tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post915061532157766231..comments2017-04-28T18:56:05.462-04:00Martin Wright[email protected]Blogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-87961184934535124452017-03-15T00:48:21.617-04:002017-03-15T00:48:21.617-04:00Thanks, reading it nowArt Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06979485705412591807[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-1032715674847026152017-02-13T12:35:12.577-05:002017-02-13T12:35:12.577-05:00Sorru about that, it can be found at http://www.vanlifecrisis.com/2014/12/van-life-crisis-1-week-no-skill-van.html the blog got mixed up when i renamed the post a while back.Martin Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-32861118947238502992017-02-13T12:26:38.112-05:002017-02-13T12:26:38.112-05:00Hi VLC, great ideas here, I went to look at the $800 one week version, and that link leads to this<br />Sorry, the page you were looking for in this blog does not exist.<br />did you delete the post? or is the link just broken979roadrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04751936283195320107[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-81498787699825799502017-01-28T07:08:00.629-05:002017-01-28T07:08:00.629-05:00An alternative but similar setup that I have uses a metal framed futon sofa/bed, which I got the frame for free off Craigslist, and added the 4&quot; foam camping pads to it for the cushions at $19 each, wrapped in cheap washable flannel sheets for covers. Instead of the wire crates, I have two sets of the plastic drawers side by side with a wood shelf over the top for added durability. Makes a great multi use counter top. A nice high back tilt/swivel desk chair makes for a very comfortable work or lounging chair. A TV tray makes a perfect desk/table that can be used either inside or outside too.<br /><br />I also added the luxury of a shower to my setup. Water delivery is via a weed sprayer with an added piece of hose, and a kitchen sink sprayer nozzle on the end. A storage tote for the catch basin, which the toilet fits into with plenty of room left for your feet (I have a low top van, so you have to shower while seated.) My shower curtain rod is a hula hoop suspended from a spring loaded luggage bar. It is also my toilet enclosure, and it's easy to just hook up for use, or take down when not in use. Adding my own shower was one of the best things I ever did, and it greatly improved my entire life. I use trigger spray bottles from the dollar store for water for cleaning and my dish pan sinks. (I keep two of the rectangular dollar store dishpans for sinks, in case I have a need for a double sink, or multiple uses at the same time.)<br /><br />Over the years I have become a huge fan of cheap, simple, and portable. Window vans for the sake of stealth, the view, the safety of being able to see whats going on around you in all directions, and the ventilation. A super simple house battery in a marine style battery box with a multi outlet accessory port attached to the outside, and a jumper cable to the dash accessory outlet to charge it when driving. All of these things can be so simple, easy, and cheap that it totally floors me that so many people choose complicated and expensive only to wind up with set ups that aren't as comfortable, practical, or reliable.<br /><br />I think I have under $200 in my current setup, plus $800 for the van, and it is the most comfortable I have ever been, and it is certainly the most convenient setup I have ever had, with plenty of storage and no moisture problems caused by unnecessary insulation. I have discovered that older, pre-computerized, passenger vans are more reliable, and get considerably better gas mileage than cargo vans, and are usually also in much better shape. Unlike roof vents, the bottom opening tilt out windows in passenger vans can be left open in the rain too, and a &lt;$20 12 volt fan from walmart is every bit as effective in a window as an expensive roof vent with a fan.<br /><br />I have also discovered that you can get cheap batteries from wrecking yards, both regular and deep cycle, and either seems to work equally as well, with the main difference being that the non deep cycle batteries seem to last a couple of years longer. My power needs are minimal, your results could vary if your setup is more power hungry. I also tend to charge all of my rechargeables at the same time I'm charging my house battery while driving. This gives me one extra free charge on everything without needing my house battery for it. <br /><br />I was never very happy with the more complicated setups, something hard to find and/or expensive was always in need of repair or replacement. Now I can replace almost anything pretty much anywhere, and frequently at a dollar store. Peace of mind is priceless.<br /><br />Great article, keep up the good work!<br />Camper_Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781701509592589993[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-27669938458372776402016-10-07T03:46:15.311-04:002016-10-07T03:46:15.311-04:00The storage cubes can be replaced with milk crates zip tied together in similar configuration if you can get the free or cheaper!Martin Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-21200905654519368422016-09-26T22:35:50.690-04:002016-09-26T22:35:50.690-04:00Glad to hear, thank you!Martin Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-52408008830457799012016-09-26T20:29:07.154-04:002016-09-26T20:29:07.154-04:00Super helpful. ThanksMikeisinthesunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07489656100368698954[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-70780747079889496932016-03-28T22:11:26.224-04:002016-03-28T22:11:26.224-04:00Thanks!! will check it out. Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08717475166983124809[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-87783869414647837632016-03-28T21:57:39.776-04:002016-03-28T21:57:39.776-04:00seems the subscription link wasnt working, i replaced it with a link to my channel instead, where you can hit the subscribe button manually. Thanks for the heads up!Van-Life Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-41485481057544397342016-03-28T21:46:45.645-04:002016-03-28T21:46:45.645-04:00Thanks swankie wheels!Van-Life Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-57928718301887342372016-03-28T21:45:40.426-04:002016-03-28T21:45:40.426-04:00I use cat litter as well, i think arm and hammer double duty works the best. Ive considered switching to saw dust recently tho, as i have access to it here. Free is good and it supposedly works well enough.Van-Life Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-37804233379597473962016-03-28T21:29:09.594-04:002016-03-28T21:29:09.594-04:00I use the 5 gallon bucket in my van for emergencies as well. However, keep some cat litter that you leave at the bottom of your bag and throw some on top when you're done. Turns everything into a solid and eliminates the smell.Gerry Lauzonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06895691996292579014[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-51451512619643235372016-03-28T21:16:32.108-04:002016-03-28T21:16:32.108-04:00Not at all, thank you!Van-Life Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-35798468544057084932016-03-28T21:15:29.573-04:002016-03-28T21:15:29.573-04:00Thanks a lot! I hope it can help someone!Van-Life Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-40884182035401347502016-03-28T21:14:23.895-04:002016-03-28T21:14:23.895-04:00Thanks! Ill have to find out whats going on there, should be working. I cant upload to youtube here, but the video above should be up. Ill repair it soon as i figure it out :)Van-Life Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-36842663625559541252016-03-28T07:00:59.199-04:002016-03-28T07:00:59.199-04:00Awesome blog I shared it on twitter hope you don't mindLori Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715849664442684539[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-3073287313892516622016-03-28T03:42:49.534-04:002016-03-28T03:42:49.534-04:00This is a very well thought-out blog post. Thank you!Lisa Ledgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09708532240450639177[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-44798614669659519652016-03-27T22:24:47.596-04:002016-03-27T22:24:47.596-04:00Good job.<br />SwankieWheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458128398214149848[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-19867078258863960382016-03-27T19:49:14.650-04:002016-03-27T19:49:14.650-04:00Awesome post! The youtube link took me to invalid request? Was that meant to say a channel is coming?Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08717475166983124809[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-37625714702433069732015-10-18T14:23:05.527-04:002015-10-18T14:23:05.527-04:00Thanks! Hope it helps out! Van-Life Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256106018909568533[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139907054478890572.post-58769756838342135322015-10-17T18:42:39.525-04:002015-10-17T18:42:39.525-04:00You know, this post is awesome. You showed exactly what is needed to get out on the road. $320. I had no idea how cheap a complete set up could be. This is the kind of stuff I look for in van dweller blogs and videos. Thanks!Wheelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06615159262665076899[email protected]