Also... yeah,
use that toilet!!! Use it
inside your van, close to home, before you need to use it while boondocking.
Take at least a
nap in the van,
cook a simple meal in it, all close to home.
Do one thing at a time, then increase the duration/complexity.
After the nap, "boondock" at a Walmart or other local place that allows "overnight RV parking" (just ask the staff whether they allow it, use that term, and emphasize it's only for one night).
After you've bought your camp stove, do your first cooking experiments in your apartment, since there's a gentle learning curve to using a camp stove.
Start with a simple meal, then gradually make more complex meals. Van cooking takes
more time, and there's a
learning curve, but if you already do "real" cooking (i.e. not 100% microwave/takeout), the learning curve is much
milder. Plus, by the time you're ready to eat, you'll probably be hungry.
It's ok to start with comfort food.
P.S. I'm the gal who had the big breakdown early this year, preceded by another major engine problem (combined cost of about six thousand dollars).
Your decision to go for
more reliable is very
wise.
Be cautious, take small steps, put
limits on yourself while you learn... and have
fun learning.
