Van Dwelling and Car Living 31 May 2008 09:57 am
Shocking! Getting a charge out of free electricity!
How do you charge your computer?
While in the van I have a secondary battery system that is charged off the alternator while I drive. So I plug my laptop into a car power source that’ll run off the 12 volts the secondary batteries provide. I’ll also charge smaller things like my cell phone this way, things that I have a 12 volt adapter for.
Otherwise what I’ll do is put all my rechargeable devices into my backpack and have them plugged into a ten foot extension cord. My computer will also be plugged in too. That way when I use free wifi somewhere I also get a charge on things like my flashlight while I’m there and no one is the wiser. I leave everything in my backpack and just run out the extension cord and the line to the laptop. Of course, all this is moot if I’m visiting friends or family. Then I charge away right in the open.
I have yet to use or even really need an inverter for the van. One of the downsides of using one for a laptop is you’re putting yet another conversion device in the power chain and each one is turning valuable amp hours into heat and waste.
on 19 Jun 2008 at 4:22 pm 1.Jennifer (Et Tu?) said …
Just now stumbled across your blog and had to drop you a line to say that I’m so glad that you’re sharing your experiences. What an interesting blog! I look forward to reading more.
on 24 Jun 2008 at 8:16 pm 2.Josh said …
I hope you are doing okay, please update to let us know! As the lady said above me, this is a very interesting blog and I have a question, do you ever stay a highway rest areas? Why or why not?
on 26 Jun 2008 at 9:05 pm 3.Hitek Homeless said …
Hi. I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for sharing this blog with the rest of the world.
Nearly a year ago, my girlfriend and I were toying with the idea of moving into a van/RV and living a much simpler life.
I spent a lot of time reading your blog and those of others living in vans and rvs fulltime. Thanks for sharing a small portion of your life with us. Its not for everyone, but the freedom we’ve gained is immeasurable.
We’ve been living in a truck camper since December and finally hit the road at the end of April. Thanks for your inspiration.
johnny
on 19 Feb 2010 at 2:16 am 4.Ky G and Bingo said …
I will be heading out on the road again in a yr with my service dog.Have to wait till my youngest is 18. Spent my youth on the road and it has always called me back. Now in the process of van searching though i have a mercury villager i will set up for my son. It is 02/18/2010….what are you doing now and where do you homestead? Have you tried the slabs or Arizona areas yet. Im from Key West but have been living in Chicago. You can park here and shower any day you like. I love this town only for the dog space and music. Havent painted a thing since I moved here. PLease update and stop by anytime. My email is listed and I can be found at the Wilson Dog Beach most days. Look for a blond lady with a calico dog named Bingo (sometimnes called Butter)Again, please update
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Blessings to you