C40 already gave you his feedback, I'll add mine.
> 1.
The choice for standing Room: A pop-top van
Agreed w/ C40 re: stealth. Otherwise, a pop-top may be a good solution if you need to access places that require low height (some drive-thrus, parking garages, public street parking).
To each their own, but I would rather just have a hard-top. Also, VW's are much too small.
> 2.
Stealth: that's otherwise an inconspicuous and ubiquitous work man's van
> 3.
Nice interior: wood flooring, fairy lights, a rug, a small tapestry or two, skylight; not sure about side-windows or insulation yet
Some insulation is advised. There's a big selection out there and I'm not sure which is the best solution. I was thinking of a mixed solution like aerogel on the ceiling or floor (where standing clearance may be important, most heat transfer from roof and sides) and something else on the walls.
I am thinking It's not such a big deal since you have such a small space to heat/cool (relative to a house), especially if you are spartan enough to just bundle up when it's cold or get out of the van any time it is hot. As far as flooring, my leading option for the longest time has been a solid layer which makes cleaning the van as easy as spraying a hose and sweeping or never worrying about spilt milk, wine.
> 4.
Power: I'd probably carry a second battery and possibly install solar panels (stealth decrease
)
> 5.
Refrigeration: For now a large iGloo cooler and weekly shopping will have to do
You can build your own "solar panels" (quotes because I mean you could arrange the solar cells in a less typical arrangement right on the roof) or wait until Telsa comes out with their shingle tech (and an aftermarket supplier makes it available). This would be more stealthy and space optimal. If you use a battery, look to what is used for tiny homes, RVs, van-dwelling, EVs, boating, etc..
The best thing is avoid needing any refrigeration or too much energy (you could charge a smartphone from car battery OK). It's doable with some planning and easier in some situations (I did it for two years urban dwelling).
> 6.
Sell-ability: apparently 8C vans are easier to re-sell than 6C
> 7.
Room: possibly a long-wheel base for extra room (stealth decrease, more unstable at high-way speeds, harder to drive/park in cities)
To each their own. Maybe you can experiment with a smaller size and upgrade if you need to? Or the opposite? I feel that fitting into a single parking space is important.
> 8.
Hot-food: a 12v oven and 12v induction hot plate, solar oven
Wayyy better options for heating than electric! Throw in some pressure or insulation for efficiency.
> 8.
Convenient: I'd really like a clothing rack and small desk or standing desk with pop top up
> 9.
Nice smell: a battery powered essential oil diffusser, cooking vent, and maybe a "food smell absorber"
> 10.
Toilet: Still looking into this, apparently there are little toilets that one can carry around
Again, I lived for two years with nothing in the van other than a sleeping pad/bag, basically. Just reiterating that van space is at a premium and to think hard (or experiment) about what you really need. That being said, a toilet would certainly be near the top of my list for things to put in a van. I was thinking of a custom-built toilet, of course. Main feature being a tank, that can do some processing, hooked up to the speedometer to engage the slow-drip drain onto the road.
> 11.
Shower: a plastic basin and sponge will do, cold water OK, maybe make a "privacy curtain" (?)
> 12.
Mirror: plastic to prevent shards
> 13.
Pantry: not much to say, pull out drawers underneath the bed maybe?
> 14.
Trash/Recycling: a little bin to collect trash and recycling
Your van is starting to feel a little cluttered. Consider items that expand as they are filled up (like bags, bungees, etc)
> 15.
Internet: not sure, maybe park within range of xfinity or make deliberate trips to library
For daily, non-video, stuff, there are a few affordable data plans out there. Also you can buy/build a wifi/cellular antenna.
> 18.
A place to rest: likely a 6 ft. twin mattress horizontally in the back (sorry if you're taller than that?)
> 19.
Room for one or two extra guests besides me & PP: might be pushing it, but it'd be nice, I can use my camping gear for this?
Hammocks and extra floor space would be my sleeping offerings for guests.
> 20.
Legal protection: insurance, driver's license, legal codes saying it's OK to camp in a vehicle in the area, etc.
It's a grey area (or illegal) pretty much everywhere. Best case you can just hope to minimize your risks by either being fully up to code (convert to RV and get RV insurance), have plausible deniability ("this is just a weekend thing" and not having stuff built-in like cooking implements, toilet, etc), or just break the laws.
> 23.
Water storage: maybe a 4 G bottle with a hand pump?
If it's a lot of water (not just a few Gs) prefer to place the storage at a low point. Remember to consider weight distributions within the van (I think keeping the stock ratios between L/R, F/R are suggested).
> 24.
Sustainability in mind: if I can get it to run on vegetable oil that'd be pretty great (and non-explosive, I might add)
And very limiting.
James_0011 wrote:
Do you ever experience social isolation from van dwelling or worry about it?
This is the biggest thing holding me back from such a lifestyle. I would think that people would be turned off from interacting with me knowing that I live in a van, although those aren't really the types of people I am interested in anyways.
How do you find like minded people as a van dweller?
Business as usual. Not much changed other than not having roommates. It might force you out into a more active social life, even.
Olaz wrote:@James - the idea/fear of isolation is holding me back too, especially from wanting to invite women over </3
It's not a big deal. You'll figure out how to present yourself and your #vanlife. It might get you more women, even.
*high five*
