See all previous blogs at end of this blog
The difference of two weeks . . .
"Minimalist design endeavor rules, and functionality is the entire focus"
Before I start with my blog I want to welcome two fantastic sponsors to me project. Thank you for your support and believing in my endevor.
I was fortunate enough to purchase this 53 cubic fridge/freezer on Amazon (see my inventory list below). The unit works on 12V and 110V. Has a great volume and turns down to economy if the battery power should go below a certain level. It will hold the unit cold for about two days, if I should have no power available:
Next up was to darken the inside of the van and to reflect the heat off the van. I covered all passenger windows with a reflective fire-proof bubble wrap
As you may have read in my previous blog, I installed an auxiliary battery in the back of my van. In order to keep the battery charged (and prevent the starter battery from discharging by too much consumption from the auxiliary battery I had to install an isolator:
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Next I had to install an inverter. An inverter converts electricity from 12V to 110V. This comes in handy to run a heater, charge laptop, etc. But you have make sure to connect it to a battery with plenty of ampere, and the inverter has to have the wattage you desire. (there are plenty of charts on the internet, if you wan to experiment for your unit.
I chose a 2000 Watt unit from Krieger with two 110V outlets and two USB outlets.
After that I installed LED lights in the back of the van and in the front:
It is coming together . . . I received my mattress from AMAZON. And then Natalie decided to decorate the bedding (Geeh . . . I wanted to keep it simple). But she done a wonderful job!
So, after two weeks no hick-ups. And than it happened: As I was drilling a hole through the floor board of the van to install a cabinet . . . and drilled into an A/C line! I had to tow the van to have it fixed. But, just a delay . . . nothing serious and the mechanic will do an oil-change and transmission fluid change, which I had planned anyway.
Would you consider:
Become part of my project:
Would you be so kind and support me with a any size gift to make this project even better? 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
♥ 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
♥ 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
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.
Van supply conversion cost
| Item | Cost $ | Total supplies $ |
|---|---|---|
| Van Purchase (incl. tax, title, etc.) | 12,000.00 | |
| Tire alignment | 66.02 | |
| --------- | -------- | -------- |
| Tools needed not included! | ||
| --------- | -------- | -------- |
| Cable hatch | 11.19 | 11.19 |
| 30 AM - 15 AF Adapter | 13.95 | 25.14 |
| 2x4 Studs | 69.00 | 94.14 |
| 5/8 x 3 Cedar studs | 35.00 | 129.14 |
| 4 sheets of plywood | 158.68 | 287.82 |
| Metal screws | 6.97 | 294.79 |
| Wood screws | 19.97 | 314.76 |
| Aqua Container 7 gal (2x) | 38.98 | 353.74 |
| Magnet blocks | 0.99 | 354.73 |
| Magnetic Key holder | 2.99 | 357.72 |
| 17 gal tote | 18.96 | 376.68 |
| 7 gal tote | 9.96 | 386.64 |
| 27 gal tote | 10.98 | 397.62 |
| 17 gal tote | 9.48 | 407.1 |
| Extra van keys | 43.32 | 450.42 |
| 299 piece First Aid Kit | 19.50 | 469.92 |
| KIPIDA Solar Shower bag | 19.99 | 489.91 |
| 6 inch Foam memory foam mattress - Queen | 80.00 | 569.91 |
| Echo Auto | 10.00 | 579.91 |
| Tram 703 - HC Center Load CB Antenna kit | 20.53 | 600.44 |
| Krieger 2000 watts inverter | 187.99 | 788.43 |
| 80pc cable clips | 4.99 | 793.42 |
| 50pc reusable fastening cable ties | 13.95 | 807.37 |
| 3 socket cigarette lighter charger with dual USB | 13.99 | 821.36 |
| Universal lighter power plug male adapter | 7.99 | 829.35 |
| Set power AJ50 53 Quarts Portable Freezer/Fridge | 288.15 | 1117.5 |
| Self adhesive nylon sticky | 6.90 | 1124.4 |
| Double bubble reflection foil insulation for windows | 29.88 | 1154.28 |
| 4AWG 37" negative battery cable | 11.99 | 1166.27 |
| 60A inline AGU fuse holder | 6.99 | 1173.26 |
| WIRTHCo 20090 Battery Doctor 75amp/100am isolator | 63.38 | 1236.64 |
| Redcamp Heavy duty suction cups | 29.99 | 1266.63 |
| LED interior light bars 2x | 19.69 | 1286.32 |
| Kohree 12-way 12V Blade Fuse Block | 19.12 | 1305.44 |
| Outbound camping stove / 2 burner | 69.99 | 1375.43 |
| 12V cigarette lighter socket car power outlet | 10.99 | 1386.42 |
| Hike crew Advanced portable outdoor camping toilet | 119.99 | 1506.41 |
| Nulaxy Bluetooth car fm transmitter | 17.99 | 1524.4 |
| Coconix leather repair kit for seat | 19.99 | 1544.39 |
| Vivid black perforated one way vision vinyl wrap | 13.99 | 1558.38 |
| JunaDa phone mount | 14.99 | 1573.37 |
| Bralon USB 2pack rapid USBcharger | 9.99 | 1583.36 |
| Magnetic charging cables | 16.99 | 1600.35 |
| Book: How to live in a van and travel | 13.99 | 1614.34 |
| Uniden Pro505xl-40 channel CB | 36.59 | 1650.93 |
| Battery terminal | 7.97 | 1658.9 |
| Hyco bar 14GA | 1.74 | 1660.64 |
| Rubber carpet runner | 27.76 | 1688.4 |
| Electric tape | 0.94 | 1689.34 |
| Electric cabling | 12.90 | 1702.24 |
| Grommets | 3.29 | 1705.53 |
| Extension cord 30amp/50ft | 27.97 | 1733.5 |
| Gorilla wood glue | 3.97 | 1737.47 |
| 4 drawer cabinet | 59.97 | 1797.44 |
| 2 gal gas can | 13.80 | 1811.24 |
| Battery terminals, etc | 29.20 | 1840.44 |
| Super glue | 4.47 | 1844.91 |
| 14 wire | 12.90 | 1857.81 |
| Cable lugs | 12.97 | 1870.78 |
| AGM batter-740CHAGM | 157.49 | 2028.27 |
| Gear tie | 4.97 | 2033.24 |
| Paint (gray) | 15.98 | 2049.22 |
| Set Power AJ50 53 quart Cooler | 329.00 | 2378.22 |
| REDCAMP adjustable awning poles | 39.95 | 2418.17 |
| Coleman gas lantern 1000 lumen | 36.12 | 2454.29 |
| Reversible mat (outside 6x8) | 27.50 | 2481.79 |
| Ventshade for windows | 31.27 | 2513.06 |
| Datttcc Curtain rings | 8.99 | 2522.05 |
| Fire Extinguisher | 21.86 | 2543.91 |
| Reflectix Bubble wrap | 10.85 | 2554.76 |
| Mat anchor (4x) | 6.00 | 2560.76 |
| Broom | 6.49 | 2567.25 |
| Table | 32.48 | 2599.73 |
| Washers | 3.05 | 2602.78 |
| Tarp (Awning) | 25.00 | 2627.78 |
| Champion 2000 W generator | 429.00 | 3056.78 |
| Tie down for roof rack 12x | 16.99 | 3073.77 |
| Indoor / Outdoor Thermometer | 19.48 | 3093.25 |
| Rope Ladder | 24.56 | 3117.81 |
| Clamp Hooks for Roof Rack | 13.99 | 3131.8 |
| Safety Straps for drawers | 9.99 | 3141.79 |
| Solar Lights for Roof Rack | 33.72 | 3175.51 |
| Clamp Hooks for Roof | 13.99 | 3189.5 |
| Organizer hanging inside | 15.99 | 3205.49 |
| Clamp hook 2x | 17.99 | 3223.48 |
| Flag Decalb | 10.00 | 3233.48 |
| Folding table | 14.65 | 3248.13 |
| Rustoleum - Black | 18.28 | 3266.41 |
| Steelbar for roof | 14.07 | 3280.48 |
| Tie downs, cargo net, 4x ratchets | 33.94 | 3314.42 |
| Washers, Screws, | 16.14 | 3330.56 |
| Rustoleum, steelbar, | 33.08 | 3363.64 |
| License plate frame | 6.99 | 3370.63 |
| Wood, JB Weld, Threadlocker, etc | 56.57 | 3427.2 |
| TOTAL | 3427.2 | |
Erotica Twenty Twenty Two Art Show
Opening Reception Fri. Feb 11th from 6PM to 11PM – Saturday, Feb 12th and Sunday, Feb 13 from 10AM to 4PM. 3390 Apple Cross Place, Mesilla Park/Las Cruces
Order Photo Book: ” The American Experience 2021″
A 64-page photo book as a time capsule of the year 2021. Soul capturing pictures that allow us to question if there is objective truth. What do we believe? What do we know?
Battle of the Badges 2021 in Pictures
Public Safety Personnel go fist-to-fist for the glory, the bragging rights and to have their arm raised in victory in the boxing ring to help raise money for local charities.
(Part 20) One more trip ahead & Upcoming book
After over 13,000 miles of traveling so far this year I have one more trip ahead of me. Currently I am in the process of publishing a Coffee Table Book filled thoughts, facts and pictures of my travels
(Part 19) The longest trip ahead. . . wanna see?
I am ready to embark on my 3rd trip across our Nation, and it will be my longest one. As always I would like to ask you for your help of telling me about interesting places and subjects.
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