Heating Your Van Dwelling For The Winter

If you waited this long to think about staying warm in your Van Dwelling you better do some shopping real quick. Click on the title to find what kind of heaters work best when your trying to stay warm and cozy this winter. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Where My Love Of Vans Began

My first van was a 1970 Ford Econoline similar to this but it was white. That was back 38 years ago and it was the fond memories of the adventures of my youth that led me to return to my roots so to speak and get another van.

Click on the title and you can read how it all started. Photo by: Mister Falcon

Installing a Van Ladder Rack Adds Versatility To Your Van Dwelling

It was a bargain I couldn't pass up and they were easy to install. So tell me why did I bother to install a set of van ladder racks on my stealth van dwelling? Click on the title and read the wisdom behind this latest addition. Photo by: Curtis Carper

It's Time To Migrate Again

Winter's coming, time to fly south. Head to Quartzsite and visit Naked Paul's Oasis Bookstore, just one of the interesting characters you'll find hanging out in the desert. Click on the title to read more about the Van Dweller's and RVer's winter Mecca. Photo by: Velaia (Paris Peking )

Bring a Boat With You, Enjoy the Water Too.

Boating and camping, they go hand in hand. There are a number of options for you to consider when choosing the right boat to add to your rig. Click on the title and see what's out there. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Why Do We Wander?

Always wondering what's over that next rise? Itchy feet got you feeling like it's time to go again? Is it something in our genes? Here's a look at what's behind the need to travel, something pretty common amongst the Van Dweller nomadic tribe. Photo by: Pfly

Van Dwelling with More then a Van.

Traveling with more then just your van, is this true Van Dwelling? Form your own opinion but first click on the title and see one view point. Photos by: Curtis Carper

Cheap Digs When the Money's Short

No, not the trailer. I mean the homemade slide in topper on the pickup.

There was a time (right after a divorce) that I didn't have a place to live. Staying in a motel was costing me $500 a month back in the 80's. After a couple months this became a financial burden.

I had a cheap homemade topper on my pickup and at the end of February 1988 I moved into something that looked much like this one I have on my current truck.

This was winter in Northern Minnesota. The topper was insulated with 1" pink styrofoam panels. No windows, but I had a small portable electric heater for warmth. It was sitting on concrete blocks along the side of a friendly driveway with an extension cord running to the house. By slipping the owner a few bucks a month I was snug as a bug in a rug.

It amounted to a sleeping room as I was able to shower at work. Sometimes you've just got to do what you've got to do to get by. Click on the title and see how you to can build your own cheap quarters and survive when the cards all fall the wrong way. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Making a Mattress Cover

The finishing touches to the bed are done. I made a cozy mattress cover to dress up the bed/sofa. Click on the title to see how I did it. Photo by: Curtis Carper

A Simple Water System to Stay Clean

Water to wash your face and brush your teeth. Even a sponge bath is possible with this simple setup. Click on the title to see how it's done. Photo by: Curtis Carper

The Best Mattress is one you Built Yourself

Finally a bed that will let me stretch out as far as I like. Click on the title to see how I made the new mattresses. Photos by: Curtis Carper

Installing a 110v AC Inverter is Easy

More Power, we always need More Power. Hooking up an inverter was pretty simple. Click on the title to see how I did this quick project. Photos by: Curtis Carper

Building a New More Comfortable Bed

The short bed just didn't work out. The new arrangement will be two single beds, one down each side. Using 12"x48" pre-cut shelf panels with a laminate surface a simple but strong box is built that is 24"x6'. With extra room available to hang your feet over the edge stretching out shouldn't be a problem. Click on the title and see a slide show of my progress in this modification.

Our Shake Down Voyage to Ashland WI

Looking for a friendly quaint destination with cool temperatures during the middle of summer? Come to Lake Superior. Click on the title and plan your next trip. Photo by: Curtis Carper

The Bed was a Bust

Phase One takes a step backwards. The bed situation needs a little tweeking. Click on the title to see what went wrong. Photo by: Curtis Carper

July 4th We Traveled the South Shore of Lake Superior

Looking out over Lake Superior from the South Shore in Wisconsin you can just barely see the Minnesota shore line across the lake. Click on the title and check out the slide show of our trip from Duluth to Bayfield and on to Ashland Wisconsin stopping at all the small communities along the way.

Adding Extra Batteries

2 Batteries, 3 Batteries, How do you hook them up so the van battery doesn't get drained. Click on the title and read the electrifying information. Photo by: Curtis Carper

What to do with Those Commercial Shelves

They looked to darn handy to send to the scrap yard. Click on the title and see what became of the shelves I took out of my van. Picture by: Curtis Carper

Phase One is Complete

The first level of building is done. I have a livable Stealth Van Dwelling. With a Bedroom, and a bucket toilet we can travel. Confident that if we are pulled over the quality of workmanship will be enough to keep the authorities more interested in seeing our van then interfearing with our journey. Click on the title and inspect our progress through a slide show illustrating the project from start to finish. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Installing a Roof Vent, Mandatory if You Want to Sleep

Cutting that first big hole in your rig is always hard. Installing the Roof Vent that will keep you comfortable through the night is a must. Once you drill that first hole the rest is easy. Click on the title to see how it's done. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Paint and Flooring, Now We're Styling

Finally the interior is coming together. Nothing makes your van feel homey like flooring and paint. Click on the title and see how this big step toward the finished product took place. Photos by: Curtis Carper

Grand Opening Van Dweller Market Place

Welcome to The Van Dweller Market Place. Are you building your new mobile residence? Is there a special gadget or accessory that will make life on the road more enjoyable. Your likely to find exactly what you need right here. Click on the title and scan our inventory or search for exactly the right item. If there's something special your looking for just leave a comment. The inventory will grow over time to include everything relating to Van Dwelling.

Hwy 61 Revisited

Following Bob Dylan's footsteps we take our first day trip with the van. It was a bright sunny Memorial Day weekend and we headed north out of Duluth MN. Following the north shore of Lake Superior it was a beautiful day for a drive. Click on the title and come along for the ride. Enjoy the slide show of our first excursion with our van.

Simple Solutions for Middle of the Night Potti Calls

We can do it expensive and complicated or we can do it simple, cheap and handy. Click on the title and see some solutions to those late night "Gotta Go" issues. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Trim Will Make it All Look Good

To get that professional look trim will cover up all the rough edges. Click on the title to get some helpful hints on how to. Photo by Curtis Carper

Attaching the Walls to the Ceiling

Curved walls, curved ceiling, how do you match them together. Click on the title and see one way to Git-R-Done. Photo by: Curtis Carper

One Person, One Serving. Cooking for One Can Be Easy

Looking for just the right cooking utensils? Click on the title and see one item just the right size for one person. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Sub-Floor and Bed Platform are Next

Before the Hardwood Laminate can go down you need a good insulated sub-floor. Click on the title and see how I took care of that part of the project. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Installing Paneling in Your Van

After the insulation comes the paneling. Click on the title and see how I did it. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Repainting a Rusty Bumper

The front bumper looks nasty. Rust and pitting has ruined the finish. Click on the title and see how I'm addressing that issue. Photo by: Curtis Carper

First the Foundation, Insulating to Keep Comfortable

Before you can put up the paneling you need to insulate. You have some different options here, click on the title and see how I did my van.
Photo by Curtis Carper

Preparing Your Van for Construction

Before you can build you've got to "Tear Down" to quote a popular truck customization TV show. Click on the title to see what's involved in removing all the commercial components of your vans former life. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Worn Out Key, My Van Won't Start, What's a Person to Do?

Locked Out, or worse yet the key won't turn in the ignition. Click on the title to find the least expensive cure to ignition key problems. Photo by: bangart

Hitch Mounted Storage and Other Things

Hitch mounted storage boxes, one wheel trailers, Bicycle Racks and more. Click on the title and get some ideas how you can make your Van Dwelling more versatile. Photo by: Valor

Building Your Van Dwelling: Purchasing the Van

Here it is, my new (to me) Van Dwelling. It will take some time before this project gets into full swing as I'm hampered by the fact that it's still WINTER up here in Minnesota. No matter as I will be posting articles documenting the whole process.

This first installment is about the purchase of the base vehicle. Click on the title and read how I chose this particular Van for my Stealth Van Dweller Project. Photo by: Curtis Carper

Pressure Cookers: Perfect for the Van Dwelling Cook

Limited space means multi-use is important. A pressure cooker can be used as a standard pot, but better yet it can create some terrific meals in short order. Click on the title and find out another cooking option for the Van Dwelling Life. Photo by: Oboe panda

Solar Ovens: No Fuel Required, Only Sunlight

Cooking without any fuel, not even twigs. No flame, fire danger, no smoke or mess. Click on the title to learn how you can Go Green with your cooking tasks. Photo by: davidsilver

A Simple Way to Cook Outdoors Without Propane or Charcoal

The Rocket Stove, do your cooking with just a small handful of sticks for fuel. Click on the title and find out how to build one out of simple and easy to find materials. Photo by: palesa flower

Generators Running on Propane, Cleaner, Safer, Easier

Getting rid of sloppy gas cans and extending the life of your generator, only two reasons to switch to propane. Click on the title and find out how to do it and where to get it done. Photo by: radven

The Slabs, a Place to Stay as Long as You Want For Free

No rent, no hurry, no problem. Don't we wish, well if your able to get to California there's a spot in the desert with an open invitation to all who come to stay as long as they like. Click on the title to find out more, then pack your van and come join the fun. Photo by: Caveman 92223

Sportsmobile, the Perfect Van Dweller Rig

Sportsmobile, just about the perfect Van Dwelling rig. Roof down and you blend in anywhere, roof up and you can stand up and move around. Click on the title and get the full scoop about these great rigs. Photo by: Christopher Bailey

Spoiled Food, How to Avoid it

Keeping food within a safe eating temperature range is critical, you can't afford a trip to the Hospital because you ate contaminated food. Click on the title and learn how to keep your food stores safe. Photo by: Sea of Legs

All it Takes is a Little Ventilation

There's nothing worse then being stuck in a closed up van with no fresh air. Leaving windows down may not always be an option. Click on the title and find a solution to your stale air woes.
Photo by : mofute

Making Your Bed and Lying In It

Your in this for the long term, cramped sleeping quarters just aren't going to cut it. Click on the title and check out making a comfortable bed in your van. Photo by: dakotaduff

Adding Electricity

A little 110vac can make life a whole lot better when your parked next to a current bush. Click on the title and find out how to add a little luxury to your van at a minimal price. Photo by: Darren Hester

The Perfect Computer for Van Dwellers

With no extra room to spare, Van Dwellers need a computer that doesn't take up much room. This one's small, but powerful. Click on the title and check it out. Photo by: Rico Shen

Folding Houses, Move it with a Pickup Truck

Believe it or not, this house folds up to 8' wide and can be towed with a pickup truck. More roomy then a van, but still maintaining mobility. Click on the title to find out all about these easily movable homes. Picture by: VOJBD

Propane, How to Carry it

Do you carry the bottle inside, or strap it on the outside. Click the title and then you can decide. Photo by: Code Poet

Maximize Your Storage Space

The neater and more organized your van is, the happier you'll be. Here's some ideas to keep things clean. Click on the title to get the whole story. Photo by: Dazed81

A Homemade Camper on a Mini Pickup Might Work

It doesn't have to be fancy, just weather tight. Click on the title to see how it's done. Photo by: rds

Your Never Alone, Unless You Want to Be

Networking is how you find answers to many things. Click on the title and find out more.

Plan "B", Everybody Needs to Be Ready

It takes more time then over night to create a financial disaster. When you see the signs you better have a plan in place. Click on the title to read more. Photo by: Senor Codo

There is Light at the End of the Tunnel

Today's economy is ruining a lot of good folks. As hard as it may seem, getting on with your life is still possible. There's lots of help out there, click on the title to see what's available. Photo by: Vidiot

Hard Times, A Simple Solution

Staying afloat these days takes a cash only approach. Here's why. Photo by: Mandie

Choice or Necessity, Why do Many Chose to Live in a Van?

It's become a hot topic of debate, given the choice would many Van Dwellers prefer to be living in more standard housing? Click on the title and find out the answer. Photo by: Carlos62

Looking for a Place to Stay?

Go West young man, the mantra of old. With good reason too, there's plenty of places to stay. The best part is there all free!! Click on the title to read all about it. Photo by: slworking2

Need the Intenet, It's Everywhere

Wireless Internet Service will keep even the Van Dweller in contact with the Tribe. Finding free service is really quite easy. Click on the title and find out all about it. Photo by: Mike Goldberg

Staying Warm at Night

It's all about getting some quality shut eye. Click on the title and read all about it. Photo by: Hackintosh

Are You a Member of a Tribe?

A Tribe can mean many things, click on the title and find out what makes up a Tribe. Photo by: Camera.Newbie

Every Journey Needs Some Highlights

Throughout your life there are certain events that just shouldn't be missed. For the sake of the experience everyone needs to make the journey. Click on the title to see some interesting destinations. Photo by: smartwentcrazy

Generators, Noisy and Dangeous

Using a portable Generator in the rain might be a shocking experience. Click on the title to read up on some good safety tips if you plan on using a Generator for electrical power. Photo by: kylmac

Food, You Don't Want to Run Out

We've all been there, to much month left at the end of the money. Being short of funds will leave you in a bad way when it comes to satisfying that growling in your belly. There's a reasonably priced way to make sure you can comfortably survive a food shortage for what ever reason. Click on the title and find out how. Photo by spitzgogo CHEN

If Your in California, Santa Barbara Has a Place For You

Being Mobile and Homeless means you need a safe place to park for the night. This is one city that is making a place for you. Click on the title and get the full scoop. Photo by: Quiiver

Home Cooking is Always Better

Everybody like a good home cooked meal. Fast food gets old quick and it isn't good for you either. Click on the title and you can find all about how you can cook a quality meal with no fussing.

Photo by: Seattle Municipal Archives

Who's That Knocking on My Door?

You just got to sleep, and some fool is pounding on your driver's door. Is it vandals, is it the cops, what should you do? Click on the title and get some first rate advice on how to handle this problem.

Photo by: Travis S.

Thinking about Upgrading? Now's the time

The housing market is down, it's a buyers market. Same goes in the auto and RV business. You can go to the back row and they'll almost pay you to take it off the lot.

If your at all interested in upgrading click on the title and learn more.

Photo by: Curtis Carper

A Bit Eccentric Isn't a Bad Thing

The Stealth Van Dweller prefers to go unnoticed. Sometimes being in your face flamboyant, or not all there eccentric can provide a better cover that will let you get by Noticed, but Ignored.

Click on the title and the article will appear.

Photo by: Marshall Astor

Jobs that Travel

The whole point of being a van dweller is to travel and see new places. The adventure of traveling from town to town. Here's a way to do it and make a living in the process.

Click on the title and see the whole story.

Photo by: Andrew Dunn

The Dream Machine for any Stealth Van Dweller

The Shuttle Bus, this is the perfect rig for so many reasons.

Click on the title to get the full scoop.

Photo by: Curtis Carper

Think Portable, Think Low Cost, Maybe This Gas Crunch Thing Can Work For You

Who says you need a van to be mobile. Mostly you need nothing materialistic that places a financial drain on your budget. This will give you a way to stay for a while, and leave when you want. After all isn't that the main goal.

Click on the title and find out how.

Photo by: Ryan Bushby

The Sprinter Van, Built Just For Van Dwelling

Finally a rig with room to STAND UP. Now we have to wait for some to reach the end of their commercial life so we can join the Van Dwellers around the world and get our new digs rigged for living.

Click on the title and get the full story of The Perfect Stealth Van Dwelling Rig.

Photo by: C-C-Baxter

Riding the Rails

During the Great Depression thousands of out of work people traveled the country by hitching a ride on a passing freight train.

Though not as common today, the practice never completely died out. Following the methods and routes of earlier generations, today's Hobo still leads the life of the wandering nomad. With an itinerary determined by the next freight train schedule, they head out in another direction. Ever searching and sometimes not know for what.

Click on the title and more information will be presented enlightening you to life Riding the Rails.

Photo by: Sean Lamb

What's in Store for the Future

Have you noticed how many new people are becoming Van Dwellers? Is it just me, or does it seem the population of people living outside the norm of society is growing steadily. I think there's a trend involved. Check out this latest article to find what's behind all this new found interest in living without the benefit of a stationary dwelling.

Click on the title to see the whole story.

Photo by: Joe Mabel

The Teardrop Trailer, You Can Live in This Too

Here we go, a small investment will get you a cozy little home to pull behind your economical gas miser car. Most smaller cars are rated to pull up to 1,000 lbs, most teardrop trailers are much lighter then that.

You can have everything you need neatly tucked away in your little trailer.

Click on the title and you will be taken to all the good scoop about Teardrop Trailers.

Photo by: Liftarn

Not all Traveling Homes are Stealthy

Not all methods of living on the road are small and cramped. Some can be quite palatial. Of course they cost a bit more and being stealthy isn't much of a concern. They can still stay for free at Truck Stops, and your less likely to be rudely treated by authorities when they see a quality machine like this.

Click on the title and see more information on taking a transit bus to heights it hasn't seen before.

Photo by: Curtis Carper

The Stealthy Cargo Trailer

Mine was a 6'x10' plain white trailer with a big door on the back. When closed you had no idea it was anything more then just a cargo trailer. Opening the back door and tying it back brought you to a second wall and entry door. Completely done in cedar, with a coating of polyurethane it looked like the entry to a small back woods cottage.

Clicking on the title will give you the full story. Be sure to come back, there's plenty more stuff to
read.
Photo by: Curtis Carper

Tiny Houses, Built on Trailers

Tiny 100sq ft houses, while not a van or converted vehicle they are in the right direction of very small living spaces that can move about the country. Built on flat bed trailers, they can be moved as simple as hitching up the pickup truck. Highly energy efficient little dwellings.

Click on the title to learn more about these unique residences. Photo by: Telstar Logistics

The Clean Van Dweller

Even Stealth Van Dwellers need to take a shower now and again. After a week or so not only will the public avoid you, but you'll be looking for ways to get out of your skin. There are some options that can keep you clean beyond what you can get from a sponge bath or some clean wipes.

Click on the title and find out ways to keep yourself acceptable to everyone.

photo by: Libby Baker

High Class Van Dwelling/or Maybe a School Bus

Wouldn't be nice to have a rig like this to live down by the river with. Better have some deep pockets, this one will cost you the better part of $100,000. At least you can take a shower in it.

Not within reach of your pocket book, how about an old school bus. Click on the title and you'll find a few ideas that may send you running to the nearest bus dealer.

Photo by: Curtis Carper

House Truck, an Alternative Lifestyle

We've been exploring the Van Dwelling lifestyle, here's an article that goes a different way. Hardly a Stealthy way of traveling. If your ability to build is calling for your own personal touch on a larger and more comfortable scale be sure to explore this option.

Click on the title and check out this article and the links it contains. You'll be breaking out the hammer and saw for sure when your done reading.

Photo by: Jexcar

The Micro-Mini Stealth Van Dweller

Almost any vehicle will work for Stealth Van Dwelling. Take this Geo Side Kick, it ain't real pretty but it will go almost anywhere and get 30mpg. With some modifications it would work.

Even the modest sub compact car or mini-SUV. Click on the title to find out how you too can travel for penny's as compared to the full sized van.

Photo by: Curtis Carper

Van Dwelling in a Mini-van

Times are getting tougher, a full sized van is comfy living, but a bit expensive when it comes to gas. It's a tighter squeeze, but you can still be comfortable using a Mini-Van as your Stealth Van Dweller address.

Click on the title and see how you can stretch your gas dollar by living in a mini-van.

Photo by: IFCAR

Less is More When it Comes to Stuff

Leaving 90% of your belongings behind is hard to do. The space available in a Van is pretty limited. There's nothing worse then feeling like you can't turn around because your stuff has squeezed you out. This next article will help you make those hard decisions and give you some good ideas as to how to maximize your space.


Click on the title and you can read up on minimizing your belongings.

Photo by: Jarekt

How to Make Money While Van Dwelling

Are you new to town, just arrived and low on funds. We've all been there at some point. The freedom of Stealth Van Dwelling provides you with the ability to fold up shop and move on when opportunities dry up. Be it a few hundred miles or across the country, when you arrive at your next location and need to start bringing in some money to survive, this article will give you some good options.

Click on the title to see many ways a van dweller can make some money.

Avoiding Breakdowns

The one event that takes the majority of Stealth Van Dwellers away from their chosen lifestyle is the breakdown. That is the mechanical failure of their home on wheels. It may take your mental state and put it into breakdown as well, but for this section the issue is having your home join the ranks of being dead alongside the road.
Click on the title and you will quickly be directed to the best way you can avoid loosing your home to a impound lot when faced with mechanical problems that have taken your freedom from you. Photo by: artnoose

Where Can I Hide for the Night

Where to spend the night? The critical question. Some are legal, and others are bordering the other side of the fence. Which you chose is a personal judgment call on your part. This site is not responsible in the event you are confronted by the authorities.

Click on the title and you will be delivered to some good information about where to park when your living as a Stealth Van Dweller.

Photo by: David Shankbone

Making Electricity

It won't be home until you can plug in a fan, power up your computer, or click on the TV. Every Van Dweller will find themselves very restricted unless they can come up with someway to have electricity available to them.

Wiring the rig to be plugged into an electrical source is a good idea. It won't answer all your needs as what do you do when your hanging out in a parking lot, or staying on BLM land out in the desert.

Photo by: KVDP

Click on the title to travel to your next stop toward building your perfect Stealth Van.

Building the Perfect Rig

When you fit out your van for living the primary concern will be functionality. Being able to sleep comfortably ranking right at the top of the list. In a real bed at home you can stretch out, get rid of the the kinks and creaks making ourself totally comfortable.

If your Van requires that you sleep in a semi fetal position because the bed isn't long enough, you will never get a good nights sleep. Likewise if it's so narrow you can't roll over to your other side, you'll be constantly waking up to change position.

Make sure how ever you build a bed that you do it so you will be comfortable for the long haul.

Do you plan on cooking in your rig? How about washing facilities? Even entertainment needs to be addressed.

As you layout the necessities of life remember, neat and orderly will not only be more comfortable for you, but will help you address the issue of public acceptance.

Click on the title of this article and you will be taken to a good example of how you can set up your van to address the issues of day to day life while enhancing the value and flexibility of your new address.

Picking an Appropriate Vehicle

Picking the right vehicle for your escape from the 9-5 world is truly an individualistic issue. What works for some is totally unacceptable for others. By carefully choosing your Stealth Vehicle you'll be comfortable and able to live undetected. Be sure to give this point extra consideration before you jump for the first rig to come along.

Click on the title and you will be directly taken to information that will help you choose your new home.

Photo by: IFCAR

The Absolute First Step

Before you even consider what kind of vehicle you want to use, the first concern in this quest for freedom is your financial position.

Debt is an absolute killer for this life style. With an existing debt you are never free. You will have to work, you will have to make payments, you will have to be responsible. This isn't freedom, it's only making an existing problem worse.

When living on the road the whole point is to be able to follow the sun, travel on a whim, explore unknown areas. Being able to experience what your new surroundings have to offer.

How can you do this when your first concern must be making enough money to meet existing financial obligations. Do you want to spend the first half of the month working to meet bills, or do you want to be committed to earning what you need to live. What you need to live is a much smaller amount.

Click on the title to continue to the steps needed to financially prepare for becoming a Van Dweller.

There's a Right Way and a Wrong Way

After reading a blog written by a young man who bought a U-Haul truck and headed to Florida, inspiration came to start this blog to help prevent those with little or no experience from making some serious mistakes.

Breaking away from "Normal Life" is a worth while concept that when approached with forethought and good planning can be a satisfying and legitimate way of life.

Exploring the country in the most cost effective manner possible doesn't require you to become a vagrant, to be looked down on by authorities and the general public.

Click on the title of this article to be transported to an example of the "Wrong" way to leave the high cost of Apartment Renting or Home Ownership behind.

Photo by: William J Grimes