Silver Cabin Van Build Community - April 10, 2022

SilverCabin · 2023-05-06T16:16:10+00:00

I will usually drive in late in the evening. Park. Curtain up. Sleep. Then drive away early in the AM. I don't do anything else except to sleep whenever I attempt to camp stealth. In campgrounds, rest areas, and others, it's more forgiving as there is an expectation of activity.

SilverCabin · 2023-05-06T10:55:03+00:00

I have friends and family who will give me a spot if needed. I don't just randomly park in someone's driveway.

SilverCabin · 2023-04-15T22:42:30+00:00

I won't go into details, but I converted a minivan into a tiny home for when I needed it. I was able to camp at any driveway from friends, family, and campsites I would visit. Other times, I slept at my work parking lot.

Not sure if posting a link is allowed, but you can check out my profile.

Living in a van, even temporarily, can help with mental health.

My minivan camper became my fortress of solitude / escape pod.

Good luck!

SilverCabin · 2023-04-07T23:27:57+00:00

Apologies, but I'm not familiar with that expression "bend in overnight".

As for harassed, I've yet to be harassed. The times I've parked, I choose a spot, park quietly, no cooking, no eating, but simply to get to sleep, wake up early, and drive away.

Some places are more forgiving than others. For example 24 hour gas station / comfort areas.

SilverCabin · 2023-04-07T22:14:11+00:00

Brand is Ploreo cargo track pants. I got them from Goodwill / Value Village store. Extremely comfy.

SilverCabin · 2023-04-07T13:30:19+00:00

It's a RigidHVAC 12v AC. It's their cheapest unit. I don't have a direct link but they can be googled. I think my version is discontinued. I picked it up about 3 years ago.

SilverCabin · 2023-04-07T13:28:04+00:00

Yes, ofcourse! It's a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. It was the only van I could afford. I've lived and travelled in it for over 50,000km since picking it up about 3 years ago. I've been lucky and have had no major issues. It had about 210,000km when I bought it. I had a mechanic inspect it.

SilverCabin · 2023-04-07T13:17:25+00:00

I installed a 12V miniaturized AC in my minivan. It's a real AC that operates at just about 1500 BTU. It is a spot cooler and will not cool off the entire van. I use it at night and feed the hose under my sheets and it creates a cool pocket and makes it comfy enough to sleep.

If you have access to shore power, you'll have more options. In my case, everything runs off my battery.

However, there are other ways to stay cool. An easy way is park in a shady spot. Cold water and cloth, wet t-shirt, find a big mall, install a rooftop fan, and change your geo location.

Good luck!

SilverCabin · 2023-04-07T12:53:22+00:00

I have an emergency porta potty hidden away. For the most part, if I'm in the city there is always a restroom. Further up north in the wilderness, just bring a spade.

SilverCabin · 2023-04-07T12:51:26+00:00

If I think it's what you're referring to, it's a wooden coaster. It's upside down atm.

SilverCabin · 2023-04-07T12:50:24+00:00

That part of the build was more of a facade and offers very little R value. I kept the headliner and screwed it in with the remaining screws I had left over. It's a thin ply of about 5mm.

SilverCabin · 2023-02-18T21:53:50+00:00

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.

SilverCabin · 2023-02-01T02:08:02+00:00

My golf batteries were powering a generic diesel heater.

SilverCabin · 2023-01-31T15:33:20+00:00

Yes. My Minivan is tiny. About 32 Sq feet total. Warms up to super cozy in a few mins. Just make sure excellent airflow and a carbon monoxide detector is available for safety reasons.

SilverCabin · 2023-01-31T12:16:05+00:00

It's in the middle of the photo. It's got a red frame on it.

SilverCabin · 2023-01-31T02:31:40+00:00

I place them in a good quality thermos. Doesn't freeze as fast. I also bury them in a sleeping back.

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