I got sucked into van conversion videos on youtube awhile ago. No reason why it can't have pretty much everything an RV has, just closer together.

carbon monoxide detector of some type? I'm getting concerned about the various heaters suggested and/or idling in a place that traps fumes.

I would build a lengthwise bed along the driver's side, near the rear. Have it not be full width, so you can sleep on the floor if you need to be discreet. Storage under the bed, a quality 4" foam mattress on top, some vent holes in the wood so the mattress can dry out. A bolt down steel lock box for wallet, ammo, etc.

If you do not have a CCW permit, you might be best off with a shotgun or perhaps an SKS. Something that is legal, preferably that can shoot through the walls of the van.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Privacy. Windowshades.

Indeed.

That hadn't occurred to me but it would if I spent a night in a car, wouldn't it?

Would probably occur to your neighbors about the same time. Lol.

Yes, a gym membership would be #1 on the list, unless you want to look and smell like the bums on the street.

If parking in town, curtains are a dead giveaway that someone is sleeping in the van, and the police may investigate. Only use those at a campground.

12V electric blanket and deep cycle batteries to power them.

How about a membership at a local YMCA/Gym/club or some such for taking showers and cleaning up? Planet fitness starts at $10 for one month and they have decent shower facilities.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Privacy. Windowshades.

Indeed.

That hadn't occurred to me but it would if I spent a night in a car, wouldn't it?

I often drive past the outer parking lot of the local Walmart where a lot of homeless/vehicle campers reside. The one common theme that stands out is privacy. Blankets, dark tint, sun shades. They all try very hard to retain privacy.

After that, aside from food and water, which you need anywhere you go, for me would be a source of warmth, self defense, and some kind of phone/data service and smart device.

Before I get yelled at for extravagance, please keep in mind my area is going through a terrible housing crisis. Under 1% rentals and new homes starting at almost 1/2 million. So a smart device/data charge is not even in ballpark.

And a terrible part of being homeless is the isolation.. Inexpensive devices and plans can help with that short term. I've seen homeless folks first hand get as much relief with a little music or internet as they would with booze and drugs.

I have a modest home to go to every night that I'm thankful for. I'm just talking of what I have seen. No first hand experience. Hope I'm not over stepping.

quote:

Originally posted by Strambo:
I got sucked into van conversion videos on youtube awhile ago. No reason why it can't have pretty much everything an RV has, just closer together.

Same here, as well as the somewhat silly expedition stuff...

On a serious note, a small portable toilet can even be found at places like Wal-Mart.

If David is able to take the job offer from Mr. Dunbar, then hopefully he can perhaps use some of the resources to install the solar panel and battery system some of the folks mentioned. It doesn't have to be complicated or overly costly, rather installed correctly is more important.

Additionally, a "Mr. Buddy" ceramic heater is a fairly safe propane fueled heat source. Cracking a window is always a good idea.

1000 watt Honda generator.

An Instant Pot. Easy one-pot meals.

A portable oven that can be plugged into the car outlet.

https://www.amazon.com/HotLogi...&keywords=car+cooker

https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-...EFYVKH4A80K8HVH0PKG6

This is going to sound stupid but what about a retired ambulance? Privacy, storage cabinets,insulation. Crew bench could serve as a bed. Some have provision for plugging into 110v and dedicated interior circuits for that. Dual 12v batteries with a selector switch. And headroom, at least you can stand up in many of them. Definitely room to stretch out. Probably have room at the rear of the box for a small propane heater also, cut into the rear for the vent?

Forget about the window shades, get privacy window treatments. They stick to the glass from the inside. You can get mirrored, or frosted for the back. Way cheaper too.

Not stupid at all, friend

Lots of campers have been made from ambulances.

Wool socks and underwear.

Speaking of security, can anybody think of a way to lock the doors from the inside, more sturdy that regular door locks?

If you don't have a phone or tablet, a camera. Not a necessity but if you need one, nothing else will do.

A jet boil for water. Can't cook food in it directly, but hot water is awesome to have. Nalgene bottles for water storage.

An old camping trick...right before bed, boil water and put it in a nalgene bottle. Put it in the bottom of your sleeping bag. It will stay warm all night and keep your feet from getting cold.

For coffee a coffee press would work, boil the water at a gas station in the microwave. Then you can make a good cup of coffee. Seems like a phone would be needed in case of an emergency. And a van would definitely be more comfortable than a car.