Yeah...So I plan on living in my van during college. Its a 1993 gmc Vandura 2500 the back is aprox 6 by 9.5 by 4.5. Luckily, I have about $3,000 to invest into it (aside from appliances), so it wont be so bad. I've been planning this since I was in 7th grade, however I still have a few issues.
Most importantly, powering the appliances. solar panels would cost too much...so is there any way to power batteries off of the gas engine, and use them during the night? This is a list of the appliances I will use, and approx how long during each DAY....yes, this is quite a bit of power...which is why I also wonder if hooking up several generators (making sure of theft-proofness, and safety w/fumes) would be an option
20" tv +satellite equipment 3 hrs/day
Laptop 5 hrs/day
3 15 watt lights 10hrs/day
1000 watt microwave .25 hrs/day
surround sound/stereo equip 6 hrs/day
2006-08-01 09:54:08 · 8 answers · asked by ... 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
also, parking and showering are taken care of. I have access to a 5 acre parcel where I am legally allowed to park. to give you an idea, the school is www.adams.edu and the area is www.colomtland.com
2006-08-01 09:57:12 · update #1
I cant seem to figure out how to reply to people on here, so I guess I will add this all as a detail. I have considered a 5 by 8 or 6 by 10 travel trailer, however that is too much space...trust me, that idea has long crossed my mind. I will be able to leave the large generator equipment behind while using the van to go places, so bulkiness is not an issue as it will be contained outside the vehicle. Also, the area where I will be is definately away from people: the place is called the San Luis Valley...its about as big as massachutes and not even 50,000 people call it home. neighbors usually arent any closer than 10 acres to you
2006-08-01 10:16:50 · update #2
hehe, and one more thing...I dont think I've ever heard someone call living in a car cute. I'm just trying to make it a more comfortable experience
2006-08-01 10:22:13 · update #3
to the one who mentioned the warm climate... actually, it gets quite cold out there, however, It wouldnt be the first time I have slept with no heat in near 0 weather (the year before last, I went through an entire Michigan winter like that). It doesnt get above 90 in the summer on the hottest day, so thats def not an issue since I like it around 60 inside, which is what I will get during the night when I'm sleeping.
I've been planning the inside ideas for quite a while. The van width fits the length of a regular bed perfectly, and considering that it is not illegal to make the rear windows opaque, privacy wont be a huge issue either. I also plan on replacing the 3 large windows with ones that open more. I've also come up with several color schemes for the interior fabric and carpet...thanks for the positive advice; and realising that it is NOT impossible to save $5,000 a year on housing AND enjoy it...!
2006-08-04 06:18:25 · update #4
Sounds like you have a good handle on your planning. Best advice is to go to school in a warm climate where you won't have to deal with bitter cold winters, snow, and ice. Sounds like you are stuffing a lot of big electornic equipment into a very small space. Picking a college town with public wi-fi should solve your internet connectivity problems. Keep on thinking and I'm sure you will solve all of your problems.
Good luck with your plans.
2006-08-03 07:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by exbuilder 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
if you have 3 grand i say buy a travel trailer it runs off propane or electric has every thing you need including a shower you can find an RV park that will let you work the space rent off or put it on a friends property it can be hooked up to sewer i think this would be the better way to go
2006-08-01 10:09:27 · answer #2 · answered by steamroller98439 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need a big generator. One you tow behind or extra batteries.
The generator is going to make noise so ou have to be far far away from everything.
You need at least a 20 amp generator
2006-08-01 10:00:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, i have never heard of anyone doing this.
I recommend you watch Madonna's "Sorry" video for proper decoration ideas though!
haha
Sorry i can't offer better advice. Good luck, quite brave of you.
2006-08-01 09:59:10 · answer #4 · answered by firefrons 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you still have 2.5 years to realize that not only would that be extremely unsafe. but you would need too much that you could not provide your self living in a van.
it's a cute idea but just not feasible..
2006-08-01 09:59:57 · answer #5 · answered by christine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly I really don't think you can live out of a van, but good luck!!
2006-08-01 09:58:12 · answer #6 · answered by Caitlin S. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you doing this? Why not stay in an apartment?
2006-08-01 10:04:02 · answer #7 · answered by Dirk Diggler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wherever you have got your weed from will you please tell me because it must be some real good s--t!!!
2006-08-01 09:59:48 · answer #8 · answered by jumpinjackflash 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋