I’ve learned a great deal about how to do things on the road, from getting online to finding parking to taking a shower. Here’s an easy list of what I’ve written on these subjects.
Ford Transit Techie Stuff
How to Add Factory Cruise Control to a Ford Transit
Believe it or not, EVERY Ford Transit has cruise control capability, whether it’s enabled or not. All you need is a steering wheel with the proper controls and a bit of technical wizardry to turn it on if you don’t already have it. Here’s how.
Getting Online
As a digital nomad, it is critical for me to stay connected to the internet to make my living. I’ve done this in several ways.
Starlink
Satellite internet is the latest addition to my online arsenal. It’s a very new technology, so I’ve been documenting my experiences with it in detail to help others.
Starlink: Residential or RV?
I’ve removed the link to this article because Starlink has completely changed the plans they offer since I wrote this. It is no longer possible to get the “residential with portability” option, which was a great fit for many nomads. At this point, if you want to take Starlink on the road, you have to get a mobile plan. This article contains information that is now outdated, and I don’t want to spread incorrect info.
Starlink: Setup, Speed Test, Power Draw
This covers the unboxing and a much simpler setup process than you’d expect (though not flawless — I explain how I got past my problems). I also include speed test data, as well as my power consumption measurements, which are actually less than advertised.
Starlink: The First Three Days
Some real-world experiences after the newness has worn off, as well as a new problem with my power inverter.
Starlink: Homemade Antenna Mast
I needed a way to mount my Starlink antenna that wouldn’t blow over in a strong wind. I adapted a concept and hardware I’ve used for a ham radio antenna to work with Dishy instead.
Cellular and WiFi
This is still the method most people use to get online. It was my primary method until Starlink came along, and is still a good backup.
How I Stay Online From the Road
One of the few positives to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is that now, more than ever, companies are allowing people to work remotely when the nature of the job permits it. As a professional writer, I fit this description. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping myself connected.
How I Stay Online in Quartzsite, Arizona
Cellular service in Quartzsite is marginal at best and can degrade to unusable when the masses descend on the town for winter. There’s a local alternative that keeps me connected and able to work when the cell networks bog down.
The Truth About Cellular Signal Boosters
Some would have you believe that a signal booster is a magic bullet that will vastly improve your internet connection on the road. That’s not entirely true. Here’s what they really do, what they don’t, and my evidence to back up my claims.
Electrical
I wired my entire house electrical system myself. Here’s some info about how I did it.
Wired For Sound, And Everything Else
Aside from the van itself, the most important aspect of this van build is its electrical system. Here’s how I designed and installed the one in Smokey I, my first full-time camper van.
How To Install Solar Panels On a Fiberglass Roof
Here’s how I installed a pair of flexible solar panels on the roof of the van.
Building a Van
Here are some non-techie topics I’ve written about when it comes to building a van and preparing for life on the road.
The No-Build Van Build
This isn’t our first #vanlife rodeo. Before hitting the road full-time in Smokey Da Van, I dabbled with part-time van life in another van. Here’s my super simple build.
Weight and Why It Matters To You
We don’t talk much about how much our van builds weigh, but we should. It’s quite easy to reach, or exceed, your van’s weight limits without realizing it. I almost did.
How To Install a Sink For Less Than $75
RV sinks can be expensive to buy and a pain to install. Here’s how I added a sink to my van for just under $75.
How To Make Cheap Insulated Window Covers
Custom-fit window covers with insulation can cost hundreds of dollars. Here’s how to make your own for around $50 or less.
How I Carry a Motorcycle Behind the Van
One of the most common questions I get is how I bring my motorcycle with me on my travels. Here’s how I did it for my first year on the road. I need to write an update about the trailer I use now.
How To Convert To a Motorhome Title in Florida
Florida makes it possible to change a vehicle’s classification to a motorhome through an extremely simple process. I followed it, and it worked perfectly.
How To Live On the Road
Articles about actually living on the road.
Guide to Finding Overnight Parking
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in the van life world. Here’s how I do it every night and stay out of trouble.
How To Stay Warm When It’s Cold Outside
Even snowbirds who run away from real winters (like me) have to deal with the occasional cold nights. Here are some tips to help you stay warm when the weather outside is frightful.
Guide to Beating the Heat
The opposite situation, extreme heat, is not only uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous. This can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even worse. This is how I got Lister and myself through a surprise widespread heat wave that we couldn’t simply drive out of.
Always Carry a Fire Extinguisher
Having a good automotive fire extinguisher on board could save your own or someone else’s vehicle. It absolutely saved a friend’s truck when it caught fire.
How I Take a Shower In the Desert
Staying clean in a dusty place like Quartzsite, Arizona can be tricky. Here’s how I keep myself from turning into the live-action version of Peanuts’ Pig-Pen while I’m out there.
How To Control the Fly Population
Keeping the bugs out is always a concern when camping out in the wilderness. I’m pretty safe from mosquitoes where I tend to go, but black flies are the bane of my existence. Here’s how I fight my personal War on Flies.
Guide To Establishing Florida Domicile and Residency
A perennial hot topic in the nomad community is how to establish residency when you have no permanent address. Here’s how we successfully navigated this obstacle course of red tape and logistical difficulties.
Guide To Establishing Arizona Domicile and Residency
My life changed, and it made sense for me to establish residency out west instead of in Florida. I spend winters in Arizona, and more time there than in any other state, so it made sense for me to establish myself there. Here’s how I did it.
Smokey Da Van 