this post was submitted on 16 May 2024
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Living in vans, cars, RVs, etc
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We're not homeless, we're houseless! By choice or by circumstance we are living in our vehicles. Don't worry about us -- it can be a very good life.
Anything that affects us as vehicle-dwellers is probably on topic.
external resources
- emergency guide to suddenly living in a vehicle <-- start here if you don't have a choice in the matter
- vanlife FAQ
- introduction to power in the vehicle
- gentle introduction to solar power
- overview of charging by alternator
- guides to hygiene and toilet
fedi resources
rules of engagement
- be civil
- use descriptive thread titles. Pro tip: "Help" or "Question" are not descriptive titles.
- old-timers: assume people are different and have different needs, preferences, budgets, and use cases
- newbies: demonstrate effort and willingness to learn; you'll need it on the road anyhow. Links have been added below to help get you started. When asking question state your "use case" (what you are trying to accomplish); we are terrible guessers.
- tire-kickers: yes, we've heard that "in a van down by the river" joke. It was hi-larious in 1993.
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Re: this post and "cheap portables experiment":
I use the Powerwerx Panelpole outlets inside my van, but on the outside the "weather tight cover" failed to stay closed and would frequently pop open, exposing the port to weather.
I put it under a secondary cover and used it for my outside DC outlet, and replaced my external solar panel outlet with a CNLINKO LP-28 2-Pin IP67 Waterproof Connector rated up to 50A.
I did that so if I leave my external panels outside overnight, I didn't have to worry if an unexpected rain storm gets the outlet wet.
We have very little open room in our van, so I spent stupid money on a compact 400W folding solar panel for "van roof in shade" and "need extra power" days.
That connector looks interesting. It addresses one of my unstated concerns, the panel wires pulling down on the connector. This one looks like it has enough "neck" to relieve the strain. If I were doing the van again I'd mount all the inlets in one place under a secondary cover as you describe.