First planning an emergency vehicle

[Trinky]

Hello to all of you wonderful people and thank you for your inspirational stories. I really enjoy watching and listening to Bob and his interviews and informational videos on YouTube. I just traded in my Hyndai Elantra for a 2016 Ford Transit Connect after studying my options for some time. I'm planning to make it into an emergency escape vehicle and still use it as my get around everyday car. Last year I had to evacuate from the fires and spent five days in a hotel room in SF with my cat. Now I have a dog too and with the virus, etc. I think I would be happier and safer in a van. I look forward to learning more and hopefully chatting with some of you as I continue to learn.

I also just read an article that I wanted to send to Bob but don't know how to do that. Maybe you will find it interesting too and pass it along if you know how to. It is in Pocket-lint, titled "Future batteries, coming soon: Charge in seconds, last months and  power over the air." I had just watched his discussion of Lifepo4 lithium batteries and stumbled on it. See ya!

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums  

Let me mention the top link below.  Van Conversion.   There is a link A Bug-Out Car
that you may want to take a look at.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Trinky to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

highdesertranger

 

[Trinky]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums  

Let me mention the top link below.  Van Conversion.   There is a link A Bug-Out Car
that you may want to take a look at.

Thank you so much and I appreciate your taking the time to respond. I especially like all the links so full of useful information.  I hope you are staying safe and enjoying yourself as best you can. This forum seems like a good place and you have made me feel welcome.

 

[Trinky]

Welcome Trinky to the CRVL forums!  To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started. 

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

highdesertranger

Hi there. Thank you for the great information. I know it will be very helpful as I learn my way around. I already feel the sense of community you all cultivate here and appreciate it all the more in this time of social distancing. I love your handle high desert ranger but doubt the stupid moderator! Must be a joke in there somewhere.. .Thanks again.

 

[crofter]

Why are you calling your rig an emergency vehicle? Is it based on a recycled ambulance? I have heard they have lots of space but low gas mileage. 
-crofter

 

[travelaround]

This must be about the van-sized version of a bug-out bag. Good idea.

 

[crofter]

I disagree with the bug out mindset. More important to live your life day by day and not put off living until later. What is there about your current life that is not sustainable? Make the course correction now so there is no need to address it later. If you get a wake up call, now is the time not later. 

That said, in the pandemic 100 years ago, relocating away from a center of population increased survival.
- crofter

 

[Trinky]

Why are you calling your rig an emergency vehicle? Is it based on a recycled ambulance? I have heard they have lots of space but low gas mileage. 
-crofter

Hi Crofter. I'm calling it an emergency vehicle because I want to outfit it for living in if we have another devastating fire season here in Northern California where I live or an earthquake or anything that means I have to leave my home. I'm still in a stick house but I hope you won't hold that against me. I had to evacuate last year and with two pets there really isn't anywhere good for me to go. I love what all of you are doing and admire your resourcefulness and  maybe most of all the sense of community you have cultivated. I'm hoping that if I outfit my rig and learn from all of you I will be able to make better decisions and even find some people to connect with through what ever comes. I hope you are well in all of this and thanks for your question.. .

 

[Qxxx]

You're doing the right thing, Trinky. The term "bug out" has become synonymous with survivalists and preppers like you see in the magazines in the grocery stores. However, being "prepared" is something we should all be doing. Keep our options open. The only thing I remember anymore from being in the boy scouts is the motto: Be Prepared.

I'm sure a lot of people who lived in Paradise CA now wish they had your foresight. Being prepared is hardly the same as digging bunkers in the woods and stock piling weapons, in the extreme.

 

[Trinky]

Thank you, Qxxx. I guess if it was meant as a criticism it was lost on me. I appreciate all the responses.  I agree about the "Be Prepared." I think it was or is the Girl Scout motto, too. I enjoy doing it and thinking how glad I will be to have it if I need it. I'd love to talk to people more but I'm just learning the ropes here and not sure how to ask or what to do...no weapons here!

 

[crofter]

.... I want to outfit it for living....

My post was not intended as a criticism, and if the above represents your goal, tinky, you are right on track where most of us were as new dwellers. And I agree with Q, "be prepared" is a motto for many. IMHO  "have fun" is a better motto, and will get you closer to your sweet spot. 

But I do have to say, you can go positive now, be guided by pleasure, get creative, and embrace the adventure. Living in a van is fun, and is the ultimate freedom for many. Let go of your old life,  plan adventures, get out of town. 

What I did:
Right now, today, took sleeping bag, some snacks and drinks, phone, and a notepad out to the driveway. Spent the day /night based out of my vehicle. Went to a favorite place and hung out. Spent some time in nature, observed plants and animals. Took a pic of the rig on first day as a dweller. During the time, wrote down things needed that I did not bring. These notes brought the rig to life on paper and started creating.

My first day as a dweller, I got caught in gridlock and was literally wedged in a hot downtown city street. I gained a new appreciation for the tree branch that shaded parts of that street, and for a time I was in community with everyone else who was stuck at that spot, listening to each others radios etc. I was pretty comfortable in my rig, with drinks and snacks and a notepad. Eventually I got out in nature, even though nature found me in the traffic jam also.
-crofter

 

[Qxxx]

There are many sections on this forum on "specific" issues, like solar, electrical, mechanical, build-outs, insulation, hygiene while living in a van, on and on, where you can look at the posts. And also ask specific questions. Plus of course, Bob Wells' many youtube videos on everything relevant. There are also some popular youtube channels by people who have been living the lifestyle for years. Incuding a lot of women who have been doing it. In a couple of months, you'll know all you need to know.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXqtk0qGeUxg3djrHoKSPng/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwaGC6GC3yS48u-D4vTcv0g/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG_GabIBd_cIU6mKckySX0g/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDM9GN-23ww-JxkFW-Dg8QA/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5LjexFk9wZEnFsXA3TOx-g/videos

 

[jacqueg]

The hard part will be determining exactly which modifications YOU need for your vehicle in order to be comfortable living in it. This will not necessarily be the same as what I need.

It will help to have a good idea of how long you will need to live in it. Some of the Paradise people were still living in old RRVs/trailers months later. In order to think about how long you might have to live in your vehicle, you need to include friends/family who might be able to offer you a place to park.

Crystal balls generally don't work, and no one can guarantee that your friends/family will be able to help you out if the time comes. But thinking this through will help you focus your efforts.

 

[Trinky]

My post was not intended as a criticism, and if the above represents your goal, tinky, you are right on track where most of us were as new dwellers.......

Sorry my last post was a bit confusing. I did not take it as a criticism just saying if it were I would have missed it because I'm so ignorant. I truly appreciate anyone who takes the time and interest to respond. I also enjoy conversations that include many different points of view. I think both you and Qxxx are only being kind and trying to help. Sometimes texting is kind of hard to impart subtleties. That's my excuse. Ha! I love that you are enjoying nature and your freedom...


. I did not take it as criticism just kind of saying if it were I would have missed it cause I know so little.

 

[Trinky]

There are many sections on this forum on "specific" issues, like solar, electrical, mechanical, build-outs, insulation, hygiene while living in a van, on and on, where you can look at the posts. And also ask specific questions. Plus of course, Bob Wells' many youtube videos on everything relevant. .......

Thank you again and I must say I have been watching Bob and many other YouTube videos for about a year. Have learned enough to know what I think I need for solar, and what I want to run, but will check everything out with whoever I find to install it. I'm sure I will make mistakes but so what else is new? Right now it's fun and exciting, and I'm enjoying the learning curve. I will check out the specific links above.

 

[Qxxx]

Solar is a special issue that takes a good deal of planning. First you need to figure out what all you want run in the van. Then what type of batteries, lithium, AGM, or lead acid. Once you have a rough idea, then start a thread in the solar/electrical section of the forum. You will get plenty of "advice". (all the boys will want to show how smart they are, lol).

Mistakes are just another name for learning curve. It's all an incremental process of taking small steps and finding out what works.