Mini Van Ideas

[TWIH]

Thanks Heidi and MN C Van for the replies.  What Heidi said about the full-sized conversion van being a target in a highly dense urban area vs the anonymity of the minivan is what I have thought about for a while. Every time I see a cargo or passenger full-sized van in the neighbourhoods I frequent it stands out so much, while the 6-8 minivans parked along the street are totally ignored.

That’s a reason I can’t see mounting the rigid-framed solar panels on the roof like MN C Van posted, it’s way too different looking for a urban neighbor to not notice. Noticing = bad.

The fact that Heidi powered a fridge off of an alternator/solenoid setup suggests a fair amount of driving or idling needed daily. Of course the PNW is hardly what we would call “prime” solar territory, especially during the winter months. 

Sigh, always problems with every choice.

You’re also correct that living “in” vs “out” of a minivan is very difficult. I’d be just as miserable trying to spend any waking hours in my Prius, there’s no room to do anything but sleep. That’s why I stay in urban areas so as to have options to fill the hours of the day when not working.

In summary, glad for you Heidi that a trailer is working out for you. Probably your best choice for now.
Thanks MN C Van for the picture of the solar panels on the roof of your minivan. As can be seen there’s no room for any kind of vent, and installing a traditional 14x14 roof vent would be another giveaway...  It works if you are a rural or BLM/Forest Service area camper but that’s about it.

As for me, the search continues.