I’ve been meaning to update my blog for a while, but upon some urging by a few folks, I’m finally getting around to it. I’ll try to be better about keeping up with it even when nothing too exciting is going on at the moment.
Things have been going well in the van, despite working so much lately that I haven’t had a whole lot of time to make much progress on all the projects looming. I can’t complain though, because this time last year, both my jobs experienced a huge slump and I was strapped for cash in the worst way. It’s been a wonderful blessing to find myself overwhelmed by the amount of work I’m getting instead of the other way around.
We recently went through a really cold spell here in San Diego, with nighttime temperatures dropping well below freezing for about five consecutive nights. This prompted me to purchase a sleeping bag rated for 20 degrees F. It was the best purchase I’ve made in a while. Not only has it kept me warm at night, but Loulou absolutely adores it and I find her curled up inside it during the day when it’s a bit chillier as well.
I took a six day trip up to Canada in November and came home to a solid corner of my mattress soaked through after we got some crazy rainstorms while I was gone. After inspecting the windows around the van, I realized the sealant on all of them was well beyond its expiration and knew I’d need to redo that before the next storms rolled in. Lucky for me, I had one day off before they started again, so I went about resealing them in preparation. Due to the lack of daylight and dawdling just a bit too much, I rushed through the job and will probably want to go back at some point and redo it so it’s cleaner, but they’re definitely sealed now and the past two days of rain haven’t touched the inside of the van.
I think the thing I’ve discovered that I hate the most about living in the van is getting up on a particularly cold morning. Living in a metal casing with a floor made of plywood topped with laminate makes for some painfully cold first steps in the morning. A few folks have asked how cold it gets in the van at night and I usually just compare it to camping in a tent. The Beast keeps out the wind and rain, but the temperatures drop just as low as the outside, so seeing my breath is a common occurrence.
Now that I’m writing this update, I realize there’s quite a few other things I can add in, but I’ll save those for some followup posts over the next few days.
Check out Lowes, radiant floor heating, electric, will be putting it in mine as I get it ready, can do small area at bed or full length in middle of floor.
Good shout on the sleeping bag! You know Ash & I understand the feeling of living in the cold… we were just talking about that time you were visiting us at the farmhouse and the kerosene went out for the first time.
You should put up a small hanger (or hook, or whatever’s feasible) specifically for hanging slippers or thermal socks by the bed for those first few steps in the morning. It’s those little things that count.
better yet….drive to Bradenton, Fla..!! its been in the 80′s ( and sunny ) all winter this year..!!
Michael
All our RVs windows are crapping out too. The dining room window had been warning us for a while but life got in the way and I ignored it’s warning. A couple weeks later I found our brand new mattress soaking wet because the seals in back window above our bed had given out too. Now I know I have to reseal all 10 of them whether I like it or not – It never ends!
I know what you are dealing with and my heart goes out to you. I know all about what you are dealing with and if you need advice on fixing stuff just ask. I have replaced over head vents like you did in my past. I have had to rebuild an engine of my own and did so by myself. I do not advise you to do that, however the front end will need to be rebuilt soon I’m am sure. The rubber seals dry rot on the A frame. The drive shaft will need to be rebuild if it hasn’t already. Be ready to spend a lot of money on repairs. I do not mean to scare you, but I have owned old cars all my life and know what will give out.. Just drive it with care
Parts you need to keep with you, (water pump, radiator hoses, all fanbelts,Altenator,) these are items that you will replace. An altenator that has been rebuild don’t last much longer than 5 years. When it goes most of the time the battery goes at the same time. If you want to be prepared keep this in mind. Please do not wait for one of the parts to break, because they will and in the middle of nowhere it is very hard to get these parts. Enjoy your cheap living but I hope you have the history of your campers repairs. Let us know how you are getting on and stay safe.
What kind of sealant do you use to fix leaks on a van?
Billy
I use this: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/dicor-self-leveling-lap-sealant/5737
It’s a flexible caulk made specifically for stuff like sealing the windows and vents. Has more give than the traditional silicon stuff you’d find at Home Depot, which is easily peeled off and leaks.
Awesome, thanks! I take it camping world is a good place to order from? hope you’re doing well!