Super minimalist van

[BigT]

@BigT:  I've seen that setup before.  Have you been toured on the Enigmatic Nomadics YouTube channel?

Sorry, I didn't see this before.  No, I'm not on YouTube.  I think the shower tube I built is on Bob's blog, though. 

 

[BigT]

I know he has a conversion thread of his own under Big T in the van section. There are cool things one might not notice in that pic such as his tiny fold=down table.

Cool?  Why thank you.    I'm pretty pleased with it myself. 

 

[Campor99]

I live out of a Jimmy SUV for 18 mos. on a camper pad and sleeping bag on one side and all my belongs on other, worked for me!
Tight but comfortable, used flatten cardboard boxes to keep cold from floor. Used Coleman single burner, still do, stove, and lantern.
No black out window. No Hassle from anyone. Now have AWD Astro, Only a Coleman Bunk and cardboard boxes for storage ans
5 gallon bucket for toilet issues. Still using stove and lantern, and a few led lights. Don"t build cabinets in van as it will prevent sale in future, if
someone wants a passenger van.

Its simple but, but good enough for me.

All the best in you search for the best solution for you.

 

[VanGrrl57]

I definitely fit the super minimalist van category. 

The only thing I've done to my '88 Astro so far is remove the back seats. I sleep on a self-inflatable camping pad with a sleeping bag and I have 4 storage bins/tubs that I use to hold my stuff. I use Reflectix on my windows for privacy. For toileting needs, I have two Luggable Loos but I can usually find a public bathroom with no problem. I'm using a regular cooler for now.

VanGrrl57 

 

[DrJean]

FYI the window tint allowed does vary from state to state, however, you only need to be legal in the state in which the vehicle is registered.

 

[LeeRevell]

FYI the window tint allowed does vary from state to state, however, you only need to be legal in the state in which the vehicle is registered.

Not entirely true. In my Navy Daze, my car was registered in Florida, but had to pass Virginia state inspection to drive on base (NorVa). They didn't allow ANYTHING on the windshield, and had many really silly restrictions. I had to get a state trooper to okay the hits the inspector gave me on steering wheel size and horn button placement, but I had to remove the sunshade strip at the top of windshield, and the side window tint.
Silly nonsense.

 

[accrete]

on "Super minimalist" pondering...

Hang several of various sized back packs from walls (I actually have one now for personal hygiene items, and one for all my personal electronics. one of each size pack for wife and I).

For bedding/furniture? If going it alone I would grab a large bean-bag. I have spent many a good long nap in those things! I believe it would work for me for full time use as a combo item. . . and spend time in the Selk'Bag lounging or sleeping.

Eating? I still prefer to cook outside the van, but would easily boil water etc for most meal prep inside on occasion. We are moving our diet away from a lot of cooking type meals and going simpler as we look forward to going full time in something smaller than our current _home on wheels_ (a 43ft toyhauler while we both still work).

 

[MrNoodly]

An entire generation of hippies and several generations of Dead Heads just tossed a mattress and duffle into a van and took off. William Least Heat Moon, author of Blue Highways, did it. Sometimes I think I might simplify back down to that.

 

[ArtW]

I've seen some use a folding cot, I know i've found some of those that were more comfy than a regular bed, at least in summer

 

[DannyB1954]

Not entirely true.  In my Navy Daze, my car was registered in Florida, but had to pass Virginia state inspection to drive on base (NorVa).  They didn't allow ANYTHING on the windshield, and had many really silly restrictions.  I had to get a state trooper to okay the hits the inspector gave me on steering wheel size and horn button placement, but I had to remove the sunshade strip at the top of windshield, and the side window tint.
Silly nonsense.

That was a Navy base requirement, not Virginia. States have what is called reciprocity. Which means you do not have to modify your vehicle when you cross state lines until you become that States resident. In my State and county there are no smog or safety checks. I can drive into a State that has both, and they can not site me for having neither.

 

[DrJean]

HUA  nearly all bases are out of the ordinary. I think they make some rules just because they can! hahaha   Not that this applies to window tinting, but rules are also different on reservations so just be aware. [/

It's a good question and I think I have been forewarned and will copy my State's rules and carry it with other van papers.