Stealth, motorhome, or self build?

[dabhand]

Try sodium bicarb - it reduces the acidity. Also, remember that 5 cups of coffee can reduce your salt content by about a teaspoon, so you need to replace it - preferably with salt from ancient oceans.

One of your “experiments”?

 

[chaser]

Although I am biased, why not start again with a more suitable van, a Renault ambulance is my choice, as all the insulation and windows and heaters and split charging are already in, and not prone to rust, and you could then live in your old van whilst doing the other one.

 

[Figaro]

chaser good advice but far too logical I fear.

 

[Wild Brambles]

If you mail 10k to me I can give you cash as and when you need it!

Why would I need cash - I have Bitcoin. ( and a credit card).

CB is a bit last century, and can't really be used for digital communications. LoRa in under development,and has a fair bit of money being invested in it. It will be used for the Internet of Things, and I think I could piggy back onto it. Using a Raspberry Pi to control the system would be a good cheap, and low power option. However, I suspect this is not a topic for this forum. Installing solar power, and the choice of batteries is obviously of interest to most of the members here, and I have already received help with this.

I should stop discussing topics such as the above, and focus on the more immediate issue, such as getting rid of rust, and mouse and rat proofing my van. The electrical requirements are pretty standard as well. I just need some 12 volt DC sockets and USB and 230 volt a/c power.

 

[Figaro]

Try sodium bicarb - it reduces the acidity. Also, remember that 5 cups of coffee can reduce your salt content by about a teaspoon, so you need to replace it - preferably with salt from ancient oceans.

I don't usually drink coffee, especially with whiskey in it but the frustrations of reading and replying to your posts drove me to it today
I'm more of a tea man enjoying the coffee with additive today though

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[Wild Brambles]

I did have a Renault traffic van a few years ago, and it was great. The only complaint I had was that Renault can't spell "traffic".

I really like the LDV Convoy, and I think of it as a bit iconic, rather like the VWs. I think it is probably ideal for me, and I just need to get on with the work.

 

[Figaro]

I should stop discussing topics such as the above, and focus on the more immediate issue, such as getting rid of rust, and mouse and rat proofing my van. The electrical requirements are pretty standard as well. I just need some 12 volt DC sockets and USB and 230 volt a/c

Here here !

 

[Wild Brambles]

In most interpersonal relationships there are two circles, One for each person, and if they don't overlap, then you can't communicate. It is that overlap that creates productive relationships. It is human nature for one to try to draw the other into one's circle, and expand the relationship. Many people resist this, and this is evident from the replies to my posts about economics.

For me, the overlap here is in the area of van living and conversion, and this is one of my weaknesses, although I am learning. Obviously it is one of the great strengths of this forum, and I am pleased to be a part of it. Having spend many years researching and investigating the issues that have caused me to move into my circle, it will be difficult to draw me out,without a knowledge of my discoveries and observations, and this is why I appear reluctant to accept some advice which would draw me towards a more conventional lifestyle. I hope my reluctance to change some deep set attitudes will not make me too many enemies here.

 

[Figaro]

I think most on here are genuinely concerned about a gentleman of advanced years living in an unsuitable van and want to help.
If the answers to solving your difficulties are too conventional for you then so be it, you accept it or find another way around the problem.
I'd just like to hear you have a plan to make your life more comfortable in the coming months.
Living with water running down the walls of the van must be pretty unpleasant.
Best wishes for the new year and please just get some sort of a plan together

 

[nicholsong]

We have a 7mt MoHo but never go near a site. We park/wild camp anywhere and everywhere with very little problem and never been vandalised or broken into.
If you're happy squashed up in van conversion and making up the bed every night then go for it.
I would sooner not worry about vandalism or theft and simply enjoy a comfortable life on the road.
We are fully insured so no problem - it's only a van.

I agree 100% with that post and we have been doing it like that for 10 years.

I think that theft and vandalism risks depend on where you park. At home ours is parked at the back of our big yard and inside a steel gate and there is an Alsatian living below, albeit a stupid dozey one, but I doubt the thieves know that. We have never felt nervous while touring.

Geoff

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[JJ]

Where does your partner live?

Do you two share a home?

Are you in the doghouse? (LDV van).


JJ

 

[Wild Brambles]

Well thank you for calling me a gentleman, and I do have 4 buttons on the cuffs of my suits ( the gentleman as servants only have 3 ). but I don't think of myself as of advanced in age. I'm only just hitting middle age after all. I am actually fairly comfortable, but I must address the condensation fairly soon.

My partner is caring for her sister at the moment, and she is not recovering from a failed cancer operation. When she is no longer required there,then I will readdress my life style. At the moment it is quite interesting and educational.

I have just been given a bicycle, and I'm not sure if I can ride one any more. It seems that one needs to keep the front wheel off the ground at all times, and the last time I rode one, one was more concerned with the efficiency of transport. I'm never going to pull a hot chick if I can't keep my front wheel in the air.

 

[RubyOptics]

Whilst this may be hard to believe Wild Brambles I've actually been wrestling with some of the same thoughts you seem to be having, although for very different reasons I suspect!!
I think you have to accept that this is a case of swings and roundabouts....what you gain in one area you are going to lose in another. Yes, a bigger van will be more spacious and therefore more comfortable, but it's also going to be less 'stealthy' if that is what you are concerned about. Same with interior comfort...whilst I'm sure that you can do it, how long are you willing to spend on it and how much cash do you want to throw at it to make it as comfortable as a professionally built and fitted van. If you want bright and airy, that means windows which reduces your 'stealth' factor.

Again, i accept that we are looking at this for different reasons, but may I suggest you try giving the following series of videos a browse? The guy seems intent on making his conversion as off-grid capable as possible whilst still keeping it as stealthy as he can...built on a Mercedes ambulance shell.

 

[Wild Brambles]

I've more or less decided that for the moment, I'll do a bit of customising behind the front seats. I need to secure the woodburner, and I may install a sink and twin burner hob. The rest of it I'll leave as fairly mobile, and experiment with various layouts. I need to address the rust and other problems, and I may put protective coating on the chassis while it is still in good condition.

I don't think stealth is going to be an option for me. I seem to have become high profile around this area, and this has its advantages.I can also be a bit confrontational, so it isn't in my nature to hide away. I really should try to change that.

 

[dabhand]

Circle of trust, are you in the circle? Sounds like meet the Fockers!

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[Wild Brambles]

If I typed that, then it's a typo - I'm in the circle of rust at the moment.

 

[dotsontour]

Since you have been on MHF you have told us time and time again about all the things you are going to do with your van . You get advice then rant on about other things . Just get one of these jobs done ,ie the wood burner . It’s almost January it’s cold in January your living ( surviving) in a damp van . Get it done . That is if you really live in a van at all or just enjoy the attention of well meaning folk here .Many who are genuinely concerned for your welfare. No offence intended honest .

 

[Brendan]

I need to secure the woodburner, and I may install a sink and twin burner hob.

I don't think stealth is going to be an option for me.

Stealth is only likely to be an option provided you don't actually light that wood burner.

Even if you don't light it, it's unlikely to go unnoticed that you're in a residential vehicle, as I assume there will be a fairly substantial flue exiting somewhere (most delivery vans don't usually have these).
ps the large pile of logs out the back might give it away also.

 

[tonyidle]

I'm never going to pull a hot chick if I can't keep my front wheel in the air.

That must be one of the best euphemisms I've ever heard .

 

[Wild Brambles]

Thanks for the suggestions about alternative vans, but I must have had this one for getting on for two years, and I've developed an affection for it. I've also replaced quite a few bit - clutch, serpentine, rear brakes, prop shaft bearing, gear lever elbow etc. I'm about to put £70 of filters, oil and a couple of other bits into it. The chassis is in good condition, but some of the skirts on the body are a bit rusty. I'll replace those with plastic or aluminium doors to underfloor storage in the summer. I've been clearing a bit out of the garages, and some of it has gone into the van for disposal. I'll do that today. The scrap metal will have to wait until next week, as my favourite yard is still closed for Christmas.

I've decided to abandon stealth, and to try to become "Interesting character with an alternative life style". I think this might be easier for me to maintain. The chimney is an obvious problem with stealth. I've decided to use the half a stainless steel sink trick to cover it, but obviously this won't work if it is alight.

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[Figaro]

Here's a thought Mr Brambles - why not go and live with your partner for a few months over the worst of the winter. Support her in caring for her sister, I'm sure she'd appreciate that.
You could live in warm, dry comfort over winter with proper living facilities and plan and carry out the upgrades to the van that you need to carry out.
Seems like win win to me.
Then in the spring you could continue with your alternative lifestyle experiment but with the advantages of having a van more suited to living in.
Please give it some thought.

 

[Wild Brambles]

Thanks for the thought, but it isn't an option. They live in a small country cottage, and I don't really get on with them. They have a different diet, and a different attitude towards life, and I believe that caused the sister's cancer.

I don't really have a problem right now, and I've maintained my brown adipose tissue, so cold isn't as big an issue for me, as it is for most people with central heating. The major thing is really image, and self-esteem, and I'm working on that.

I'm still working towards my ambition to create a woodland trust, and I hope that it isn't just an unrealisable fantasy. I'm still learning and developing some of the essential skills., and enjoying most of it.

 

[Servo]

 

[robert groves]

What gives the impression that any part of my post was pigeon holing? All I did was to point out that using campervan parks isn't quite what I think of as full time mobile home living. I appreciate the breadth of experience and skills here, and that is why I was seeking opinions.

Please don't pigeon hole me.

One of the reasons I rarely comment...always somebody takes umbridge at a simple question

 

[Figaro]

I'm still working towards my ambition to create a woodland trust

What exactly do you mean by this, do you own woodland where you want to create a trust ?
In your post you said you don't really get on with "them" are you saying you don't get on with your partner.

What I'd be concerned about is if you were to contract a bad cold or worse still proper flu. With your age at 77 and lack of heating, washing, toilet facilities and the damp from running condensation in the van, coupled with a cold snap of sub zero temperatures, you could quickly be looking at life endangering circumstances.
Your brown adipose tissue won't help you much them I'm afraid.
Do yourself a favour and rethink this.

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[Wild Brambles]

I haven't taken umbridge. I have made a lifestyle choice based on a considerable amount of research by me, and social observations. As a result of this, I have rejected many of the things that some consider to be pillars of their beliefs. Vaccination, Climate change, current allopathic medicine, central banks, elitist politicians, and other concepts are just some of them. Some people try to change my views, and I am open to discussion, but it has to be reasoned debate, and not just the recycling of propaganda fed to the BBC and other mass media organisations. Please don't take offence if I don't change my attitudes. I don't smoke, and the evidence of the damage this causes is overwhelming. Smokers trying to justify their weakness with incorrect facts will not make me take up smoking.

Full time van life sits well with many of my core beliefs, and this is why I am exploring it at the moment. I'm new to the life, and I'm making mistakes, but my investment is minimal, so it is easy for me to recover from my failures. I'm 77, and I take no medication. I can walk up stairs two at a time, and I don't wear glasses. Am I lucky? I don't think it is luck, I believe that it is the result of researching behind the marketing hype, and making reasoned decisions.

 

[Mobsy]

I'm 64, I can run 5k in under 30 minutes, ride thousands of miles per year, take no medication, don't wear glasses, all my teeth are my own. Am I lucky? You bet your life I am!

 

[chaser]

I'm 64, I can run 5k in under 30 minutes, ride thousands of miles per year, take no medication, don't wear glasses, all my teeth are my own. Am I lucky? You bet your life I am!

But maybe you don't live in a rusty old wet van surviving on handouts.

 

[chaser]

I'm 64, I can run 5k in under 30 minutes, ride thousands of miles per year, take no medication, don't wear glasses, all my teeth are my own. Am I lucky? You bet your life I am!

I had two full-time jobs when I was 64, but wouldn't like to try it at 73, never mind 77

 

[RubyOptics]

Wild Brambles I think some of people's frustration comes from your seeming refusal to answer anyone directly. Figaro asked you a direct question regarding this woodland trust you keep mentioning, and then followed up with concerns regarding some of the points you are asking people advice about. Rather than reply to this, you then go off on another one of your conspiracy "big pharma/world elite/international mega corporations are out to get us all"
My last point to you... If you seriously believe that you not requiring corrective glasses is the result of any "research behind the marketing hype" I don't know what to say to you.

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