Author Archives: Henry

Wiring the Bits. And the Bytes

Since the last post (what, two weeks? Three?), most of my van-related activity has been in pursuit of the electrical system. I figured out a significant portion of it (ahem, the vehicle alternators will charge the house batteries, not through … Continue reading

Posted in Gear, Preparation, Research | 1 Comment

Mavi Has The Floor

For the past few weeks (months? Oy), most of my van attention (when not doing general reading and research) has been on the floor. Yeah, some of it has been on the roof rack, which I discovered really should have … Continue reading

Posted in Gear, Preparation, Research | 1 Comment

The Name of the Van

Since I have another post lined up and ready, but have been waiting for other parties first to explain How We Named Our Van, and then finding no such explanations forthcoming, I have taken it upon myself to offer one … Continue reading

Posted in Gear, Preparation | Leave a comment

We Have A Transit 350

Yup, I know. I’ve been remiss in my capacity as chronicler of this van build. You’ve been waiting (some more patiently than others), but I’ve been sitting on my hands. And while I knew that neither Elizabeth nor I had … Continue reading

Posted in Gear, Preparation, Research | Leave a comment

Progress Nonetheless

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll recall that when we ordered our van back in February, we were told it would be delivered during the week of May 24. And if you’re awake, you’ll note that that week has come … Continue reading

Posted in Gear, Preparation, Research | Leave a comment

Stealth

Amongst those building, traveling in, or living full-time in camper vans, there is the notion of stealth: disguising the fact that the vehicle in question is a portable domicile, and making it appear as just another commercial or passenger van. … Continue reading

Posted in Preparation, Research | Leave a comment

Packing Heat

My previous two posts may give the impression that I’m down on propane. Or would prefer to keep it out of the van. And it’s true that many builders feel exactly that way. One of them is George of The … Continue reading

Posted in Preparation, Research | Leave a comment

Heating Up

Now that the refrigerator is out of the way (in Tina’s garage), the next item to consider is the hot-water heater. We’ll need one. My family’s travel trailer had one, and I sort of remember using hot water in the … Continue reading

Posted in Preparation, Research | Leave a comment

Let the Build Begin

It’s still six weeks or so before the van’s scheduled arrival, and we’re both up to our elbows in planning. There are many examples on the web of people who have built camper vans, and have documented the process and … Continue reading

Posted in Preparation, Research | 1 Comment

We Have a VIN!

If you’ve never actually ordered a new car before (I hadn’t. All my previous cars, vans, and motorcycles were either bought used or picked from whatever was on the dealer’s lot at the time), you should know how it works. … Continue reading

Posted in Preparation | Leave a comment