Category: Blog

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Solar Systems

Solar and electrical can be one of the most intimidating parts of a van build. The big question is “How much solar do I need?” The first step would be to use an energy calculator, we recommend the one from RV Solar Connections which can be found under ‘Resources’. Once you get an idea of how much you’ll need to power everything, you’ll want to start designing your system. There are tons of guides online but if you are feeling intimidated you may want to hire it out. A lot of our clients tell us how relieved they feel to have us design and install their systems. If there’s any part of the build I would suggest hiring out it is definitely electrical. Making sure your system is safe, with high-quality components and the correct wire sizes is crucial. We’ve learned from experience as well as seen other builds that have used more budget-friendly Amazon “knock-off” components which can lead to melting and fire hazards. So we will always suggest using Victron energy components, marine grade wire, and Blue Sea Systems fuses. 

photos by @valerienoell

Another key part before purchasing your electrical system is making sure you are buying your components through an authorized distributor to ensure you will have tech support. A lot of times buying Victron components on Amazon leaves you with no support. That’s why we work with RV Solar Connections, certified Victron specialists & distributors for all of our builds and client builds to ensure you’ll have lifetime support! It’s great peace of mind knowing if something were to come up on the road you have a team of people who can tap into your system and help diagnose any issues/ change settings. We only recommend Victron to our clients for their high quality, reliable products as well as being user-friendly, with Bluetooth compatibility. In our opinion, it’s worth it to invest in a better system upfront rather than pay for it down the line and risk safety. 

Need help designing your solar system?

Need someone to check if your wire sizes and fuses are sized correctly?

Please reach out for consulting or if you’d like to hire us for design or installation at thehuntersvanlife@gmail.com.

If you are planning to order from RV Solar Connections please send us a message before placing your order so we can send you a little gift! 😉 

*As an affiliate for RV Solar Connections, we earn a commission off qualifying sales.

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How We Get Mail And Have An Address On The Road

How do we have a mailing address while living full time on the road without even having an actual house?! Let’s face it, to do things like have a license, register your vehicle, and get insurance you have to show proof of a legal address.

We went months with using our parents addresses but since we are full time nomads we knew eventually we wanted to have an address of our own, especially in a state we can CHOOSE. Through our research and talking with other full timers, the best states for nomads are South Dakota and Florida. These states allow mail forwarding services, have no state income tax, and no state vehicle inspection.

Traveling Mailbox – A mail forwarding service that scans your mail and emails it to you. You can also request a physical copy to be sent wherever you are.

  • You will get a physical street address (NOT a PO box).
  • They will email you when your mail is ready to be viewed.
  • They will mail any checks directly to your bank to be deposited.
  • Your mail and packages can be forwarded to you anywhere in the world.

Choose an address in South Dakota (best option), Florida (second option). We’ve heard Texas and Nevada are nomad friendly as well.

Why South Dakota?

You only need to stay in the state for one night to get a driver’s license. You just need to show your new Traveling Mailbox address along with a receipt from a hotel or campground showing proof of your stay and fill out their Residency Affidavit. You do not need to be in state to register vehicles or renew your license and Traveling Mailbox can send you your license plates, docs, etc. They have some of the lowest auto insurance rates in the country. There’s no state income tax. It almost sounds too good to be true but we know a few travelers who have changed their residence to South Dakota. 

Why Florida?

Our residency is in Florida, mainly for convenience but also because it was hard getting insurance in our home state, New Hampshire. We knew being from the East Coast if we ever had to go to Florida for any reason it’s easily accessible rather than having to drive to South Dakota. Florida has most of the same benefits as South Dakota – no state income tax and no state vehicle inspections. You’ll want to make sure to sign up with Traveling Mailbox and switch the address on your insurance and banking so you can provide proof of residence statements when getting your license. One negative about Florida is that unlike South Dakota, you cannot do your registration online. We actually had to re-register our van this past December and luckily we had already planned to be in Florida for winter. Another downfall is that Florida also has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country. 

South Dakota seems to be the easiest and best option but if you spend a lot of time on the east coast Florida is a good choice as well. Or if you are based on the West Coast look into Nevada or Texas.

This isn’t legal advice, this is all based off our own research and you should do your own research as well. We get asked this question a lot and we just wanted to share that it is possible to have a legal residence while living a nomadic lifestyle!

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Vanlife Holiday Gift Guide

Is there a traveler or a minimalist in your life? You want to give them a gift but you have no idea what to get them? As vanlifers/ minimalists we will always tell family and friends not to get us anything and by anything we usually mean THINGS. When your home is under 80sqft you have to be very intentional with what you bring into it.

As nomads we’ve come up with some gift ideas for the traveler in your life.

*First off, we’d like to say support local small businesses if you can. We put sustainability first above anything and supporting your local economy is important. But we know that can take some time and we are guilty of waiting last minute so we just hope this guide is helpful!

If you are looking to help a small business or support us, or just want some van roasted coffee shoot us a message on instagram to order (we can ship anywhere in the US)! To us, coffee is the perfect gift – who doesn’t like coffee!?

This page includes affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when you make purchases.

Teva Embers

The perfect van shoes/slippers. When you are constantly getting in and out of the van slip on shoes is key. Also just having an all purpose shoe – a minimalists dream.

Pakt Coffee Kit

If you’re into specialty coffee like us, then your worst nightmare is bad hotel or instant coffee. This coffee kit is perfect for the coffee lover, minimalist, or traveler in your life that appreciates a good cup. The kit comes with a grinder, kettle, and pour over system that all fits compact in it’s travel case. They currently have a holiday sale going on with 25% off plus use our code HUNTER5 for an additional discount!

Hydroflask

The best insulated bottles and cups. We love these rocks glasses and use them for coffee in the morning or a cocktail while watching the sunset. They are durable, multi-use and perfect for any traveller.

Projector

A lot of vanlifers don’t have tvs. This mini projector is awesome because it’s space saving and just imagine an outdoor movie projected on the side of the van in the middle of the forest. EPIC!

Annual National Parks Pass

The best gift for any vanlifer. Most vanlifers we know already have this, but since it is annual you may have to ask them first whether they have one or need a new one soon.

Pakt Travel Backpack

Yes Pakt has made it on this list twice because we love this company and their products. If you’re looking to support a smaller, more sustainable brand then look no further. This bag is perfect for the traveler/ nomad in your life. We love the minimalist design, and how thought out this bag is. Everything from the separate waterproof compartment, to the secret pockets and detachable fanny pack – we could go on and on. Definitely check them out. They currently have a holiday sale going on with 25% off plus use our code HUNTER5 for an additional discount!

Catan/ Compact Board Games

Since many vanlifers don’t have tv or for those times you’re in the middle of a national forest without wifi or even just a rainy day, games are a must. But compact games are even better since we are in such a small space and limited to what we bring into it.

Kindle

Perfect for the minimalist book lover. We love the Kindle Paperwhite because it’s waterproof – great for the beach!

Audible

Know someone who loves podcasts? Then they will probably love audible. Which happens to be most vanlifers since we’re doing a lot of driving.

Skateboard

A skateboard or some other type of transportation is a great way to get around town without bringing the van. Just park the van somewhere and get out and explore. Or its just for fun – a lot of vanlifers are all about experiences. This lifestyle is all about slowing down, enjoying the simple things in life, getting out trying new things or picking up new hobbies.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Cause what is better than listening to some tunes around a campfire?!

Harvest Hosts Membership

The perfect gift for anyone traveling in a van, rv, skoolie! Rather than staying at a campground, you can stay at any of the wineries, breweries, farms in the network. It gives you a fun and unique stay and is A LOT cheaper than a campground – it basically pays for itself in 2 visits! Use our link to get 15% off!

We hope you found this post helpful. Obviously gas gift cards are nice but sometimes you want to give gifts that can be opened on Christmas day not just gift cards. A vanlifer, nomad, minimalist usually just wants things that will be useful if not experiences!

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