Tag: vanlife

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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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Insulation

Havelock Wool – Improves indoor air quality, manages moisture, absorbs sound.

Polyisocynurate Foam Board – PolyIso has the highest R-value per inch of any rigid board insulation. We installed this on the ceiling and window panels along the sides of the van.

Spray Foam – The rocker panels in the Promaster are known for water getting in. We really wanted to use wool throughout our whole build but after it rained we ended up taking out the wool from the rocker panels to check, and it was indeed wet. So we used spray foam instead to fill all the rocker panels and to act as a sealant.

Kilmat Sound Deadening – We put kilmat on the ceiling to help reduce rain noise. You will need a roller for this product, you can get the one we used here.

Bubble Reflectix – We used reflectix as an extra layer and vapor barrior on top of all the insulation. We also put this under our subfloor instead of foam to save the most headroom space. If we used foam board on the floor and ceiling, Ethan wouldn’t be able to stand up straight (he’s 5’8).

Reflectix Tape

Silicone – We wanted to keep water out as much as possible. We used silicone throughout the van whenever we saw a hole. If you have a Promaster be sure to check around the wheel wells and seal anywhere you can see daylight.

Spray Adhesive – We used this to stick the foam, wool and reflectix on the walls, ceiling and floor.

Rustoleum – When we were pulling off the wall panels that came in the van, it left behind some scratches. We painted any bare metal showing throughout the van so no rust occurs.

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    Windows

    CRL 2014+ OEM Design ‘All-Glass’ Look Ram ProMaster Passenger Side Sliding Door T-Vent Window

    CRL 2014+ OEM Design ‘All-Glass’ Look Ram ProMaster Van Fixed Window Right Rear Door

    CRL 2014+ OEM Design ‘All-Glass’ Look Ram ProMaster Van Fixed Window Left Rear Door

    Driver Side Universal Van Bunk Window 33-7/8″ x 10-7/8″

    You’ll need the bottom two products for installing the back fixed windows. This is what CRL recommends.

    CRL One Step Primer for CRL/Somaca Series Urethanes

    CRL/Somaca Hi-Viscosity Auto Glass Urethane Adhesive

    Tools Used:

    DEWALT 12-Volt Max 1/4-Inch Impact Driver

    Bosch Jig Saw

    Filer

    Tape

    Rustoleum

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    Fan Installation

    A vent fan is a necessity in a van especially for us since we have a shower as well as a stove/oven. This MaxxAir fan is awesome because it has different settings that can suck air out or in and comes with a little remote so you can set your temperature!

    What you’ll need:

    MaxxAir Fan Deluxe w/ Remote

    Butyl Seal Tape

    GE Silicone 2+ Window & Door Caulk, 10.1 Oz. Tube, Clear

    Scotch Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape

    2 Inch GRK Trim Head Screws

    Tools Used:

    DEWALT 12-Volt Max 1/4-Inch Impact Driver

    DEWALT 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch Drill Driver

    Bosch Jig Saw

    Swanson Framing Square

    Swanson Speed Square

    Pro Tip:

    Make sure to vacuum EVERYWHERE as you go and right after the cut – this is VERY important as rust can develop from those tiny metal shards! Also tape up a trash bag where you are going to be cutting the hole, this will help reduce metal shards from getting everywhere inside your van.

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    DIY Promaster Roof Rack

    Yup that’s right. We made our own rack for our solar panels for under $300! And we didn’t put ANY holes in the roof!

    What you’ll need:

    [ 8 ] Vantech® H45-46S – Top and Bottom Adaptor Kit

    [ 4 ] 2-Hole Flat Straight Strut Bracket

    [ 2 ] 4-Hole Flat Straight Strut Bracket

    [ 8 ] VPC 3/8 in. Galvanized Spring Nut

    [ 16 ] 1/4 SAE Stainless Steel Flat Washer

    [ 16 ] 3/8 in. Stainless Steel Flat Washer

    [ 16 ] 3/8 in. Stainless Steel Split Lock Washer

    [ 2 ] 10 ft. 14-Gauge Silver Electro-Galvanized Strut Channel

    Home Depot

    Rustoleum matte black finish for auto 

    Instructions for Installing Rack:

    1. Prime one coat on each side of all components.
    2. Apply two coats of paint on each side of all components.
    3. Insert bolts, provided with your van tech roof mounts, into your bottom brackets pointing upwards.
    4. Slide mount bottoms on to the first, second, third, and fourth knobs located on the roof of your promaster.
    5. Place mount tops on to the mount bottoms.
    6. Place strut channel onto your brackets (There will be 4″ of over hang on the front or back depending on which end you choose to flush your strut with).
    7. Place washers onto each bolt, then tighten nuts down with socket wrench.

    Instructions for Installing Solar Panels onto Rack:

    *Note: We use these Renogy Solar Panels

    1. Mark out, on your solar panels, where they are going to land on the strut channels.
    2. Drill each mark on you panels with a 1/8″ drill bit, then drill again with a 1/4″ drill bit, and finally drill once more with a 1/2″ drill bit.
    3. put locking washers then flat washers onto the carriage bolts.
    4. Fasten two of the 2 hole square washers to the back most holes of the rear solar panel using the 3/8″ carriage bolts and nuts. (Each square washer must be fastened to the bottoms of the panel)
    5. Fasten the last of the 2 hole square washers to the forward most holes of the front solar panel with 3/8″ carriage bolts and nuts.
    6. Carry your solar panels to the roof and plug in your positive and negative connections.
    7. Fasten the 4 hole square washers to the front most holes of the rear panel, and the back most holes of the front panel connecting them together.
    8. Line up the spring nuts on the inside of the strut channel with the center of each hole of you square washers.
    9. Place a locking washer then a flat washer onto each of the 3/8″ hex bolts.
    10. Fasten the panels down running the 3/8″ hex bolts through the square wasters into the spring nuts with a socket wrench.
    11. Give yourself a high five; you now have one of the main components of solar power!
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