Improvements 2024

Trunk

We added a trunk for our outdoor supplies. We keep our leveling blocks, hoses and cords, camp chairs, step stool, fire starter sticks, sometimes some rocks or shells or pinecones,... We used to store all of this stuff under our table while driving and unload it every time we set up camp. Setup and breakdown of camp is much quicker and easier and our inside space is cleaner and more accessible. 

The mounting bracket was expensive but versatile. We can add different storage boxes in the future if our needs change. We researched different options for the box and the UWS brand was a good price, lightweight but sturdy material, and had the dimensions we needed for the stuff we wanted to store. 

The downside is that we’ve gone from under 20’ to over 20’ (barely!) and there’s a ferry we like that’s a higher fare for vehicles over 20’. We also stick out a little in a regular parking space so we always try to find a pull-thru spot. (Jackie’s got a big butt) 

We’re alright with these things- it’s worth it for all of the trunk’s benefits. 

Phoebe Spot

The trunk freed up travel space and that created the perfect travel spot for our dog Phoebe who likes to be tucked away and secure while moving. It was simple to put in the door and create a cave with the table lowered. She now splits her time between the cave and wedging her head under the driver’s seat chair. 

Internet- Cable vs. Satellite

We’ve been experimenting with the best way to have internet access since the beginning (see my past posts). We had good luck with our antennae, booster and in house router system for the most part but it still couldn’t pick up a signal in some remote places (where we like to be).

We’ve been avoiding starlink because of excess space trash and boycotting musk companies (sorry. Not sorry.). But there’s no denying- starlink (the only satellite option right now) works really well as long as there’s an opening to the sky (trees block the signal). Our monthly starlink sub is more expensive than our home internet (cable) but cheaper than our past van solutions because we were buying monthly at&t and verizon plans.

“Bathroom”

It’s not really a room. It’s a slide out drawer. Since the start of our travels, we carried a bucket with a seat for emergencies. It worked really well but it was bulky and took up space in our bench seats. It was also not easy to access, so not convenient. And night pees could be easier without the walk or the company of javelinas etc…

The toilet cabinet has heavy duty slides (rated 250 lbs) and added 2 wheels on the ends for more support. The latch keeps the door securely shut.

We bought the trelino in the smallest model. There’s a urine diverter and a separate bin for number 2s that we line with a bag. We carry the toilet outside when camping remotely.

The toilet was the perfect size to fit our trash can on the other side. Now we have a mostly walled-off trash area which is great because it’s secure when driving and because of dogs.

Batteries and monitor

We put in 2 more 100 watt batteries increasing our energy storage from 100 watts to 300 watts. This has vastly improved our ability to stay off grid in adverse solar panel conditions (shade, rain). We went from being ok for 1-2 days to not having to worry about battery life- though we are still aware of our energy use and plan accordingly. 

The battery monitor has been fun and it’s much easier than loading an app. It’s a simple model that shows battery life, energy use, production, and input vs output.

Electronics cooling fans

We keep our electronics in a small semi-open shelf above our fridge. On hot days with the fridge running, it would get really hot in this space. A temperature sensor turns these tiny fans on when the temperature reaches 90F (adjustable) and off once the space is under our set temperature. They're tied into the fridge wiring (DC) and take about 0.3 amps of energy when running.

We have some 2025 improvements in mind. We’ll see what we get done and how… I’ll write again here next year (goddess willing).