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frater_secessus [FAQ for Newbies and the van-curious] |
start [2025/06/24 02:47] (current)
frater_secessus [Meta] |
| ====== Begin your adventure! ====== | ====== Information for Van Dwellers and Nomads ====== |
| This wiki collects and organizes information to help full-timers get the best out of the lifestyle. Everyone is encouraged to [[meta:contribute|edit and contribute]]! | |
| |
| Much of it has been gleaned from the [[http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/|Vandweller Community forums at Cheap RV Living]] and similar forums. | **This wiki will help you __live your best life__ if you want (//or need//) to live in a vehicle.** |
| |
| ===== FAQ for Newbies and the van-curious ===== | * Learn what to expect from "the van life" |
| | * Learn how to choose and modify a vehicle to fit your unique needs |
| | * Find tips for a great experience in an unconventional home |
| | * Dig deeper for lots of ideas to incorporate into your own vehicle |
| | * Read about common mistakes to avoid |
| |
| * **start here!** for basic info | ===== FAQ for Beginners ===== |
| * What are some [[opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes|avoidable beginner mistakes]]? (rant) | |
| * What is [[rv:intro|the best van]]? | |
| * How much solar do I need to [[hvac:solar ac|run an air conditioner]]? | |
| * How will I [[electrical:12v:laptop|charge my laptop]]? | |
| * Should I get a "[[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|solar generator]]" like a Goal Zero? | |
| * How will I [[food:coffee|make coffee]]? | |
| * [[lifestyle:why|Why would anyone live in a van]]? | |
| * What do vandwellers and FTers [[lifestyle:foreknowledge|wish they had known beforehand?]] | |
| * Is there a [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|basic guide to solar]]? | |
| * [[lifestyle:why a van|Why a van]] and not [[lifestyle:faq_platform|something else]]? | |
| * how will I [[toilet:intro|use the bathroom]]? | |
| * how will I [[hygiene:bathing|stay clean?]] | |
| * will it be [[lifestyle:faq instagram|just like instagram]]? | |
| * what do I need to [[rv:build:minimal|get started]]? | |
| * won't my friends and family [[lifestyle:faq objections|freak out]]? | |
| * [[lifestyle:expenses|How much does it cost]] to live on the road? | |
| * How can I [[lifestyle:workamping|earn money on the road?]] | |
| * How do I know if my [[electrical:solar:status|solar is working]]? | |
| * How can I get [[electrical:solar:car|solar power in my car]]? | |
| * How will I find [[lifestyle:guides|things to see and do]]? | |
| * What does that [[meta:acronyms|acronym]] mean? | |
| |
| * going "full time" | **Start here for a quick intro to life on the road.** (The [[#Van Life in Detail|next section]] gets into more detail, or use the search box to find specific information. Check out [[meta:acronyms|acronyms we use]] if you run into an unfamiliar one.) |
| * How will I [[lifestyle:mail forwarding|get my mail?]] | |
| * What do I put as [[lifestyle:domicile|my address]]? | |
| |
| More advanced topics are listed below, or you can use the search box in the upper right of each page. | If you need to quickly move into a vehicle for financial or other reasons (homeless, etc.) start with [[lifestyle:involuntary|this emergency quick start]]. |
| ---- | |
| |
| ===== Major sections ===== | |
| |
| ==== The RV proper ==== | ==== Why? ==== |
| |
| * [[RV:intro|Types of RV]] - [[RV:Class A|class A]], [[RV:Class B|class B]], [[RV:Class C|class C]], [[RV:travel trailer|travel trailers]], [[RV:cargo van|cargo vans]], [[RV:car|cars]], [[RV:box truck|box trucks]], [[RV:step van|step vans]], [[RV:slide in truck camper|slide-ins]], [[rv:travel_trailer#cargo_trailers|cargo trailers]], etc | * **[[lifestyle:why|Why would anyone live in a van?]]** |
| * Getting your own RV | * [[lifestyle:why a van|Why a van]] and not [[rv:intro|an RV or something else]]? |
| - [[RV:finding|How to find]] your desired RV for sale somewhere | |
| - How to [[RV:assessment|assess an RV]] you have found. Is it a good one? | |
| - [[RV:purchasing|Purchasing the RV]] | ==== How? ==== |
| * keeping your RV running | |
| | * How will I [[toilet:intro|use the bathroom]]? |
| | * How will I [[hygiene:bathing|stay clean]] and [[lifestyle:faq_laundry|do my laundry]]? |
| | * How will I [[food:cooking|cook food]] or [[food:coffee|make coffee]]? |
| | * How can I [[food:refrigeration|refrigerate my food]]? |
| | * How do I [[hvac:start|keep my van at a decent temperature]]? Can I [[hvac:solar ac|run an air conditioner]] while parked? |
| | * Is there a [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|basic guide to solar power]]? What about a "[[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|solar generator]]"? |
| | * How do I [[communication:internet|get internet access]] and [[electrical:12v:laptop|charge my laptop]]? |
| | * How will I [[lifestyle:residencedomicileforwarding|get mail]], and what address do I use for my taxes and accounts? |
| | * How can I [[lifestyle:work|earn money on the road?]] |
| | * How will I find [[lifestyle:guides|things to see and do]]? |
| | |
| | |
| | ==== What will it be like? ==== |
| | |
| | * Will it be [[lifestyle:faq instagram|just like Instagram]]? #vanlife #vandwellers |
| | * [[rv:build:bed|Where will I sleep?]] |
| | * Can I just [[camping:banned|park wherever I want]]? Or go [[camping:dispersed|camping for free]]? |
| | * [[lifestyle:expenses|How much does it cost]] to live on the road? |
| | * [[lifestyle:living out of the van|Living out of the van]] vs. living in the van? |
| | * Won't my friends and family [[lifestyle:faq objections|freak out]]? |
| | * What [[lifestyle:core_skills|core skills]] do I need? |
| | * What do vandwellers [[lifestyle:foreknowledge|wish they had known beforehand?]] |
| | * What are some [[opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes|avoidable beginner mistakes]]? |
| | * Is there [[lifestyle:hitting_the_road|a checklist]] for going full time? |
| | |
| | ==== The Vehicle ==== |
| | |
| | * Is it possible to [[rv:car|live in my car]]? |
| | * Should I buy a [[lifestyle:faq_prebuilt_camper|pre-built campervan or build my own]]? |
| | * What is [[rv:intro|the best van]] to get? |
| | * [[rv:build:minimal|How to I get started building out my van?]] |
| | |
| | |
| | ------- |
| | |
| | ===== Van Life in Detail ===== |
| | |
| | Check the **[[https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=start&do=index|site map]]** for a list of all pages. |
| | |
| | Since this site is a wiki, you can help us make it better! [[meta:contribute|Learn how to become an editor.]] |
| | |
| | ==== The Vehicle ==== |
| | |
| | * **[[RV:intro|Overview of Vehicle Options]]** |
| | * **Vans** - [[RV:cargo van|Cargo vans]] and [[RV:passenger van|passenger vans]]. Read [[rv:cargo_van:comparo|Van comparisons]] and learn [[rv:van_issues|model-specific weak points]]. |
| | * **Trucks** - [[RV:skoolie|Skoolies]], [[RV:box truck|box trucks]], [[RV:step van|step vans]], and [[RV:ambulance|ambulances]] |
| | * **Motorhomes** - [[RV:Class A|Class A]], [[RV:Class B|Class B]], and [[RV:Class C|Class C]] |
| | * **Trailers** - [[RV:travel trailer|Travel trailers]] and [[rv:travel_trailer#cargo_trailers|cargo trailers]] |
| | * **Smaller vehicles** - [[RV:minivan|Minivans]], [[RV:car|cars]], and [[RV:pickup|pickup trucks]] |
| | * [[RV:AWD|I need AWD!]] |
| | * Getting your own van or RV |
| | - [[RV:finding|How to find]] your desired van or RV for sale somewhere |
| | - How to [[RV:assessment|assess a van or RV]] you have found. Is it a good one? |
| | - [[RV:purchasing|Purchasing the van or RV]] |
| | * Keeping your van or RV running |
| * [[RV:maintenance:intro|maintenance]] | * [[RV:maintenance:intro|maintenance]] |
| * [[troubleshooting:intro|Troubleshooting]] - [[troubleshooting:electrical|electrical]], [[troubleshooting:engine|engine]], leaks | * [[troubleshooting:intro|Troubleshooting]] - [[troubleshooting:electrical|electrical]], [[troubleshooting:engine|engine]], leaks |
| | * Be aware of any [[rv:van_issues|known issues]] with your vehicle |
| | * [[rv:rust|Rust]] - The cancer that kills vans |
| | |
| ==== Building out your RV ==== | ==== Building Out Your Vehicle ==== |
| |
| * choosing your [[rv:build|type of build]]: minimal, luxurious, or otherwise | * Choosing your [[rv:build|type of build]]: minimal, luxurious, or otherwise |
| * [[tools:intro|tools]] | * [[tools:intro|Tools]] |
| * [[electrical:12v:intro|Power]] - | * [[electrical:12v:intro|Electricity]] - |
| * [[electrical:solar|solar]] - [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controllers]], [[electrical:solar:panels|solar panels]], [[electrical:solar:shallow cycling|shallow-cycling microsolar]] for cardwellers and minimalists | * [[electrical:solar|Solar]] - [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|Solar charge controllers]], [[electrical:solar:panels|Solar panels]], [[electrical:solar:shallow cycling|Shallow-cycling microsolar]] for cardwellers and minimalists |
| * [[electrical:shore power|shore power]] - [[electrical:converter|converters]], | * [[electrical:shore power|Shore power]] - [[electrical:converter|Converters]] |
| * [[electrical:generator|generators]] | * [[electrical:12v:alternator|Alternator Charging]] |
| * [[electrical:12v:intro|House DC (12v) power]] - [[electrical:12v:deep cycle battery|deep cycle batteries]], [[electrical:inverter|inverters]], [[electrical:24v|24v]], [[electrical:solar:frugal|conservation]] | * [[electrical:generator|Generators]] |
| * [[communication:intro|Communication]] - [[communication:internet|internet]], [[communication:devices|mobile devices]], [[communication:mobile phone|phone]], [[communication:emergency devices|trackers]], [[communication:zello|Zello]] | * [[electrical:12v:intro|House DC (12v) power]] |
| | * [[electrical:12v:batteries|Battery Overview]] |
| | * [[electrical:12v:deep cycle battery|Deep cycle batteries]] |
| | * [[electrical:inverter|inverters]] |
| | * [[electrical:solar:sizing#voltage|24v]] |
| | * [[electrical:solar:frugal|conservation]] |
| | * [[communication:intro|Communication]] |
| | * [[communication:internet|Internet]] |
| | * [[communication:devices|Mobile devices]] |
| | * [[communication:mobile phone|Phone]] |
| | * [[communication:emergency devices|PLBs/Satellite trackers]] |
| | * [[communication:zello|Zello]] |
| * [[electrical:lighting|lighting]] - [[electrical:lighting:led|LED]], solar (LUCI) | * [[electrical:lighting|lighting]] - [[electrical:lighting:led|LED]], solar (LUCI) |
| * [[water|water]] - [[water:hookup|hookup]], [[water:drinking|drinking water]], [[water:fresh|fresh water]], [[water:gray|gray water]], [[water:black|black water]], [[water:purification|purification]], [[water:conservation|conservation]], [[water:shower|showers]] | * [[water:start|Water]] |
| * [[toilet:intro|toilet]] - [[toilet:plumbed|plumbed]] with black tank, [[toilet:cassette|cassette]], [[toilet:bucket|bucket]], [[toilet:composting|composting]], [[toilet:cat hole|hole in the ground]], being [[toilet:self contained|"self-contained"]] | * [[water:hookup|hookup]] |
| * food - cooking, [[food:refrigeration|refrigeration]], [[food:cooking:stoves|stoves]], [[food:cooking:ovens|ovens]], [[food:microwave|microwaves]], dehydration, canning, [[food:sprouting|sprouting]] | * [[water:drinking|drinking water]] |
| * [[HVAC:|climate control]] - [[HVAC:heating|heating]], [[hvac:roof_vent|roof vents]], [[HVAC:cooling|cooling]], [[HVAC:insulation|insulation]] | * [[water:fresh|fresh water]] |
| | * [[water:gray|gray water]] |
| | * [[water:black|black water]] |
| | * [[water:purification|purification]] |
| | * [[water:conservation|conservation]] |
| | * [[water:shower|showers]] |
| | * [[toilet:intro|toilet]] |
| | * [[toilet:plumbed|plumbed]] with black tank |
| | * [[toilet:cassette|cassette]] |
| | * [[toilet:bucket|bucket]] |
| | * [[toilet:composting|composting]] |
| | * [[toilet:cat hole|hole in the ground]] |
| | * being [[toilet:self contained|"self-contained"]] |
| | * Food |
| | * [[food:cooking|cooking]] |
| | * [[food:coffee|Making coffee]] |
| | * [[food:refrigeration|refrigeration]] |
| | * [[food:cooking:stoves|stoves]] |
| | * [[food:cooking:ovens|ovens]] |
| | * [[food:microwave|microwaves]] |
| | * dehydration |
| | * canning |
| | * [[food:sprouting|sprouting]] |
| | * [[HVAC:|climate control|Climate Control]] |
| | * [[HVAC:heating|heating]] |
| | * [[hvac:roof_vent|roof vents]] |
| | * [[HVAC:cooling|cooling]] |
| | * [[HVAC:insulation|insulation]] |
| | * [[awnings|Awnings]] |
| * [[entertainment:television|TV]] | * [[entertainment:television|TV]] |
| ==== Living the Good Life ==== | ==== Living the Good Life ==== |
| |
| * checklist for [[lifestyle:hitting the road|hitting the road]] | * checklist for [[lifestyle:hitting the road|hitting the road]] |
| | * [[lifestyle:core_skills|core skills]] |
| * collected [[lifestyle:words of wisdom|words of wisdom]] | * collected [[lifestyle:words of wisdom|words of wisdom]] |
| * [[lifestyle:retirement|Nomadic retirement]] | * [[lifestyle:retirement|Nomadic retirement]] |
| * [[camping:intro|Camping]] - [[camping:snowbirding|snowbirding]], [[camping:dispersed|boondocking]] (dispersed/free camping), [[camping:private campground|private campgrounds]], [[camping:public campground|public campgrounds]], [[camping:truck stop|truck stops]], [[camping:walmart|walmart]], [[camping:stealth camping|stealth]], [[camping:lvta|LVTA]], [[camping:rest area|rest areas]], [[camping:safety|safety]], [[camping:canada|camping in Canada]] | * [[camping:intro|Camping]] - [[camping:snowbirding|snowbirding]], [[camping:dispersed|boondocking]] (dispersed/free camping), [[camping:private campground|private campgrounds]], [[camping:public campground|public campgrounds]], [[camping:truck stop|truck stops]], [[camping:walmart|walmart]], [[camping:stealth camping|stealth]], [[camping:lvta|LVTA]], [[camping:rest area|rest areas]], [[camping:safety|safety]], [[camping:canada|camping in Canada]] |
| * hobbies - [[http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Is-it-possible-to-Boondock-with-an-electric-sewing-machine?pid=165956#pid165956|sewing]], geocaching, reading, writing | * hobbies - [[http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Is-it-possible-to-Boondock-with-an-electric-sewing-machine?pid=165956#pid165956|sewing]], geocaching, reading, writing |
| | * [[lifestyle:involuntary|involuntary vandwelling]] |
| |
| ==== Further reading ==== | ==== Further reading ==== |
| | |
| | |
| | [[https://nomadlife.wiki/Main_Page|Nomad Life Wiki]] project |
| |
| [[learning:intro|Learning from others]] - [[learning:website|websites]], [[learning:forum|forums]], [[learning:mailing list|mailing lists]], [[learning:book|books]], [[learning:blog|blogs]], [[learning:youtube|youtube channels]], [[learning:podcast|podcasts]]. | [[learning:intro|Learning from others]] - [[learning:website|websites]], [[learning:forum|forums]], [[learning:mailing list|mailing lists]], [[learning:book|books]], [[learning:blog|blogs]], [[learning:youtube|youtube channels]], [[learning:podcast|podcasts]]. |
| | |
| | unoffical [[lifestyle:forumfaq|reddit /r/vandwellers FAQ]] |
| | |
| | **Synopses** |
| | |
| | * [[electrical:solar:synopsis_puzzle2|HandyBob's RV battery charging puzzle]] |
| | * Cruisers and Sailing forum [[electrical:12v:lifepo4_batteries_thread|LiFePO4 batteries thread]] |
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| ===== Meta ===== | ===== Meta ===== |
| |
| * [[meta:about|About this wiki]] | * [[meta:news|news about RVwiki]] |
| * [[meta:credits|Credits]] | * [[meta:credits|Credits]] |
| * [[meta:contribute|edit this wiki!]] | * [[meta:contribute|edit this wiki!]] |
| * [[meta:disclosure|affiliate info]] | * [[meta:disclosure|affiliate info]] |
