Ok great van build. FYI not all Cracker Barrel restaurants are allowing overnight parking anymore. Just went through Penn. Stopped at one and they had multiple signs saying no overhead parking . Such a shame.
@@twosawacres8096 He did. It's one of the best videos I've seen. He gives details that are very helpful. So organized, too. I love the solar panel setup.
I've never - EVER - came across a truck stop that didn't allow overnight parking for a cars/RVs. I've been to and slept in Pilot, Flying J, TA, Loves, Petro, Speedway, Sapp Bros, Mach 1, etc. Often, RVs can't park in back with the CMVs, but certainly in front when there's space available that hasn't been taken. Cracker Barrel, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops also allow parking overnight. Yes, Walmart is now hit and miss when it's located near a major metro area.... but out away from cities, no problem!
That a/c fan he made with the cooler is genius! Super resourceful. Definitely brings order to chaos with his explanations. 👋 Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge. I really need it. First timer and nervous.
I have a 2011 town and country that is set up similar but no solar as of yet. But use a cpap on the 110 car inverter, charge my hearing aids; use the climate control with carbon monoxide detector, since motor has to run anyway for pap and aids. Use about 11 to 12 dollars of fuel per night. Fan I use is a Roybe 18 vote fan and can charge batteries while traveling off 110 car inverter. Only drawback is its puts more hours on your engine. Only 58000 miles on van but I only use it about 30 days a year for trips. Don't think it's worth the expense of going solar yet. But may purchase a freezer like this one and do away with the ice chest. I just as soon to eat at food establishments most of the time but freezer and fridge good for drinks and sandwich makings.
Thanks very much for all the detail. I have a 2019 DGC GT I bought used from Enterprise Car Sales in Dec 2020 for $17.5 right before prices shot up. I plan to put some things in storage when my lease is up this winter & travel full time until I find a location I want to settle in. I love Bill’s explanation of his solar set up & the DGC inverter uses. I don’t want to take out the back seats even though I would love the storage as I may just buy a Class C RV if I like the traveling as much as I think I will. Cheers, Mo in NJ
Great simple set up. Well done! I have the same van but converted. Unfortunately, inconsiderate people are changing Crackerbarrel’s generosity and I understand why. It is hit or miss to stay there just like WallyWorld because of bad actors trashing things 😡. Always ask first and if you are fortunate enough to be granted permission for a night, patronize the business, leave early AM and LEAVE NO TRACE, folks! They have business to conduct!
I always call CB before I head there. My last resort is sleeping at a truck stop but haven't had to yet. Leaning towards frequenting LOVES for showering and bathroom on longer trips. And yeah, good food at CB, even though I try to bring enough food so I don't have to eat out much.
I saw another RUclips video that stated Cracker Barrel corporate has stopped allowing overnight parking at all their facilities. They're in the process of putting up signs in their parking lots.
i'M NEVER GOING TO DRIVE BY A CRACKER-BARREL, WITHOUT STOPPING TO EAT. MY DAD WAS A CHEF/RESTAURANTS OWNER. HE OWNED TRUCK PLAZAS ALSO. HE WOULD SAY ANYBODY DUMB ENOUGH TO NOT LET SOMEONE GET SLEEP IN YOUR PARKING LOT IS A IDIOT, WAITING TO FAIL. YA, THEIR OUT THERE!!!
Good to see another DGC out in the wild. Question, when the window are cracked, can the Weathertech rain guards be pulled down out of the window channel?
I wonder if airplane wire rope works for the divider blackout curtain, instead of the curtain rod? I'd have a hard time bending the metal rod. Ikea sells an airplane wire curtain rod kit....
I'm sure cable would work OK, however you would not be able to conform the cable to the contour of the ceiling. Curtain rod is pretty light weight stuff, I'm sure you could easily bend it to your needs.
If you're set on not using curtain rod, I'd recommend a length of solid core wire, heavier gauge, it would be plenty ridgid to hold any contour/shape and the weight of curtains, but easy to bend by hand. Cable is good for straight runs, but will not hold any shape and most likely sag.
Wally 🌎 will not let you park over night no more they have security that act like dogs. Also their prices are now very high. They forgot we the working poor made their company. Stay safe and God Bless 🌹
I am a 62 year old female who became homeless two months ago. I'm living in my minivan with my two service dogs. I have no idea how to set anything up. It was 29 degrees during the night a few days ago we were freezing. I have to run the van to keep the heat on. I'm really struggling.
first drive to the desert for the winter. its 50 at night. maybe get a good sleeping bag so you can zip up at night. dogs are warmth. how big are they ? if little put them in a dog sweater and in the sleeping bag with you. maybe find a womens shelter. im in vegas. we have womens place that has dog shelter next door. how old are you ? your income ? catholic charities here gets you into studio apt. and a job.
I have had police and deputies that have knocked on my door and asked if i was ok? I just tell them i was on my way to a destination and got sleepy and they just tell me they just wanted to see i was ok. I have never in 20 years been asked leave. You tell them you got sleepy, they will leave you a lone. The liability if something happen to me like falling a sleep because of being chased off a parking lot would me a multimillion law suit. Reasinable a necessary is the eay i see it. A tired driver is a danger on the road. I think that it is covincing enough that police any where are not going to mess with.
Probably because of all the homelessness in the nation. It's there loss and our loss because of so many people are forced to live in their car. Where I'm not forced to live in my van. I do it to save on hotel expense. Drive when I need to drive and rest when needed.
@@kennethfeist5504 SHORT VERSION - The difference between Cracker Barrel and the places you listed is the difference between walking into your house to sleep and grabbing a tent and trying to secretly camp out in somebody's back yard. LONG VERSION - The difference between Cracker Barrel and the places you listed is all Cracker Barrels use to be ok with us parking there while all the places you listed require stealth. Even if you have 100 categories of places you may be able to park, you won't know where you can actually park until you get there and check all of those places out. Plus you have to hide and try not to get caught. There's always anxiety over the unknown and decision fatigue is a major challenge of vanlife that few people talk about. That's why most vanlifers either park in national forests and BLM land or they stay in one city. Having safe places to park, like Cracker Barrel and Walmart, goes a long way to making traveling within cities less mentally draining.
😂, my channel, I was the camera man, it's been mentioned once or twice.... I'm working on it. Thanks for the comment though, hopefully the vid was helpful.
I watched this because I have a 2012 grand caravan, but then I was schooled on living in a van down by the river 😂. I think this life is for me!!
The maker will love this!
Ok great van build. FYI not all Cracker Barrel restaurants are allowing overnight parking anymore. Just went through Penn. Stopped at one and they had multiple signs saying no overhead parking . Such a shame.
Yeah I always call first. Figure my a last resort will be a truck stop when I really get into road trips l
I have a 2009 caravan no build very very similar setup so I can truly truly appreciate the genius of everything this guy has done with his van
Thank you for the comment, he spent a lot of time making this van just right for his trip, and I think he knocked out of the park.
@@twosawacres8096 He did. It's one of the best videos I've seen. He gives details that are very helpful. So organized, too. I love the solar panel setup.
I've got a 2009 Odyssey, happy.
I have a 2019 grand caravan and just starting out so this video was Very helpful 👌
Glad to hear it, that's why I started this channel. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
@twosawacres8096 looking forward to more videos
Same. I have a 2015 and took two trips to test things out. Once I figure out a sleeping solution I'll be traveling every chance I get
Very thoughtful and practical! 👍
My boy did good for sure.
Excellent video, very well explained, perfect for people with dodge caravans who want to get into Vanlife
One of the best videos I've watched. This man is so informative and detailed. Thanks for sharing.
Best idea for the water cooler fan!!
I've never - EVER - came across a truck stop that didn't allow overnight parking for a cars/RVs. I've been to and slept in Pilot, Flying J, TA, Loves, Petro, Speedway, Sapp Bros, Mach 1, etc. Often, RVs can't park in back with the CMVs, but certainly in front when there's space available that hasn't been taken. Cracker Barrel, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops also allow parking overnight. Yes, Walmart is now hit and miss when it's located near a major metro area.... but out away from cities, no problem!
There are some truck stops that say no overnight parking for cars. I've seen two.
Not Tony Soprano giving you tips and tricks on how to live in your van 😂 (love this, my favorite can vid so far!)
This was great! I watched it twice and enjoyed all the details provided. By the way, Matt Foley never had it so good. 😀
Billy will appreciate this very much! Thank you.
Awesome no build!! I got a lot of great ideas, thanks for sharing!
Glad we could help. Any questions just ask.
That a/c fan he made with the cooler is genius! Super resourceful. Definitely brings order to chaos with his explanations. 👋 Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge. I really need it. First timer and nervous.
Measure legs, cut pvc to right length, slide pvc over the legs to level your bed.
I’ve watched a ton of these videos. This video is one for me 👍
Glad to hear it, hope it helps.
Love this build! One of my all-time fav's, even though its not 100% my build -- the down to earth & bless your heart style screams volumes!
He really put a lot of thought and time into it and it shows. Thanks for the comment.
Love the bendy curtain rod.
Such a well thought out and functional build. So much creativity and skill.
❤awesome advice thank you guys.
Our pleasure!
Very do-able, creative... 😊.
I really wish I was this handy! I have the same vehicle and no clue how to do 90% of this 😢. Well done!
I got my 2001 Grand Caravan Sport with only 133,000 miles on it no rust for $5000 in Yuma, AZ. Everything in great shape.
Full timer here... Welcome to the road 🙂
Go Big Red!!
Very cool how did he mount the DVD player on that fridge it didn’t move. So cool ❤😊thank you so much for sharing
You’ll have to watch again. It’s mounted to the headrest of the front seat.
I’m guessing Velcro
I have a 2011 town and country that is set up similar but no solar as of yet. But use a cpap on the 110 car inverter, charge my hearing aids; use the climate control with carbon monoxide detector, since motor has to run anyway for pap and aids. Use about 11 to 12 dollars of fuel per night. Fan I use is a Roybe 18 vote fan and can charge batteries while traveling off 110 car inverter. Only drawback is its puts more hours on your engine. Only 58000 miles on van but I only use it about 30 days a year for trips. Don't think it's worth the expense of going solar yet. But may purchase a freezer like this one and do away with the ice chest. I just as soon to eat at food establishments most of the time but freezer and fridge good for drinks and sandwich makings.
Thanks for the great thorough video.
Smart Guy, he's very detail oriented. Just imagine if he put his mind to actually building it 💡
Thanks very much for all the detail. I have a 2019 DGC GT I bought used from Enterprise Car Sales in Dec 2020 for $17.5 right before prices shot up. I plan to put some things in storage when my lease is up this winter & travel full time until I find a location I want to settle in. I love Bill’s explanation of his solar set up & the DGC inverter uses. I don’t want to take out the back seats even though I would love the storage as I may just buy a Class C RV if I like the traveling as much as I think I will. Cheers, Mo in NJ
I got a 2012 RT. Love it like a second wife.
We have a 2020 caravan. Looks very good nice set up.
He did a great job didn't he!
I love Matt Foley, one of the best comics that I’ve known I’m living in a van down by the river
I never underestimate his cleverness!
I appreciate no build builds my ram promaster is also a no build thanks for posting this awsome video guys
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Nice job. Great ideas 💡
He put a lot of effort into this build.
luv van life - ty for sharing story and van build
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Great simple set up. Well done! I have the same van but converted. Unfortunately, inconsiderate people are changing Crackerbarrel’s generosity and I understand why. It is hit or miss to stay there just like WallyWorld because of bad actors trashing things 😡. Always ask first and if you are fortunate enough to be granted permission for a night, patronize the business, leave early AM and LEAVE NO TRACE, folks! They have business to conduct!
Ty
I always call CB before I head there. My last resort is sleeping at a truck stop but haven't had to yet. Leaning towards frequenting LOVES for showering and bathroom on longer trips.
And yeah, good food at CB, even though I try to bring enough food so I don't have to eat out much.
Very informative!
Thank you, I'll pass along the info to the builder!
That cooler was a great idea!
Awesome presentation
Thank you, hope it helps.
vanlife4ever!
Bravo
Great video!!! Good information! GBR!!!! new sub. Always thumbs up from the 641..
I saw another RUclips video that stated Cracker Barrel corporate has stopped allowing overnight parking at all their facilities. They're in the process of putting up signs in their parking lots.
They must still be implementing, he just finished his trip a few weeks ago and had no problems.
I talked to management at a few places and they didn't mention any changes coming.
RUclips is hit or miss when it comes to accurate information. This comment was 8 months ago, and I'm still sleeping at Cracker Barrels.
I just slept overnight at a CB in Kentucky over Labor Day weekend.
Súper ❤❤❤❤❤
i'M NEVER GOING TO DRIVE BY A CRACKER-BARREL, WITHOUT STOPPING TO EAT. MY DAD WAS A CHEF/RESTAURANTS OWNER. HE OWNED TRUCK PLAZAS ALSO. HE WOULD SAY ANYBODY DUMB ENOUGH TO NOT LET SOMEONE GET SLEEP IN YOUR PARKING LOT IS A IDIOT, WAITING TO FAIL. YA, THEIR OUT THERE!!!
Only wish I could do all that on my own.
I think you could.
Good to see another DGC out in the wild. Question, when the window are cracked, can the Weathertech rain guards be pulled down out of the window channel?
Down by the river!
In a van!
I love 💕 the Stupid Car Seat thing. It is fantastic, where do you find those?
I'll ask him and get back to you.
@@twosawacres8096 Okay 👍.Thank you.
I got it on Amazon.
I wonder if airplane wire rope works for the divider blackout curtain, instead of the curtain rod? I'd have a hard time bending the metal rod. Ikea sells an airplane wire curtain rod kit....
I'm sure cable would work OK, however you would not be able to conform the cable to the contour of the ceiling. Curtain rod is pretty light weight stuff, I'm sure you could easily bend it to your needs.
@@twosawacres8096 Maybe with sticky back cable clips. My kit includes clips that allow you to train the wire to contour.
If you're set on not using curtain rod, I'd recommend a length of solid core wire, heavier gauge, it would be plenty ridgid to hold any contour/shape and the weight of curtains, but easy to bend by hand. Cable is good for straight runs, but will not hold any shape and most likely sag.
Try using flat bar aluminum ( 6' x 1/2", about 6.00) from Lowe's, bend to fit roof contours and tuck into trim junctions.
Wally 🌎 will not let you park over night no more they have security that act like dogs. Also their prices are now very high. They forgot we the working poor made their company. Stay safe and God Bless 🌹
Some Walmart do, some don't. It depends on the area.
I am a 62 year old female who became homeless two months ago. I'm living in my minivan with my two service dogs. I have no idea how to set anything up. It was 29 degrees during the night a few days ago we were freezing. I have to run the van to keep the heat on. I'm really struggling.
I'm sorry for your situation, I think running the van is probably the simplest way to stay warm.
first drive to the desert for the winter. its 50 at night. maybe get a good sleeping bag so you can zip up at night. dogs are warmth. how big are they ? if little put them in a dog sweater and in the sleeping bag with you. maybe find a womens shelter. im in vegas. we have womens place that has dog shelter next door. how old are you ? your income ? catholic charities here gets you into studio apt. and a job.
Are you in Colorado?
You can contact H.O.W.A. (Homes On Wheels Alliance) for advice.
Hope you are warm n ok now. And the dogs
I have had police and deputies that have knocked on my door and asked if i was ok? I just tell them i was on my way to a destination and got sleepy and they just tell me they just wanted to see i was ok. I have never in 20 years been asked leave. You tell them you got sleepy, they will leave you a lone. The liability if something happen to me like falling a sleep because of being chased off a parking lot would me a multimillion law suit. Reasinable a necessary is the eay i see it. A tired driver is a danger on the road. I think that it is covincing enough that police any where are not going to mess with.
Good point.
Not all Walmart are safe do u have a receipt
I have the same van but can't find a cot frame that fits. Where did you find your cot frame? really appreciate your ideas👍👍👍
I'll ask the owner to chime in...
I got mine on Amazon it was a zunis brand I think.
I didn’t understand about the 40 watts charging the solar or something??
I only paid $500 . And put around $2000 in to it.
I've got only $4700 in my Odyssey, and less than a thousand for my solar, fridge, bed, batteries, stove, fans, lights.
What make and model of fan are you using on the Coleman cooler?
I'll have to ask him and get back to ya.
Does he fix other ppl vans for money?
Not as far as I know, but I'll ask...
That is NOT a "Walk Through"! It was a Walk Around. It is impossible to Walk Through a van.
lol
No more CrackerBarrel ! They stopped it!
Probably because of all the homelessness in the nation. It's there loss and our loss because of so many people are forced to live in their car. Where I'm not forced to live in my van. I do it to save on hotel expense. Drive when I need to drive and rest when needed.
No they didn't.
So park in hospital motel nursing home industrial motel hotel apartment etc parking lots
@@kennethfeist5504 SHORT VERSION - The difference between Cracker Barrel and the places you listed is the difference between walking into your house to sleep and grabbing a tent and trying to secretly camp out in somebody's back yard.
LONG VERSION - The difference between Cracker Barrel and the places you listed is all Cracker Barrels use to be ok with us parking there while all the places you listed require stealth. Even if you have 100 categories of places you may be able to park, you won't know where you can actually park until you get there and check all of those places out. Plus you have to hide and try not to get caught. There's always anxiety over the unknown and decision fatigue is a major challenge of vanlife that few people talk about. That's why most vanlifers either park in national forests and BLM land or they stay in one city. Having safe places to park, like Cracker Barrel and Walmart, goes a long way to making traveling within cities less mentally draining.
Cops
Way too long for me a quicker demonstration would be better in my opinion
I generally agree, but we wanted to do a bumper to bumper review, folks can skip through the video to focus on particular aspects as needed.
It was the perfect length!
And Your tax dollars are paying for it!
Great job, well-thought-out. Is it me or does your cameraman have a little bit of an attitude?
😂, my channel, I was the camera man, it's been mentioned once or twice.... I'm working on it. Thanks for the comment though, hopefully the vid was helpful.