My van dwelling journey
I started with a used-high mileage fleet cargo van from a local electrical firm. Their fleet was their life blood so they kept them mechanically sound & serviced. Paid $1,000. Had a reputable mechanic thoroughly go through it, change the belts, hoses & fluids ($1,000+). Installed high mileage heavy duty tires ($500). Installed tow package/brake control ($600). Still could use a new windshield. Into it for $3,100 not counting all the unnecessary conversions to it. I didn't listen to the experts, it was too short to stand up in, being old with a bad back wasn't good. Next step found a suitable 19' self contained '98 travel trailer ($1,800) came with a sway control hitch. Now more than $5,000, had an ugly van (every door/window handle has an issue but found that a $4 vise grip solves those problems), pulling an older travel trailer. Small repairs & new mattress for the trailer set me back another $300 - total invested $5,300.
I pulled it to Utah to get a little training from my trailer-pulling son. Drove it down I-15 to Las Vegas then down 95 to Quartzsite arriving the 30th of October '17. Stayed at the first RV park I had found on the web. Low rent district, but most amenities. Crappy internet, non-drinkable water, dirt parking, dusty, hot (Oct is still summer in AZ). Upgraded to a better (a little) for $20 less than I was paying. Better wifi (a little), cable, still couldn't drink the water, everyone around me has a monstrous rig & a 1 ton dually 4x4 or is pushing a home on wheels. Price & convenience were my goal. Everyone has a little scooter/ATV to run around in. Watched yesterday as my neighbor took a bad exit from his ATV onto the ground, ya that worked! Also, question why seniors whom can't walk a straight line insist on having a big dog to pull them around?
Why not the $180 BLM land you ask, well it was my first travel trailer experience in more than 20 years wanted to learn the ropes.
Lessons learned:
I have figured out most of my workings of my small trailer.
I've learned to shower much like they do in the rest of the world. Use less than 2 gals.
I use paper plates & paper towels either burnable for now, disposable.
I've learned what a 'sewer slinky' is & how to use it.
I purchased a RhinoFlex sewer line for drainage, best according to sources.
I purchased 2 10' hoses (with water filter between them) that are designed for potable water sources, no rubbery taste, can't drink it anyway.
I've also learned what 'potable' means. I still get my drinking water from the many machines that dot Quartzsite. But hope to use my new tank.
I'm a drug store expert on the propane setup & where to get the best prices, have 2 spares.
Learned that solar power with converter is most efficient running my fridge, only use propane as an emergency. 2 battery system.
Learned how my furnace works & how to change the thermo-coupler & light the pilot light on my 5 gal water heater.
Making my bed was a pain, decided to get a sleeping bag, use my blankets under me, then use the sleeping bag as a comforter.
Keep what dish ware I've used washed immediately after use.
I use the laundry services here, close, cheaper & more convenient.
Learned to wear my clothes multiple days rather than change daily.
Learning all about solar panels & their varied uses.
Learned to open my black water drainage first then flush with the gray water drainage. Keep both lines closed, drain every other day.
Keep the trailer as orderly as possible, space is precious everything needs to be in it's place.
Overheard storage can be a head bumper, learned to close the doors when not in use.
Learned the easiest way to make coffee - French Press.
I've been practicing backing & parking my trailer, a monumental task for me.
Utilizing my sway bars for maximum safety while pulling my trailer.
How to prepare my trailer for safety & proper load for non sway action.
Learned that Parker is closer than at first thought, 35 miles with a Walmart & quite decent cafe (the Crossroads). Make a weekly trip up for supplies.
That all being said, I'm sure there are many other things I will learn as time marches on.
My goal is to get out on the BLM land with my 2 solar panels, 325 gal potable water tank, 2 extra propane bottles,,,etc for dry boon docking.
I learned that you can filter your gray water through 14 inches of sand in a self draining 5 gal bucket & have acceptable waste water to dump, no bleach.
The $40 commode I bought, not use the tiny porta potty in my cramped TT. it will be my black water waste using plastic bags, pet bedding, lime for proper disposal.
Burn all my paper products. Dump my non-burnable waste in a dumpster along the way. If I can solve this I will start boon docking in Oregon, Idaho, Nevada & Arizona full time.
