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start [2019/12/04 17:16]
frater_secessus [FAQ for Newbies and the van-curious]
start [2023/10/20 12:28] (current)
frater_secessus [Further reading]
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-====== 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 wikiyou 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]]dehydrationcanning[[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]]
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       * [[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]]
 +
 +
 +
 +
 +
  
  
start.1575497764.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)