Things to figure out

travelingchic · Jul 29, 2012

I have a few things that I still am trying to figure out. I heard about the five gal bucket and garbage bags. That works but the problem is where to toss the bags? Finding places to get rid of my garbage is a real chore everyday and times I am stuck with it. Most garbage dumpsters are locked and have signs about being prosecuted for leaving garbage. The other thing is I can't find discrete black kitchen garbage bags only white and they are almost see through. It's shows what I am trying to get rid of. Yikes.

The other problem I have is with window screens. I have tried duck taping and velcroing table clothes cut out then changed to curtains. The van is curved and the curtains leave big holes and cracks. I don't feel I have the privacy I need for stealth camping but nothing seems to be working. Would be glad to hear from other minivan owners and what they do.

Thanks

Guest · Jul 29, 2012

Hi Tinsilly,<br />You are an interesting person..I just checked out your blog for the first time and you are very adventurous and courageous....glad to have you here and part of the family... <br /><br />I am a Buckateer too and I find that if I just use the bucket for #2 and urinate in another container that can be  dumped separately, on it's own...in a toilet somewhere or in the bushes, even down a storm drain in a parking lot (never more than once in a drain unless it rains alot)...it is a lot easier to deal with. I use "clumping" kitty litter and once the product is coated well with litter I can scoop it out in some manner and put it in another bag...usually a plastic shopping bag like from the supermarket...in your case maybe Overwaitea, tie it up...maybe use two bags and dump it soon....gas stations have a waste container between the pumps usually, most stores have trash containers around and if you are diligent and do it as often as you need to use the bucket, it's is a no fuss, no muss deal....at least it is for me. Parks are a good bet since people are always picking up the dog's waste and leaving it in the trash...they often have trash cans just for that...<br /><br />In my van I have curtains that snap to the trim....using snaps like this:<br /><br /><strong>http://tinyurl.com/crr3kdb<br /><br />These are easily installed by hand in the vehicle...easier if you have a cordless drill to install the screw portion.<br /><br /></strong>Other folks just use something like reflectix and cut it just a little bigger than the window and it will force fit in the window frame nicely....<br /><br />Best of luck...let us know if that isn't clear enough.<br />Bri

Mortisha · Jul 29, 2012

travelingchic... I am not used to van dwelling but throwing away garbage in places cause I couldn't pay the trash bill... I am an expert at LOL. I always used wal-mart or grocery store bags and just threw them away as I got out of the van to go into stores. I would part near garbage cans in the parking lots. Wal-mart near me has garbage cans right near all of the cart areas. As for the waste problem, I was thinking of using those pink scented bags. I know you can get them at any dollar store or at wal-marts by the roll. I used to put books in them and seal them up to save them from getting smelly when stored. That was just my idea.. hope it helps a bit HuggZ

JohnnyGutz · Jul 29, 2012

you're worried about people seeing what you're throwing away? are you throwing away old used meth lab parts? LOL Jokingggg!!!. you can probably find cheap bags at dollar generals or other stores that are black, and heavy duty. glad makes them too. also it depends i think on how considerate you want to be, depending on what youre throwing away.. number 2 disposal for example. park districts or national parks or other type of park places usualy have those 50 gallon open garbage cans all over parks. thats one place.. or restaurants have big dumpsters usually out back near their grease cans too. also if you dont have or cant find black bags. . you could always double or tripple up white bags. that generally makes it solid at least where you cant really see through it. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> yeah and like mortisha said. the scented bags woould be maybe a nice idea if youre dumping in public area garbage. then double those up <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> double secure, double scented, double non see through <img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

offroad · Jul 30, 2012

think you will start developing a six sense to fund the dumpsters, and garbage cans.  <br /><br />The people who run the freecamping boondocking web site are now trying to set up a mapping system for where all the pumping sites are. have to assume you can dump garbage at a pumping site.

Seraphim · Jul 30, 2012

For information: before using dumpsters belonging to individuals or businesses, best to ask permission. Can't speak about all states, but Ohio has laws about theft of services, which includes unauthorised dumpster usage.<br /><br />Every time a dumpster is filled, there is a charge for emptying it.  People filling up a dumpster prematurely can cost the owner additional fees. Yes, one bag will not fill a dumpster, but enough people tossing in 'just one bag' can run up costs.<br /><br />There could also be trespassing charges, if you're not on a business' or private property for legitimate (meaning you have actual business there other than tossing stuff in their dumpster) purposes.<br /><br />Again, just information.

akrvbob · Jul 30, 2012

I double bag my 5 gallon bucket with the white 13 gallon trash bags because they are cheapest. After i make a deposit i pull out the first bag and wrap it around itself. Then I put that back in the bucket and pull that bag out and wrap it around itself. That makes it invisible and keeps the worst of the smell down, but it still smells and its best stored outside and gotten rid of immediately.<br /><br />The best possible drape for your van windows is Reflectix. it's pretty easy to install.  There are 4 main ways to install it:<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w

unctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

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ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><h3><strong>1-Duct Tape:</strong></h3><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Taping it to the walls works well, but it is ugly and hard to take on and off, it can also leave a ***** mess, especially in the summer sun. If you have windows that you want to cover permanently, it is a good choice.</p><h3><strong>2-Two-sided Velcro Tape:</strong></h3><p class="MsoNoSpacing">There are times when you will want to take the Reflectix off the windows (when you drive, for example). Velcro works great for that because it makes it easy to take the Reflectix on and off. Buy the highest quality you can so it won’t peel off with use. Applying it is as simple as peeling the backing off the tape and apply it to the Reflectix and around the window frame.</p><h3><strong>3-Magnets: </strong></h3><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Magnets also allow you to hold the Reflectix in place and then easily take it on and off. You will need very strong rare earth magnets which you can buy at craft stores or Amazon.com. Duct tape the magnets to the corners of the Reflectix. If you have a cargo van with bare metal walls, then the magnets will stick to the walls. If you don’t have metal walls you can duct tape large metal washers to the wall, lining them up with the magnets.</p><h3><strong>4-Compression: </strong></h3><p class="MsoNoSpacing">It’s possible to cut the Reflectix slightly larger than the window and just press it into the frame around the glass and have it stay. This works surprisingly well. But if you take it in and out a lot, it will eventually lose its shape and start falling out.</p>On my blog I have ads that link to Reflectix on amazon.com. You can go there and find Reflectix. I'll make a few pennies and you won't pay any more. My blog is here:<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w

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ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><br />http://cheaprvlivingblog.com/

travelingchic · Jul 30, 2012

Actually duck tape and self adhesive velcro melt away in the heat of my van. I have tried both and they pop off. Won't even last a night. All down in the morning.

Mortisha what a great idea. I believe i have seen those colored scented bags sometime ago. They would be good for not showing the contents and mask the smell. Thanks for the suggestion.

Bri thanks for the compliment and I am glad to be apart of this unique totally supportive family here. It is a blessing being able to communicate on here with like minded people. Good idea about the parks! I was looking for dumpsters but true they even have bags for doggy poop at most parks. It would be the norm to find poop in plastic in those garbage bins. Buckateer lol good one. Unfortunately for me I am not suited for the bottle idea.

Hehe Johnny. Actually the reason I hate to double up the bags is because I already feel bad for the environmental effect that one garbage bag does. I was looking for biodegradable bags and read on this forum that they aren't any better. Also they are $4 dollars more for a roll of them. Can't justify the cost when I go through them pretty quick.

I only use my bucket in the middle of the night since there is always a porta potti or store open at other times.

Agreed offroad I will get accustomed to finding them but the tips I am getting are great and appreciated. What a subject to talk anout! Ha ha

I agree Seraphim that is why I felt wrong putting something in a dumpster. I have paid taxes over the years for public services so with Bri's suggestion I think I will look to putting my garbage in a can at the park.

Bob do you think that hot gluing the velcro would make it last? I found some silver reflective car shields at the dollar store so will be using them for low budget purposes.

Thanks everyone <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

Rollin · Jul 30, 2012

travelingchic, I had the same problem with the velcro in the heat. You could staple the one side of the velco to your blinds. the other half will need to be screwed in to the window's plastic shroud around the window. Thats what I did at least and they have stayed put in the Florida heat.<br /><br />They do make a adhesive for attaching velcro in hot enviroments. I contacted Velcro and they recommend  . "A 72 Acrylic adhesive" should work well the said for this application.<div>It's temperature ranges are -20-225 F.</div><br /><br />

travelingchic · Jul 31, 2012

Hi Rollin, Thanks for your input.  I looked online and wow yeah that seems to be what would work.  Called around today but no one has heard of it.  I guess it's something that I would have to wait patiently to come in the mail if I can find a Canadian supplier.  But it's something to go on so thanks <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

VanLifeCrisis · Aug 2, 2012

If you feel bad about bag waste, make the inner bag a used shopping bag (or both, just watch for holes).  You can save yours (even better if its the blue darker ones) or look at the recycle bin for them at the grocer, i dont think they will mind you snagging some. 

Willy · Aug 2, 2012

Porta-potti (Thetford) for around $100 at Wal-mart. Holds 5 gal and I just dump it at free sani-dumps or public toilets. Regarding curtains, I use steel cable with turnbuckles (to add tension) with bath towels as curtains. You can buy the cable crimps (use pliers to squeeze down) or, like in the photo, use a tiny section of 1/4" copper pipe as a crimp. Towels provide tons of privacy, a bit of insulation, and can just be draped over the cable. ..Willy.

WinterSmith · Aug 2, 2012

I dump in the garbage cans of my local park. No probs yet.<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />GL,<br />Wintersmith

gypsydreamer · Aug 14, 2012

I had the same problem with the self-stick velcro coming loose.  I re-glued it with a product called Lok-Tite (Super Glue) for Extreme Temperatures.  Found it at Joann Craft store.  Look for "Extreme Temperatures" on the label.<br /><br />It has worked so far and it's been over 100 degrees F in the shade.<br /><br />

DCosmc · Jun 17, 2014

I use a chem toilet and public restrooms so can't help there. Privacy curtains I may have a method that works. We have a tight tension rod at every window in the living area. On each is a blackout curtain slightly larger than the window. The edges have Velcro attached with the matching strip along the window. It seems to work but I worry the heat may melt the Velcro glue back.... Might reinforce with gorilla glue or another one of the products mentioned

66788 · Jun 17, 2014

Trash cans at fast food restaurants.

You don't buy food, you only rent it...

WheelEstate USA · Jun 17, 2014

I installed Refletix on some of the windows behind the interior trim. I cut the material a bit big, loosened the trim screws, tucked it in and tightened the screws.
As an after thought, I discovered I could use a razor blade to carefully trim around a part of the window to make a "viewing flap" that tucks right back in place.

Here's a short video...

MrNoodly · Jun 18, 2014

Since this was first posted in 2012, they've come out with black 13-gallon tall kitchen trash bags. Hefty BlackOut bags. They even come with "odor block technology." Ooooo!

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