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Making progress with the build out . . .

Minimalist design endeavor rules, and functionality is the entire focus.

Oct 2020
Bed frame and storage

In my previous blog I described how I started the bed frame.  Well, its done!  Underneath is plenty of storage space. From left to right:  Fresh water supply, storage container, tent, chairs, etc, and all the way to the right I built a cable box with an inlet from the outside (see below).  This will give me the opportunity to take and extension cord from on external outlet / or generator and lead 110 V to the inside of my van.

The same storage space you see here is available in the middle section of the bed and at the end of the bed.  The size of the bed is 80″ x 60″ (twin)

Oct 2020
Inlet for extension cord

How I started the build out . . . Sept. 2020

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On the right side, underneath the end of the bed . . .  I build a box for an auxiliary battery.  This will give me the opportunity to connect an inverter (which will give me 110V if I have no 110V connection from the outside, plus 12 V)  The battery will be charged from the starter battery and it won’t be able to drain since I placed an isolator between this battery and the starter batter)  Details about that in my next blog, when I demonstrate how to install it.

Build out by Oct. 4th 2020

Oct 2020

The most important  installation is to the left . . .lol

Van supply conversion cost

ItemCost $Total supplies $
Van Purchase (incl. tax, title, etc.)12,000.00
Tire alignment66.02
-------------------------
Tools needed not included!
-------------------------
Cable hatch11.1911.19
30 AM - 15 AF Adapter13.9525.14
2x4 Studs69.0094.14
5/8 x 3 Cedar studs 35.00129.14
4 sheets of plywood158.68287.82
Metal screws 6.97294.79
Wood screws19.97314.76
Aqua Container 7 gal (2x)38.98353.74
Magnet blocks0.99354.73
Magnetic Key holder2.99357.72
17 gal tote18.96376.68
7 gal tote9.96386.64
27 gal tote10.98397.62
17 gal tote9.48407.1
Extra van keys43.32450.42
299 piece First Aid Kit19.50469.92
KIPIDA Solar Shower bag19.99489.91
6 inch Foam memory foam mattress - Queen80.00569.91
Echo Auto10.00579.91
Tram 703 - HC Center Load CB Antenna kit20.53600.44
Krieger 2000 watts inverter187.99788.43
80pc cable clips4.99793.42
50pc reusable fastening cable ties13.95807.37
3 socket cigarette lighter charger with dual USB13.99821.36
Universal lighter power plug male adapter7.99829.35
Set power AJ50 53 Quarts Portable Freezer/Fridge288.151117.5
Self adhesive nylon sticky6.901124.4
Double bubble reflection foil insulation for windows29.881154.28
4AWG 37" negative battery cable11.991166.27
60A inline AGU fuse holder6.991173.26
WIRTHCo 20090 Battery Doctor 75amp/100am isolator63.381236.64
Redcamp Heavy duty suction cups29.991266.63
LED interior light bars 2x19.691286.32
Kohree 12-way 12V Blade Fuse Block19.121305.44
Outbound camping stove / 2 burner69.991375.43
12V cigarette lighter socket car power outlet10.991386.42
Hike crew Advanced portable outdoor camping toilet119.991506.41
Nulaxy Bluetooth car fm transmitter17.991524.4
Coconix leather repair kit for seat19.991544.39
Vivid black perforated one way vision vinyl wrap13.991558.38
JunaDa phone mount14.991573.37
Bralon USB 2pack rapid USBcharger9.991583.36
Magnetic charging cables16.991600.35
Book: How to live in a van and travel13.991614.34
Uniden Pro505xl-40 channel CB36.591650.93
Battery terminal7.971658.9
Hyco bar 14GA1.741660.64
Rubber carpet runner27.761688.4
Electric tape0.941689.34
Electric cabling12.901702.24
Grommets3.291705.53
Extension cord 30amp/50ft27.971733.5
Gorilla wood glue3.971737.47
4 drawer cabinet59.971797.44
2 gal gas can13.801811.24
Battery terminals, etc29.20
1840.44
Super glue4.471844.91
14 wire12.90
1857.81
Cable lugs12.971870.78
AGM batter-740CHAGM157.49
2028.27
Gear tie4.972033.24
Paint (gray)15.982049.22
Set Power AJ50 53 quart Cooler329.002378.22
REDCAMP adjustable awning poles39.952418.17
Coleman gas lantern 1000 lumen36.122454.29
Reversible mat (outside 6x8)27.502481.79
Ventshade for windows31.272513.06
Datttcc Curtain rings8.992522.05
Fire Extinguisher21.862543.91
Reflectix Bubble wrap10.852554.76
Mat anchor (4x)6.002560.76
Broom6.492567.25
Table32.482599.73
Washers3.052602.78
Tarp (Awning)25.002627.78
Champion 2000 W generator429.003056.78
Tie down for roof rack 12x16.993073.77
Indoor / Outdoor Thermometer19.483093.25
Rope Ladder24.563117.81
Clamp Hooks for Roof Rack13.993131.8
Safety Straps for drawers9.993141.79
Solar Lights for Roof Rack33.723175.51
Clamp Hooks for Roof13.993189.5
Organizer hanging inside15.993205.49
Clamp hook 2x17.993223.48
Flag Decalb10.003233.48
Folding table14.653248.13
Rustoleum - Black18.283266.41
Steelbar for roof14.073280.48
Tie downs, cargo net, 4x ratchets33.943314.42
Washers, Screws, 16.143330.56
Rustoleum, steelbar, 33.083363.64
License plate frame6.993370.63
Wood, JB Weld, Threadlocker, etc56.573427.2
TOTAL 3427.2

Would you be so kind and support me with a any size gift to make this project happen?  Any amount will help.  $60.00 will pay for a tank of gas and $50.00 will pay for a a campsite.

If you are willing to offer more  . .  . fine .  If you are thinking of a smaller amount I will be as grateful.

In return you will get  first exclusive access (accessible via password) to pictures during my journey that are not publicized immediately, and I will give you licensing right to any digital picture you may want to download, print, etc.  I will also list your name as donor on any upcoming events,  exhibit, publication, etc.

Thank you to my Sponsors and Supporters:

♥ My deepest gratitude goes to my friends and Key Sponsors: Gabriella and John Boyer, who own a wonderful facility in Las Cruces, NM:   Las Cruces Horse Motel and Boarding.  Both gave me a generous gift that made it possible to start this project, encouraged me in my vision for this project and believed in me and the project.


♥  A big Thank YOU goes to ELITE CAR WRAPS in Las Cruces, who sponsored part the wrap for the van.  This is an incredible company run by Jacob.  Call him at 575.662.4148.

Elite Car Wraps


♥  My heartfelt THANK YOU also goes to my dear friend and wonderful artist Natalie Abbott who supported me, will assist me in a thousand little things and who will work as an editor for the proposed book and from time to time travel along.


♥  Boe Buckley from OH, a fourteen year old kid and friend from OH, wanted to make sure I stay clean and fresh and donated his home-made Soap for my trip.
Make sure to check him out . . . he makes wonderful soap.


♥  Thank you Enchanted Sun Realty for your support for this project as a Key Sponsor.  Not only are you an incredible community supporter, but an absolutely fantastic real estate company in our area.

Enchanted Sun Realty

Enchanted Sun Realty


A Thank you to my Key Sponsor the Di Mora Farmers Insurance Agency, who is one of the premier agencies in our area.  Chris, you are more than an agent, but a great friend and supporter of our community.

Di Mora Agency

Di Mora Agency


A big, big Thank You to my musician friends Bob Dellaposta and Johnny Neel who provided the theme music for the documentary I will produce.

Bob Dellaposta

Bob Dellaposta

Johnny Neel and The Dave Chappell Band

Johnny Neel and The Dave Chappell Band


A big Thank you to Sara Luptowski, The Schlauch family, Bob Gray, Sandy Denny, Dr. Mark Musumba, Sandy Denny, Priscilla De La O and so many others for their donation!


Thank you to Kasual Urban Wear for sponsoring this project.  An absolutely fantastic custom apparel store located right here in Las Cruces, NM.




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