom by the way needs a bath herself, thanks for reminding me. The grey water is emptied into a depression/hole in the ground and covered up. Dishes are cleaned using two hand held sprayers from the Dollar Store. One with soap already in it, I use Dove as it is more Eco friendly. By using the hand held sprayers, I save so much water it is great. You haul water in plastic totes or pails, you conserve water. The Gray water is disposed of the same way. For number 2 dodo, I use a porta potty and use kitty litter, waste is disposed of a few times a week. This way I do not have to worry about dumping and in the winter kitty litter does not freeze. This also does not use water, so saving water is great for me, in all aspects of living here. If it was permanent and not stealth I would utilize the rain water, which is very pure after the first 2 minutes of raining. (yes, lots of research and data to support it, also used my water tester to verify)</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>By next fall I plan to only have the Truck-camper, utility trailer and the work Van, although I might eliminate the work van, if I can get this one fully up to snuff.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Well that is about all for now,</div><div>Cheers</div>
 
For heating right now I use a Reddy Mr. Big Buddy Heater, I do not completely like it and might buy one from a company in the US. That one claims to go 7-9 days on a 20 lb tank. Right now the Big Buddy is going through a 20 lb tank every 3.5-3 days.&nbsp;
 
<FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000 size=3>Nice insights that you have provided WR - I never thought about spray bottles for dishes, thank you!&nbsp; </FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000 size=3>By the looks of your photo, I can see why you'd need five layers of carpeting...brrr tootsies!&nbsp; </FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000 size=3>Keep us updated on how things progress for ya.</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000 size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000 size=3>~SE</FONT><br>
 
The ceiling is insulated with&nbsp;Durofoam, this is&nbsp;shiny&nbsp;one side and plastic the other, dense foam sheet insulation. The&nbsp;recommendations&nbsp;are for ceilings and basement floors.&nbsp;<div>Here you can see the 3 different ceiling views I had, before regular fiberglass, clear panel, Durofoam covering one of the panels insulated.<br><div><img src="http://wildernessreturn.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/dsci0100b.jpg"></div><div><div><br></div><div>Here you can see the difference in the outside and clear panel temps to the covered area, with only a sunshade blocking the heat out.</div><div><img src="http://wildernessreturn.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/dsci0085b.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>Durofoam makes a big difference, the Temperature difference, from 135 deg Fahrenheit down to 94 deg Fahrenheit.&nbsp;</div><div><img src="http://wildernessreturn.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/dsci0090b.jpg"></div><div><br></div><div>In two spots I had to use&nbsp;Refletix&nbsp;insulation, although rated similar in R value, there is a huge difference in the actual heat retaining and warmth feeling of the material. On a cold day, read minus -10-15 deg&nbsp;Celsius, the Durofoam still feels warm the&nbsp;Refletix&nbsp;is cold. All the joints, or as much as possible are covered using metal tape, the type for covering duct work. This tape is half the price of the&nbsp;Refletix&nbsp;tape, although shows the same information.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Thinking more of the floor, I would tare it down to the bare wood, cover with a sheet of the Durofoam, then cover that with plywood. Next layer would be the basement rated underpad. Next step would be followed by the use of throw rugs large enough to be laid over the entire floor and cut to size. I would go 2 layers and look for wool or wool blends. The rugs are much more durable and dense in comparison to the regular floor carpet. Especially builders carpet as they use the cheapest and&nbsp;thinnest&nbsp;stuff on the market.&nbsp;</div></div></div>
 
Canada eh, I was born and raised in Ontario. I moved to bc in the mid 70's, I worked in different mining camps. I stayed in bunkhouses for about 10 years. I think thats how l got used to small spaces. The rooms were 10 ×6 ft. But you got used to it. I also spent a few years in the yukon. Eventually I want to go back up to the yukon to live. But now its booming, and everything is over priced.
 
Good deal. I am always looking at ways of improving the bus. I have plans and the lumber to pull my bed out, cut 6" off the length, and add 5 1/2" to the width, allowing me to use a standard twin matress. I'll still be able to fold it to the wall when necessary for cargo, and it will eliminate needing to pump up an air mattress every time and pinhole leaks as well.
Keep us posted!
 
i'm also from Canada, ......hey wildernessreturn, you bought that Durafoam in sheets?? i'm in the process in insulating my little van, and i've learned &nbsp;on the internet that it was good for humide places, &nbsp;can i ask you where you bought it, and how much did it cost for a sheet?...thank you very much
 
Hi, when I bought Styrofoam, I asked for damaged ones, then the first thing I did was cut them in half, so 4'x 2'. Much easier to handle. The damaged ones I used for the smallest pieces. I paid 3.00 a sheet, 2'×8'. Kent hardware in the maritimes. Oh..1inch. Canada too.
 
&nbsp;it has to be flexible, i thought about fiberglass but it tends to pick up humidity, btw its a little 1966 a-100 Dodge van, so there's some curves, its narrower at the top, will have to post some way to post picts.......freemind46
 
Hey,<div>do not use styrofoam, it is toxic if heated up. The Durofoam 4x8 sheets come in two sized 1" and 2" - 2" was only $13 a sheet</div><div>I used the 2", it is warmer than reflectix. I fixed it to the fiberglass using PL9000, best stuff I have used so far, it is for indoors or outdoors and is waterproof as well.</div><div><br></div><div>This stuff curves fairly good as well, glue the plastic side to the fiberglass and the shiny side to you. If there is a curved area that is tight, why not cut the back side halfway, give it 2 or more cuts then the Durofoam will bend even easier.</div><div><br></div><div>Home Depot, carries it, Rona Carries it.</div>
 
thanks alot wildernessreturn, i think you did solve &nbsp;my insulation problem, will go this week....will keep you posted....freemind46
 
hey wildernessreturn, is your Durafoam is in a roll, or is it a ridgid panel, i've cheque at home depot here(in the east) its only in ridgid panels, and the price around here is 19.99 for a panel,....thanks &nbsp;freremind46...(.btw i've lived in Fort Mcmurray for a year, but could'nt stay ,very pricey housing/renting, but i loved it)
 
They are in 4x8 panels, the price may have gone up this month as everything else has gone up. Even last month they were only $13, that probably fluctuates per store, if you can, shop around.<div><br></div><div>Make sure you seal the panels together using the metal tape. Check the general heating section, the price was better there and a long roll to boot.</div>
 
WR, ive been looking up the hazards of styrofoam, all I can find so far is to not heat it in a microwave? ??
 
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; COLOR: #000000; OVERFLOW: hidden; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; TEXT-DECORATION: none"><LI class=section itxtNodeId="2" itxtHarvested="0"><H2 class="header Heading3" itxtNodeId="8" itxtHarvested="0">Benzene Gas</H2><UL itxtNodeId="7" itxtHarvested="0"><LI class=step itxtNodeId="9" itxtHarvested="0"><DIV class=stepMeat itxtNodeId="10" itxtHarvested="0"><DIV itemprop="step" itxtNodeId="11" itxtHarvested="0"><P itxtNodeId="12" itxtHarvested="0">Benzene, a highly carcinogenic substance, is the prime ingredient in styrofoam. Benzene gas is released by burning styrofoam.</P></DIV></DIV></LI></UL><H2 class="header Heading3" itxtNodeId="6" itxtHarvested="0">Styrene Gas</H2><UL itxtNodeId="5" itxtHarvested="0"><LI class=step itxtNodeId="13" itxtHarvested="0"><DIV class=stepMeat itxtNodeId="14" itxtHarvested="0"><DIV itemprop="step" itxtNodeId="15" itxtHarvested="0"><P itxtNodeId="16" itxtHarvested="0">Burning polystyrene foam releases toxic styrene gas, which is readily absorbed through the skin, respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract and can cause deep unconsciousness and death. Also, the vapor can damage the eyes and mucous membranes.</P></DIV></DIV></LI></UL><H2 class="header Heading3" itxtNodeId="4" itxtHarvested="0">Toxic Soot</H2><UL itxtNodeId="3" itxtHarvested="0"><LI class=step itxtNodeId="17" itxtHarvested="0"><DIV class=stepMeat itxtNodeId="18" itxtHarvested="0"><DIV itemprop="step" itxtNodeId="19" itxtHarvested="0"><P itxtNodeId="20" itxtHarvested="0">Styrene gas releases a great deal of soot when polystyrene foam is burned. The soot is dangerous to the respiratory system when inhaled.</P></DIV></DIV></LI></UL></LI><BR><BR>Read more: <A style="COLOR: #003399" href="http://www.ehow.com/facts_7591737_happens-styrofoam-burned.html#ixzz1mAejbLMQ" target=_blank>What Happens if Styrofoam Is Burned? | eHow.com</A> <A style="COLOR: #003399" href="http://www.ehow.com/facts_7591737_happens-styrofoam-burned.html#ixzz1mAejbLMQ" target=_blank>http://www.ehow.com/facts_7591737_happens-styrofoam-burned.html#ixzz1mAejbLMQ</A></DIV>
 
Your right, burning most things are bad. A friend just insulated his shed with Styrofoam, that gets 200 degrees in the summer. I will mention it to him. Most motorhome's use styrofoam, they call it polyethylene, or something. The roof gets very hot. Reading a couple articles it says the food is cancerous, from heating above 212 degrees in the microwave. That is heating it in a styrofoam dish
 
<font face="Arial">I don't have insulation in my truck cap, except on the side walls I use relex on the side walls so when I lean against it at night I don't feel the cold. With front windows and 2 back doors it is&nbsp;virtually&nbsp;impossible&nbsp;to insulate properly.&nbsp;Here in the Great White North most sportsmen have camped out in tents during the winter. A source of heat and an&nbsp;Arctic&nbsp;sleeping bag is the&nbsp;ticket. I run my propane heater. Lots of&nbsp;ventilation to keep the&nbsp;heater&nbsp;fumes from killing me. I have a12volt 8" computer fan near the ceiling to circulate the heat. Keeps the condensation down to a low roar. As long as I don't see my breath (much) I'm OK. I'll post a pic of the fan when I can find it.</font>
 
The Styrofaom also off gasses, they do not talk very much about that though. If I only lived in my Box truck sometimes, I would not insulate it this way either. As it is my full time home, it is a little different story. I also use a computer fan to circulate the air, I am now experimenting with using the fan from the computer box, it is 12v, can run directly from the low wattage solar panel directly as well.
 
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