Our Vanstead

What do you think of this one for a vanstead?

In other posts, I've mentioned returning to Port Angeles in the spring and starting work on the vanstead.  My old van (Charlie) was to be transformed.  He would become a project van complete with wood floors, a pantry, and a wood stove.  Mike and I are very happy with, and will remain in Taj, our Roadtrek 170... it's our projects that need more space!

Charlie (a.k.a Van Dodgeram) and Taj

I've slowly been coming to the realization that Charlie will just not be a good fit for the vandstead... too many alterations are needed.  For one thing, without changing his motor to diesel he can't contain a wood burning stove... else BOOM!  My heart is set on wood burning cooking and heat.

The Halibut from Navigator Stove Works

So after talking it over with my very understanding husband, the decision has been made and we'll be selling Charlie and getting something that will meet all of the needs of a vanstead... including a small mobile garden.


Just for kicks I looked up diesel vans on craigslist in our area and I found what to me would be the perfect vanstead/project van.  A 1977 Mercedes Van - $5000 130,000 miles.  Runs excellent and ready for road trips! 


Isn't he cute... just tons of character!~ I love the lines and the possibilities are endless!

I'm sure this one will be gone by the time we get back and get around to deciding on the perfect vanstead/project van, but by this I will measure all others! :)

Other Vansteader Posts

I just wanted to pause today and give everyone a chance to read some of the great vansteader posts that are being written elsewhere.


Hoboknitter (Kate):
knitting worms (worm composting and knitting):
http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/10/knitting-worms.html
and...

laundry (excellent laundry bucket):

http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/10/laundry.html

Celtic Gypsy (Kylie):
wood stoves:
http://celticgypsyvandwelling.blogspot.com/2010/10/wood-stoves.html
and...
update on cost of little cob wood stove:
http://celticgypsyvandwelling.blogspot.com/2010/10/update-on-cost-of-little-cob-woodstove.html


Brian:
Vermiculture (worm composting):
http://giffordsrvdream.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-2010-what-are-you-doing-to.html

Wood stoves for your vanstead

Thank you for taking the time to answer the poll regarding your preferred topics.  When I started writing today's post (early yesterday), the wood stoves topic had the most votes.  I'll keep the poll up so you'll have a say in our content.

The Sardine

The mini wood stoves at http://www.marinestove.com are amazing!  My explanation could not do them justice. If you're looking for a wood stove for your vanstead, I'd suggest browsing their install pictures:

http://www.marinestove.com/sproducthistory.htm

You can even get the alcohol drop in burner accessory for hot weather cooking use: http://www.marinestove.com/Accessories.htm

Here's a link to a man who used a tent stove in his motorhome: Full Time Living

Keep in mind that he sells these stoves and they aren't designed for motorhome use.  That said, I will most likely go with this option in my vanstead, until I can afford one of the marine stoves (above).  The link below the picture will take you to amazon where you can see the same stove for $60 with different pictures that show scale.

$60 Camping Stove

My install will most likely be on a passenger side hinged door.  This will allow me to open it to the outside and use it as an outdoor or tented stove.  I'll go into more later when I discuss my vanstead design.

There are many other options in small vanstead sized wood stoves.  Please list *your* favorites in the comments.


Note: wood stoves should *never* be used in a vehicle that runs on gasoline.  If you're vanstead is a diesel, then you're in luck!