Full-Time Living in a Simple Suburban Setup: Downsizing from Van Life

Transitioning from Van Life to Suburban Living

• 🚐 Mike shares his experience switching from a van to a 1990s Chevy Suburban for full-time nomadic living.
• 📸 He chose the Suburban for its rugged capabilities, essential for his work as a traveling photographer, finding vans too limited.
• 💡 The move involved downsizing and simplifying, leading him to realize he needed far less than he initially thought, even discarding items from his Suburban build.

Suburban Build and Modifications

• 🛠️ The interior was completely stripped and rebuilt by a friend, focusing on functionality and maximizing space.
• 💧 A key modification is the water storage system mounted on the door using a welded battery tray and belts, a practical solution for essential needs.
• 🍳 The cooking area is modular, allowing it to be unbolted and moved for access from inside or outside, or even used with a portable card table.
• 🔌 Storage solutions include compartments for utensils, tools, and dry goods, emphasizing that compartmentalization and real estate are key.

Power and Resource Management

• 🔋 Mike eliminated his refrigerator due to high power consumption, which was draining 25% of his battery overnight even with solar.
• ☀️ With only 200 watts of solar, he relies on an Igloo cooler for perishable items, significantly improving his power efficiency.
• 💡 The interior is insulated with burlap, chosen for its loose weave to help distribute condensation and prevent moisture absorption.
• ⚡ A 1200-watt power supply is used, with only 10% consumed overnight for charging devices, demonstrating the impact of removing the refrigerator.

Heating and Comfort

• 🔥 For warmth, Mike uses a heating pad under the bed, plugged in overnight at a low wattage (56 watts/hour on high setting), avoiding propane use inside.
• 💨 He notes that Suburbans retain heat well due to their smaller interior space compared to vans, making them easier and quicker to heat.
• ❄️ The Wave 3 heater is also available but considered almost overkill, capable of roasting him out on its lowest setting.

Essential Utilities and Tools

• 🚽 For restroom needs, Mike uses a portable toilet when camping and a Planet Fitness membership when near a city.
• 🚿 A pressurized water system is used for personal cleaning, utilizing an electric tea kettle to heat water and a spray bottle with interchangeable mist or stream settings.
• 🧰 Storage in the rear passenger door includes items like a YouTube tripod, breaker bar, axe, and shovel, essential tools for off-road living and self-sufficiency.