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Living Full-Time in a Toyota Tacoma

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Living Full-Time in a Toyota Tacoma

I had no interest in vans. I wanted a vehicle that I could get into trouble with, and I was happy sacrificing comfort for it. So I invested in a 2015 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab and added a three-inch lift and all-terrain tires. Tacomas are the pinnacle of reliability, and when they eventually break down, their parts are close to universal. Almost any small-town mechanic can fix one.

Next I took the hardest step toward truck life: giving my stuff away. Pretty much all of it. Many vanlifers keep a storage unit filled with valuable possessions, but this contradicted my dream of simplicity. My closest friends were rewarded for it like kings. I limited myself exclusively to stuff that fit in the truck, from camping gear to books, tools, electronics, and a small kitchen. As I’ve progressively optimized for longer out-of-office e-mail and fewer showers, I’ve gotten more judicious about what comes along.

Why are RVs so poorly made? – Curbed

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Why are RVs so poorly made? – Curbed

The rule, typically, is don’t buy a new RV. If you buy a new RV, you’re going to be sitting in a dealership for two years getting it fixed.

I've never had much interest in RVs or real truck campers, it just seems like a lot of stuff to go wrong and break. Plus who needs all those curtans, padding, and fake wood paneling made out of formaldehyde?

Honeywell Redi-line Electric Generator Inverter DA14L-1600 watts

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Back in the day before pure sine wave inverters, motor-generators were sometimes used to convert DC from batteries into alternating current with units like these. They weren't real efficient, and required a decent current draw before they'd even spin up.

Not many camping options in the Catskills

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I do wish there was more roadside camping opportunities in the Catskills. I had forgotten how great the views are from Hunter Mountain and even driving through the Western Catskills. There are some nice hikes too but heading back to Schoharie County to roadside camp is a bit of a drag – and I’m not interested in campgrounds with all their restrictions.

Clothes Pins

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For when I go out to the Finger Lakes, I am going to make sure to bring clothes pins. I think that might be a much easier way to hang flags rather then using bungee cords, and would make flag spacing easier. Plus it’s good for drying clothes properly, rather then just throwing them over the line.

Flags

Spring Camping Trip Was it Worth It.

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The spring camping trip – was it worth it?

NY 8

Wednesday through Friday was my spring camping trip up to the East Branch of the Sacanadaga River. It was nice to get out there, but like so many of my trips lately, I have to wonder if they are worthwhile. It’s not like it’s my first time up there, and while it was the first time I made it to the end of the East Branch Gorge Trail and fully explored Fox Lair, it seems like an awful lot of work for not a lot of reward.

Packing – shopping – driving – unpacking all go into making the trip a success. Which except for the rain on Friday was pretty good, but these trips do cost a lot of money, and I’m kind of bored with camping. I should investigate other alternatives — new things to do, new things to see. I guess I had a good time, but I’m ready for something new. But I just need to figure out what that new thing is.

It’s Awesome that Tractor Supply Sells Propane by the Gallon

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One of the best things I’ve discovered is that most Tractor Supply locations sell propane by the gallon. This means, any time I am heading out for a weekend, and I notice the tank is getting a bit light, I will top off the tank so I don’t risk running out of propane. Bulk propane refilled in a 20 lb tank is affordable, and the tanks last for decade, so that means a lot of cooking, light, and heat up at camp without a lot of waste.

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