Roadwarrior
Member
LIFE IS ABOUT CHANGE
As once said to me, 'We are all just one heart beat away from death.'
Birth to early adulthood. I was 2nd born, sister, me, sister, brother & sister. I had what I thought was a normal childhood, now I find out it was dysfunctional, but what is normal? I attended grammar school, jr high then graduated from high school. After which I felt I wasn't ready for college, I joined the service at 18. I spent the next 4 years in the USAFSS on overseas tours. I did attend a few college quarters, trying to find myself but never obtaining a degree.
Career. After my enlistment I was hired by a firm in Idaho and spent the next 2 years working in their data center. During those 2 years, I met & married, then soon had 3 children, 1 boy & 2 girls. I moved from that location back to my home town, worked in various data centers, spent some time in the brick mason trade (my father's trade) & eventually was hired by the largest private employer in N Utah. I spent the next 35 years working in their data center. I made a good living & ended up with a decent retirement.
Retirement (2009), relocating to Oregon. Early on in 2011 I was floored by health issues. It took me 6 years of surgeries, treatments, learning & battling life threatening aliments. I feel now I have a handle on my health. I'm eating proper, getting exercise & monitoring/managing my conditions to the best of my ability. I never got to do the things I wanted after retirement. Memories are fresh concerning my health & I have unpleasant thoughts about my location & surroundings. The idea of boon docking was planted in my mind early in Nov 2016 so I started on the project I call ‘My Grand Adventure’.
CARGO VAN
First vehicle I purchased for the boon docking - van dwelling project. A 1995 Chevy G30 (1 ton) cargo van with a 350 (the most common & easiest motor to work on), it has 265 AC (2 windows down/65 miles an hour). There is no massive command center for switches or gauges that tell me things I couldn't understand even if I wanted. My van runs remarkably sound but since it is an older one I must be aware of any differences that happen along the way. I purchased a new starter motor, after having the engine completely checked out (hoses, belts & fluids changed). I also purchased a higher amperage deep charge battery. Had new tires installed & receiver hitch/brake control/plug installed. Beyond that not much has been done to it. It has a bulk head, cargo mat & at best 2 usable bucket seats. The cigarette lighter is dead (could be replaced but don't smoke), the door & window handles that are not working have been replaced with a small sized vise grip. It is functional & 'ugly' needs a new windshield.
TRAVEL TRAILER
I also purchased a 'Vintage' 19' travel trailer. It is a 1998 Aerolite 19 footer self contained & have downsized/minimized & discarded as much unnecessary van dwelling 'stuff' as I could. I find I can get along well with less. Not withstanding my meals I try to keep my trailer as organized as possible. Space is the secret & keeping stuff put away helps. I make my bed every morning, wash my few pots n pans after use & keep the counters, open spaces & storage areas as organized as I can. With van & trailer - licenses, insurance, van parts, trailer parts, travel, parking,,,etc. my accumulated costs are now somewhere near $5,300 for the van & t-trailer. Reading on one forum I discovered that now my '98 trailer has moved into another classification - it's 'VINTAGE', when looking for a trailer I discovered the ones I thought I could afford were called 'Vintage' or 'Retro' & the prices had risen on a fully restored one. Any RV 20 years or older is considered 'Vintage'.
I had toyed with the idea to purchase an enclosed cargo utility trailer, problems I could see, the limited physical abilities I now possess hinder the DIYer attitude I always approched most projects with. For less than the cost of a moderate sized utility trailer, outfit it with the equipment & needs for camping I figured that the ‘19 trailer will adequately serve my needs with very little modification or cost. I paid $1,800 for the trailer, a small 5X8 utility will cost that much & then will need at least $1,500 invested for beds, cabinets & a adequate waste treatment. The trailer has all that. I got a sway control hitch thrown in for no more cost, that alone would have cost $400 plus. Much smarter idea & not much effort on my part.
When first planning & outfitting my ideas for van dwelling I had purchased a free standing mansized commode. It requires bagging your waste & disposing of it into a proper waste bin. I will need a free standing shower stall to double as a privy & a shower. They can be obtained for less than a $100. All the comforts of home! This will be used on the BLM land or where there is no facilities to hook up to. I also carry the commode & hand held urinal in my van for emergencies while traveling. Easy to stop at a rest area use the equipment then deposit my waste bags in the large garbage bins usually found at the stops. Can be used on the open road also but carrying the waste bags will be a minor issue.
BOONDOCKING
Some of the stumbling blocks associated with 'snowbirding' was laundry! Getting the clothes to the laundry wasn't the problem, it was how often you would have to go. I had 7 shirts & 5 pair of pants that needed washing at least once every week, I have learned to wear them 2 days instead of 1. I had very little room in my small travel trailer closet. So to solve the problem I thought of a way to circumvent that issue. The 1 ton enclosed van I drive, usually sits empty except for the floor. I decided that I could span the entire back near the rear door with an adjustible rod that I have. It would give me over 6 feet of open closet space.
I have been accumulating more clothes, I now have 20 shirts, 10 pair of pants, 2 light jackets, 1 heavier coat, 20 pair of underpants, 20 pairs of socks & 2 pair of shoes. Also an assortment of baseball type hats & gloves for warmth. I figure by keeping the clothes on hangers I can visit the laundry once every 3-4 weeks. So with 4 months to span = 120 days divided by 3-6 wash days, I can spend a minimum of time washing clothes. I will have room to hang everything along with a small 3 drawer dresser I can store all my laundry very easily. I can also use the back area dry my towels & wash clothes on the same rod.
I never used the back too much but did use the side sliding door to haul my groceries, keep my cooler & transport my water containers. I had physical trouble moving a 5 gal water bottle so I decided to purchase 3 additional 2 gal Igloo jugs. I can now carry 10 gals of potable water for drinking & cooking purposes. 10 Gal will last about 10 days so a trip to the water dispenser will take up 12 weekly visits @ 1 hour each. They have hanging handles attached with hooks so I can outfit my van with a heavy rod attached to the sides. The side sliding door is also the access & transport area for my propane bottles, I need 1 bottle per week so I will have to make 6 (2 bottles) trips to the fill station. Another hour each trip.
I use paper plates, cups & bowls, paper towels, plastic utensils & few items I need to wash regularly will be my pots, pans & knives & spatulas. I have a Geo Forman for steaks & other meats, a small crock pot, 2 fry pans, 1 camp coffee pot for heating water, a french press & one small sauce pan for my oatmeal. The now free area that laughingly was called my closet can be used to store my can goods, extra utensils & many other items. I can order all my camp supplies out of Amazon that can be delivered by UPS right at my space. I have my laptop, smart phone for communications devices, I can watch movies on my laptop, I have membership to the local library so with many videos to choose from my entertainment is filled. I will get my exercise daily just taking my garbage to the garbage area. I don't socialize, don't make friends usually & would rather keep to myself.
Just this morning I called the RV park in Quartzsite to reserve my space, pay 20% down. The told me last winter that I would need to call sometime in June because all the available spots are reserved by July 1st. I got the spot I flagged on my walks, it was still available so now it's mine from Nov 1 to April 30.
My plans now are to remove the broken awning, it broke one day when I was raising (rolling up). It would probably cost around $300 to replace the brace. Problem you run into with an awning is in the windy desert it acts as a parasail. I would watch others with their massive slideouts & attached awning rush outside to roll them up. The awning's left brace blocks my access to the hot water heater pilot light & with all the wind swerlling around it is very common to douse the flame rendering your water heater's output.
By removing it and using my $59 10 x 10 canopy for shade, makes it a little more convienent & can be moved where needed without moving the trailer. You do have to anchor them with long spikes at each corner & lower the top to 3 feet when windy. It does help keep them in place & relatively safe from damage. Talking with other residents it became apparent that the awning does nothing more than make extra work & expense. Most said they seldom use them.
DISCOVERIES
I have figured out most of my workings of my small trailer.
I've learned to shower much like they do in the other 2/3's of the world.
I use disposable paper plates, plastic utensils & other paper products.
I've learned what a 'sewer slinky' is & how to use it.
I purchased the best sewer line for drainage - RhinoFlex.
I purchased a water hose that is designed for potable water sources.
I've also learned what 'potable' means.
I'm learning about propane setup & where to get the best prices.
I learned how my furnace works.
I changed the thermo coupler on my 6 gal water heater.
I learned making my bed was a pain, got a sleeping bag.
I keep what cooking vessels I use washed immediately.
I use the laundry services here, close, cheaper & more convenient.
I learned to wear my clothes multiple days rather than change daily.
I'm learning all about solar panels & their varied uses.
I learned the sequence of emptying my tanks for maximum effect.
I keep the trailer as orderly as possible, everything in it's place.
I learned overheard storage doors can be head bumpers
I learned the easiest way to make coffee.
I'm learning to back & park my trailer, a monumental task for me.
I installed an in line water filter on my water source.
OTHER QUIRKS I've learned about my T-trailer:
1. Dual propane tanks, the one service one will run out at the most inopportune time (2:30 AM), if you only keep one on! I track the switch over & estimate the night it will run out, then make the switch before bedtime. I always keep my spare filled. The propane service center will top off your bottle @ no extra charge the next time you stop. Less than the 4.5 complete fill up.
2. When replacing an empty propane bottle with spare you should shut off both tanks first. I also shut off my furnace switch, it's got an electric pilot & needs to be restarted after shutting off gas. I keep my thermostat at 65 & wear a light jacket until bedtime, using a sleeping bag as my bedding. I restart my pilot light on my water heater, I shut it off during switch over.
3. The sewer lines are always open when parked & hooked up, closed when traveling, both gray & black. I never use toilet paper only damp paper towels, tossed in the garbage, better cleanup. I monitor my lines for proper drainage. Run extra water into my black water tank after each use.
4. I use a hand held urinal (medical type) enabling me to either pour it in the porta potty or outside spread around camp. The scent will keep some animals at bay. It will not hurt the trees or bushes if spread around. Keeps my bathroom floor cleaner & no problems with fouling my seat.
5. I keep my 3-way fridge on electric (battery), costs less than propane. No pilot to mess with. I keep it on 3 (mid) keeps food at proper temp & keeps my frozen from freezer burn. I use trailer jacks at all 4 corners to keep the trailer level, less movement & the fridge works better when level.
6. Never leave your trailer connected to your tow vehicle, can drain your battery. I use an 800 AMP deep marine battery on the trailer, it can withstand the constant recharging better than an auto battery. Make sure your plug is in proper working order no frayed wires, have someone verify all your lights & brakes are working before travel. Close all windows, vents, shut off tanks & pilot lights before travel. Check your tires for wear or cracks. Put your step up!
As once said to me, 'We are all just one heart beat away from death.'
Birth to early adulthood. I was 2nd born, sister, me, sister, brother & sister. I had what I thought was a normal childhood, now I find out it was dysfunctional, but what is normal? I attended grammar school, jr high then graduated from high school. After which I felt I wasn't ready for college, I joined the service at 18. I spent the next 4 years in the USAFSS on overseas tours. I did attend a few college quarters, trying to find myself but never obtaining a degree.
Career. After my enlistment I was hired by a firm in Idaho and spent the next 2 years working in their data center. During those 2 years, I met & married, then soon had 3 children, 1 boy & 2 girls. I moved from that location back to my home town, worked in various data centers, spent some time in the brick mason trade (my father's trade) & eventually was hired by the largest private employer in N Utah. I spent the next 35 years working in their data center. I made a good living & ended up with a decent retirement.
Retirement (2009), relocating to Oregon. Early on in 2011 I was floored by health issues. It took me 6 years of surgeries, treatments, learning & battling life threatening aliments. I feel now I have a handle on my health. I'm eating proper, getting exercise & monitoring/managing my conditions to the best of my ability. I never got to do the things I wanted after retirement. Memories are fresh concerning my health & I have unpleasant thoughts about my location & surroundings. The idea of boon docking was planted in my mind early in Nov 2016 so I started on the project I call ‘My Grand Adventure’.
CARGO VAN
First vehicle I purchased for the boon docking - van dwelling project. A 1995 Chevy G30 (1 ton) cargo van with a 350 (the most common & easiest motor to work on), it has 265 AC (2 windows down/65 miles an hour). There is no massive command center for switches or gauges that tell me things I couldn't understand even if I wanted. My van runs remarkably sound but since it is an older one I must be aware of any differences that happen along the way. I purchased a new starter motor, after having the engine completely checked out (hoses, belts & fluids changed). I also purchased a higher amperage deep charge battery. Had new tires installed & receiver hitch/brake control/plug installed. Beyond that not much has been done to it. It has a bulk head, cargo mat & at best 2 usable bucket seats. The cigarette lighter is dead (could be replaced but don't smoke), the door & window handles that are not working have been replaced with a small sized vise grip. It is functional & 'ugly' needs a new windshield.
TRAVEL TRAILER
I also purchased a 'Vintage' 19' travel trailer. It is a 1998 Aerolite 19 footer self contained & have downsized/minimized & discarded as much unnecessary van dwelling 'stuff' as I could. I find I can get along well with less. Not withstanding my meals I try to keep my trailer as organized as possible. Space is the secret & keeping stuff put away helps. I make my bed every morning, wash my few pots n pans after use & keep the counters, open spaces & storage areas as organized as I can. With van & trailer - licenses, insurance, van parts, trailer parts, travel, parking,,,etc. my accumulated costs are now somewhere near $5,300 for the van & t-trailer. Reading on one forum I discovered that now my '98 trailer has moved into another classification - it's 'VINTAGE', when looking for a trailer I discovered the ones I thought I could afford were called 'Vintage' or 'Retro' & the prices had risen on a fully restored one. Any RV 20 years or older is considered 'Vintage'.
I had toyed with the idea to purchase an enclosed cargo utility trailer, problems I could see, the limited physical abilities I now possess hinder the DIYer attitude I always approched most projects with. For less than the cost of a moderate sized utility trailer, outfit it with the equipment & needs for camping I figured that the ‘19 trailer will adequately serve my needs with very little modification or cost. I paid $1,800 for the trailer, a small 5X8 utility will cost that much & then will need at least $1,500 invested for beds, cabinets & a adequate waste treatment. The trailer has all that. I got a sway control hitch thrown in for no more cost, that alone would have cost $400 plus. Much smarter idea & not much effort on my part.
When first planning & outfitting my ideas for van dwelling I had purchased a free standing mansized commode. It requires bagging your waste & disposing of it into a proper waste bin. I will need a free standing shower stall to double as a privy & a shower. They can be obtained for less than a $100. All the comforts of home! This will be used on the BLM land or where there is no facilities to hook up to. I also carry the commode & hand held urinal in my van for emergencies while traveling. Easy to stop at a rest area use the equipment then deposit my waste bags in the large garbage bins usually found at the stops. Can be used on the open road also but carrying the waste bags will be a minor issue.
BOONDOCKING
Some of the stumbling blocks associated with 'snowbirding' was laundry! Getting the clothes to the laundry wasn't the problem, it was how often you would have to go. I had 7 shirts & 5 pair of pants that needed washing at least once every week, I have learned to wear them 2 days instead of 1. I had very little room in my small travel trailer closet. So to solve the problem I thought of a way to circumvent that issue. The 1 ton enclosed van I drive, usually sits empty except for the floor. I decided that I could span the entire back near the rear door with an adjustible rod that I have. It would give me over 6 feet of open closet space.
I have been accumulating more clothes, I now have 20 shirts, 10 pair of pants, 2 light jackets, 1 heavier coat, 20 pair of underpants, 20 pairs of socks & 2 pair of shoes. Also an assortment of baseball type hats & gloves for warmth. I figure by keeping the clothes on hangers I can visit the laundry once every 3-4 weeks. So with 4 months to span = 120 days divided by 3-6 wash days, I can spend a minimum of time washing clothes. I will have room to hang everything along with a small 3 drawer dresser I can store all my laundry very easily. I can also use the back area dry my towels & wash clothes on the same rod.
I never used the back too much but did use the side sliding door to haul my groceries, keep my cooler & transport my water containers. I had physical trouble moving a 5 gal water bottle so I decided to purchase 3 additional 2 gal Igloo jugs. I can now carry 10 gals of potable water for drinking & cooking purposes. 10 Gal will last about 10 days so a trip to the water dispenser will take up 12 weekly visits @ 1 hour each. They have hanging handles attached with hooks so I can outfit my van with a heavy rod attached to the sides. The side sliding door is also the access & transport area for my propane bottles, I need 1 bottle per week so I will have to make 6 (2 bottles) trips to the fill station. Another hour each trip.
I use paper plates, cups & bowls, paper towels, plastic utensils & few items I need to wash regularly will be my pots, pans & knives & spatulas. I have a Geo Forman for steaks & other meats, a small crock pot, 2 fry pans, 1 camp coffee pot for heating water, a french press & one small sauce pan for my oatmeal. The now free area that laughingly was called my closet can be used to store my can goods, extra utensils & many other items. I can order all my camp supplies out of Amazon that can be delivered by UPS right at my space. I have my laptop, smart phone for communications devices, I can watch movies on my laptop, I have membership to the local library so with many videos to choose from my entertainment is filled. I will get my exercise daily just taking my garbage to the garbage area. I don't socialize, don't make friends usually & would rather keep to myself.
Just this morning I called the RV park in Quartzsite to reserve my space, pay 20% down. The told me last winter that I would need to call sometime in June because all the available spots are reserved by July 1st. I got the spot I flagged on my walks, it was still available so now it's mine from Nov 1 to April 30.
My plans now are to remove the broken awning, it broke one day when I was raising (rolling up). It would probably cost around $300 to replace the brace. Problem you run into with an awning is in the windy desert it acts as a parasail. I would watch others with their massive slideouts & attached awning rush outside to roll them up. The awning's left brace blocks my access to the hot water heater pilot light & with all the wind swerlling around it is very common to douse the flame rendering your water heater's output.
By removing it and using my $59 10 x 10 canopy for shade, makes it a little more convienent & can be moved where needed without moving the trailer. You do have to anchor them with long spikes at each corner & lower the top to 3 feet when windy. It does help keep them in place & relatively safe from damage. Talking with other residents it became apparent that the awning does nothing more than make extra work & expense. Most said they seldom use them.
DISCOVERIES
I have figured out most of my workings of my small trailer.
I've learned to shower much like they do in the other 2/3's of the world.
I use disposable paper plates, plastic utensils & other paper products.
I've learned what a 'sewer slinky' is & how to use it.
I purchased the best sewer line for drainage - RhinoFlex.
I purchased a water hose that is designed for potable water sources.
I've also learned what 'potable' means.
I'm learning about propane setup & where to get the best prices.
I learned how my furnace works.
I changed the thermo coupler on my 6 gal water heater.
I learned making my bed was a pain, got a sleeping bag.
I keep what cooking vessels I use washed immediately.
I use the laundry services here, close, cheaper & more convenient.
I learned to wear my clothes multiple days rather than change daily.
I'm learning all about solar panels & their varied uses.
I learned the sequence of emptying my tanks for maximum effect.
I keep the trailer as orderly as possible, everything in it's place.
I learned overheard storage doors can be head bumpers
I learned the easiest way to make coffee.
I'm learning to back & park my trailer, a monumental task for me.
I installed an in line water filter on my water source.
OTHER QUIRKS I've learned about my T-trailer:
1. Dual propane tanks, the one service one will run out at the most inopportune time (2:30 AM), if you only keep one on! I track the switch over & estimate the night it will run out, then make the switch before bedtime. I always keep my spare filled. The propane service center will top off your bottle @ no extra charge the next time you stop. Less than the 4.5 complete fill up.
2. When replacing an empty propane bottle with spare you should shut off both tanks first. I also shut off my furnace switch, it's got an electric pilot & needs to be restarted after shutting off gas. I keep my thermostat at 65 & wear a light jacket until bedtime, using a sleeping bag as my bedding. I restart my pilot light on my water heater, I shut it off during switch over.
3. The sewer lines are always open when parked & hooked up, closed when traveling, both gray & black. I never use toilet paper only damp paper towels, tossed in the garbage, better cleanup. I monitor my lines for proper drainage. Run extra water into my black water tank after each use.
4. I use a hand held urinal (medical type) enabling me to either pour it in the porta potty or outside spread around camp. The scent will keep some animals at bay. It will not hurt the trees or bushes if spread around. Keeps my bathroom floor cleaner & no problems with fouling my seat.
5. I keep my 3-way fridge on electric (battery), costs less than propane. No pilot to mess with. I keep it on 3 (mid) keeps food at proper temp & keeps my frozen from freezer burn. I use trailer jacks at all 4 corners to keep the trailer level, less movement & the fridge works better when level.
6. Never leave your trailer connected to your tow vehicle, can drain your battery. I use an 800 AMP deep marine battery on the trailer, it can withstand the constant recharging better than an auto battery. Make sure your plug is in proper working order no frayed wires, have someone verify all your lights & brakes are working before travel. Close all windows, vents, shut off tanks & pilot lights before travel. Check your tires for wear or cracks. Put your step up!
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