Methuselah Remodel

[max+sophia]

<A HREF= "">What is the world's most advanced off-grid tiny house?"</A>

<H>This man wanted to be an astronaut, so he bought land in the desert, and built a tiny house that looks (to me) like a construction trailer.</H>

He covers everything anyone would need for sustainability.  Fantastic views, interesting man.

 

[max+sophia]

<A HREF="https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/we...il&utm_term=0_ec9b585930-6a26c3f52b-110442301">weBoost EQO Plug-n-Play Cell Phone Signal Booster - 473120</A>
Wilson Antenna replacement is 100 dollars cheaper, but requires an outside antenna, which the 473120 did not require.  Wonder what happened, impossible to work w/o exterior antenna?

Is anyone familiar with the weboost line?

 

[max+sophia]

In answer to GrammyTina who asked if she should trade her trashed camper in for a van.

Tina, I originally thought of towing a small camper with my Ford Escape, but it has a very low towing rate.  Then I found Methuselah.  He has everything except a shower, which I'm working on.  I was going to trade the Escape (named RUDY)  in, but was offered a VERY low amount, and also thought I needed a backup vehicle until Methuselah proved himself.

I think I need a simpler name of the old guy, that's 4 syllables, way beyond what my brain likes to deal with.  :idea: So I have a two syllable name I may use eventually, STRIDER.  It's from JRR Tolkien's work.

Anyway, I like the idea of being able to scoot if something comes up, and not have to get out to reach my tow vehicle.  As a woman alone, you may want to think about that.


<a href="https://koa.com/blog/7-koa-campgrounds-that-host-karaoke-nights/">KOA offers Karaoke</a>

 

[max+sophia]

Can you lose weight while prepping for the road?  Yes, I did,

First I'd like to thank Campervan Kevin for showing how to fold/roll a burrito.. His appetite will not help lose weight. :s   However, using tacos instead of bread, saves mucho calories.


So, I've been buying compact, MRE type foods in preparation for being on the road.  Most of the items I split into 2 or more meals since the spices and bold flavors are satisfying.  Also, I may combine the packets with things like potatoes or rice.  I also keep on hand protein bars.  I find I don't even need 1/2 bar for breakfast or snack.The Chili usually provides 3 meals, with other things.

 

[max+sophia]

Hopefully it's possible to move the spare tire below the window line.  Not an important issue unless I leave the back area totally open.

Note the driver's side rear door is not insulated.  One plan is to leave a small space behind the bed, and have a thermal break.  I would like a LARGE window wall with small panes, double glass, and hang curtains to pull to each side. It would give a cozy appearance to the bed area and insulate against the rear doors at the same time.  A strip of LED lights could illuminate the window from behind.  The glass would be frosted.

The space inside the rear doors  could be used for house batteries and gizmos, tools etc.

 

[highdesertranger]

that is odd that the tire is mounted so high. highdesertranger

 

[max+sophia]

I wasn't able to edit the last post, I took too long finding a photo.

I've rethought the frosted glass idea, and figger clear would be good when the rear doors are open to a view and I don;t want to open the windows..  Also it would be a pair of windows that can be opened for ventilation and escape

The set would be slightly boxed to give an area for drinks, snacks books.  Perhaps shelving on each side for books etc., which would barely be visible from the forward living area.

 

[max+sophia]

I guess it would be best to leave the toilet with black tank underneath, as it is.  I could put a louvered bar-room style door to the height needed, with hinges that lock open.  When opened for bathroom use, the door would act as a privacy door toward the living area.  Perhaps a door-frame latch would be good.

A cabinet could be built above, up to the ceiling.  A good place for toiletries, towels, washcloths, linens.

 

[max+sophia]

I buy most of Sophie's stuff at <a href="https://www.chewy.com/?msclkid=edf0...hewy.com&utm_term=chewy&utm_content=Chewy.com">Chewy.com</a>


Her food is grain free. they have healthy snacks, litter, halters and all, plus they deliver to my door.  On the road, special arrangements would need to be made.  However, a 5 pound dog doesn't go through food very fast. :heart:

 

[max+sophia]

New idea for privacy in the toilet nook.  Build a full height door, with storage shelves on the inside.  That would make a huge amount of storage, and not intrude that far into the "hallway". Build shelves above the toilet.  Possibly still use lock-open hinges, not sure. Extra bonus, attach a full length mirror on the outside of the door.

I need information on the best way to insulate PERMANENTLY, all the windows in the overhead bed area. This area will be closed off with a large door for storage access.  I plan to remove the unneeded sliding plywood panel.

 

[max+sophia]

The spare placement looks terrible.  Since I won't be changing tires myself, (I'll have road service), I'd like to either mount it under the van or on the roof.  Which do you think is the best? 

I saw a video interview Bob did with a man who mounted underneath.  I need to find that again, to note the hardware he used.

I'm thinking a rack for gasoline containers on the door where the spare is now.

Does anyone have an idea what the swath of chalky white is on the rear driver's side?

 

[Cammalu]

I don’t have the answers to your question but I noticed your tire isn’t covered. You might want to get a cover for it and protect it from the rays.

 

[max+sophia]

[quote='Cammalu wrote "]
get a cover for it and protect it (tire) from the rays.
[/quote]
Thanks Cammalu, I shall do so,   TY for answering my posts. I have many lookers, but few replies.

Next problem is discovering if there will be enough leftover space behind the bed, to put my washing machine there. If so, I can go to a park for a day, have water and sewage hookups, and do laundry.  My machine pictured, does 13 pounds. 

The rear pic shows how low the gravity drain is.  Using it here, with unlimited electricity, I wished I had bought one with a pump to drain.  However in the van the gravity drain will save a lot of electric use. 

Can anyone tell me if it's possible to run it on a solar/battery system, and what size system would I need.  Not incidentally, the main reason for the van is to install a solar system large enough to run the house boiler system during a power outage.

I'm trying to find a site that would give the specs on Methuselah.  Size black tank, etc. (1987 Ford Explorer 250 Discoverer)

 

[closeanuf]

I believe the reason your spare tire is so high is because if it were lower it would cover your license plate.  That tire would be VERY heavy to lift up to the top, and under you have a gas tank and black or gray tank to deal with.

 

[max+sophia]

I believe the reason your spare tire is so high is because if it were lower it would cover your license plate.  That tire would be VERY heavy to lift up to the top, and under you have a gas tank and black or gray tank to deal with.

I agree, lifting from up top would not be welcome, even by "roadside assistance" help.  My black water tank is well forward, and as shown in the photo, it's inside.  So when and if I find Bob Wells' video interview showing an underbelly tire mechanism, I'll post it.  I believe I've seen license plates affixed to spare tires.  I just think I could use the door for exterior racks.

I haven't brought the van home yet, as I need a few hundred dollars more... I'm paying cash.  It's been on the RV dealer's lot for a while, and lookers, but no takers.  Perhaps because of the missing shore power door, where a jumble of various color electric wires is visible. :idea:

I haven't put a hold on it, because if I'm meant to have it, it will work out.  I just can't stop inventing changes and deco ideas.  The pre-work will serve me well when and if I do bring him home.  Thanks for your input closenuf!!!

 

[max+sophia]

Research is so rewarding.  I just came across a video for a <a href="">Washing Wand</a>, primitive tool for washing clothes.  I'm thinking it wouldn't be much more involved than the double tub washer above.  The minimal physical effort would be a good morning workout, and if (when) we're hit with an EMP catastrophe, I'd be all set.

Having an extractor would still be helpful, but a small one would do, with a much smaller footprint than my current machine.  I would have to see how many amps the small extractor would need.  Besides, I can't lift my current machine, which is not good.

I just thought of the ideal place to dry the laundry.  In fair weather, open both back doors, and place a rack between them.  A rack could be constructed to size using dowels, if no available rack can be found.

 

[max+sophia]

Just pondering, wondering if anyone who has or is building their rig from scratch, built in <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2017/11/01/what-is-an-emp-attack-and-how-to-prepare-for-one-7045513/">EMP protection</a> using <a href="http://www.faradaydefense.com/20-shielding-material">Shielding Material</a>.  In other words, turning their entire rig into a <a href="https://science.howstuffworks.com/faraday-cage.htm">Faraday Cage</a>.


I wish <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Faraday">Michael Faraday</a> was alive so I could ask him what effect using magnetic paint on walls might have on reception,elc.

 

[max+sophia]

Well, I got a tiny taste of what it will be like when the US power grid goes down permanently.  The power was off for 7 hours. 

Had a cold lunch, no problem, then Sophia and I went out to Ruby (2005 Escape) to use the cell booster I have there. I received the automatic notification from the power company, and they said power would be restored by 4pm.  Power came on for 5 minutes around when they said, then went right back off.

I waited an hour, then back out to Ruby for an electric update.  The message said power would be restored by 7:30 pm.  As you can see, it came back earlier.  Still was 7 hours down.

Just before it came back, I cooked the meat from the fridge on the gas stove in the pantry so it wouldn't spoil.  The gas stove is one of the things we did during the Y2K warning to be sure we could cook, etc. Gas logs in the fireplace was another emergency fix.

Boy do I hope I have a rig ready before winter.  If the power goes down then, Sophia and I will head south, and leave the tenant to deal with the house. He's a self-sufficient prepper, cuts wood  buys survival food, so I'm sure he could fire up the wood/coal furnace as the oil requires electric.  Of course the heat would circulate by gravity, which works here.

Cheerio!

 

[ChezCheese:-)]

If you live in rural areas, power outages are common. Worst one we had was when there was a big windstorm in the Pacific Northwest. Our power was out for 12 and a half days. 2-4 days happens pretty much yearly. 36 hour outages happen randomly a few times a year. 7 hours ain't nothin'.

 

[max+sophia]

If you live in rural areas, power outages are common. Worst one we had was when there was a big windstorm in the Pacific Northwest

Hi Chez... is that pronounced Shez or Shay?

PNW is a pretty volatile weather area, no?  Actually Oregon seems very similar to our area in the NE near Syracuse NY.  Big difference is the vegetation 

Daughter and I took a Amtrak trip from Syr to Baker City Oregon, and loved every minute of it.  We were visiting a penpal of hers. So much fun watching the world go by from a private cabin, and having a one-eyed man deliver meals when you don;t want to go to the dining car.  Reminds me, I need to look at the video we took on that trip.

Thanks for the chat Chez.

Good spot to add a pic of my Sophia when she was a baby, at barely 2 pounds. She's 5# now, full grown.