Finally got my van

[QinReno]

The Fuso youtubers are obviously living in a different world. We know SBunny will be more reasonable in price. When I was at Quartzsite last Feb, I went to a 'renowned' restaurant and some people had a huge semi type diesel with what looked like living quarters, so I asked and they said "That's where we keep our toys". Looked something like this without the trailer on back. They probably had an 80' long 5th wheel back at the park.
http://www.drs32.com/Images/Ultimate Toy Hauler.jpg

 

[LivGolden]

Good grief, Q! The cost of gasoline alone would break the Bank!

 

[QinReno]

The way the woman said: "That's where we keep our toys" left no doubt about financial considerations. You could hear the rest of the unsaid thought being: "You should see our house!".

 

[LivGolden]

 

[HalfShadows]

We met two Unimogs in the desert. The folks were from Germany and Belgium. One of the men said it cost about $10,000 to have them shipped over for their trip. Amazing!

1/2 - congratulations on your Van. Are you able to post a photo?

I truly wish i could, I am computer illiterate, social media constraints wise. I have maintained privacy for a long time, mainly due to the nature of my past job. Could not tell my wife where I was going until I returned from the mission. And that was only if it came to a conclusion or in public domain. I was hesitant to post on this forum. I detest social media like face book. I am more of a person to person type. I would post pic's on here but lack the skill. OOOPs! sorry i went on a rant. Short answer Liv, No. I think it is evident I like this outlet. Maybe I am making Snow Bunny more than what she is. But I have an attachment to Snow Bunny, she will be part of me.

 

[HalfShadows]

Ohh just got done installing cruise control. Test drive good  Now back to trimming insulation.

 

[QinReno]

... detest social media like face book.

We can all imagine the build in our minds. Stay in the half-shadows.

I've been avoiding posting pictures of my own "non" conversion, mainly because it's such a boring no account whatsit. So I just make up stories about packrats and other things seen on the road. The one thing I am anticipating "unhappily" about AZ this winter is that just about everyone anymore is sticking a video cam in your face, and posting videos to youtube. I watch a couple of channels for entertainment, and in one video there were 3 people simultaneously recording each other, and all of them mugging for the camera. Some are professional muggers. LOL.

 

[HalfShadows]

Q. I am a Grey Man, been one for along time. But not the spiritual kind you refer to.  Was one for many years. The muggers may see Snow Bunny, But if I am A few feet from her with other people, they will just dart there eyes pass me. Unless they spot my cowboy butt- Just Kidding

 

[HalfShadows]

We can all imagine the build in our minds. Stay in the half-shadows.

I've been avoiding posting pictures of my own "non" conversion, mainly because it's such a boring no account whatsit. So I just make up stories about packrats and other things seen on the road. The one thing I am anticipating "unhappily" about AZ this winter is that just about everyone anymore is sticking a video cam in your face, and posting videos to youtube. I watch a couple of channels for entertainment, and in one video there were 3 people simultaneously recording each other, and all of them mugging for the camera. Some are professional muggers. LOL.

Q. Is there anyplace to park away from those cameras at the RTR. Camera free Zone? Can i Put up stanchions with sign saying You Tube Free Zone?

 

[HalfShadows]

Just remember I am not a interior designer. I go with function over form. I did however order decals for Snow bunny's exterior. One is the killer rabbit from Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail. Crude drawing of rabbit with sharp teeth, and underneath it Says RUN AWAY! Had to put something Macho on it. 2 other decals actually say Snow Bunny in a nice font with one nice Snowflake.  And another one is a Bunny Standing in front of a blank wall It's ears and arms are making a shadow puppet on the wall of a human hand. Sticking that one on the driver side of the cabin for passing vehicles to amuse themselves with.

 

[HalfShadows]

Went to town to get a part today. Stopped to have fish and and chips. Wonder what i should make at home tonight? Can you tell I am avoiding going into Snow Bunny to trim insulation. I hate mind numbing tasks. Maybe I will put the Black Keys on Pandora really like that station, keep the mind from crashing.

 

[QinReno]

Q. I am a Grey Man, been one for along time. But not the spiritual kind you refer to.  Was one for many years. The muggers may see Snow Bunny, 

Liv and I probably have different ideas of what type of Grey Man you are, 1/2. I was not thinking the spiritual type, especially after I noticed the Beast signature, LOL. 

I have a feeling that you will be a "big" draw for video cams, however. Everyone will want to see the inside of SBunny. And more so because of the decals. So, be ready, my friend. You may end up as the center of attraction. 

What I have is a completely plain white van, without even solar on top or a fan in the roof. And I have a wide-brimmed hiking type hat, so I can point my head down whenever I see a vid-cam, as I turn on the opposite direction.

 

[QinReno]

Went to town to get a part today. Stopped to have fish and and chips. Wonder what i should make at home tonight? Can you tell I am avoiding going into Snow Bunny to trim insulation. I hate mind numbing tasks. Maybe I will put the Black Keys on Pandora really like that station, keep the mind from crashing.

That's one of the reasons I mentioned shakedown trips the other day. I've spent some time figuring out how to cook on the road, especially as I only use a small ice cooler, rather than a frig. I do pure minimalism. IE, what type of cooking gear to bring, food to buy, &etc. Of course, you can figure that all out on the road too over time. 

I don't actually cook in the van, as I don't want it smelling of food for when I go to grizzly country. If I were going to have a real kitchen, I would definitely install a good venting hood over the stove. Not many people seem to do that.

FWIW, one of the things I picked up recently as a result of another thread is an egg steamer. Makes it trivial to cook eggs how you want them and with no clean up mess. Really cool. 2 eggs or 12, has a calibrated measuring cup for water. 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BKPBSFL

 

[HalfShadows]

Your awesome Q, I respect your minimalism. I also respect your knowledge of the road. I liked the egg cooker MMM deviled eggs, But then I saw all those steamed veggies, what no Bacon? I have never steamed bacon wonder if it is any good. I eat big meals I am not a snacker, or grazer. For the past 6 months I have been just eating once a day. I lost a lot of weight and i was not fat to begin with. Slowly gaining it back. Need to be the Beast again. Maybe I should skip the RTR. I do not like crowds- I just pass through them to get to where I am going. I am just decorating Snow Bunny for the kids when I see them, makes me happy when they are happy. Ohh by the way does your van have a name?

 

[QinReno]

I doubt that steamed bacon would be very good. And it's my last choice too, as the smell would bring the grizzlies from miles around. But for a big meal, you could do 6 eggs at a time, soft to medium to hard boil-cooked in 9-minutes, LOL. 

However, on that same other thread people were talking about food dryers, which would allow you to do all sorts of jerky and vegetables.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=food+dehydrator

I am just decorating Snow Bunny for the kids 

To tell you how naive I was, I didn't even know the reputation about plain white cargo vans when I bought mine, but anymore avoid parking near any playgrounds or schools. Just calling it the Metal Tent in public, since it's one level above camping out. No soggy tents to put up after a rain. Otherwise, life outside.

You can probably come to RTR, just park on the perimeters. Put up a sign saying "No Cameras Please".

 

[HalfShadows]

I doubt that steamed bacon would be very good. And it's my last choice too, as the smell would bring the grizzlies from miles around. But for a big meal, you could do 6 eggs at a time, soft to medium to hard boil-cooked in 9-minutes, LOL. 

However, on that same other thread people were talking about food dryers, which would allow you to do all sorts of jerky and vegetables.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=food+dehydrator
To tell you how naive I was, I didn't even know the reputation about plain white cargo vans when I bought mine, but anymore avoid parking near any playgrounds or schools. Just calling it the Metal Tent in public, since it's one level above camping out. No soggy tents to put up after a rain. Otherwise, life outside.

You can probably come to RTR, just park on the perimeters. Put up a sign saying "No Cameras Please".

HMM you have a point there about the white van. Never crossed my mind. Maybe i will SH Can the decals cept the Killer Rabbit.

 

[QinReno]

HMM you have a point there about the white van. Never crossed my mind. Maybe i will SH Can the decals cept the Killer Rabbit.

You don't want parents thinking you're trying to Pied Piper Rabbit their kids away. 

I'm an old man but there is a 20-something gal lives downstairs who was basically friendly towards me for 2-years (purely friendly way, no implications). After I bought the van, she immediately told me about their reputation, eg people apparently cruise the Walmart parking lots at night, and she literally wouldn't talk to me for 6-months after that. Then, her sister came to visit a few months ago, and I met her briefly out front. Then, 2-weeks ago, the sister showed up again as I was getting out of the van, and the first thing she says is: "Abducted any little school girls lately?". Such is my lot in life. And here, I wouldn't harm a bug, mosquitos excepted.

Be careful out there! LOL.

EDIT: At RTR, put up a sign saying "No Cameras Please. No Video Interviews Given".

 

[HalfShadows]

Got my disco beds today. They are heavy duty. The main attribute I was looking for was not having center legs like most cots. It fits over the wheel well enclosure nicely. It is very versatile and sets up in a snap.

 

[QinReno]

Something that might be of use to think about. I find my van has too many blind spots to make me comfortable. I've had a blind spot camera on it for a year now, but am adding a rear-view camera now. Driving on the freeway is a chore in cities. Especially in California, you can be driving 80-MPH, and the idiots will be passing you on both sides at 100-MPH. By time you check your mirrors, some fool has come out of nowheres and is passing you on the right. Am using "back-up cameras" as sold on amazon and ebay.

 

[HalfShadows]

Snow Bunny is Pretty much spartan on accessories. It does have dual mirrors and a back up camera. Would have to rewire it from the brake light so I have full rear camera view. Got the A/C mini split today as well. thinking about installing it when I go south. It was dry today but more rain coming. My garage entry is to low for the Snow Bunny to clear.