Trial run suggestions?

[sleepydogtravels]

Next week I'll be heading out on a short "dress rehearsal" to see how my set up and gear works out. The goal is to stay within a few hours from home in boondocking spots, perhaps split a few nights between in a national forest, then a spot without shade, and then a parking lot.
Any ideas from those with experience on what to test or look for? What bugs do you wish you'd worked out ahead of time?
I know things will always pop up late later, but I think it's a good opportunity to try it out before the long haul.

 

[[email protected]]

Your on a great track, I did the same thing. You can only do your best planning and other issues will surface as you practice..

The big thing is learning to live in your space and keeping comfortable as possible and healthy.

The practice will help reduce fear and anxiety, as well it helps build confidence.

This is year 3 on the road for me, so keep asking questions when you need.

Peace.

 

[Qxxx]

Good way to start out, dog. Get the basic organization set. What you will find is, as you go on down the road, many things will have a "natural" place to live, and this is something you discover as you go along. It's an ongoing process, just like living day to day.

 

[bullfrog]

We found it is easy to fill up a living space but hard to get rid of things. Start out with an empty space and the very minimum like one set of clothes and a good sleeping bag. Anything you find you need try to make as small as you can and make it useful for as many needs as you can. A bed to sleep on can be a place to sit, it can be a place to store things underneath, it can be a place to use as a desk or table if you can reconfigure it and by folding it up more space to use on rainy days. As you add things make sure by researching and thinking ahead they will work well with what you already have to do multiple jobs like a cooler used for a table between the seats. Something you got that you used once and never used again for months that you can't find when you need it needs to go. It is much better to have space especially on rainy days than things crowding you so much you can't use them or get comfortable. It is best in good weather to live outside but eventually you will get caught in bad weather and spending a few days cooped up while testing how well your rig works is a good idea. Full timing requires more space than weekend camping for most people so make sure you can be happy in the space you have.

 

[Extra Terrific]

Vehicle maintenance is always my first priority.
Triple AAA membership in case you ever need to be towed.
The rest just kind of falls in place.

 

[Giuseppe Hardblast]

I started out in a conversion van with a sleeping bag. You kind of figure it out as you go. 3 years later I'm still buying things, upgrading things, etc.

A couple things that were useful in the beginning
Sleeping bag
In had this socket/usb charger that fit into a cigarette lighter. I guess it's a mini inverter.
At harbor frieght(tool gods forgive me) they have these kits for like 10$ that have all the basic tools in a case. Screwdriver, pliers, sockets, etc. Probably be a good idea to have one of those handy if you don't have tools.
Knife. I got a little Smith and Wesson tactical knife for 9$ on Amazon. I keep that with me all the time.
Make sure to cover the windows and sleeping area to keep nosey cops out of your business

 

[maki2]

Yes I do have a recommendation what to look or in this case listen for. All those rattles, squeaks and bangs of the stuff you have stored in the van. Getting it all sorted out, padded and contstrained so it is pretty much silent when you drive will make your life on the road a lot more pleasant.

 

[SheketEchad]

I did my first week in my driveway just to see how things worked for me, as I work while in my van.

Then I went about a hundred miles away for a week. I learned that my solar panels (free standing, not mounted) storage was really a sucky place, as it kept me from using the rear of the van for cooking and stuff. I fixed that with help from my friends in KY who helped me figure out a better place that left my cooking station free of interference.
I also learned the limitations of my solar system with two days of very little sun. Thankfully I had made friends in the campground and could recharge off of their electrical sites.
Beware of feral cats! They will steal your steak right off of the grill You don't even see them in advance.
Bug netting/mesh screens were a godsend where I was camping.
Carry an extra chair to loan to a creepy camper so they sit at their camp rather than yours while calling you waitress endearments.


Next trip was 600 miles out and I learned that my fuel pump was bad and my tow limit was 10 miles
Either have a cash cushion or an empty credit card for emergencies. Relax, this too, shall pass.
Remember to carry your suitcase if you are changing climates, lol.
Get to your site before dark, in the rain, down Mr Toad's Wild Ride roads
If you're traveling through a major city, expect an accident and a delay, causing you to miss your camp arrival window (see above)
There is no Google Maps setting for "avoid nerve wracking conditions" - it's okay to pull off and settle your nerves, particularly if you learned to leave earlier due to above mentioned delays.
Some Walmarts clean their parking lots with very loud leaf blowers at 330 a.m., followed by the street sweeper dude.

My next journey next month is over 2,500 miles. I expect to learn a whole lot, and to meet a lot of wonderful people and see some cool things. I'll let you know what I learn that trip

 

[Giuseppe Hardblast]

The dreaded street sweeper dude.

 

[crofter]

I use hard sided stackable bins instead of soft sided containers or cabinetry. Easier to swap out when I am changing things up - seasonal transition from workamping to just camping, transitioning from camping to travel or hauling cargo. I don't lose things or carry extras, as everything is visible, just pull out the bin and look. I also use a lot of bungees as tie downs for stuff and to hang things from the ceiling. If you have exposed metal, magnets are wonderful tools to have. Hardblast has some good suggestions, to a good quality sleeping bag I would add having a space blanket as an additional body heat reflector in case you get into unexpected cold weather and get stuck there. I use a list to write things down that I need for my camp. I can never remember these things on a town trip without a list, as I usually have food on my mind at that point. Speaking of food, you will want to bring some high calorie survival food along with the regular great stuff you usually eat. I got these great mexican peanut bars at the tienda. When I don't have other protein and fat for a real meal, I can eat a couple of these and get some energy and get going again.     ~crofter