https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/ 2026-04-14T23:49:59+00:00 https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/ https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/lib/tpl/dokuwiki/images/favicon.ico text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:analysis_paralysis&rev=1766617128&do=diff "Paralysis by Analysis" Planning can pay off, but it is easy for many of us to get overwhelmed by details and perfectionism. What kind of camper? 2wd or 4wd? How much solar and battery? Which cargo van? Here are some ideas to help break the cycle of endless research. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:core_skills&rev=1766617128&do=diff Core skills There are some skills you will need to learn if you want to live in a vehicle successfully. * sourcing and managing water * doing without a flush toilet * staying clean * cooking * navigation, including finding places to stealth camp or boondocking * maintaining a connection to the text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:domicile&rev=1766617128&do=diff Resource: the difference between residence, domicile, and mailing address. Legal domicile A domicile is * where your drivers and concealed carry licences are issued * where you can be registered to vote * where your vehicles are titled * where you pay state income tax, if any * used to calculate base sales tax for online or mail order transactions text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:downsizing&rev=1766617128&do=diff Words of wisdom: You have to be ruthless. Follow the wisdom of the backpacker: “Bring what you need, and need what you bring”. -- lenny flank Downsizing for van life understanding the available space The best way to understand what should go in your camper is to move it into your camper, or at least text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:expenses&rev=1766617128&do=diff " [Instagram] van life? 1-5K a month, unlimited rainy day fund (daddy’s wallet). Real van lifer? 400- 1kish per month. 500 -10k rainy day fund. -- HighRandomthoughts" How much does it cost? There are many answers to this question, and the only real answer is what it costs YOU to live a nomadic life. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_instagram&rev=1766617128&do=diff Instagram vs. Reality Will vandwelling be just like Instagram? Short answer: No. Longer answer: Nooooooooooooooooo. Instagram is full of skilled photographers and photogenic people monetizing their social media. Most of us are none of these things. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_laundry&rev=1766617128&do=diff Words of Wisdom: “What really helps both methods is the clothes I choose to begin with. They're almost exclusively campwear, beach wear, sports wear, that sort of thing. My work outfits are dark, plain-colored board shorts or swim trunks with the webbing cut out, and long-sleeve black text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_objections&rev=1766617128&do=diff How others see vandwelling We 'dwellers know this can be a rewarding and frugal lifestyle, but not everyone will share our enthusiasm. Be prepared for judgement, ignorant comments, and “down by the river” jokes. reactions of friends and family text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_platform&rev=1766617128&do=diff this page has moved text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_prebuilt_camper&rev=1766617128&do=diff Buying pre-built or building your own Buying a pre-built campervan or commercial campervan ("Class B") would seem to be a real win. In practice, though, there are many advantages of building your own. Especially after the surge in interest in RV and Van travel that began in 2020, the quality of pre-made vans and RVs has dropped text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_reddit_vandwellers&rev=1766617128&do=diff this page has moved text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_solar_generator&rev=1766617128&do=diff Solar generators Words of wisdom: “These aren't aimed at people that know what they are doing.” -- LastTreeStar TL;DR These things are EXTREMELY expensive for the capacity, however they do offer a lot of convenience. For those with plenty of money who value ease and speed over capacity and run-time, an argument can be made for these if your power needs are small-to-medium and you are only taking short trips in your vehicle. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_toilet&rev=1766617128&do=diff using the bathroom Pooping and peeing are basic human functions. These are simple in a sticks and bricks house with indoor plumbing but take planning in a camper. restroom facilities The simplest approach is to stay near places where toilet facilities are available. This might be in paid campsites, a friend's driveway, text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:foreknowledge&rev=1766617128&do=diff What 'dwellers wish they had known ahead of time No matter how much one researches and prepares, some things are only learned by doing. Here are some things 'dwellers wish they knew earlier. Related: what secessus wishes others knew earlier :-) starting earlier The most common sentiment among full-timers is they wish they had started earlier. For those who are called, it can be a great life. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:forumfaq&rev=1766617128&do=diff DRAFT / FIXME FAQs by forum reddit * /r/vandwellers and /r/vanlife * what do you do for money? * How do I keep my pets cool when it's hot outside? * how will I use the bathroom? * how will I stay clean? * How can I earn money on the road? * What is the best van? * Why a van and not something else? * Should I buy a pre-built campervan or build my own? * How much solar do I need to run an air conditioner? * How will I text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:frugality&rev=1766617128&do=diff Frugality and resource conservation In this context, conservation refers not to the biome but the resources you have available in your van or RV. For boondockers and urban campers, resource management and conservation is directly related to how long they can “stay out” text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:guides&rev=1766617128&do=diff Things to see and do * Only in Your State - guide of interesting things in a given state text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:hitting_the_road&rev=1766617128&do=diff " “Pack as if you're going out for only a week during the summer. Then add what you'd need if you were going out for only a week in winter. That should pretty much cover everything.” --MrNoodly" " “I can't be prepared for everything I can possibly imagine, so I prepare for things that are most likely to happen. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:involuntary&rev=1766617130&do=diff Note: this page uses terms like vandwelling because they are common. But the info is for all vehicle-dwellers: folks in cars, trucks, minivans, etc. Involuntary vandwelling Not everyone planned to live in a vehicle -- sometimes economic or other pressures mean that living in a vehicle is the text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:living_out_of_the_van&rev=1766617130&do=diff Living out of the van There are two main philosophies to vandwelling: * living out of the van, as if it were a camping tent one sleeps in * living in the van, as if it were a tiny apartment living out of the van This approach basically spends as little time in the van as possible. One might sleep, bathe and use the toilet in the van (for privacy) but otherwise life is lived outdoors whether in city or country. Cooking is outdoors (or restaurants), hobbies are outdoors. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:mail_forwarding&rev=1766617130&do=diff Resource: the difference between residence, domicile, and forwarding address. Mail forwarding services A mail forwarding service provides a mailing address (usually in your domicile state) and collects your mail. You let the forwarder know where you are (or will be) and they bundle your mail and send it to you. Some services will scan mail for viewing on the web, watch for critical pieces of mail to come in, etc. If you intend to use your mail forwarding service address as your domicile add… text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:medication&rev=1766617130&do=diff medication Ongoing medication is not necesarily a disqualifier. * Folks who need refrigerated meds like insulin can use 12v compressor fridges to keep meds cold. Power systems can run CPAP quite well. * Folks who need frequent refills can have meds shipped to the closest post office and pick it up as text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:necessities&rev=1766617130&do=diff " “Pack as if you're going out for only a week during the summer. Then add what you'd need if you were going out for only a week in winter. That should pretty much cover everything.” --MrNoodly" " “I can't be prepared for everything I can possibly imagine, so I prepare for things that are most likely to happen. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:packages&rev=1766617130&do=diff Receiving packages You can receive packages through your mail forwarding service, although this results in paying two shipping fees. Amazon shipping lockers With some restrictions, Amazon will ship to an Amazon locker or Hub (a business that will receive them for you). Leros has built a locker map to help find lockers and counters. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:podcasts&rev=1766617130&do=diff vandwelling podcasts traditional podcasts FIXME * Built to Go! A #VanLife Podcast * Van Life Pantry (RSS) youtube podcasts text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:preparedness&rev=1766617130&do=diff emergency preparedness In some ways 'dwellers are better equipped than housedwellers to deal with emergencies. * we can leave troubled areas * we can outrun bad weather * we carry our own food and water * we make our own power * we are used to carrying around all our possessions text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:residence&rev=1766617130&do=diff Resource: the difference between residence, domicile, and forwarding address. Residence “Normal people” (those unfortunates who live in houses or apartments) receive their mail at the same address that is their legal (or “physical”) residence. The state where their home is located is automatically their text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:residencedomicileforwarding&rev=1766617130&do=diff This is not legal advice. [ residence | domicile | mail forwarding ] Residence, domicile, and mailing address There are several related concepts that are simple for homedwellers but more complex for nomads: Your legal residence (aka physical address) is the place you would call home if you lived there full time. It is important that all your contacts know that text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:resourcefulness&rev=1766617130&do=diff Making use of resources Folks who live in vehicles do not have ready access to resources that house-dwellers take for granted. We have to notice resources and take advantage of them appropriately. Similar to spider-man's “spidey sense”, as vandwellers gain experience they can develop an awareness of available resources in the area; paying attention goes a long way, as does the discipline to follow tyhrough and text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:traction&rev=1766617130&do=diff Words of Wisdom: “In the end, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you are in any way unsure of the way ahead, stop the car and walk the route to determine grade, clearances, and firmness.” -- USExplorer "“By far the best bang for your buck is a 12 volt air compressor and air down your tires. Just airing down your tires to 10 pounds will get you unstuck an amazing amount of times. It should be number one on your list for taking your van in rough country. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:why&rev=1766617130&do=diff Words of Wisdom: “It's so weird, isn't it? We buy the bills of goods society tells us, we work hard, we save, pay our taxes, be good solid citizens; but as we age we look around ourselves and wonder why we did it, to what end. ” - Queen Why live in a van? text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:why_a_van&rev=1766617130&do=diff Why a van? It really doesn't have to be a van. :-D Vans are a common choice for modern nomads for several reasons: * vans are the roomiest of common vehicles * vans are nondescript which can help blend in when stealth camping * vans are easy to find and buy text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:words_of_wisdom&rev=1766617130&do=diff Collected words of wisdom a/c "“[solar powered A/C is] not a lost cause.. we just seem to be at that frustrating cusp where it's technically possible with current technology, just not easy or cheap.” -- thatswhatsup" " Running AC on [an inverter] is rich man's game text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:work&rev=1766617130&do=diff Work Van- and RV-dwellers have some advantages regarding employment: * you can go where the work is * you can live on less income and can therefore work a wider variety of jobs * you can work for things other than money: parking, board, etc text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=lifestyle:workamping&rev=1766617130&do=diff Earning money Van- and RV-dwellers have some advantages regarding employment: * you can go where the work is * you can live on less income Workamping Workamping at parks and other camping locations may be the most famous work opportunity for 'dwellers.