Gathering free, reclaimed items BEFORE you get your van.

[Jack]

I'm at that point between having chosen the van life and actually getting a van to rebuild and live in.  I got the message loud and clear to "Do Not Buy Anything!"  (Van related or not!)

But, I want your opinions as to the types of things that I can start gathering along the lines of FREE and RECLAIMED items that may come in handy for building my van when I do get it.  Things that, even if I don't use them, I can give to someone else.  

I see this as a way of possibly saving some money!  So, what kind of things should I be on the lookout for?  Basically, I have nothing.  (I can post pictures of things I do find to see if folks think it's worth hanging on to.)

 

[AMGS3]

I've found really large (3'×8') scraps of plywood by asking workers on construction sites if I can raid the construction dumpster while they are on a break. As long as I'm not being a pest I have pretty good luck with this.

Also, it's a good way to get a five gallon bucket or two. I'd just use these buckets for a luggable loo or for tool storage, NOT for storing anything edible. You do have to clean the buckets, but usually it works out well.

I've used carpet samples and scraps before to carpet a small off grid hunting cabin. You can sometimes pick up a 'book' of these at a flooring or home improvement store (if they are getting rid of an old book). About 6 months ago at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore I found a whole book of 10 samples (about 18"×24") for $1.50. They would've come in handy for someone, but I didn't have a use for them.

Also, now's the time to be thinking about your own skills. Maybe you have some skills you can barter for time or items from your friends or neighbors? Maybe you have things you can trade for things you'll need in your build?

~angie

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[highdesertranger]

a complete camping set will get you going immediately. camping gear can be picked up super cheap at yard sales and fairly cheap at thrift stores. highdesertranger

 

[Jack]

AMGS3
I've found really large (3'×8') scraps of plywood by asking workers on construction sites if I can raid the construction dumpster while they are on a break. As long as I'm not being a pest I have pretty good luck with this.

There's construction going on almost every single block here in Minneapolis!  Your advice could be a goldmine!  Now, if I just knew what to look for!

I've used carpet samples and scraps before to carpet a small off grid hunting cabin. You can sometimes pick up a 'book' of these at a flooring or home improvement store (if they are getting rid of an old book). About 6 months ago at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore I found a whole book of 10 samples (about 18"×24") for $1.50. They would've come in handy for someone, but I didn't have a use for them.

I'm a fan of carpeting, but I can't imagine it being good in a van when it comes to cleaning.  It would also be an odor absorber.  That said, I've already collected a GREAT bit of brand new carpet that was scrapped as well as a GREAT new runner with a rubber back!  Not sure if I'll use them but they're definitely worth hanging onto!

Also, now's the time to be thinking about your own skills. Maybe you have some skills you can barter for time or items from your friends or neighbors? Maybe you have things you can trade for things you'll need in your build?

You're right, of course.  I struggle with this because 1) I have no family whatsoever and 2) I've lived like a hermit for so many years that I don't know but two or three people anymore.  (And one of them is 93 years old!)  That aside, I'm stubbornly determined!

 

[Jack]

a complete camping set will get you going immediately.  camping gear can be picked up super cheap at yard sales and fairly cheap at thrift stores.  highdesertranger

I've got the camping stuff on my list of things to keep an eye out for.

 

[Jack]

QUESTION:  I'd like to know what alternative building materials (other than wood) there are that I can use to build my van (walls, ceiling, floor) so I can keep an eye out for those materials, too.  I love wood but I want to keep the weight down as much as possible.  I'm not ruling wood out but I'd like to know what other options there are.  I'm not a fan of metal though.  Too cold in winter and too hot in summer!  And naturally, it has to be good with humidity/condensation.

 

[AMGS3]

I've seen some RV remodels using 'textured plastic shower panels'. They are loads lighter than plywood. However, as I recall the owner of one said they were a bit more expensive than using wood. This, of course, would depend on the price of the panels for you and the price of the wood. I have no experience with using this material personally. I don't know how it holds up long term. She said that the installation went much quicker after she learned to predrill the holes for screwing it in place and a few quick tips for silicone sealing the panels. Again, I do not know if this is an absolutely necessary step, because this is just secondhand knowledge. She also said that using this was great for wiping up splatters from cooking as it's very easy to clean. Maybe start by just googling that phrase.

~angie

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[Jack]

I've seen some RV remodels using 'textured plastic shower panels'. They are loads lighter than plywood. However, as I recall the owner of one said they were a bit more expensive than using wood. 
~angie

As the caretaker of an apartment complex in the middle of remodeling apartments as they become available, I can confirm how expensive they are.  That doesn't mean I couldn't use one is a section of the van though!  I'll be searching for images.  The one thing I don't like about them, however, is that they tend to turn a kind of yellow that doesn't go away and get scratched up from people trying to clean it.  (If I'm right in thinking that you're talking about shower surrounds, just in panel form.

The good thing about being caretaker during remodeling is all the things I've been able to gather already (all new) that were being tossed out or went unclaimed!

 

[highdesertranger]

I think he is referring to FRP(fiber Reinforced Plastic). and yes that is what is used for shower walls. highdesertranger

 

[Jack]

I think he is referring to FRP(fiber Reinforced Plastic).  and yes that is what is used for shower walls.  highdesertranger

Wikipedia gets too technical in their jargon to understand so I looked it up elsewhere.  If anyone is interested in a bullet-point list of pros and cons, it doesn't get any better than this.  I'm especially liking points #6 (Corrosion, Rot, and Insect Resistance) and #10 (Thermal Properties).

 

[highdesertranger]

when cutting with saws treat it like fiberglass. breathing mask, long pants and sleeves. the stuff is nasty to work with. highdesertranger