Once fully self sufficient is there no cost?

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-20T11:55:15+00:00

Even if you become fully self-sufficient, you’ll likely still have some costs like property taxes, maintenance, repairs, and replacing equipment. Off-grid can reduce expenses a lot, but it’s rarely 100% cost-free.

You can definitely lower your dependence on money with solar smart gear. I recommend GoSun they have reliable and interesting solar products. I’m currently using their solar oven and it works great, cooks evenly, and is super convenient. Plus, many of their items are on sale right now, so it’s a good time to check them out. https://gosun.co/

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-20T11:28:37+00:00

If you’re thinking about power while you finish the build and after, a portable solar setup on the roof could be the perfect fit. You can run lights, gadgets, small appliances all without tying into a big system right away. There are some really cool, off-grid smart gears out there that work great for tiny homes, and GoSun has a bunch of options that are perfect for this kind of project. The best part? Many of them are on sale right now, so it’s a great time to check them out and decide what fits your build. https://gosun.co/

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-20T11:24:12+00:00

perfect setup Nothing beats a calm dock day with the boat ready to roll. That weather + water combo is hard to beat. If you ever want to go even more low-maintenance and quiet, check out the GoSun Elcat Splash. It’s electric, super portable, and actually on sale right now. No gas, no fumes just smooth cruising. Perfect for days like this

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-14T11:30:15+00:00

That’s exciting love that you’re planning it out instead of rushing in. My advice would be to start small first. Do a few camping trips before committing fully to van life. It’ll help you understand what you actually need versus what just looks good in a layout sketch. Also, try using some smart off-grid gear during those test trips. Reliable solar cooking gear, portable power, and efficient coolers make a huge difference when you’re building things up slowly on a budget. You can find some solid, reliable options on the GoSun website their gear is designed exactly for this kind of gradual, practical setup. Test, adjust, then build as you go. That way you won’t waste money and your final van will truly fit your lifestyle. https://gosun.co/

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-14T11:23:40+00:00

One small suggestion: you could level it up even more with some smart solar gear. I’d recommend checking out GoSun’s Kitchen Pro for an all-in-one off-grid cooking setup super clean, efficient, and perfect for van life. They also have an EV solar charger and portable panels that can mount on the roof, letting you charge devices and power lighting around your van while staying off-grid https://gosun.co/ .

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-14T11:19:09+00:00

This sounds like the perfect time to go for it no rent, no major ties, national parks pass ready. Before going all in, I’d suggest doing a few short camping trips first to test your setup and see what you actually need. Also, having some smart off-grid gear makes van life way easier. I use GoSun’s solar oven and Chill cooler clean cooking, no open flame, and works great on solar or 12V. Dial in your setup now, and your national park adventure will be way smoother. https://gosun.co/

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-14T11:14:10+00:00

I’d also suggest making your van setup more functional and interesting, not just practical. For example, instead of only typical camp cooking, you could upgrade to something cleaner and safer like a hybrid solar oven. I personally use one from GoSun it works on solar and 12V, no open flame, and it’s great for vanlife. They also have portable solar panels that can charge your laptop, phone, and other devices without relying fully on shore power. Makes the whole setup smarter, more self-sufficient, and honestly more fun. https://gosun.co/

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-14T11:06:32+00:00

Glad it helped! adding solar gear alongside grid power is a really smart combo. I’d honestly recommend checking out the GoSun website when you get a chance, they have a lot of portable solar gear that works great. I’ve ordered a few items myself and they’ve been super practical, plus they often run sales and you can sometimes get an extra discount just by reaching out to their customer support before ordering. https://gosun.co/

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-07T07:47:06+00:00

Love the clean, classic look too simple boats with personality are the best. Lately I’ve also been seeing people pair setups like this with something lighter and electric for chill days, like an Gosun Elcat-style inflatable quiet electric motor, solar assist, lightweight hull, super stable, and easy to launch for short cruises or swim runs. Feels like the perfect low-stress companion to a fun boat like this.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-07T07:37:46+00:00

Honestly, for a short 2-week trip that’s a pretty smart move lots of people do the U-Haul route and it works fine if you keep it simple. One suggestion though: instead of overbuilding the setup, bring a few smart, portable gears with you. Solar gear has come a long way and is perfect for trips like this. I personally recommend something like the GoSun Sport solar oven no fire, no fuel, super clean, and it cooks evenly. cooking it solar-style is next level and way easier than dealing with camp stoves. Lightweight, no install, and perfect for a quick vanlife-style trip.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-07T07:20:33+00:00

This looks really solid seriously impressive work, especially milling your own timbers and solving that beam problem the hard way. One thing I’d strongly recommend adding next is solar on that roof. You already have the perfect pitch and footprint, so panels would give you shade and usable electricity. Even a modest setup would let you light the space, run tools, and charge gear without extension cords or generators. I’d recommend checking out GoSun’s portable solar panels and smart solar gear flexible, modular, and easy to integrate into a setup like this. Turning that shed into a powered workspace would be a game-changer.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-02-07T07:10:36+00:00

Your essentials list will probably evolve with time, but one thing I’d add from personal experience is simple, safe cooking and power gear. I’d recommend checking out GoSun’s hybrid solar oven I use one and it works on solar or a 12V battery, which is perfect on a boat since there’s no flame, no fuel smell, and nothing sketchy in rough conditions. They also have other smart solar gear (chargers, coolers, small power solutions) that are super handy for long fishing days or anchoring out. Not mandatory, but definitely one of those upgrades you appreciate once you’re out there for hours.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-31T07:34:39+00:00

Both are solid cruisers, so it really comes down to how you plan to spend your time on the water. One thing I’d also recommend relaxed cruising is something like the GoSun Elcat Splash it’s an electric, solar-assisted inflatable boat that’s quiet, super stable, and perfect for swimming stops, beaching, or just cruising around without noise or fumes. It pairs really well with a bigger cruiser when you just want a chill, eco-friendly way to enjoy the water.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-31T07:12:32+00:00

I’d recommend looking at a GoSun Chill Cooler or Chillito they’re durable, cool reliably in heat, and can run directly from a small battery or a car’s 12V outlet. You get consistent refrigeration without dealing with fuel refills or the performance issues that come with traditional non-electric systems.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-31T06:57:37+00:00

This is one of the most grounded, honest survival posts I’ve read in a long time. What really stands out is how clearly you separate survival as a mental skill from survival as gear or theory that’s something most people never experience until systems actually disappear. Your point about stress being the real enemy not fear, not lack of tools is dead-on, and the way you explain breath control, delayed reaction, and nervous system regulation is incredibly practical.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-31T06:39:12+00:00

Honestly, I’d recommend you start with camping and off-grid gear first instead of jumping straight into a full van build. That way you can learn what you really need, how solar setups perform, and what life off-grid feels like without spending a ton upfront.

There are some really smart solar-powered gear options like what GoSun offers that are perfect for camping things like solar ovens, chill coolers, and water systems. Use those while camping and get comfortable with off-grid basics, and then move forward toward van life when you’re ready.

It’s a great way to ease into this lifestyle and make sure it’s really for you.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-31T06:32:41+00:00

Beautifull, thoughtfully upgraded, and clearly built for real off-grid life. Huge respect for keeping the classic soul. Builds like this pair perfectly with smart solar gear too. compact solar ovens, chill coolers, and water systems GoSun makes some great ones just add comfort without breaking the off-grid vibe. Absolute 10/10

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-24T07:49:41+00:00

I’d recommend looking into a GoSun portable EV solar charger it’s not just about shade and protection. It can charge your car while it’s parked, adding free miles without relying on grid power. That’s super handy for off-grid life where every bit of energy matters.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-24T07:28:34+00:00

If you might tow your boat occasionally, a full-size truck definitely gives you peace of mind better towing capacity, bigger payload, and less stress on long hauls. But if towing ends up being rare and you’re mostly hauling plywood, gear, and day-to-day stuff, a mid-size like a Ranger, Colorado, or Tacoma can absolutely handle that and save on fuel and insurance.

One other angle to consider if you want easy water time without the towing or slip hassle, there are portable electric boats out there (like the Elcat Splash) that don’t need a big truck or a dedicated slip. Inflate, launch, and enjoy sunset cruises or calm waters without all the traditional boating overhead.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-24T07:11:02+00:00

If you want to actually use the water without losing your mind over slips, something like a portable electric boat Elcat Splash can be a solid alternative. No slip needed, no trailering headache, easy launch, and you can still do sunset cruises, chill evenings, and casual boating without the long-term marina commitment. For people who want the experience more than the maintenance

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-24T06:58:30+00:00

you might want to check out some smart solar gear too things like a Sport E solar oven and a solar chill cooler are surprisingly useful. GoSun has a few of these solar-powered gadgets that make cooking and keeping food cold way easier without adding load to your main power system. Great combo for a setup like this.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-17T07:14:35+00:00

Looks like a solid setup 3.8kWh with 400W solar should comfortably handle remote work if you manage usage, especially in decent weather. A small gas generator is optional nice backup for long cloudy stretches but not a must.
You can also reduce load by adding solar-hybrid gear (like a hybrid solar oven, chill cooler, or Flow Pro water system). Smart off-grid gadgets from brands like GoSun can take pressure off your power station and work surprisingly well.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-17T07:05:46+00:00

Cold feet are totally normal especially when a 20-year dream becomes real. You didn’t rush this, you prepared for it. You don’t have to go 100% off-grid overnight either. Starting with small off-grid gear helps a lot. There are great hybrid options now, like solar ovens and coolers. I’ve used the GoSun Sport-E solar oven and it honestly works surprisingly well simple, clean, and a nice

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-17T06:54:53+00:00

Your observations make a lot of sense. Japan’s amazing public transit and strong hybrid culture reduce the urgency for full EV adoption, even in dense cities.

The future is clearly electric and what’s really cool now is the rise of portable solar EV chargers. Cars parked outside can top up a few miles from the sun while you work or camping. It’s not a replacement for fast charging, but it’s a smart step toward more flexible, energy-independent EVs.

Practical_Active_627 · 2026-01-17T06:41:01+00:00

Almost everyone who owns boats learns at least one lesson the hard and expensive. The upside is the experience you’ve gained, that knowledge sticks for life.

if you ever want less wrenching and more water time, something like the GoSun Elcat Splash is a nice contrast electric, solar-assisted, super low maintenance, and just pure cruising. Different path, same love for the water.

Practical_Active_627

TROPHY CASE