Where did all the room go?

[66788]

I'm at about 90% complete on the Dodge High Top build and I realize that I have very little room for my stuff. I had wanted to take a 90 day supply of emergency food, a 5 gal Nato gas can, tools, cooking supplies, propane and other essentials, but... where? There really isn't that much room.

Maybe the Step Van will be the solution. I don't think I can fit it all in the Dodge Maxi High Top van.

Maybe a 5 x 8 utility trailer for the stuff I can't fit in, as well as the Honda CT70 trail bike.

 

[LeeRevell]

Yep, I have a 5'X10' utility trailer for my bike and excess gear. Shoots the idea of 'Stealth' out the wazoo, but you cannot have everything.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

I think living a minimalist lifestyle is a big part of vandwelling. For example, for clothing I only own 10 shirts, 3 pants, multiple socks/underwear, sweater and a jacket.

I own basically 3 groups of things:

Clothes
Food
Music gear (used to make extra cash)
Small box of tools.

My Samsung Note 3 smart phone (used as my sole "computer") is my main source of entertainment.

I simply dont need anything else.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

How well are you using vertical space? In my low top cargo i added bins from the cieling and all my clothes went in there. In a high top i woulda added cabinets on both sides for added storage, giving me a aisle down middle for standing etc.

 

[66788]

How well are you using vertical space? In my low top cargo i added bins from the cieling and all my clothes went in there. In a high top i woulda added cabinets on both sides for added storage, giving me a aisle down middle for standing etc.

That's what I have done, but the cabinets are for smaller items like clothing, misc. food items, and supplies. Larger items like the 90 day emergency food supply are only able to fit under the bed, which is not very large (twin size bed).

Guess I'm not a very good minimalist yet!

 

[PastTense]

Post some pictures of your van. If you do this you might get some suggestions for better space usage.

 

[Lucky mike]

dont panic.....I have the same problem and have a 40' Diesel pusher with a 16' slide.....Im thinking about going with a peterbuilt with a 52' trailer that way I can stealth at the truckstop!!!!

We have a way of accommodating STUFF!!!

 

[concretebox]

Consider a hitch-mount cargo rack. I used one for my first excursion. It's probably a good idea to keep gasoline/other fuels outside the living area anyway. Sure it could be problem if someone rear-ends you, but it would still be a problem if you had them inside near the back. Maybe put one of those "warning, flammable" stickers on the jerry can/propane tank.

Of course you'd then have to buy a few bike locks to discourage people from stealing them.

There's a few options on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n:15735311,p_n_format_browse-bin:491459011. You might find some on craigslist too.

 

[Sameer]

Pack it in the best you can. I have done three remodels and 4 purges of the crap in two years. When you hit the road you will find out what you really need and what you don't. Also you will find out if you really want to 'pull' something. I am a minimalist...After my purges and remodels I have plenty of room...everything I would ever need... and nothing more. You have to think about gas mileage when you decide to pull something. This is just my idea of the situation.

 

[highdesertranger]

wow 66788 you have a ct70. those are great little bikes, a buddy of mine has a trail 90. sounds like you need a small cargo trailer. highdesertranger

 

[66788]

wow 66788 you have a ct70. those are great little bikes, a buddy of mine has a trail 90. sounds like you need a small cargo trailer. highdesertranger

Found the CT70 on Craigslist, just posted 4 minutes prior. Came with Clymer manual, new chrome fenders, not yet installed, and a box of new uninstalled parts. All for $400.00. I couldn't refuse that deal.

 

[akrvbob]

Those are such great, little bikes. And you got a steal on it!
Bob

 

[LeeRevell]

The Hondas are long discontinued, but the Chinese do import a very close clone. It uses Honda parts, so you can keep them going. Not as good as the 'real thing' but a viable alternative if you can't find a good classic.

 

[66788]

The Hondas are long discontinued, but the Chinese do import a very close clone. It uses Honda parts, so you can keep them going. Not as good as the 'real thing' but a viable alternative if you can't find a good classic.

Isn't that the Ice Bear Monkey Bike? I like that one, as they added CDI ignition, electric start, upped the CC's to 125 from 70, added another gear to the transmission, now a 4 speed, added disc brake to front wheel and changed the electrical system to 12v from 6v. All that for $995.00.

 

[LeeRevell]

Yep, definitely some upgrades. An old girlfriend in high school had the Honda Trail 90, and it carried her for several years. Great little bikes back then.