General Hoohah 26 Nov 2007 12:48 pm
Home like comforts of Van Dwelling and Car Living
I was wondering you said 55 foot of square space and having a small space but then you talk about how much gas that vehicle uses so my question is what kind of van or vehicle are you using? that gives you that comfort that traditional homes have.
–Ranger
I gave the original post a brief read through and while I do have about 55 squares of floor space, typical for a full-sized van, many of the hallmarks of traditional homely comforts are missing.
There’s currently no plumbing in the van. Electricity is supplied by a second set of batteries that I need to be energy conscious about as it take a good bit of driving time to refill them with amp hours. My kitchen is a small butane stove though I usually just eat stuff that doesn’t need cooking and being rather ambivilenet about food temperature is a big help there. And let’s not forget that ceiling to floor is only about four feet.
What does make it home like is the stuff that’s in there, my various possessions and the familiarty of the surroundings–especially as I built out the interior as the original inside was literally falling apart. The van is mine, paid in full and revived by my own hands, and once inside it’s my space, my way and therefore very homey. And when people inquire, those used to large and normal home, I just say that I’m rocking it like it was 1850 in terms of home based lifestyle.
on 10 Dec 2007 at 2:02 am 1.mary said …
There truly is no place like one’s own home, even if one’s own home is 55 square foot of space.
on 20 Feb 2008 at 6:02 pm 2.Andrew said …
I live in Flagstaff and am seriously considering getting rid of my apartment and living out of my S.U.V. - stealthy urban vehicle
My biggest concerns are how to modify the windows so people can’t see in and also fogging of the windows because of how cold it gets here. Any tips?
Happy travels and looking forward to more of your writing!
on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:44 am 3.Tad said …
I saw somewhere a van that had bubble wrap plastic packaging material on the inside of the windows. This gave it a little insulation and it made it translucent. I think Its what I will probally put on my windows when i get my van.
on 30 Mar 2008 at 8:38 am 4.Charles said …
I currently have 2 homes one up north and another in Florida. I live alone. No kids, no wife or live in GF. But I’ve lived in a van at one point in my life. I can say it was one of the most enjoyable and adventuresome experiences of my life. One that I will never forget.
Back then there were way more pay phones. There was one on the causeway (where I used to sleep alot) that I could pull right up to and the person on the other end would think I’m in my living room.
I’m often tempted to sell everything and go back to that, but I’m too spoiled to go back, voluntarily anyway..