Van-Life on the Cheap

Finally, things are changing in the family obligations situation that I have been in for the past 8 months. It did not end the way I hoped it would, but that is the way life sometimes goes.

Next up for me is a van build. Because I often use this van for work I often need an empty van. I have a 2002 Ford E150 Regency van, and I like it just the way it is. So, I am not going to build a permanent set-up inside of it. I have taken the two second-row passenger bucket seats out of it, and I have plans for using them and the bench seat as rockers in my apartment. For now, I will leave the bench seat in it and have folded it down to make a 5' by 5' bed. However, since I am 5'10" tall I will use milk crates at the rear-end covered by a pad that will be level with the bed to add length and comfort to the bed. However, if I find I like doing the van life I may someday take the bench out, add a cot, or build a cot with storage underneath. And, that my friends is my full set up for being a weekend warrior.

Within the next day or so I plan to park at a local truck stop for the night to test out my new 20-degree sleeping bag. I have not yet purchased a way to keep myself warm in the winter or cool in the summer. That is why I am staying close to home.😍  But, I do have a Jakery Explorer 240 portable power station to charge my small electronic, cell phone, laptop, etc. I also have an extremely small Soleil Ceramic Space Heater that I plan to test out.

Then, to start this adventure I plan to travel from my current home in Weatherford, Oklahoma to Oklahoma City to start photographing the community parks in the city and suburbs. I will do this on Friday as I am also needed in OKC to help my son move. Following this test run, I will make a few trips to state parks in Oklahoma as I add more equipment to my van.

As I have said, I do have one Jackery Explorer 240. I have also ordered a Jackery SolarSaga 100 Watt Panel that should be here sometime this weekend. I do have a dorm-size portable refrigerator, but it will not be used for a while.

It is a small start but it is a start.