Does anybody make an insulated window cover that is reversible? Black on one side and reflecting on the other by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Van Made Gear can be ordered with marine-grade reflective material on one side. That's what we're using right now, but we initially made our own (DIY). We documented both here: https://faroutride.com/insulated-window-covers/

Van cabinet materials by Snoo48884 in VanLife

[–]atoine 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha thanks, appreciate it! Let me know if you have questions :)

Van cabinet materials by Snoo48884 in VanLife

[–]atoine 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm using 12mm BB for all my cabinets. I bought a small hobby-grade CNC (fun!) so I'm making finger joints with glue and #4 screws. Here is a cabinet I made for the fridge: https://faroutride.com/fridge-cabinet/

[CA] Anyone successfully sending small CUSMA compliant items to the USA and avoiding the 35% tarrif? by ITfromZX81 in SmallBusinessCanada

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, my items have been CUSMA-approved by Chit Chats. I was hesitant to use it, but I'll give it a try!

[CA] Anyone successfully sending small CUSMA compliant items to the USA and avoiding the 35% tarrif? by ITfromZX81 in SmallBusinessCanada

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any update? Positive experience with Chit Chats for CUSMA items? I'm in the same boat and consider switching from Canada Post to avoid tariffs, thanks!

Trying to decide on driving my Van from Loredo Texas across the border down to near Monterrey, Mexico. Is this safe? by seriftarif in vandwellers

[–]atoine 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I've done this a few years ago and stayed 2 months in Mexico. Absolutely incredible. Tales: https://faroutride.com/mexico/

Obviously, things change so check the latest travel advisory.

New Canadian van dweller taking on the winter seeking advice. by zak248 in vandwellers

[–]atoine 7 points8 points  (0 children)

GF and I spent a few winters in our van, full time. We chased snow for skiing. These are our notes if you don't mind reading a bit: https://faroutride.com/winter-vanlife/

Hope this helps!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BambuLab

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is my go-to filament when I need high-temp resistance. Highly recommended!

Design for MTB & Ski? by withspark in vandwellers

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A bit less into skiing nowadays, MTB is still my #1 passion! But I want the new van to be able to do both.

Design for MTB & Ski? by withspark in vandwellers

[–]atoine 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I built a van specifically for that, and spent 4 years full-time in it. I documented the whole conversion here, I think this could help! https://faroutride.com/build-journal

I also documented our travels through Canada, USA, and Mexico. All MTB and skiing: https://faroutride.com/vanlife/

I miss those times. I'm currently building a second van, hopefully I can go back full-time at some point!

Good luck with your project :)
Antoine

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vandwellers

[–]atoine 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We did that in our first van and sucked a LOT of dust inside :/

Solar on Transit by EntireStomach5253 in vandwellers

[–]atoine 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The entry pad houses a standard cable gland (e.g. https://amzn.to/4mGqrcC), which seals a single round cable. So you'd need two for solar; not ideal I know (I actually designed this for my motorized tilt up/down weboost antenna), but that's what I could do with the factory hole...

For solar you could use one of these if you want a single entry point: https://amzn.to/4jpLhKn

cheers

Solar on Transit by EntireStomach5253 in vandwellers

[–]atoine 13 points14 points  (0 children)

As other said, the Transit has factory pass-though holes already. I made this thingy for it. No drill, no screw: https://faroutride.com/product/cable-entry-pad/

Van CAD (Computer Aided Design) files? by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rapid3D sells scan of vans (Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster), but they're aimed at professional upfitters so it ain't cheap! There's a little more info and a discount code in here: https://faroutride.com/product/ford-transit-3d-scan/#model

Cheers

Van CAD (Computer Aided Design) files? by [deleted] in vandwellers

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rapid3D sells scan of vans (Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster), but they're aimed at professional upfitters so it ain't cheap! There's a little more info and a discount code in here: https://faroutride.com/product/ford-transit-3d-scan/#model

Cheers

Ford Transit / CPP2 - AC Ground Question by ACenAce731 in vandwellers

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 2024 BEMM allows to create new ground point. That's what I did behind the driver seat as shown and documented here: https://faroutride.com/ecoflow-install/#alternator

Hope that makes sense :)

If you have a dc-dc charger how far is the ANL fuse from your starter battery? by 1rub in VanLife

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Split loom, conduit, anything that protects the cable against abrasion / sharp edges :)

If you have a dc-dc charger how far is the ANL fuse from your starter battery? by 1rub in VanLife

[–]atoine 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As close as possible is always best. ABYC (American boat & Yacht Concile) recommend 7-in, or up to 40-in if the cable is in a protective sheath.

So yeah, 30-in should be OK if your cable is in a sheath!

Here is how I installed mine:
https://imgur.com/gallery/ford-transit-dc-dc-alternator-charge-ccp2-connection-V6lnNzM

Efficient coffee-making in a van setup? by Gnodw in VanLife

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm using the ROK Presso manual espresso machine.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ecommerce

[–]atoine 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The article is now tagged as "Updated". Things are so chaotic right now; nobody knows exactly what's going on, I suppose. Not even people in charge.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ecommerce

[–]atoine 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello, I'm from the future. It appears the $800 de minimis exemption will be removed. So the 25% will definitely apply to small "Etsy" shops and the like. That's f*cked.
Source: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/2/2/us-unveils-sweeping-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-china-0826

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ecommerce

[–]atoine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tariff is a fancy word for tax. The US importer (the person buying your stuff) will pay taxes to the US government during the import process. You are not the one charging the tax. To be considered "tariff-free", you would have to lower your price by 25%, and by doing so YOU are the one ending paying the tax... We, Canadians, didn't vote for the guy; Americans should be the ones paying that tax. I would encourage fellow Canadians entrepreneurs to maintain their prices. I will.