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Can you live in a tiny house in winter?

Cold tiny house

The tiny house movement us huge (no pun intended), and is even becoming more mainstream. The fact that most of them are built on trailer chassis make them legal in many places where a non-mobile home would be illegal. Living year round in a tiny home means it’s going to be winter for you at some time unless you live in a southern latitude that doesn’t experience much or any cold weather. For the rest of us, it means you are going to have to deal with chilly air, snow, ice, cold wind and the such.

Fortunately it would seem that these tiny homes are built well for cold weather, being small they are usually easy to heat, in fact you often have to worry more about overheating your small space when keeping your digs toasty. If you have enough insulation, it doesn’t take much to heat your tiny space. Other than overheating, another problem is moisture, condensation. Propane heat usually generates moisture, we humans also generate moisture, living generates moisture, these tiny homes being well insulated as well as being tight, you have to be conscious of the amount of moisture in the air so that you aren’t creating problems.

Ariel C. McGlothin lives in a tiny home in Wyoming, a place known for beautiful vistas as well as cold temps in winter. She deals with snowfall, which she says her tiny home handles very well, with the steep pitch of her metal roof, it sheds the snow very readily and easily, she does have to shovel snow, to make paths to the various areas she needs to get to, as well as keeping various areas around her tiny home cleared for safety and access.



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RV's just got futuristic: The Basecamp Airstream
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The Open Road: RV Sales Boom

The all-American way to go off the grid is of course with a recreational vehicle – an RV.

Buckle up. Open road. Highway 66. Freedom. Yes mam!

Last week thousands of Americans gathered at Grand Rapids, Michigan for a celebration of this off-piste culture. ‘The Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show’. On the bill were classic RV’s such as the Basecamp Airstream – a small silver travel trailer of just 16 feet long and weighing less than 3,000 pounds equipped with solar energy, shower and toilet- as well as lifestyle gurus Greg & Cori Young and John Holod.

Hungry for travel and adventure,the Young’s sold all their possessions, bought an RV and now live life on the road.To support themselves they found ways to work with their travel and now advise other campers on how to install and utilise solar energy.

According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RIVA), RV sales in 2016 were the highest they’ve been in over a decade with 400,000 RV’s sold in 2016. In fact, an estimated 8-9% of US household now own an RV.

John Holod is a documentary maker about all things RV and is best known for work such as ‘Alaska: RV Adventure of a Lifetime’ and ‘The Great Rocky Mountain RV Adventure’.He has travelled over 600,000 miles in various RV’s and was awarded the “Distinguished Achievement in RV Journalism Award” by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.

What both Holod and the Young’s prove is that a life full of movement and travel is entirely possible, and is not exclusively reserved for the rebellious likes of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper.

The General Manager of the American RV, Chad Neff, said that due to low interest rates, low fuel prices and high customer confidence RV’s are experiencing a boom in sales (he took over 50 campers to the Grand Rapids show and expects to sell them all).The demographics of his customers range from millennials all the way to retiring baby boomers, all sharing one thing in common- a passion and drive for adventure and a world outside a TV screen.

If the ‘Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show’ shows one thing it’s that living off-grid and on the road is becoming increasingly common- (in American accent) I sure know what I’ll be doing next summer!

 

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Ways to save on smartphones and mobile internet

glamphoneThe key problem for off-grid smartphone users is their monthly data plan. Due to apps playing videos automatically, attachments being downloaded as soon as they become available, and other activities behind the scenes that drain data (and power), smartphone users typically struggle with making it from one month to the next when it comes to their data. To help, here are some ideas to help select a better data plan.

 Select a Rollover Plan Intelligently

One thing to consider when choosing a good mobile data plan is rollover data. There are a few carriers that offer this feature, which allows users to take any unused data at the end of a the month and add it to the next month’s data allowance. This is a good way to increase the amount of data that is available for the next month.

 However, for those who normally go over their monthly data limit, a way to save would be to upgrade their data amount. The cost for an upgrade varies by carrier, but carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint sometimes offer coupons for upgrades. This is important to look into because the cost of the upgrade may be lower than the cost of going over the data limit.

Another good way to find out if a data plan is suitable is by speaking to a customer representative about what is and is not included in a data plan. Some questions that would be valuable to ask a representative due to websites sometimes being unclear are valuable to have cleared up. Another benefit from speaking with a representative is that they may have a deal going on that might be beneficial to look into.

It is also important, if thinking of switching carriers, to see if the smartphone that is currently being used can be used through a different carrier. If not, a new phone will need to be purchased.

I, myself, prefer Virgin Mobile as a carrier despite its service map due to the prices of their phones and their data plans. They currently have two types of plans, $35/month for 5G of 4G LTE and unlimited data, talk, and text and a $45/month plan for 10G 4G LTE with unlimited talk, text, and data. Verizon is in second place thanks to their offer to allow users to pay for their phones monthly. Their data plan is a little expensive, like the 2G for $35/month plan that comes with unlimited talk, text, and rollover data. In third place is Sprint. For $30/month, a user can get 3G and unlimited 2G data. Their phones are also pretty pricey, but they do have the best service available, next to AT&T. However, AT&T is the worst carrier due to their plans and expensive phone prices. For $30/month, a user receives 1G, rollover data, and unlimited talk and text.

In conclusion, all smartphone users face the …

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Community

Dump your camper in the lake?

sealander

Would you drive your camper into the lake or river? You would if you owned an amphibious RV! I’ve seen “redneck” versions where they put a small pull behind camper on pontoons, but this was really made for the open road AND floating on the water.

It doesn’t appear to be very large, but the amenities inside are multi-function, with the table converting into a bed, it’s more than ready to head off for a long weekend. It’s not something you would live in, it’s more for playing and enjoying yourself.

https://youtu.be/kppn0jgGlZE

https://sealander.de/?lang=en#intr



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Tiny homes for veterans

All too often, our veterans are being left out in the cold, literally, there are many who are homeless for a variety of reasons, and unfortunately once you are homeless, it’s usually much more difficult to get the services you need to help get you back on your feet.

There are several communities who are doing something about it, they are creating tiny home villages specifically for veterans, some are allowed to live there indefinitely, some are temporary until they can transition into something more permanent for themselves. I think this is a great idea, giving back to the men and women who gave so much of themselves to serve our country. They often come back from war with physical injuries and PTSD from the things they saw and experienced, it’s difficult for them to talk to friends and family about their traumas, it’s also difficult to transition back into civilian life. Many choose suicide as a way out from the pain.

This gives dignity as well as a place to live, here are a few videos about the communities giving back.

https://youtu.be/3yO7VeAWeKw

https://youtu.be/291TfDRA5AQ

https://youtu.be/zrSa89jyj9M

https://youtu.be/_7NMP7Fp5yE



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Community

Staying warm in the cold weather

weather

As I sit here next to the wood burning stove, I am cozy warm inside of the SkyCastle. The temps are dropping and we just might have our first real cold snap of this winter later on today, at least that’s what the weather wizards keep saying. I have been watching the radar and there is wintry precipitation just north of us (that blue and pink stuff in the picture), but so far it hasn’t dropped south, maybe it will snow a bit in the morning, I don’t mind if it does, I have finished working for the week (it’s slow for merchandisers during the holidays), for me a nice snowy day means I’ll get to take some interesting pictures.

The SkyCastle is really simple to deal with in the cold, the wood burning stove keeps things warm enough inside, though we don’t try to keep things very warm, we dress warmly for the most part. Sleeping means bundling up in layers, I typically have thermals on (top and bottom) as well as thick PJs and regular socks & thick fuzzy socks. My blankets are also double duty, having a regular blanket that I sleep under year round, in winter I add a wool blanket, sometimes 2 of them, that is the real secret for me to keep warm in bed. I also utilize a hot water bottle. I know they are old fashioned, but by golly they work! I’ll usually put it next to my pillow with the blanket over it until I’m ready to get in bed, then I kick it down to the end of the bed to keep my feet warm. Having a warm dog is also another nice warm spot in the bed.

I found a couple of videos on how RV’ers keep warm in the winter. Honestly I don’t think I’d like living in a RV or camper in the winter if I had to be in a cold area, I think I understand why they move to warmer places in winter, those vehicles just aren’t meant for the cold IMHO.

https://youtu.be/ZVP4lYRF2t4

https://youtu.be/Tb7i71nVui4

I saw this video, thought it was interesting and decided to add it for you.

https://youtu.be/kcGzjIx1QX4

What about you? How do you keep warm in the winter?



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Tiny home made with SIP

sip

This video caught my eye because it used the term SIP, I didn’t know what that meant until I watched the video further, it’s structurally insulated panels. That makes perfect sense, they are structural, and they insulate, so that helps to keep the weight down yet is strong and insulated.

This tiny home is wider than the average, coming in at 3 meters wide, it is just under the legal limit where you would need special permits to move it, this owner is happy where she has placed her home, it’s always a possibility that it would be moved in the future.

I especially love the propane bottle wood burning stove, I will need to check into that more to see how it’s made and works.

https://youtu.be/w1iXTufDPtw



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Community

Composting toilet – one year later

compost

Everyone poo’s, everyone. It’s just a fact of life, even if you life in an RV. These folk have a nice rig and use an Airhead composting toilet. They have graciously, honestly and with lots of humor, given us a blow by blow of the good, the bad and the ugly of using a composting toilet in an RV. Based on what they describe, I’m not sure I would want to use that sort of system, I would say a bucket would work better, but it seems to work OK for them, even with a few issues.

https://youtu.be/vM71d8wMuUU



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Diane inside her home-vehgicle with her hat on
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The Art (and fabulousness) of Sleeping in Your Vehicle

By Diane Kois – car-dweller, car-lover

A few months ago when I made the decision to dwell in my Jeep, instead of continuing to pay high rent and utilities, I did not really know what impact this choice would have on my life.

It’s funny how “living in your car” can conjure up all kinds of images for many people, running the gamut from a crazy person to a rebel. For me personally, it’s a little bit of both with a lot in between.

What I have come to learn from choosing this lifestyle is that I don’t actually “live” in my vehicle – I sleep in it. This way of life has become a way to actually live.

I have been able to save money, travel, visit family and venture into the surrounding beauty of the RockyMountains and explore places I’ve always been curious about. While I work full-time, my weekends can take me wherever I want to go. I have woken up to some of the most breathtaking views: from rolling open plains, to a forest with a river running through it. I have also met some amazing people along the way.

During the week, however, I make a deliberate choice to stay as close to my employment as possible. I have found a secluded trailhead (my favorite) that is tucked away in a nice residential neighborhood. I have a few friends that allow me to park outside their home (I always let them know when I do that), and there is a particular big box retailer that has no issue with letting folks park overnight. These locations so far have worked perfectly for me.

I have, on a few occasions, chosen to pay for a tent site at the State Park in my area. My mother gave me an annual State Park Pass for my birthday recently, and that takes care of the cost of the entrance fee. Staying at the campground gives me a nice opportunity to relax a little, use my culinary skills around the campfire, and just BE.

Throughout this experience of sleeping in my Jeep, I have not had anyone approach me, nor have I had any authorities knock on my window in the middle of the night. While it may happen at some point, I try to be very aware and conscientious of my surroundings. This also helps me to feel more comfortable and in turn I sleep well. I am getting used to this wonderfully simple life every single day.

It has allowed me to become more and more who I am at heart. Like I stated before, I sleep in my vehicle, but I live my life. I have no plans to return to the expected, status-quo lifestyle anytime soon.

The Asphalt Ocean

“Sailing with the windows rolled down”

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Community

Stealth van conversion in 17 days

screenshot_2016-11-06-16-01-08-01
Nate Murphy enjoys living stealthy in his van, he found a low mileage van and was able to convert it in a quick 17 days, these were full, long days, not a part time endeavor. The bed takes up the lion’s share of the space, looking very comfortable and roomy. I love his kitchen with the built in stove top and sink compartment, Nate is happy with that part of his build as well. He has everything a person could want, with 3 notable exceptions, a fridge, a toilet and shower.

His reason for not having a toilet is simple, he doesn’t fancy the smell associated with having a toilet in such a small enclosed space, he does have a couple of urine bottles for emergencies. He says he is always within reasonable distance of a toilet and so far, it hasn’t been a problem.

Showers add a whole level of expense and complication that he just didn’t want to deal with, the fact that it would take more water than he stores now and would have to heat said water, it’s just not in the cards now.

As far as a fridge is concerned, same issues as above, the expense is the main reason to go fridgeless, and the fact that he doesn’t eat the sorts of foods that require being kept cold. He can always install a cooler if the need ever arises.

Here is the video of his build, it’s not really a “how to”, it’s more of a “this is what I did”, watch and enjoy.
https://youtu.be/wksm1xI1Ms0

Here is Nate’s blog explaining more in dept how he lives and how he converted his van.
https://offgridvan.blogspot.com/



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6 Months Living in beauty

screenshot_2016-11-06-12-21-29-01

We’ve been full-timing in our Airstream since April. That’s 6 months of LIB (Living in Beauty). So far, we’ve been visitors of 23 communities in 11 states, and have traveled 4,592 miles. So starts Jim and Carmen Beaubeaux’s latest blog post about living full time in their Airstream RV. They have had quite the adventure and are looking forward to many more.

They started out much like the rest of us, edging toward retirement with a sticks and bricks house, and lots of possessions that they decided were weighing them down and holding them back. Having been backpackers in their earlier life, they were no strangers to living on the road, but at the time they considered big trucks hauling large RVs more of a hazard to pedestrians and cyclists than something to be desired.

You can listen to their latest podcast here:

I love reading about how other people are living their dream, the thing all of these folk have in common is they took a chance, they stepped out of their comfort zone, they didn’t just dream, they DID and they DO.

To find out more about Jim and Carmen, you can peruse their blog here:
https://livinginbeauty.net/



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Community

Two years in a tiny home

twoyearslater

Two years after moving into his tiny home, Bryce Langston came back for a return visit to see how Brett Sutherland is getting along, what he loves about living tiny, what he would have changed, what he would improve. To me, this is the meat of living tiny, seeing how things are working a few years later. Watch and enjoy

https://youtu.be/flrLw1u72tA



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