One way some people deal with “dumping” is to build it into a routine. For example, I know someone who has a 15-day schedule, spending two weeks on BLM land and then one night in a campground. At the campground, they shower, get rid of all trash and waste, power everything up if needed, and then head out to the next BLM location.
Thank you for addressing this. I work for the USFS and weekly there is a massive cleanup on a forest of trash from dispersed camping. It’s very disrespectful.
Must have : emergency medical kit , i made one once out of a fishing tackle box it had everything you cud think of and then some ! Needle thread saw,tweezers, rubber strips for stopping blood flow incase of extreme emergency antibiotics, aspirin of course bandaid gauze neosporin and desitin ( diaperrash med but great also as a healing cream) rubber cooling towels,alcohol. , thats all i can think of but im sure there was much more lol👍
I appreciate all your tips. I love how simple you keep things. I know you’ve been doing this for a long time but you make it so accessible to the rest of us. I’ve never done anything like this and yet, I’m excited to begin.
I watched you years ago and was so pleased to see you still posting. You are such a joy to watch and learn from. I love how you have everything you want and need, and such organization.
Wish we had free campgrounds in the UK. It's all 'no overnight' everywhere so you have to either proper stealth camp or go to paid campsites. You have it so easy in the US. Loved all your tips. Your van is so cosy and decorative. I always love seeing inside.
I was just wondering about the situation with camping there. I was thinking that if I could get over there, I'd love to travel all over Scotland and England like this, as I do here. That's too bad. Come on over here. More area to travel and boondock than one possibility could in a lifetime. ❤
People dispose of baby diapers in any trash can. Adult waste bags are pretty much the same thing and even better if contained in biodegradable bags. I, personally, would be comfortable disposing of this with other trash. Just an opinion.
My solids are mixed with coconut coir and/wood shavings to reduce odor and moisture. I double bag them, and put into a dumpster-no worse than adult or baby diapers, imo, and less smelly and heavy than most.
I agree with you. And for the most part, especially being responsible about it, it isn’t an issue. I just don’t want to advocate people irresponsibly throwing human waste away anywhere which can become a big problem. I’ve seen it way too often…thus, the extra cautious explanation🙂
A gallon of water weighs 8.34lbs / 3.78kg NB this for older free campers Can be good to know your car fuse box Especially for 12v port. Carry spare fuses Your tip some time ago for poop….. plastic bag put into screwtop container is good. Container wash well for odour. My table has one leg. Made from old adjustable walking stick so ok for all ground levels. Then the other end hooks into the back of the Yeti. Folds up Stored under matress Thank you Dee
Great “must haves!” A couple of my “necessities” include a fly swatter and in some locations a wasp trap, a pot lifter (my camping pans lack handles, and a hot pad doesn’t keep all of the heat off of my hands), a couple of lanterns that use different sources of power (in case my power station is kaput in cloudy weather, or the batteries ran out, or one just wears out), and a couple ways to light a stove or fire. All that redundancy is due to experience-I am fulltime and usually boondock, often an hour or more from so much as a hardware store to replace items. Thanks for all of your excellent videos!
Yet another fantastically informative and thoughtful video from you! You and your videos are such an invaluable resource for anyone living in a vehicle of any kind or even living an alternative lifestyle. Still underrated and underappreciated in my opinion. Deserve sooo many more subscribers and views (though you alwaya came across to me as the type of person who doesn't care about that and isn't in it for that). I've watched and seen soooo many Ford Transit Connect builds over the past decade or so, and I'm still yet to find a more cozy, inviting and "homely" looking and feeling build. Yours will always be my favourite 💚 Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, Dee 🐞💚
Thank you so much for taking the time to be encouraging to me! I do this because I love being able to share the little bit I know and the little things I learn along the way. I’m glad it is valuable to you. Little by little 🥰
You are more than welcome, but there is no real need to thank me. We should all be thanking you! And all be as kind and generous as you are 😊 I can't think of any reason why anyone wouldn't be encouraging and supportive of you (you're a delight and a treasure, in my humble opinion). I'm sure you have helped thousands (if not hundreds of thousands or millions) of people through your videos and advice. It's valuable to soooo many. I can't speak for everyone, but we love and appreciate you, Dee ❤🐞 Enjoy the rest of your weekend, love from South Africa 🇿🇦💚
She was my first, &, still my number one. I try to emulate her approach. She's beautiful inside & out. Her second video had me signing on the line of a 2017 Ford transit connection passenger. My inspiration & my muse 😊 RU-vid publish van tour to come 🙃🙂
P.s. " Dee taught me THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON, KEEP IT SIMPLE!" As I am limited on a ♿️ income, she's saved me mucho dollars, the impulsive consumer I am, I've avoided much waste with her guidance. Love our recycling ♻️like 🧠 . Leave it better then you found it. Leave no trace! 🫂 safe travels my 🐞 👸 👑
As a guy who chose a refrigerator, there are some that sip power. As for batteries, well, if you build your own you can get more power than you know what to do with. I built my battery to give me power for three weeks without sun. It is all about preference and education. Your point is well taken. You can do without. I did for a year in Haiti. SnS’s. Chrispy
@@pianogal853 Greetings pianogal. I love my IceCo. It has a state of the art compressor, is super quiet, can run on 110/220vAC or 12/24vDC. My system is 24vDC and I can run 110vAC but do not want to constantly run my inverter. At 24vDC it uses around 50 watts at 1.3 amps. In the world of refrigerators in van, that is pretty good. A big bonus living in a minivan is that it is super quiet. You would be hard pressed to even hear it run. The fan makes the most noise. You cannot even hear the compressor run. It sounds like I am a salesman! LOL I just did a lot of research before I made the choice. I hope this helps.
@@chrisp7652 that's quite a referral for something that Walmart sells! I'll definitely look into that! I have a couple of Camco chest style, and a regular frontload 3 way. None of them can keep up with the heat here in Phoenix. That's probably too much to ask for any fridge
Hi Dee, thanks for another very informative video. I especially enjoy the water purification options you have discussed. I have seen several of your videos on specific ones. You really work hard to ensure you are being as protective of the planet as possible. I admire you for always thinking and caring about being a good servant of the earth!🥰🥰Have an awesome week!!!
Please make a video talking about safety must haves of van life beginner. I'm currently binge watching your RU-vid videos. You're so cool!❤ All love from the Philippines ❤
Being in the UK, we're never too far from a toilet or free water. I've been known to ask at a motorway services for staff to fill up a 5L water bottle and they had no problem with it. The guy took aaaaages which got me a bit worried, but when he came back he said he'd filled it from their pure water dispenser in the staff room! Bonus!😆 Great video btw.😉
I love that you do what you can for sustainable living without worrying about doing it perfectly. Living without a fridge is amazing, though decades ago, I learned to drink water warm, so I can if need be.
Another very informative video. Here in Australia due to the hot weather it is almost impossible to free camp without a refrigerator. There are low power fridges that can keep your food ‘cool’ which is invaluable when staying off grid for week or so.
Great ideas - Thank you. The small spray spritz bottle we fill with warm/hot water to spritz wash - Brilliant, and your idea small white waste jar, are winners. In the UK we have small cotton bar towels which are great for face /body-wipe and dry fast. We also use a smallish approx 4 pint pressurised pump 'Garden' spray flask with adjustable nozzle as a simple outside shower. Saves water too! Additionally, a large Thermos flask that supplies daily hot water 'on tap' - Finally using 'Non-stick' disposable paper air fryer liner for Poop as a disposable liner contained in a bio bag with just a small teaspoon of dehydrating powder- 'turns liquids to a gel almost instantly), and is cheap and effective and all is easy to handle. Bio bag's' Dog poop bags are so thin that odours do escape so all are kept sealed in a 'lock-tight' container.
In the west where do most of my I traveling, in my Transit Connect, particularly Nevada, I always carry at least 10 gallons of water, 15 is not too much. I found I can last about a week with 10 gallons, maybe 10 days with 15 . You can travel 50 miles sometimes in Nevada between sources of potable water. Even more so with gasoline! My general rule of thumb there ,is , if you see a gas station, top off your tank!
Thx for posting all your gadgets on every video .. I do put alot on an Amazon 'gadget' list, but it is still nice to have this resource always available. 😊
Great video, Dee! Looking beautiful, as always! I love how mindful you are about disposing of garbage and waste properly. Wish everyone was more like this. Xo
Wonderful, useful video! This is what I wanted to do in my retirement, albiet on a somewhat tight budget. At this time i have run into some health issues that just make it a future dream....however I will absolutely be checking you out if it becomes a reality for me. So far, your set up (simplicity) is most appealing to me. I really enjoy, respect and appreciate your honesty and kind nature in all things. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for sharing the great info! I found while being at home base in Michigan, I can dump at the local state park because I have the state park sticker. Disposal of anything can be tricky. Stay safe!
Thank you for the tips, though I have no setup like you, but I learned some things in case my Furry and I have to bail. We would have to suffice in my car or tent, but somethings I needed to know. The Waste was important.
I would love to hear more about the 5 years in Bolivia if you want to share it. Sounds fascinating! I tried to live off grid in this small new community in Virginia but it didn't go so well. Not because I couldn't handle anything though. There was a pervert there to say the least. Happy trails!
A wood slatted stand-on board with leather cord to carry. I use it to stand on to bathe in my pop up bathroom. Two small pales of water. One for rinsing washcloth and the other for final rinse. I boil a 4 cup pot of boiling water for each collapsible pail and mix with cold water. Works great for me.
The thing that recently changed my life is a new1 liter air fryer I just bought. And I have a 300 amps battery. Oh, and I know I don’t “need” a refrigerator but frozen fruit does make better smoothies. ;)
Thank you! Dee! For your wisdom and insight. Always such helpful tips. This is the first that I've seen the back of your van; didn't realize that is is just as cute as well as the rest! I thought, based on your lounge/bed, that there was no room for the back. Yet! You even have a little lounge area; at least a bit of seating on the "ledge". You have really thought of everything!! You have the most cleanest, organized, stylish layout I have ever seen! And I have watch hundreds of videos! Such class! Have a blessed day and a fab weekend/week!! xxoo
Always good to see you out and about...you have it down to a cute cozy comfortable way of sharing with us your open personable personality....hope you and yours will always, be well...
Bought a solar power station & panels to run my electric appliances & fridge. Works great here in the S.W. with endless sun. But, I’m only a part-time “van-per” - not sure if it would work in other climates in winter. Love my FTC, so much fun!🎉😅 Thanks to you Dee.❤
I want a fridge. I don’t NEED one. I have one and takes very little battery power. Have an induction stove. Takes very little power. Have 12 volt ac, takes very little power. I couldn’t live like she does. Don’t NEED a water filtration system and don’t want one. Don’t see a need for one. Carry on..
🔥♥️🍁 I really enjoyed this video I think you brought up some very basic necessities if you're going to be boondocking. There's one thing I would add and that is because I learned by being a campground house in the desert that there are wild big cats we're talking bobcats mountain lions foxes and coyote which isn't a cat I know. But what I learned from my ranger is if you see any animal coming towards you never turn your back Never run but get a very loud siren push that siren and jump and make yourself as big as possible and making crazy sounds the crazier the better. Cats will run they will not be attracted to that whatsoever So for me I bought two types of very loud sirens ones around my neck one is in a little holster on my wrist and the next thing I brought will bought first and then brought it was a cattle prod it's 3 and 1/2 ft and if that thing comes near my service dog I'm going to nail them and it won't feel good to him at all and it will give me time to boogie on. So my tip get sirens they don't have to be big keep them on you and readily available You never know when you're going to run into an animal that you do not want near you The worst thing you can do is get small and turn your back. Thanks for things I already knew about but it's so good to hear it again. I think I'm going to sub to your channel right now it is actually the first time I've ever heard of your channel and I'm a solo woman and I've RV'd 20 years like a nomad and now I have parked my rig and those days are overdue to disabilities. Everyone enjoy your traveling don't rush take it in I don't understand new people to this lifestyle that want to get on a highway or a freeway to me that is the worst thing you could do cuz everything will start looking the same get off into the back roads and see the amazing gorgeousness of this country. Thanks for the video.
There are mylar bags with spouts that roll up when not in use and hold around 20 liters. Good for occasions use in carrying extra water. Available you know where.
I have the Geyser system for taking a shower or cleaning up when I’m dry camping in my van. Uses minimal water and it works for my dog too if she gets stinky
Lots of great advice in this video. I'm planning to go van camping/solo road tripping, and eventually I want to plan 4/5 day trips/camping. I already have a lot of things I need. Just need to figure out my sleeping setup. I do have a car fridge and a solar generator/battery. Didn't want to deal with ice. I have a electric skillet and water boiler and twig stove, but might get a small butane stove for backup. For trash and cleaning up, I have a grabber reacher tool. Thanks again for the video.
Great video!!! :)- I am researching vanlife as it may be a permanent option in my life not by choice unfortunately :(- This is a very viable option as I keep tabs on several RU-vid videos since the Pandemic!!! Kudos to You and your channel!!! :)-
You're amazing! Your info is great! I've been practicing on weekend trips to get ready for cutting lines. I'm just in a small SUV for now. I also don't plan on going south for the winter. As long as old man winter can ride, he'll be in the mnts in the winter.
If you are "in the middle if nowhere", you can just dig a hole and then bury your "stuff", much simpler and no cost. The problem is when you are "in the middle of somewhere" but then you can mostly find a toilet, I guess....unless it's at night or in an "emergency"....
TIP to neutralize some ODORs : - Urine : use some Clay powder, to dissolve into the urine container. - Poops : cover the whole things with cat's litter, and some clay powder as well. I love your tip about using horse pellets ❤ If you use biodegradable litter, it becomes humain humus later 😊
I just have a bed in my suv and I feel self conscious b/c people are nosy if you just sit and read in your car at the park....they come too close or watch what is in your car
My only thing I'm curious about is.....how do you deal with the heat in your vehicle! No one have ever mentions it much. All they say is they chase the cool weather. I mean your food would spoil faster, I couldnt sleep being that hot . Not mention the portable generators, carrying around butane , propane etc inside their vehicles. I would worry about a fire with all the heat inside. Could you tell us more on those subjects. I always thought those portable power generator were a little dangerous. Maybe I overthink it...?????. Thanks for sharing your way of doing things and tips.
I understand your concern. I think I used to worry about those things at the beginning more too. But it really isn’t as big an issue as you think. I do tend to chase cooler weather or higher altitude when it’s hot. It’s just easier to stay away from bad weather than deal with it. I have fans and look for shade too. If it is unbearable, I can use my air conditioner or drive around. I also plan activities that will be inside an air conditioned place like library or coffee shop for a work day. Hope that helps!!!
I’m not sure. The containers are food grade and BPA free. But it doesn’t designate how long water can be stored. I go through them every week or two so I’ve never put it to the test!
Honestly if you’re happy in your van. That’s all what matters. I’m not into class A motorhomes or towing a big van. I travel in a 35yr old Vanagon that I totally love. You’re out there enjoying yourself, & that’s all that matters. Plus your a lot cheaper at the gas pumps lol
I really appreciate how you always come up with something I didn't think about. BTW, I built my bed like you did. It worked for a year, then I had to modify. But I did one plywood board sliding out and got an almost twin sized folding mattress. But you know what..... we're always having to make changes by trial and error.
Hybrid with a segregated cargo box rear trailer hitch. You want to segregate the smelly and dangerous things. Dirty clothes and fuel are the items I don't want in my car. I can wash clothes with the container too. Add water dirty clothes to a good bucket add soap drive a bit. I've hung clothes that were drenched. Water dripped a while but dryed when they got sun.
