Hi All,
My husband and I are looking at creating a product in the Vanlife space :)
Hoping for a bit of help to make sure we are heading in the right direction and that the problem we are trying to solve is genuine.
If you have a minute would mind commenting with you top 3 inconveniences/problems with the van life and how your currently deal with these problems?
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Katie
Problem: Moisture, mold, heating, and cooling problems.
Solution: Switched from heavily insulated cargo van to a window van with no added insulation, but many opening windows. Also changed heat source from propane to kerosene.
Problem: Solar panels didn't charge batteries well, and killed batteries within about a year.
Solution: Ditched solar, added relay to charge house battery while driving, problem solved.
Problem: 12v compressor fridges. Too expensive, power hogs, and short lifespan.
Solution: Switched back to old fashioned ice chest.
Problem: Leaky roof & roof vents.
Solution: Switched from cargo van to window van, and made sure not to add roof vents or drill any holes in roof for anything.
Okay, that's 4, but they're big ones...
Problem 1 - Van engine destruction/MOT failure
Solution - Build outside the van and then move in, screw things to the floor/battens etc run cables through conduit etc. If the van dies its all easily transferable into a new van. If you've built inside the van you feel obliged to keep it running at any cost
Problem 2 - Cutting Windows/drilling holes etc - Don't they leak , they rust, they weaken the body and they rattle
Solution - Use a minibus or crew cab van, they often have a better floor and some sound deadening too
Problem 3 - Environmentally friendly sources of energy - I've got solar panels which work some of the time( but I've also got a charge relay which works all of the time) Wood burner is fun but only usable in conditions below freezing and wind turbines are noisy and complicated for little output
Solution - extra blankets, propane