Trials and Tribulations

Hi Friends.

While we are having fun out here on the road, I want to be transparent. There are some challenges that we’ve had to overcome and figure out on the fly. I’m sure it’s something that’s going to happen from time to time. Hopefully, we’ll become better at troubleshooting and figuring it out.

This week – we had an issue with our batteries.

Let me explain: cloud cover doesn’t work well with these batteries. We need the sun for our solar panels to give us power. The solar panel is currently charging our fridge and giving us access to a power strip and a separate USB outlet so we have the capability to charge our laptops, phones, and other devices. It’s very important that it’s functioning so we can continue to work on the road. It also allows us the freedom to work from parks or other places, instead of strictly coffee shops.

What we were advised to do by the people who sold us the van was unplug the fridge and utilize ice. This would save the battery for the rest of your appliances. That solution might work if we were going to mainly be in places that get a ton of sun. However, we are planning on spending a significant amount of time in the pacific northwest.

We talked to a few different people who know a thing or two about batteries and have now decided to make some changes for the better. We are going to upgrade our system, so we won’t have those issues anymore. It’s a little expensive, but it’s worth it not to have to worry about our devices or fridge.

We’ve also been adjusting to housekeeping that’s specific to van life instead of houseliving. For example, having to worry about our gray water along with when and where to dump it. We’ve had it overflow on us once before because it filled up faster than we expected. Not ideal for when you’re trying to do dishes but no more water can go down the sink. Luckily, we learn by doing. Now we are extra vigilant about that, and will check it every other day and dump when needed.

It’s all a learning process and we’re glad to be experiencing it and figuring it out together. Travis and I work really well together as a team. We’re also both happy that this type of thing is happening now instead of when we may be out in the middle of nowhere. We will be pros by that point.

Last but not least – the header image is of a cicada that flew onto our bed moments ago when we had the back doors open while we were working. I’m proud to say I didn’t freak out. For those of you who know my fear of flying bugs – you know how big of a deal that is.

Let’s Discuss! Comment Below:

• Were you also plagued by cicadas being everywhere?
• Would you prefer to have more affordable batteries that might not work as well, or splurge and get high-quality batteries that are expensive but you never have issues?
• What is one of your fears?