College Student & Full Time"RV" Living
I'm a full time college student as the thread title says, but I'm looking to purchase and convert a Ford Econoline style cargo van into a mini-RV. I live in Pierce county Washington but I'm going to be going to school in Olympia. I'm not interested in commuting on a daily basis so I've been planning on how to live in Olympia during the week and then return back home for the weekend.
My thoughts are this...
#1 purchase a used but decent condition Ford Econoline cargo van
#2 install insulation in the walls and on the ceiling, cover the insulation with plywood and then cover the plywood with inexpensive carpet tiles for aesthetics. Insulation LINK Carpeting LINK
#3 for the floor of the van, I'm looking into something simple such as thick rubber tiles similar to what one would put inside a home gym. This would not only provide insulation, it would provide a comfortable and easily installed (and removed) floor to the van.
#4 for a bed, I purchased a futon style metal frame loveseat where the arms fold down to make a twin size bed. Add to that a nice sleeping bag, blankets and even some memory foam mats and I have a nice comfortable place to sit and sleep.
#5 for storage, I have some welded metal modular shelves that I can put in the van up against one of the walls which would be attached to with some sort of straps to keep them stationary for obvious reasons. I would also purchase some small bungee cords that can be attached to each shelf to hold down items stored on them such as clothing and misc. "camping" items.
#6 for cooking, I was thinking something simple like a propane camping stove with a 5 gallon bulk tank attached via a 6 foot hose or longer. This would also allow for a propane heater if needed.
#7 I found an inexpensive 12v DC powered cooler that is big enough to hold about 6 2liter bottles. this should be more then enough room to store any perishables such as milk or sandwich meat for use throughout the week. LINK
#8 for lighting, I found some swiveling LED lights bars that can be mounted to the walls LINK
#9 Electrical power is my biggest problem at this point... I found an inexpensive 3500watt gas generator LINK, and I was thinking of adding some deep cycle AGM batteries LINK. My skills with regards to putting these items to practical use are a bit lacking but I understand the basic concepts. I know I am going to need a battery charger and an inverter. Since my power requirements are not super high, I think I found a charger/inverter combo unit that would suit my needs. LINK
I just don't know all the ins and outs of hooking up the various items needed to provide the needed power for my day to day needs. I just need enough power to handle my laptop for school, the lights I want to install, the cooler and my CPAP machine for when I sleep.
As for some other things I may need, I was thinking of throwing in a simple camping porta-potty and a couple 5 gallon containers for storing fresh water. Other then that, there really shouldn't be much else I would "need". The idea is to turn the van into a place where I can sleep without having to make the commute on a daily basis to and from school. I can get meals at the grocery store, dine out, or even eat at the college. As for personal hygiene, I have a membership at the YMCA so I can get showers and stuff there. I can wash clothes on the weekends when I head home and I can be a bit wasteful and use disposable plates and stuff for when I choose to eat in the van.
I know this is a bit long winded, but I was looking for experienced views regarding such matters so as to make the process go smoother once I acquire the van. I know the first thing I will be purchasing after getting the van will be the generator so that I can have immediate power for such things as power tools needed to do the work of installing the various items I am looking to install. I might even camp out in the parking lot of Lowes or Home Depot during the day while I do all the work so that if I need supplies, I can simply walk in, buy what I need and then walk right out to the van.
Thanks for your time and I welcome all suggestions.
P.S. Merry Christmas!
My thoughts are this...
#1 purchase a used but decent condition Ford Econoline cargo van
#2 install insulation in the walls and on the ceiling, cover the insulation with plywood and then cover the plywood with inexpensive carpet tiles for aesthetics. Insulation LINK Carpeting LINK
#3 for the floor of the van, I'm looking into something simple such as thick rubber tiles similar to what one would put inside a home gym. This would not only provide insulation, it would provide a comfortable and easily installed (and removed) floor to the van.
#4 for a bed, I purchased a futon style metal frame loveseat where the arms fold down to make a twin size bed. Add to that a nice sleeping bag, blankets and even some memory foam mats and I have a nice comfortable place to sit and sleep.
#5 for storage, I have some welded metal modular shelves that I can put in the van up against one of the walls which would be attached to with some sort of straps to keep them stationary for obvious reasons. I would also purchase some small bungee cords that can be attached to each shelf to hold down items stored on them such as clothing and misc. "camping" items.
#6 for cooking, I was thinking something simple like a propane camping stove with a 5 gallon bulk tank attached via a 6 foot hose or longer. This would also allow for a propane heater if needed.
#7 I found an inexpensive 12v DC powered cooler that is big enough to hold about 6 2liter bottles. this should be more then enough room to store any perishables such as milk or sandwich meat for use throughout the week. LINK
#8 for lighting, I found some swiveling LED lights bars that can be mounted to the walls LINK
#9 Electrical power is my biggest problem at this point... I found an inexpensive 3500watt gas generator LINK, and I was thinking of adding some deep cycle AGM batteries LINK. My skills with regards to putting these items to practical use are a bit lacking but I understand the basic concepts. I know I am going to need a battery charger and an inverter. Since my power requirements are not super high, I think I found a charger/inverter combo unit that would suit my needs. LINK
I just don't know all the ins and outs of hooking up the various items needed to provide the needed power for my day to day needs. I just need enough power to handle my laptop for school, the lights I want to install, the cooler and my CPAP machine for when I sleep.
As for some other things I may need, I was thinking of throwing in a simple camping porta-potty and a couple 5 gallon containers for storing fresh water. Other then that, there really shouldn't be much else I would "need". The idea is to turn the van into a place where I can sleep without having to make the commute on a daily basis to and from school. I can get meals at the grocery store, dine out, or even eat at the college. As for personal hygiene, I have a membership at the YMCA so I can get showers and stuff there. I can wash clothes on the weekends when I head home and I can be a bit wasteful and use disposable plates and stuff for when I choose to eat in the van.
I know this is a bit long winded, but I was looking for experienced views regarding such matters so as to make the process go smoother once I acquire the van. I know the first thing I will be purchasing after getting the van will be the generator so that I can have immediate power for such things as power tools needed to do the work of installing the various items I am looking to install. I might even camp out in the parking lot of Lowes or Home Depot during the day while I do all the work so that if I need supplies, I can simply walk in, buy what I need and then walk right out to the van.
Thanks for your time and I welcome all suggestions.
P.S. Merry Christmas!
