Some Days Are Rockier Than Others

I had to use my first AAA tow the other night. All I can say is thank goodness for AAA, because they are always there to help you out when you need it. I HIGHLY recommend being a member of AAA and also having them for vehicle insurance. I gave them a call, they arrived in about 30 minutes, and they towed my wonderful little VW Vanagon up on a flatbed truck near Charlotte, North Carolina...

What do you do when your tiny home-on-wheels has to get towed somwhere? You just have to look on the bright side. I am very thankful that I wasn't stuck way up in the Appalachian Mountains when I had a problem. I had absolutely no cell-phone coverage while I was driving along up there. So my Friday started out better than it ended up, but it definitely could've been worse! I guess that day went something like this...

First off, I met up with Nick, a really nice guy, from http://myvanlife.blogspot.com/. He showed me how to balance & walk on a slack-line between 2 trees, and I got to check out the neat van that he is converting into his future home :) I love meeting other van-dwellers & new people along my way, so if you send me a message and I'm in the neighborhood, I might just swing on by. That is what I did to Nick, and it was just a lot of fun.

After that, Dan & I did a little metal detecting & gold panning near Little Meadow Creek & Reed's Gold Mine. After lots of tedious digging into the creek and coming up with nothing, we decided we aren't quite sure yet exactly what we're doing. lol. I guess we aren't sure exactly how deep to be digging in the stream or even which areas of the stream are best for panning. We did learn how to pan, but a little more knowledge would just be extremely handy. Also, metal detecting in the creek really gave me a new appreciation for metal detecting on the beach. The sand is just so much easier to work with, and it is really fun because you are always digging stuff up. It is REALLY HARD work trying to dig down through the big rocks and roots in a river. Don't get me wrong, I am still super excited to do it! I just don't want to waste my time exerting extreme amounts of energy if I'm not even looking in the correct location... Just need to learn a bit more before heading out into the woods.

After we tried our luck in the creek & then plucked some fresh cotton balls from a fluffy-white cotton field nearby, my rear driver's-side tire started making this awful clunking sound. It had made it earlier in the day, but it was really getting worse. It was making a loud thump with every rotation, and the sound got louder and faster as I started driving at higher speeds. I kept pulling over, because it was getting worse fast, and we both agreed that I shouldn't be driving on it anymore. We didn't want the tire to seize up or something awful like that. So I just parked along side the road and figured out my options. Where do you get towed when you are in an unknown location, after normal business hours, on the Friday of a Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend? What do you do?

Well, don't panic. I took the time to make us a couple Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches :) Then I got out my printout of phone numbers for wonderful people on the "Vanagon Rescue Squad" list. Thank you to the kind folks that we called near Charlotte! We were directed to a retired mechanic named Steve who was able to describe to us what was probably a problem with my CV-Joint! He really knew his stuff and was able to give us some great info. We were able to get towed only 15 miles, get some parts, jimmy-rig a temporary fix, and drive it to a place that we will be able to work on it ourselves. Dan's a real handy man to have on the road with me, and he is going to work on my CV-joint - take it off, grease it, re-pack it, whatever he needs to do. He found instructions online describing how to service your VW CV-Joint, so I am pretty sure together we can get it figured out. (although I don't know that I will really be able to help that much)

For now, however, I guess we are kind of stuck where we are at. That is ok, though, because I truly believe that I have angels looking out for me - If there was ever a best place to break-down, this was it, because I have a life-long friend that lives in Fayetteville. It couldn't have worked out any better. I will be here until further notice, trying to get my van running smoothly again, which I'm guessing will only be a few more days... We are also going to try and deal with the leaking coolant issue. Wish us luck!

Travel Log (Where I've Been Lately)

2009:
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Evansville, Indiana
Nashville, Tennessee
Eufaula, Alabama
Tifton, Georgia
Tampa, Florida
Ft. Myers, Florida
Monroe Station, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
Ft. Myers, Florida
Pompano Beach, Florida
Ft. Myers, Florida
San Antonio, Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Ocala National Forest, Florida
Palm Coast, Florida
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Bushnell, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Zephyrhills, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Naples, Florida
Bonita Springs, Florida
Key West, Florida
Homestead, Florida

2008:
Tampa, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Perry, Florida
Mary Esther, Florida
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Brunswick, Georgia
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Gastonia, North Carolina
Morganton, North Carolina
Roanoke, Virginia
Mineral Wells, West Virginia

Enjoying my Time in North Carolina

I love feeling that subtle change in the air as you head further south. Each morning that I wake up is a tiny bit warmer than the one before. I can' t see my breath this morning, and the tip of my nose finally isn't cold at 7am. Man that feels good.

I am enjoying my time here in NC, it is a very pretty drive. My speedometer quit working several towns back, but it suddenly started working again yesterday. Strange. I found a little Salavation Army up in Lenoir and got a nice, squishy, lime green pillow. It is fuzzy and fun, and I've been sleeping miraculously since I picked that up.

I ended up in Morganton a couple days ago, and it had such a nice vibe to it. I really liked it there. We picked up our gold panning supplies at a little pawn shop and took a nice stroll downtown. It is all decorated up with lights and has holiday music playing out of the lightposts. :) In desperate need of a shower while I was there, I googled "Morganton swimming pool," and found directions to the local Aquatic Center. What a terrific way to start out Thanksgiving! We got a wonderful shower and a terrific swim, and it would have only cost 5.00 for an adult or 3.00 for a student (I still have a college ID). But, the lady at the desk was so sweet! After we were done, she told us that she would pay our way and give us our time for free, because "Welcome to Morganton." I am going to have to send them a Christmas card, that was such a nice treat.

Things have just been going well, and I haven't been spending hardly any money. I fill up my water bottles in places like grocery stores & Subway eateries. Dan bought me "thanksgiving dinner" at Denny's in some little town just outside of Asheville (a soy Boca burger with lettuce & tomato, no onion, no fries. Mmm), and we've just been taking it easy.

Yesterday was fun because we learned some valuable gold panning info at the Lucky Strike Gold Mine, just south of Marion. Bob had been gold panning since the early 60s, and he had a lot of gold to show for it! He taught us how to pan, and we found a couple tiny tiny shards while we were learning. I also found a garnet and a topaz, although I would really like to identify many other stones. Bob said that diamonds, for example, feel oily to the touch, and they don't stay wet when you dip them into water. They stay dry, and they are very heavy, so they'll sink to the bottom of your pan (like gold does). "Everything under that black sand, you keep!" Tracy from http://www.possumliving.com/ told me that there is a diamond mine in Arkansas. I will have to check that out! There is so much to learn about treasure hunting, and I am anxious to get started. Dan prepped our gold pans last night with 150 grit sandpaper, so we are ready to go this morning.

Well, I am greeting this day outside of a Super-Walmart, so I guess I will go inside and take advantage of their bathroom. I do have to say that the Walmart here in Gastonia is very pleasant. We asked the security lady last night if we could park here, since she was patrolling the lot, and she was really nice. In her sweet southern accent, she said they welcome overnighters, she would be patrolling all night, and she would keep an eye out for us. :) Such friendly folks around here in NC!

Gotta Love The Blue Ridge Parkway!

Driving 35 to 55 on slushy, icy, muck-covered roads, I eventually made it out of Michigan... My original plan was to head straight south and end up in Kentucky or Tennessee, but I changed my mind. Ohio didn't have snow in Toledo, so I instead headed east, along the Ohio Turnpike. For several hours I was reminded of how flat and wide Ohio truly is. I do love Ohio's Amish country, but it is just not one of the most scenic states to drive through. I drove for 12 hours straight and finally got some shut-eye at a brightly lit rest stop on the West Virginia border. Sure, rest areas can be kind of creepy sometimes, but I just carry my pepper spray with me when I leave my van. I am always ready to push down on that trigger!

West Virginia was very scenic to drive thru... Just for fun, we skipped the major Toll road and headed east on 60 (at Charleston). What a great drive between the river and the mountains...and all the great little towns we stumbled upon! Ever heard of Glen Ferris, Turkey Creek, or Ansted? If you are ever checking out WV, take 60 east. You won't be disappointed.

My little van was a champ! It trudged up and down thru the valleys, on many curvy little roads hidden within the Appalachian Mountains. There was definitely snow again up there, so I almost felt like I was back in Michigan! We drove straight thru the Appalachians and into Virginia, where we watched a breathtaking sunset from an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway...

The drive has truly been wonderful so far, and I will post some photos soon.

Tonight I am laying in my sleeping bag, camped out in a truck stop parking lot. Dan just bought a 2-hotdog dinner for 2.18 and I am wishing that I brought a pillow with me. (I got rid of mine to save on space, thinking that I would just use a towel or blanket as a pillow instead.. Bad idea, though, they are just not as comfortable) Guess I now have a reason to do some thrifting! :) It is 38 degrees outside my van, and my fingers hurt from typing this on Dan's little I-Phone keypad. The only wi-fi that my laptop gets around here seems to have some sort of fee attached to it, so this will do for now.

I can't wait until the sun shines again, I am going to hop right back onto the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There really is something truly healing about being on the road, heading somewhere new. Every place holds something special for you there, and it is your own task to figure out what it is.

Hittin' the Road, When the Sun Rises

I have spent the last week, bouncing around, actually sleeping inside various houses. How nice it has been to get out of the cold and to visit with friends. This freezing cold/snowy spell hasn't been much fun to be a part of, so hats off to those who actually live in their vehicles where the snow flies in the winter! I've enjoyed a snowy winter for as long as I can remember, but I will not even try to enjoy it while living in my van.

I drove up and down, criss-crossing back and forth between 5 different cities. I enjoyed two thanksgiving dinners, and I definitely felt the early warmth of the holidays. Not to sound like a greeting card, here, but remember that the holidays aren't about spending money & buying presents. Show people that you care about them in other ways, especially by spending quality time with them. If you are living in a vehicle, like me, it is even easier to spend time with people. It is not like we are too busy vacuuming the house, shoveling the driveway, or cleaning the bathroom. :) With such rough financial times in this economy, it is just a good year to start saving a little money anyway & to try and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Ok, enough of that sweet Christmas~spirit stuff.

I've finally gotten almost all of my boyfriend's stuff packed into my van with me. After much re-arranging & clearing out, I gave him a shelf in my cupboard, a tote for some of his clothes in my closet, the storage rack on the top of my van, and some space for his large tool-box underneath my bench-seat. I'm going to have to keep my photo printer equipment and laptop on the floor, along with some of our other misc. clothes and items, so I hope it doesn't feel overly crowded or messy. I hate clutter, and he will be living with me in my little van for the next five months. He deserves a lot of credit, though, because he is extremely good at packing light! I guess we both are, actually, because I think we will have plenty of room. And if we really need anything that I got rid of, we can just stop at a thrift store somewhere. I love resale shops.

After lots of wishy-washy, going back-and-forth, I've decided to leave my nice tent behind. It is a little too bulky to take with me, considering we'll just be sleeping in my van the majority of the time. I just adore camping, but if we want to sleep outside, Dan has a really nice, double-sized hammock. The thing that makes his hammock trump mine is the fact that it has a bug screen. I will never again spend the night in a hammock that doesn't have a bug screen, because I got eaten alive last year. I spent the night in my hammock, between two coconut palms, on a beach in Key West. It was very beautiful & warm, but there were so many mosquitos... I slept so poorly that I imagine it is how that one Princess must've felt when she slept upon that pea. It was pretty much awful. I'm sure that having a hammock with a bug screen will be just heavenly.

well, I'm driving south in the morning, and I am not stopping until there is no more snow... I'm going to leave as soon as the sun comes up, and I am going to drive down through Michigan, down through Ohio, and then find a place to sleep after that. Probably in Kentucky or Tennessee. I'm not sure where I'll end up, but that is just part of the fun of being on the road...

Where will I be when I'm 40?

Diane recently asked this question, via a comment: "Hi, I'm just curious, how old are you? I've been reading your blog now for a little while, and you sound pretty young. I know you said you're under 40, but just how young are you? Do you think about where you will be living, when you are 40?"

This is a terrific question, and I would like to answer it here because it is has to do exactly with why I am currently living my life the way that I am. To those who don't understand this vehicle lifestyle, it probably looks like I am just some young kid, wandering aimlessly around the country, oblivious to the fact that I am growing older everyday and ought to be planning for my future. In all actuality, I do have a college degree, a good work ethic, and a plan. I am living this lifestyle because of the fact that I am planning for my future & thinking ahead. :)

I am currently 26, and I will be turning 27 on January 7th. That gives me 13 years before I turn 40.

I surely do think about what I will have and where I will be living when I'm 40. I've been thinking about that for many years now. I thought I wanted to buy a house and settle down, so I bought one when I was 22, for $100,000, when the housing market was at its peak. I went down that traditional road of "first home purchase" and ended up selling it a little over three years later. By the time I discovered that it wasn't the correct choice for me, the housing market had turned upside-down, and I took a $10,000 loss. I do realize that I'm truly blessed to have gotten out of it when I did. The housing market has just gotten worse since then, and it is now probably worth only about $60,000 ...

Having a house was just not for me. It didn't make me happy. I didn't smile like I do now. I don't want to be tied to one place, accumulate a house full of material objects, or have the same routine for the rest of my days. I did that. And then I re-traced my steps. I will never again be a slave to the system. I realize that this world is going to be much different when I'm 40 than what it is like now. So many things are going downhill, and I don't want to be caught in a mess when I'm that age... I don't trust the stock market. I don't trust housing prices. I am not going to rely on what the media or government tells me to. I am not going to own things that won't last. I am going to trust my gut instincts and rely upon basic methods of survival. I am going to work for what I want and save up for things that matter. I am not going to live on credit or go into debt. I am also going to enjoy my life.

Living in my van provides many valuable things. First, it allows me to travel and check out many different locations, so I am better able to choose where I eventually want to have my home "base." Second, while I am driving around, checking out our beautiful country, it allows me to save money so that I will be able to buy land outright, way before I am 40. Third, Fourth, and Fifth, it makes life more simple, more fun, and allows me to actually appreciate small things in life. To those of you who have shown disdain towards this type of lifestyle, all I have to say is "to each his own." I don't expect everyone to agree with me. This lifestyle is a choice I have made for myself, and it has shown me nothing but positives thus far. I am just a strong believer in living "outside the box," and sharing information with those who may find it useful.

Here is what I want to have by the time I'm 40 (although I would like to have this before I turn 32):

I don't need (or want) much. Just to own a piece of land and to grow a large garden on that land. It will be somewhere warm, with a mild or tropical climate - perhaps Hawaii, Florida, Costa Rica, or even California... There are several places that will work for me. I will GLADLY sleep in my van on that land of mine, however I also would like a small building (yurt, tree-house, or cobb house) that has a small kitchen, running water, and probably a bathroom. I really don't want a "normal" house though. They weren't built in an energy efficent manner, and they have so much wasted space. I really just want bare necessities. I will be spending most of my time outdoors, anyway! :) Tending to my garden, laying in my hammock, reading, cooking, traveling, biking.... I am planning to be healthy and free of debt when I am 40. I don't need or want anything fancy. Just friends, fresh food, and sunshine on my face. To sum up the question, where will I be living when I'm 40? I will be living between my van and my own little one-room building, on my own little plot of land, somewhere where my blueberries, strawberries, watermelons and more will grow year-round, without the snow. And I will be loving every moment of it.

I can't predict the future, and sure, someday, I might end up in a tiny little house. It is entirely possible. Living simply is just the big dream of mine. I really don't want to grow old inside a house that is way too big for me or leave this life with a bunch of wasteful things left behind for someone else to have to deal with. I am planning for my future in a way that will allow me to live my life appreciating the natural things that God made for us, the way that makes me feel so much more connected to our planet. You can call me crazy, call me a hippie, call me whatever you want. I don't have all the answers, and I definitely make mistakes. I go down one road, and I see where it leads me. If that road doesn't take me somewhere good, then I try a different one.

"I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Types of Vehicles

I recently received this question from a future traveler: "I've been looking around at my own option to travel once I graduate in the spring. What should I think about getting? Vans I have come across range anywhere from $1200-2500, depending on the options. I was mostly concerned with MPG and found it very difficult to find a vehicle that got decent gas mileage."


I asked Dan the Handyman if he would write a 3rd post for my page, regarding this question, because I know he has more to share about this particular topic...

What type of vehicle should I consider living in?

by Dan the Handyman

First off let me give you a brief history of what I've lived and traveled in. Shortly after high school when I was 19, I traveled west from Michigan to California, zig zaging through National Parks along the way. I drove a 4 door Chevy Lumina sedan, and I had my camping gear with me in the car. I realized that I was actually sleeping in the car more than I was taking the time to set up the tent. I reclined the passenger seat all the way flat and slept that way for many nights. After 2 1/2 months, however, I was definitely ready to move up to something a little more comfortable. I had arrived in California, and as luck would have it, a new friend had a large Chevy step van for sale and I bought it.

Here is a picture of my old step van the "Gray Whale" parked in Sausalito, CA, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Gray Whale logo was on the van when I bought it. I think it added to its charm, and it looked more like a work truck than an RV, which added to its urban stealth camping qualities. I have a warm spot in my heart thinking back to those days living in the San Francisco bay area in the Gray Whale.

This is the partition wall I built behind the drivers seat in the Gray Whale. The "Castle" doors led to the secure living quarters in the back of the van. I wish I had more pictures from that time in my life but I am happy that I have what I have. I traveled to the Burning Man in the Gray Whale and got into building art cars.

The Gray Whale is the biggest vehicle I have lived in. I had a loft for my bed, a two-burner coleman stove, closets, and a booth with folding table set up in back. I was able to save a lot of money by living in my van around San Francisco and Marin County. At that time (almost 10 years ago) rent was $1,000.00 and up, per month, for a one bedroom studio apartment. I was able to travel to Hawaii, and later Thailand and Burma, with the money I had saved.

Step vans offer a lot of space, second only to buses, but they really don't get very good gas mileage. When I lived in the Gray Whale I would keep it parked a lot of the time and cruise around on my bicycle. Ten years ago gas was also much cheaper than it is today.

You do not necessarily need a large vehicle to live in. I also cruised across the western states for a while in a small Toyota Tercel that got FANTASTIC gas mileage. I ripped all the seats out, except the drivers seat, and built a platform from the passenger side to the back seats to sleep on. It was comfortable to stretch out and sleep in, but had only minimal storage space. The book "Ten Consecutive Years Living In Cars" by Craig S. Roberts describes this approach in great detail.

After owning several different cars, trucks, and vans, I feel that medium to full size vans offer the most space without sacrificing too much for gas mileage. Bigger vans like step vans are a little bit harder to park, and you have to be aware of height restrictions.

Some of the best used vans available in the U.S. are Ford Aerostar and Chevy Astro CARGO VANS. I like cargo vans much more than window passenger vans because it's much easier to make the interior space private. The Aerostar and Astro are both 6 cylinder mid sized vans. They both get 15 mpg in town, but the Aerostar gets 22 mpg highway compared to 20 mpg highway for the Astro. They are not as good as a car, by any means, but compared to full size vans that get 10 to 15 mpg, they're a good compromise. You can buy these vans used for $2,500- $3,000. To find out the mpg ratings for all major automobiles from 1985-2008 go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

Older carburated gas engines get worse mileage than more modern fuel injected engines. Diesel engines get better mileage, last longer than gasoline engines, and usually cost more. A great big step van with a gas engine might get 8-10 mpg, whereas a diesel step van of the same size might get 12-15 mpg. The new Dodge "Sprinter" vans have 5 cylinder Mecedes diesel engine and get 25-30 mpg, but the bad news is that they are very expensive. You can expect to pay more than $15,000 for a decent used sprinter. They do offer standing headroom like a step van, but for $15,000 you might might want to wait a few years for the prices to come down.

Alternative fuels are an exciting topic to bring up when talking about vehicles. Using waste vegetable oil to make fuel for your diesel engine is fun and good for the environment, but trying to do it on the road could become a real project. People have done it, but it is a much simpler operation to manage if you are stationary. First off, you have to set up a routine to pick up oil from a local restaurant. Then you need to have all your processing equipment stored somewhere in order to make the fuel. Some people have mounted bio-diesel processing equipment onto trailers that are pulled behind their vehicle. (There is no better way to draw attention to yourself than to be pulling around a lot of strange equipment. An enclosed utility trailer would be best to try and be discrete, and don't forget to vent out any toxic methanol and methoxide fumes) The actual collecting and processing of vegetable oil into bio-diesel can become a part time job in itself and may not warrant any financial gains from making your own fuel. It is a lot easier to go to the gas station and fill up while you're on the road. It might be fun to make a statement or be in the local newspaper, but remember your time is valuable, and less is more. Bio diesel is available in all 50 states now for purchase, and you can find gas stations that have it at the pump on the Internet. Click Here to locate U.S. locations where you can fill up on BioDiesel at the pump.

T. Boone Pickens commercials have everyone's attention when it comes to Compressed Natural Gas - The same stuff piped to houses in cities to run the stove, furnace, water heater, etc... You can buy used fleet vehicles, cargo vans, and work trucks that run on CNG. It's not as dirty as gas, and the engines last longer. CNG isn't as energy dense as gasoline, so you have to store more of it on board to get the same range. CNG is less expensive, mile per mile, when compared to gasoline. CNG does not have the same national distribution system as gasoline, so it is more difficult to find places to fill up. Many people who use CNG fill their vehicles up at their homes and businesses, where it is piped in and run through special compressors to fill up the tank. In summary, CNG isn't nearly as convenient as gasoline currently is.

Petroleum based diesel fuel and gasoline are incredible natural resources that we will run out of in my lifetime. We have no alternative that can match its utility and energy density. As the age of cheap oil ends, humans will witness the quality of modern life deteriorate. We must plan accordingly.

Big hugs,

:-)

Dan The Handyman

Good People

I woke up this morning, feeling as though I was in Antarctica. Outside my window, everything was white (and it has only gotten whiter as the day has passed). It was kind of depressing to me, actually, when I first woke up. I mean, I try to be an optimistic individual. I like the snow, when I'm ready for it, and I love being in my van. I've just been collecting unemployment since April, so it's no surprise that sometimes I feel like I've been stuck in the same rut for too long. I even thought to myself this morning, what was the point of this day, again? Anyone care to remind me?

Eventually I got around to checking my email, and I spent much of the day answering those emails. They really reminded me that I never wake up alone, even when I'm literally all by myself. And why did I even wonder, what was the point of this day? I believe that the point of every day is to simply try to make it worthwhile. Be a friend, do something fun, learn something new, teach someone something, make someone laugh, do something you never did before, or try to conquer all your goals, with at least one little step per day.

I have received so many wonderful emails from people all over the U.S., since I started this blog - and I only just started it one month ago. There are so many people out there who are very much willing to chat & be a new friend. People I have never met are helping me find parts for my van & giving me pointers, kind comments, offers, suggestions, and fun stories. Karma is a true thing. Believe that "what goes around, will come around." If you are a bad person, I feel that it will come around and bite you where it hurts. I feel so blessed that this blog is reaching out and touching people, because those people are reaching back and touching me, too. I had been feeling pretty low before starting this blog. It was as if I had no purpose and no direction & was just living in van, not helping anyone, or doing anything productive with my time. I now feel as though I'm going in a better direction. I'm grateful to be making new friends, in so many states I have not yet visited. I hope to eventually travel this country, corner to corner, meeting all the wonderful people that have been sending messages.

I don't know why, but it is often easier for me to talk ("talk" = type) to these people who I've never met, instead of the people who I've known for a long time. They remind me that, overall, we are actually all very much the same. There is truly a spread-out community of like-minded people out there, willing to help, share, and BS. We all just want the same things in life - fun experiences, good memories, happiness, simple pleasures, to be helpful, money, time, and the knowledge to achieve all those things. I don't think any of those things are too much to ask for. Depending on the choices you decide to make and the road you choose to travel down, you can have all those things and more.

Even though I know our world is quickly falling apart, (I keep up to date on the news, especially via CNN.com), I am overwhelmed with a feeling that everything will just be ok. There are so many terrific people out there - I know, because of all of you who are responding to my blog with your open arms. And just so you know, I write down your suggestions, info, and misc. tidbits in my navy blue, 5-subject notebook of Sonja's top-secret "Important Information." Keep it coming! :)

P.S. One recent valuable tidbit I received: Thanks to Donn, I now know about Pink Duct-Tape! I had no idea that even existed. Do you think it works better than the silver kind?

Internet & Wi-Fi Locations

I'm getting restless, waiting for the 24th to come.

I have been spending a lot of my time at the public library, reading, and using the Internet.

I feel like it has gotten too chilly for me to spend much time outside, and my anticipation to leave is growing stronger everyday.

It is supposed to snow hard here all week, starting tonight, and the tires on my van aren't ready for that.

I do admit, it will be nice to have a couple Thanksgiving dinners before I go (I got 2 offers!), but that is all that is keeping me here.

I have gone thru my belongings, so my van is stripped down to the bare essentials of what I need. A tote of clothes, a few books, my metal detector, tool kit, toiletries, random odds & ends. I've vaguely looked online for several places that I would like to spend a little time in - Perhaps a few cities in Kentucky & Tennessee, then maybe to Asheville, Charlotte, & Fayetteville North Carolina. Myrtle Beach, SC, sounds good, as do several more cities along through Florida. I really am bad at planning. Everything in my mind is just a rough sketch. I probably should pick out some more specifics, but I really just want to hit the road.

Anyhow, as I said above, I've spent tons of my time lately hanging out at a local library. Libraries are absolutely terrific when you are traveling. Lounge around, use their computers, or pick up their wi-fi on your laptop. Catch up on your emails, research where you are going next, etc. If you are good at planning ahead (unlike me), check out www.publiclibraries.com - You can search by state and find addresses & phone numbers of all the libraries you will come across on your journey.

I don't really need to use library computers, I just like to sometimes. I've actually got my own laptop with a little wi-fi antenna. I've picked up free wi-fi at Burger King, Staples, Best Buy, coffee shops, hotels, Subway, Hardees, Panera Bread, etc. Lots of places have free wi-fi. If you want to scope out where you can find wireless internet in your area or where you are headed, check out these 3 terrific websites.

http://www.wififreespot.com

(FREE wi-fi locations - Either click on the categories, or scroll down to search by city/state)

http://pcworld.jiwire.com

(Search by city/state or zip code - Either click Pay, Free, or Both)

http://www.superpages.com/cities/search_wifi.php

(Search by city/state or zip code - If you check the box for free, it will only list the free wi-fi spots. If you don't check the box, it will include pay wi-fi spots)

ALSO, I heard that there is a free program that you can download from Jiwire (a free Wi-Fi Internet finder), and it will even provide you with Wi-Fi locations while you aren't even online! Check it out :)

Feeling a Tad Discouraged

You know how I ordered that coolant hose to fix the leaking problem with my van?

Well, I was so excited to get it that I guess I jinxed myself.

Johnson Foreign Auto tried to order the hose, but were unable to get it, even after calling seven additional places. They were very helpful, but I'm still out of luck. Apparently that specific hose that I need is truly unavailable everywhere. There is no place to get it! It is quite frustrating, really. I tried to order that same hose a while back from www.busdepot.com, and they told me the same thing after trying to order it. "That hose is no longer available." And yet they STILL have it listed on their website. They should really take it off there. So I guess for all of you VW vanagon owners out there, coolant hose part # 025121102A isn't out there anywhere. And if anyone happens to have a source, I would love to hear from you!

I will try not to let it get me down.

For now I will just try more hose clamps and coolant.

Amps, Volts, Watts...Teaching Myself

I don't have a 2nd battery hooked up yet in my van. All I've been using is a Xantrex power inverter with my cigarette lighter. I am thinking about upgrading, so a good portion of my free time lately has been dedicated to learning all that I can about battery basics and related topics.

I've really ended up learning about all sorts of interesting things that are connected to eachother like a big spiderweb ~ I'm so excited that I finally understand the difference between volts, amps, and watts! I've also learned a lot about batteries in general, wire thickness, and power inverters. It is pretty simple stuff once you understand it, and since it is fresh in my mind, I'm going to type it out in this post. Then I can refer back to this page the next time I need to remind myself how to figure out watts or amps again (cheat sheet). I understand all this now, but I am guessing that I will forget it all if I don't keep refreshing myself on it. Here is what I have recently learned:

VOLTS - voltage (like the pressure of water in a pipe)
AMPS - amperes (speed/quantity of flow per unit of time/measure of current)
WATTS - power

When you have got two of those, you can figure out the third. Here are the formulas:

WATTS = volts x amps

AMPS = watts / volts

VOLTS = watts / amps

(Example: A light bulb that uses 120 volts and has 2 amps running through it is a 240 watt bulb, because Watts=Volts x Amps. 240=120 x 2)

Also: If the watts aren't known, you can figure out the ohms.
Ohms = the value of resistance/force/restriction to flow

OHMS = volts / amps

AMPS = volts / ohms

VOLTS = amps x ohms

Amps are how many electrons flow past a certain point per second. Volts is a measure of how much force that each electron is under. Think of water in a hose. A gallon a minute (think amps) just dribbles out if it us under low pressure (think voltage). But if you restrict the end of the hose (ohms), letting the pressure build up (higher voltage), the water can have more power (like watts), even though it is still only trickling at a gallon a minute. The power can grow enormous as the pressure builds, to the point that a water "knife" can cut a sheet of glass. In the same manner, as the voltage is increased, a small amount of current can turn into a lot of watts.

Anyway, once you make a list of all the things you want to power in your vehicle, you can then figure out all your amps, volts, and watts. One you've got that info, you can decide whether a simple power inverter will work to run everything out of your 12 volt cigarette lighter plug, or whether you should hook up a 2nd battery in order to power your gadgets. You can use your total watts to determine how big of a power inverter you need, or your total amps to determine how powerful of a battery you need, based on battery AH (amp hours).

I used the above formulas to figure out the amps & watts of several of my appliances. That gives me a rough idea of how much power I may possibly need from a 2nd battery (or if I've got a strong enough inverter to hold me over). My laptop adaptor says 19.5 volts and 4.7 amps, so lets see.. that means my laptop uses 92 watts (19.5 x 4.7 = 92). I looked at my old high-power blender, and it said 4.5 amps. So if I assume that it is meant to be plugged into a 120 volt AC outlet, I figure it uses (4.5 x 120) about 540 watts. Another thing to keep in mind is that, even though my blender runs at about 500 watts, I know it takes more than that to start it. I think I've heard to double that amount, so I will assume that my blender would take 1,000 amps to start it, which is how many cranking amps I would also need in a battery.

POWER INVERTERS:

To figure out how big of a power inverter you need in your vehicle, determine the total watts of everything you want to operate. Remember, amps x volts = watts. If you only know the amps, multiply your amps by 120. Your amps x 120 = watts. Once you've got your total watts, pick out an inverter that supplies at least that wattage constantly. I've also heard that it is important to add 15% to your total watts, just to make sure you'll have enough power to meet your requirements. Inverters have both a peak rating and a constant rating. This means that a 400 watt inverter will supply constant supply of 400 watts, but will deliver a peak of 800 watts. The peak voltage doesn't last very long, but it allows extra starting power.

I found a neat list of various devices and the approx. number of watts that they each use.
Here are some of the common wattages for several appliances:

full size microwave (1400-1750 watts), 42" fan (1235 watts), chest freezer (1200 watts), mini microwave (1000 watts), coffee maker (600 watts), portable vacuum (525 watts), computer & monitor (450 watts), blender (450 watts), refrigerator (360 watts), home stereo (350 watts), 3/8" drill (320 watts), tv/vcr combo (300 watts), quartz halogen spotlight (250 watts), 3-speed fan (130 watts), computer printer/fax (150 watts), laptop computer (90 watts)

BATTERIES:

I started looking around at different batteries, trying to pick out what I would like, and I discovered several things. First, a Marine Deep-Cycle Battery is definitely the type of battery that should be used as a backup power source in a vehicle. Deep Cycle batteries provide continuous power for long periods of time (a trolling motor for a small boat, auxiliary RV power, traction power for a golf cart, etc.). They can also be used to store energy from a small wind turbine! (neat fact) They are designed to have a long, continuous discharge period, followed by a complete recharge. They've got fewer, thicker plates (in order to have a greater capacity) and a low cranking ability, but they have lots of reserve capacity. They endure a lot more discharge/recharge cycles than starting batteries. I found this site, titled "Deep Cycle Battery FAQ," which has tons of good info. I also read that AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are one of the best types of deep cycle batteries out there.

When I drove around, looking at deep cycle batteries, I discovered that they have AH (amp hours), Reserve Capacity, and Cranking Amps. One battery I looked at had 44 A.H., 78 min, Reserve Capacity, and 1,200 Cranking Amps. Another one had 52 A.H., 124 min. Reserve Capacity, and 1,100 Cranking Amps. That gave me more researching to do...

AH (Amp Hours) = amount of amps flowing (load in amps) x number of hours used.

In other words, amp hour capacity of a battery is the certain amount of amps that a battery may deliver for a period of time, depending on the battery's size.

AH / load in amps = estimated life of that battery (amp hours divided by the load in amps = how long the battery will last)

Example: a 72 A.H. battery, with a 10 amp load should last 7.2 hours (72 / 10 = 7.2)
Example: a 100 A.H. battery can deliver 5 amps for 20 hours (100 / 5 = 20)

If you determine that all the appliances you want to run equal, say, 20 amps, then you could run everthing simulaneously for either 2.2 hours on a 44 A.H. battery (44 / 20), 3.95 hours on a 79 A.H. battery (79 / 20), or 4.6 hours on a 92 A.H. battery (92/20). You probably won't be running everything together, however, for that entire time. That was just as an example to test my math skills :)

Now onto Reserve Capacity. Reserve Capacity is the time in minutes that a new, fully charged battery will deliver 25 amps at 80 degrees and maintain a voltage of at least 1.75 volts per cell, or 10.5 volts for a 12 volt battery (I had to look up that official definition). It represents how long the battery will continue to operate if the alternator or vehicle generator fails. Basically it is the battery's ability to sustain a minimum vehicle electrical load, in the event of charging system failure.

Cranking Amps are also listed on a battery. There are regular cranking amps (CA), and then there are cold cranking amps (CCA). In a round-about description, regular cranking amps determine how much power you have to start your car in most climates, and cold cranking amps determine how much power you have to start your car on cold winter mornings. It takes more power to initially start something up (ex: starting your car), which takes a high discharge rate in amps for a short period of time. To start something, the battery must "crank" (rotate the crankshaft) while it maintains a sufficient voltage. The higher the rating, the greater the starting power.

Misc. Basic Informational Tidbits:

Household electrical current is 110/120 volt AC (alternating current - an electrical current thats direction reverses cyclically/the direction of energy flow periodically reverses)

Automobile/battery current is 12 volt DC (direct current - an electrical current that flows in a constant direction)

Here is a site where you can print or view an informational PDF e-brochure, titled "Introduction to Batteries & Charging Systems."

Extention Cords:

While reading about power and amps, I also came across a neat chart regarding extension cords. I do need to get a new extension cord for my van, so this chart is pretty handy... (I use an extension cord to plug the outside of my van in to any regular 110/120 AC outlet, and it powers the wall outlet that I've got near the floor inside my van). Here is the table that shows the wire thickness (gauge) required in an extension cord, depending on the cord's current draw in amps and the length of the cord: (The larger the AWG number, the thinner the wire, and the less current it can bear. So if you want to power 14 amps and have a 50' cord, the chart recommends that it should have a 14 AWG thickness. If you don't have a 14 AWG cord, then you can use a 12 (but not a 16), - you can go to a smaller number, which is a larger size):

amps	25'	50'	75'	100'	125'	150'	175'	200'
0-10.0	18 AWG	18 AWG	16 AWG	16 AWG	14 AWG	14 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG
10.1-13.0	16 AWG	16 AWG	14 AWG	14 AWG	14 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG
13.1-15	14 AWG	14 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG
15-18	14 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG	12 AWG

Well, most men out there probably already knew all that stuff since it is really basic info.
But I like having it all typed out anyway :)
My next step is to find a battery that I want and then learn how to hook it up in my van with wires, an on/off switch/solenoid? etc. OH - and I need to figure out where I'll put it, so I can measure and figure out what size battery to get. The batteries I've looked at were all sorts of different sizes.

When I figure out exactly how to hook up a 2nd battery, I will let you know. I really enjoy teaching myself stuff. I think it is a positive way to spend extra time.

**Also, thanks for the tip, via the comment!! Definitely check out How To Have Electricity at cheaprvliving.com! Bob has some wonderful info there, and it is extremely helpful.

Me & My Hammock

I love my hammock... Sometimes there is nothing better than finding two trees and relaxing between them.

I Invite Your Comments!!

For those of you that have left comments, Thank You! Input is what keeps me going (along with donations in my tip jar) :-)

For those of you that just quickly stop by, if you've got a quick second, please leave just one comment, somewhere, on a post that you feel strongly about. 

Comments let me know if I am providing any useful (or not) information. If you like something, or refer to one of my posts a lot, leave a simple message just to let me know. For example, I'm not sure if anyone is frequently using my long list of links. I hope they are, but I'm really not sure.  I really want to know what all of you are thinking out there. My hit counter is showing hits ... but I have no idea how many people keep coming back. Feedback is always a positive thing. When you don't get any, you just assume that you are talking to yourself.

If you're willing, drop me a note or comment anytime, even if you prefer to remain anonymous.

I will be camped out here for quite some time~

Personal Hygiene, Showers, & Keeping Clean

Living in a vehicle can make personal hygiene a little tricky, but it is still very possible to take care of yourself. I eventually just got used to not waking up and heading straight for my bathroom anymore. When you don’t have a bath “room,” you just find ways to improvise. Lots of car/van dwellers have different tricks and methods, so browse around and figure out what will work best for you. This is just an over-view of how I get by. I like to stay clean. I have various ways to brush my teeth, wash my hair, and maintain personal hygiene, even though I don’t have my own faucet running or a tub to climb into.

Face & Body Wipe-Downs

For quick wipe-downs, I use a spray bottle containing water, a washcloth, and a tiny dab of camp suds. (That spray bottle is also used for keeping my plants happy, and I re-fill it at drinking fountains) Wet-wipes are also extremely handy for helping to keep your body clean - your hands, armpits, wherever. Every time I wipe myself down, I put on fresh deodorant (aluminum-free) and spritz myself with a very light lemon~scent (Have a favorite perfume or essential oil? That will work too). For my face, I like to wipe it down with Witch Hazel (a mild, natural astringent that you can find and purchase inexpensively in Dollar Stores). Doing that always makes me feel refreshed and removes excess dirt & oil from my face.

Brushing Your Teeth

For brushing my teeth, there are a couple options: In my van, I just pour a little water over my brush and add a tiny dab of my normal toothpaste. When I'm done, I just swish a little water around in my mouth (from my water bottle) and spit it outside my van or into a container (and dump it later). My favorite option is to just use a public bathroom somewhere (a library, gas station, grocery store, Walmart), and not eat again that night after I have brushed my teeth. Baking soda also works well for brushing your teeth in a vehicle, since it is very simple and cheap to do. Click here if you'd like to read more about that. BUT don't use baking soda as your recommended method for brushing your teeth, as it will eventually strip your teeth of their enamel. It is good in a pinch, for occasional cleaning and whitening. It is extremely important to take care of your teeth, whether you are living in a vehicle or not.

Washing Your Hair

Amazingly enough, whenever I feel disgusting and crave a shower, simply washing my hair will often suffice. If you are unable to easily shower nearby, you can truly feel better by just washing your hair & face. For an inexpensive hair wash, click here to learn about using baking soda and vinegar. I will try that sometime, but I have still been trying to use up my normal minty-fresh, Biotin-enriched shampoo...

I have read different ways that people actually wash their hair inside their vehicle, but they all just sound too messy for me at this time. My hair isn't very short. Here are 3 ways that I have washed my hair:

1. If I'm feeling lazy and don't want to leave my van, I use a no-rinse shampoo instead of my normal shampoo. Just lay down a towel, use a spray bottle to get your hair wet, tilt your head upside-down over the towel, pour some of the no-rinse shampoo over your hair (or put it in a sprayer and just spray it on), rub it in, and towel it dry. It really isn't as bad as it sounds! :)

2. Sometimes it is convenient to wash my hair at the beach, in a lake, or a river. I get in, swim around, and wash my hair with a tiny dab of camp suds or Dr. Bronners. I try to do it where there isn't really anyone around.

3. A good option for washing my hair on the road, however, is the same as my favorite place to brush my teeth - I use a sink in a public restroom (one made for a single person, not a multi-stall bathroom). There can be a nice personal restroom in a library, bookstore, grocery store, fast food restaurant, on a college campus, at your job, etc. Gas stations work, too, but they are often pretty gross, so I'd recommend sticking to one of the others. It doesn't look odd for a woman to carry a large purse or tote-bag, so I use one to carry the following items into a public bathroom - a small handtowel, my spray on conditioner, a hair-pick, and shampoo. If I feel like being more inconspicuous for some reason, I might wear a hat into the business and also wear it back out (so it isn't as obvious that my hair is dripping wet). I have mastered washing my hair in a sink, although shorter hair would be an advantage in this situation. Once I get into the bathroom, I'm quick! I whip off my shirt, drape my tiny towel over the edge of sink (if it will stay there), and I get my hair wet (First I lean over the sink, forwards, and wet the under-side of my hair. Then I flip around, squat down, and bend over backwards to wet the top side of my hair). I lather up my hair with shampoo, and rinse it by again first leaning over the sink forwards, and then leaning over the sink backwards). I towel it dry as best as I can, spray on some detangler, pick thru it to make it straight, throw my shirt back on, and pack my things back into my bag. If I am in a bathroom that I don't think anyone is waiting for, I will take a little more time to brush my teeth, clean myself more thoroughly, and use the bathroom.

Showers

I love taking showers, and I am assuming that most people are like me in that sense. If you live in a vehicle and there is ever a free shower available to you, I'm sure you definitely take advantage of that opportunity. They can be somewhat difficult to come by for free. I was recently reading "Ten Consecutive Years Living in Cars," and he showers in approx. 90 seconds by simply standing outside his car door (behind a business/store or out on a secluded road), lathering up his hair and privates, and pouring 2 jugs of water over himself. I haven't tried that, but I think it would work best for someone with really short hair and who doesn't necessarily need warm water. I personally think that a solar shower is essential to have if you live in your vehicle. Just fill it with water, warm it up on your dash, and have a hot shower outside in the woods or somewhere secluded. I am planning on eventually hanging a shower-curtain around my van's rear-hatch when it is open. Then I can use a solar shower to comfortably take a shower from the privacy of standing behind my van. Here is a list of possible places to shower:

Friend's or Relative's House - Free

Public Beaches - Free

Your Job - (I have worked at places that had showers available)

County Parks - I have occasionally found little county parks that have showers available. I'm not sure if they are just for campers, but I haven't seen any signs. They are open, available, and free.

College Athletic Facility - Can be an excellent opportunity for a free shower, since many colleges do have showers available. Perhaps ask around to some students walking on campus.

Hotels - Many offer usage to their pool/hot-tub area for a small fee (I found a local AmericInn that charges $3.00). Another option, (shhhh...) may be to sneak into a hotel pool area. Park along the side of a hotel and see if you can get into a side door. If it is a busy hotel, you could wait and head towards the door right behind someone else, and enter the hotel with them. Carry a tote bag with your towel and bathing suit, dress like a hotel guest, and perhaps carry a can of pop and wear a headset. The key would be to look like you belong there. Head to the pool area in your flip-flops & knock on the pool door if it requires a room key. Pretend you forgot yours in your room, and that your room is way up on a high floor. If you put some plastic baggies in your tote, you can fill up on hotel ice for your cooler on your way out of the building.

Public Swimming Pools - Go for a swim, use a hot tub, and then shower! Costs a small fee, but definitely call and ask when the cheapest swim times/nights are.

Gym/Health Clubs - Will cost a daily rate or a monthly membership fee. Might be worth it, depending on your situation and your desire to exercise. Depending on where you are living, some gyms offer a membership that is nationwide, such as 24hr.Fitness.

Truck Stops - Usually costs around $7 for a shower (sometimes more, sometimes less). Call ahead and ask if you are curious. If you are sleeping there anyway, ask around for a free shower coupon. They give them out to people who buy certain amounts of gas, and some people living in their big RVs might not need their coupon if they've got their own RV shower.

Campground/RV Parks - Free if you are already camping there anyway! But if you are planning to camp there just for a shower, it would probably be cheaper to go use a public swimming pool, truck stop, or someplace else.

Laundromat - I have yet to find a laudromat out there that has a shower available, but I have heard that they exist...Can anyone tell me if they've ever found one? Oh well, if you can't find one with a shower, you can at least wash your clothes there and charge your small appliances from a 120 volt AC wall outlet while you wait.

As of right now, I am still enjoying my showers at a local gym and several friend's houses.. Once I'm on the road again (the 24th of this month!!), I will continue to keep you posted on the situations that arise.

Splurges, Expenses, and Snow

Ok, so I decided to splurge a bit on some recent purchases. Sometimes even I just can't help it.

Thank you, Ray from Alabama! He recently emailed me and told me about Johnson Foreign Auto, where I was just able to order a new coolant hose for my van! I can't wait until it gets here and I can get it on my van.. Then I will get to bleed the coolant system again, to make sure all the air is out - It was kinda messy last time and takes two people, but its definitely doable. I followed step-by-step instructions in my Vanagon repair manuals. I've got both the big Bentley repair manual and the smaller Haynes repair manual. They both teach me so much about my van, since they've got extremely detailed instructions for everything. I also ordered a 2nd hose from Johnson Foreign Auto, since that one was also looking pretty old. Might as well replace them both at the same time. As thrilled as I am to be able to fix my van now, I'm not too thrilled that I have to shell out over 120 bucks.. One hose was 52.00 and the other was 71.00. Plus shipping. Ouch. That is why sometimes you need to let your vehicle "maintenance fund" build up a little bit. Or just save more money towards emergencies.

I also just spent $45 bucks through JCWhitney for a new air compressor! It is really portable model that will work great on both my bike and if I get a flat on my van. It is the TyphoonMax 300 and is supposed to work really fast. It had excellent reviews, and I know it will be a very good thing to have. I've already gotten one flat tire this past summer. My poor van ran over a chunk of razor blade. Surprisingly enough, the local co-op was able to patch the tire, even though there was a pretty large gash in it. I guess those guys are just good at what they do, because the tire hasn't gone flat again since. Knock on wood.

I'm not sure exactly what compelled me, but I also recently splurged and bought a few more things... a book (The 2008 RVer's Friend - Parking Directory), a new bra (I don't know how I did it, but I actually LOST my all-time favorite one. How do you lose a bra when you live in a van? I know it isn't there anywhere. I looked Everywhere...), a Christmas gift for a friend (a portable little Battery Tester. I have one just like it! It is SO handy), a new SmartMug (perfect for tea), and a hand-crank SideWinder Cell-Phone charger.

I know it sounds like a lot of money, but I haven't spent a big amount of money in a long time, and I'm not planning on doing that again for the next 6 months or so.. Plus, I only have a mailing address for 2 more weeks. . . I have decided to stay in Northern Michigan just a little longer, since I've gotten 2 offers to have Thanksgiving dinner and so I can fix my leaking coolant problem. 2 weeks also gives me just enough time for all my goodies to arrive.

I'm really itching to leave, though. There is snow outside, and I really don't have anything else keeping me here except waiting. Waiting for free holiday meals and waiting for packages, but I guess those are two things that are really worth waiting for.

**Speaking of the fact that there is snow outside, I would like to respond to a question I got on a recent post from Chris, the Scavenger: "How do you heat your van in cold seasons?" Well, one thing that is great about my VW is that my bed is right above the engine compartment. If I run my engine for a little while, my bed really gets warm and cozy. I also have a little heater, near the floor at the end of my bed, and it really cranks out the heat! When I don't want to run my engine, I just crawl into my really nice Moonstone down sleeping bag.. It was about 200 bucks, but well worth it. It is VERY warm. Plus I have a silk mummy-bag liner which adds an extra 10 degrees to its warmth. The liner also protects my bag in case I haven't showered lately. I really love my sleeping bag. I also have a nice warm fleece jacket, a couple hoodies, and some warm socks. I've got an indoor/outdoor thermometer in my van (the wire goes out my slider window), too, and I look at it every morning. It lets me know if I should just stay inside my sleeping bag and not get up. I don't like being cold. I've also got 2 blankets in my van, so I am all set. Here is a picture of my van from the other day. Just a dusting of snow, but it's there, on the roof! And there was more snow today. Brrr.

Overnight Urban Parking Tips

Here is my boyfriend's 2nd posting!

Overnight Urban Parking Tips

by Dan the Handyman

In more urban areas where police have been heavily subsidized by affluent homeowners it can be difficult to get a good night sleep without being harassed.  Wealthy homeowners don't typically put up with riff raff living in a van on the street in front of their house. As a van dweller, the worst thing you can do is get yourself noticed as such. You want to blend into the scenery as much as possible. The more you stand out with peace signs painted all over your vehicle you'll become a target. 

Plain white vans are the least noticeable. You want your vehicle to blend into the background. White cargo vans can blend in well in industrial areas, supply chain parking lots, etc... Cargo vans have no windows to let anyone see you inside eating a sandwich or watching a dvd.  The worst urban stealth vehicle you can get is a great big motorhome, 'cause you ain't foolin' nobody. Big stepvans (fedEX/UPS trucks) offer vast amounts of space. You can truly build a luxury home inside of one of those babies and be stealthy. The only problems with stepvans is they don't get the best gas mileage. There are lots of vehicles that can become a home. Adding window tint and blackout curtains help.

Don't park in the same spot all the time. When you find a town you like and you're hanging out there for awhile it's important to move around. If the locals see you in and out of your van all the time they will notice. If you're always parked at the end of the block, that is when the little old ladies start getting suspicious that you are a drug dealer or something, and then the cops come knocking on your window at 2:00 am.

One thing to remember is your vehicle is mostly a comfy place to sleep. An empty vehicle isn't really suspicious to the locals. It's only when you are in and around your vehicle that it becomes suspicious, especially parked late at night. Don't draw attention to yourself playing music and shining lights. 

Being able to park in hot spots like Key West without getting busted is something that old timers like to brag about. Some areas are keen to the idea that people like to come there and hang out without paying high rent. Urban stealth vehicle camping is a skill, I've been woken up by the cops more than once. It's good common sense not to be drunk, don't have drugs on you, and don't seem like a trouble maker. Know your rights and don't incriminate yourself. You don't have to let them search your vehicle. When you are on the road, and you are too tired to drive, you have the right to pull over and sleep. Cops will ask you questions trying to get you to incriminate yourself. You don't have to tell them anything, you always have the right to remain silent.

Here is a picture of one of my old vans, an obvious example of how not to blend in :-P

Overnight Parking Locations

I have made an extensive list (with additional information & pointers) of possible overnight places to park. I have tried many of them, but there are also some that I have only heard about people parking at. For your convenience, clicking on several of the stores listed will take you to a page of that store's locations. Here are three sites in particular that are valuable resources for parking overnight:

www.parkfreeovernight.com & www.freecampgrounds.com (includes parking lots!) & http://freecampsites.net/. Also, if you are near California, check out http://desertdutch.org/ (Free Campgrounds in Southern California).

If you are interested in staying somewhere long-term, check out the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) - Their site contains information about Long Term Camping on Public Land!

In populated areas, always remember to be as stealthy and inconspicuous as possible. You don't want to get busted living in your vehicle - Your goal is to blend in and be left alone.

OVERNIGHT PARKING POSSIBILITIES:

Walmart - a very popular place to park overnight! Join yahoo group: walmartrving for lots more specific info or if you have questions. Not all Walmarts allow overnight parking, so here is my advice: Call 1-800-walmart and type in the zipcode of a town you are thinking about staying in. It will give you the phone number to that Walmart - use it to call the store manager and ask if that particular store allows overnight parking.

Many K-mart, Sam's Club, and Camping World stores allow overnight parking, but it is always best to ask the specific store to make sure.

24-hour Businesses - grocery stores, restaurants, health clubs, laundromats, manufacturing companies (that have a night shift), department stores, etc. My favorite 24-hr. spot to park has been Meijers. If the store lot you would like to park in isn't open 24 hours, I have heard about parking there with a "For Sale" sign (with a random local phone number) in the front window. Pretty unique idea! Just make sure that nobody can see you inside thru the windows, in case they come to check out the sign.

Casinos - a great place to park overnight! You can always rely on parking in a Casino lot, I've done it several times. They are 24-hours and you can blend right in if you are living in a car or a van. If you are in an RV, go to CasinoCamper.com to find "RV Friendly" Casinos. You can also read tips there about Casino parking "etiquette."

Highway Rest Areas & State Welcome Centers - fairly good spots (plus you can wash your hair in the sink...). You may find the Interstate Rest Area Guide to be a handy resource, since it lists rest areas & welcome centers, organized by state.

Airport Terminal Parking Areas - I haven't done this, but I know that it is a possibility. Be aware that there might be a fee, depending on the size of the airport.

Some Shopping Malls/Plazas - look for signs regarding parking regulations

Hospitals - (good every once in a while, but I don't recommend parking at them very often)

Parking Garage - parking here will cost you something, but it might still be handy in a busy metro area that has limited parking. It would be a good option if you want added security. I've done this overnight in South Beach Miami and Chicago.

Apartment Complexes - look to see if people have parking permits or passes hanging in their vehicles. If not, these can be an excellent place to park overnight. It is best to park off to the side of the lot, but near other vehicles. Try not to be near the main entrance or windows. Don't stand out like a sore thumb, and park in a direction so that people aren't as likely to see in your front windshield. The IDEAL parking place would be a combination parking area, near both a 24-hr. store AND an apartment complex... It would look like you could either be living or visiting someone in an apartment, or working in the store.

Hotels (medium sized) - larger hotels may do frequent license plate security checks, and tiny motels could easily notice that you are there. Pick a medium sized one and feel it out. Hotels are not always recommended, but I have parked in several hotel lots with no problems. I like them quite a bit actually, but I only stay in them for one night and then move somewhere else.

City Streets - some cities allow overnight parking on their streets. Look for signs. People do tend to wonder about unknown vehicles parked outside their homes, so I'd recommend usually only doing this if there is an apartment complex nearby or if you know someone that lives on that street. If neither of those are the case, and you'd still like to park on a street in a residential neighborhood, try to get there pretty late and leave early in the morning. (just go move your vehicle into a grocery store lot and go back to sleep) Also try to park between two houses so it would make it more unclear as to whom you may be "visiting."

Parks/Campgrounds/RV parks - parks can include county parks, city parks, state parks, or national parks. Any of these options will probably require a fee, so they are fine if you don't mind paying for a few luxuries. Every once in a while they are nice. If you are car/van/RV/or even tent camping, definitely check out the U.S. National Forest Campground Directory. It's very informational!

County Roads/Scenic Overlooks/Natural Areas - free, but a little more risky. Not always the best, but definite possibilities. If you are a little ways off a main road they can be pretty nice.

"Dispersed Camping" on National Forest Land - this is free, but you will pretty much be in the middle of nowhere. If you are interested in doing this, look up a national forest in your area. Ask a local ranger where the dispersed camping area is located. Here are 3 sites to help you find a National Forest - U.S. National Forests and Forest Service Guide, US Forest Service, and Find a Forest by State

Federal Wildlife Refuges - (not "Wilderness Areas," which is where vehicles aren't allowed). I haven't parked at one, but I've heard of people doing so.

College/University Campus - there may be a visitor parking area near the student dormitory lots or somewhere else on campus. The best spot would be in a combination lot between the campus library and the student dorms. Campus libraries typically stay open really late and open pretty early in the morning. It could then look like you were either studying/working in the library or working/living in the dorms.

Friend or Relative's Driveway/Yard/Property - by far the best option for overnight parking! Not very possible, though, when you are traveling.

some "Cracker Barrels" - I've never parked at one, but I've heard that some Cracker Barrels do allow overnight parking. If they do, I guess it is usually behind the store, where there are long, designated bus/RV parking spots. Certain "Cracker Barrel" highway billboards have a tiny little bus silhouette in the lower, right-hand corner, which means they've got the designated parking spots. Check them out! They are pretty cool. My recommendation? Always ask a Cracker Barrel first.

Your Job - will they let you park there overnight? It never hurts to ask (unless it will get you fired)

Private Property - if you have permission to do so, it is definitely very safe to park on private property. I read about a guy that lived in his vehicle, traveled a lot, and had excellent references. He would ask real estate agents about opportunies for house-sitting/farm-watching/commerical-sitting/"caretaking" (outside, just "keeping an eye" on people's property). Every once in a while I guess he found a place to act as a temporary property "security watch." Plus he got paid! I wonder how likely of an opportunity this would be.

Large Farms/Ranches - I probably wouldn't do this, but it is similar to the last one I wrote about. I have read about people who ask large farms or ranches in the west if they could just park there for a night...

Truck-Stops - I HIGHLY recommend truck stops. They aren't just for truckers anymore, as RVer's give them lots of business. This is why many truck stops have changed their names to "Travel Centers" or "Travel Plazas." Truck stops can provide all sorts of services... laundry, showers, food, gas, ATMs, Wi-Fi internet, etc. When you are on the road, here are the top two sites I have found for locating truck stops (with phone numbers listed!):

American Trucker Truck Stop Directory & America's Independent Trucker's Association

MANY truck stops have a designated auto/RV parking area - and if they do, you don't have to ask to spend the night. Don't park among the truckers or in their designated area! Park in the auto/RV area only. Here are the Truck Stops that are most well-known for welcoming RVer's and smaller vehicles...I have personally read MANY positive reviews about various vehicles parking overnight at both Flying Js and T/As. I personally LOVE parking at Flying J's, Pilot Travel Centers, and T/As. They are great.

Flying J Travel Plaza

Always welcoming and friendly to any vehicle. #1 Recommended Truck Stop.

Travel Centers of America (T/A)

They "have RV parking spots at locations from coast to coast"

AmBest Truck Stops, Love's Travel Stops, Pilot Travel Centers, & Petro Stopping Centers

These four also often have auto and RV parking.

Petro's site specifically mentions separate auto parking.

If you wonder EXACTLY which truck stops are RV/auto friendly (or what services they have available) without clicking around on the net, I HIGHLY recommend buying this book somewhere: "The RVer's Friend," (by Trucker's Friend). Click Here for some info about that particular book.