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--- rv:build [2022/01/28 19:39]
princess_fluffypants Expanding build types
+++ rv:build [2022/05/26 19:35]
princess_fluffypants
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 Builds range from [[rv:build:minimal|bare essentials]] to technical wonderlands to luxurious. There are no fixed lists of "Must Have's" or "Most Avoids", because the whole point of building a van is that it has what //you// want. How fancy you get is up to you, from the most basic usage of a "metal tent" with nothing but a sleeping bag and a camping pad in the back, up to the [[https://www.winnebago.com/models/product/motorhomes/camper-van/revel|$200k+ pre-made luxo-barges]].
-Here's some very rough estimations of build types, from the simple to the complex.  Everyone can freely pick and choose the level of complexity of any sub-system that they want; there exist plain metal tents with multi-thousand dollar lithium battery setups, or finely crafted artisanal woodworking builds that have no more electricity than a few AA battery powered tap lights.  It's completely up to you.
+Here's some very rough estimations of build types, from the simple to the complex. Everyone can freely pick and choose the level of complexity of any sub-system that they want; there exist plain metal tents with multi-thousand dollar lithium battery setups, or finely crafted artisanal woodworking builds that have no more electricity than a few AA battery powered tap lights.  It's completely up to you.
 **Note:** These builds are targeted at people who are van-dwelling by choice. If your situation is different, please see [[lifestyle:involuntary|Involuntary vandwelling]].
+----
 ===== The Metal Tent =====
+{{:rv:kryd410dtu191.jpg?direct&200 |}}
 Fast and simple, this is as minimal as it gets. You're in a metal box that keeps the elements off of you, and everything else is done in a similar way to backpacking.  Also see [[opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build|frugal camper builds]].
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   * Interior
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 ===== The Weekender =====
-By now you're started to think you might like this whole van-life thing.  You're going to spend multiple nights in it, maybe go a little farther and try your hand at the occasional boondock. You're going to start the built and have some tools, and abilities to make more permanent modifications.
+{{:rv:screenshot_2022-05-10_120657.png?200 |}}
+By now you're started to think you might like this whole van-life thing.  You're going to spend multiple nights in it, maybe go a little farther and try your hand at the occasional boondock. You're going to start the build and have some tools, and abilities to make more permanent modifications.  A little bit of interior build out can make things feel more put-together.
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   * Interior
-    * Basic Plywood on the walls, rubber mats for the floor (or Factory interior)
+    * Factory interior is still great if your chosen van had one, otherwise
+    * Basic Plywood on the walls, maybe some rubber mats for the floor
   * Sleeping equipment
-    * Folding cot or basic platform to get yourself off the floor (this helps a LOT with storage, and having someplace to sit)
+    * Folding cot or 2x4 platform to get yourself off the floor (this helps a LOT with storage, and having someplace to sit)
     * Thicker camping pad and blankets, or sleeping bag.
     * A real pillow
@@ Line 79: / Line 101: @@
     * Cell phone, maybe hotspotting it to a laptop for a couple hours.
-===== The Weeker =====
+===== The Mick Foley =====
-Starting to get committed now, and you're looking at spending a solid week+ at a time in the van.    Modifications may be more serious/permanent, and you're doing actual construction.  Maybe you're bringing your partner? The quality of life can go up a lot as you're capable of bringing more capabilities/comfort with you.
+Starting to get committed now, and you're looking at spending a solid week+ at a time in the van. You may even be full-time, but keeping it to a budget. Modifications may be more serious/permanent, and you're doing actual construction.  Maybe you're bringing your partner? The quality of life can go up a lot as you're capable of bringing more capabilities/comfort with you.
   * Interior
     * Maybe a nicer interior with 4-way stretch or wood paneling on the walls, and a finished floor of some kind
+    * Good [[hvac:insulation|insulation]] will help with heat retention/blocking, as well as noise suppression
+    * The amount of effort here is very optional! To many people though, being able to look at something nicely finished and decorated can make it feel much more like a "home".  Many others don't care.
   * Sleeping equipment
     * Fixed sleeping platform, with something like an air mattress or very nice "glamping" sleeping pad or slab of memory foam.  A real mattress can be a great investment.
@@ Line 97: / Line 121: @@
     * Building in fixed shelves/drawers can help keep the relatively small space organized. Hanging closet organizers can be a very useful way to utilize vertical space
   * Electricity
-    * 12v house battery setup (Particularly critical if you're running a 12v refrigerator)
+    * [[electrical:12v:intro|12v house battery setup]] (Particularly critical if you're running a 12v refrigerator)
-    * Larger [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|solar generator]] can be an option, but they get unreasonably expensive. Unless you desperately NEED the portability, it usually ends up being much cheaper to assemble your own [[electrical:12v:chassis_power|fixed-in-place system]].
+    * Starting to put in fixed lighting and exhaust fans can make a huge increase in your quality of life
+    * Larger [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|solar generator]] can be an option, but they get unreasonably expensive. Unless you desperately NEED the portability, it usually ends up being much cheaper to assemble your own [[electrical:12v:intro|fixed-in-place system]].
     * Portable folding 100w [[electrical:solar|solar panel]] can greatly extend your capabilities
   * Internet
     * Especially if you're a [[lifestyle:work|digital nomad and working remotely]], a dedicated [[communication:internet|Jetpack device]] will be a solid investment.
+===== The Insufferable Instagram "Adventurer" =====
+Some suggestions for longer month-ish trips focused on outdoor rec activities and looking good in staged photos
+===== The Full-timer =====
+Suggestions for real full-time van living
+===== The Spoiled tech worker =====
+More luxurious builds for the digital nomads tapping at a laptop
+-----
-Similarly, there's no "Right" way to plan. Various methods are used for planning:
+There's no "Right" way to plan. Various methods are used for planning:
   * pen and paper

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