"no build" resources, tips, checklists, etc?

Newbie's Corner
1

So I’m a newbie (me and my wife both are; but I’m leading the research on going semi-nomad).

We’re planning on a boxtruck conversion. We have a vehicle in mind – likely buying new or very-lo-mileage, going to move on it sooner than later. We think we can get in relatively cheap, not take a big loss if we have to resell because it turns out not to be for us, because we won’t have added much mileage.

Our plan is a no-build / low-build to start. The no-build approach gives us

  • a “get into the unit sooner” advantage
  • the chance to reconfigure / try out different layouts easily
  • easily return it to as-bought spec if needed, for reselling.
  • gradual build-cost (we expect the up-front vehicle to be on the pricey side!)

Can anyone point me towards solid info we can use? Checklists, must-haves, the “don’t bother with” items most newbies always get, etc? How-to’s for tie-downs & other solid-but-temporary fittings & gear?

2

I prefer old, dirt cheap, and better reliability.

Box trucks typically have wall & possibly floor tie down points that you can secure everything too. I do everything portable & modular. Easy to rearrange as desired.

3

Yes, I understand all that – exactly why I want the “no-build” (at least to start).

My questions are more about the specific technologies.

Like, say I throw a mattress on the floor. fasten it with ropes? Corner loops & cross-tied, or loop 'round the whole circumference and tie at endpoints? Or is strapping/webbing better?

Since one of the advantages is to “rearrange as desired,” what about carabiners/etc to fasten to tie-downs?

Etc.

Eventually, we likely want a bit more structure (a built-out kitchen, for example; but we plan to start with a folding-table & induction hotplate run off a Jackery (that I already own), and a wash-basin & rinse-basin & water-jug as “kitchen sink”… and the entire “kitchen” would get broken-down & stowed for transit… maybe to be set up outside, sometimes, but also can be indoors when conditions merit.

I’m looking for the specifics of that sort of no-build.

4

I’m not sure a mattress on the floor needs to be secured… I typically have a futon sofa/bed, that I secure at the bottom back corners using rope.

hmmm… technologies… where to start… Okay, to start with I want an empty counter top without a built in sink or stove. This makes it multi-functional. How I create that counter top depends on what is readily available, and whether I want drawers, cabinets, or both. I’ve used buffet’s, sideboards, credenza’s, a sliding door record cabinet, dressers, and plastic drawers with a wood shelf on top. I’ve also done rope hung shelves to create counter space.

I use rectangular plastic dish pans for sinks, and typical trigger spray bottles for water delivery. Any type of portable camp stove can work. I’m using $6 DIY veggie oil powered liquid candle type heater/cookers, which can also be used for cooling. By adding a heat powered fan, you can have fan forced heating/cooling which requires no battery or elecrical power. They can use multiple fuels too, veggie oil, diesel, kerosene, lamp oil etc. So your kitchen can be used indoors or outdoors without duplication.

My fridge/freezer and hot water are all fuel powered too. Fuel is cheaper and more reliable than battery power. One $8.00 gallon of veggie oil will power everything except my phone & laptop for over a month.

I’m using Luminiser & Stove Lite lanterns for much of my lighting, turning liquid fuel candles into bright LED lighting. I also have solar powered lanterns and and repurposed garden lights, that can recharge sitting in a window. Even my bug zapper is solar powered.

I have a single 100ah deep cycle battery, charged while driving or via my WWII era multi fuel/solar powered 3500w stirling engine powered generator. Nearly silent, and the only exhaust is from a liquid candle. It will run for many hours on just a few ounces of fuel.

I will run out of food or water long before my off grid systems will fail. I always strive towards a stress & worry free life, while living in comfort, convenience, & reliability.