Vanlife

It’s more than just a hashtag! Here are a few helpful tips so you can live your very best #vanlife!

Diesel - Diesel only in the van! It’s the green hose/pump!

Video - Watch this video before your arrival. It’s a bit long, but well worth it. It’s a great overview of all the systems in the van. Handy for troubleshooting too.

A/C - The rear rooftop A/C unit requires you be plugged-in to a 30-amp power source to operate. As it can be HOT here, especially in the summer months, this is important to understand. Electricity service is offered at all RV Parks and spots within some campgrounds, such as Dead Horse Point. Be sure to ask if 30-amp power is available at your site. I also have a gas generator. I rarely use it, but it can be a good option to have. In a pinch, you can always start up the van and use the A/C up front to cool off. If it’s looking like it’s going to be hot, I typically head for the hills. There are some good campsites in the La Sals and Southwest Colorado is also quite nice!

Campsites - What do you envision? A major consideration is what type of restroom facilities you desire. I think most BLM campgrounds are the sweet spot. They are typically well spread-out, are first-come, first-served and have basic amenities such as a picnic table, fire pit, and a pit toilet. A couple of my favorites are the Cowboy Campground off of Highway 313 and Juniper Campground in the Sand Flats area. The early bird gets the worm! Some of the more established campgrounds, such as Horsethief, have more established facilities and can be reserved ahead of time at the recreation.gov site. I recommend at least two nights per campsite. Otherwise, you’re constantly packing and unpacking - the idea is to relax a little bit! If you’re seeing that all the campsites are reserved online, let me know. Also, there are tons of “dispersed” sites (no amenities) along Mineral Bottom road. Part of the fun is exploring and finding your campsite.

Bike Rack - I have a RockyMounts Backstage bike rack. It’s ideal for the van as it swings to the side and allows you to access your gear in the back. Please confirm if you would like to use it. The rack is included with the van rental. I can also recommend a bike shop for rentals or advise on trails. I like to ride the green/blue trails and have ridden many of the easier trails in the Southwest.

Refrigerator/Freezer - The van has one of those little combo refrigerators with a freezer compartment up top. I use the fridge just for refrigeration. I have a Dometic cooler that is ideal for ice and items that must stay frozen. It’s big, but is the way to go if you need frozen stuff.

Groceries - Go to the Village Market. A little spendier, but way less hectic.

Shoes - Get some Vans slip-ons and unleash your inner Spicoli! Super-handy for easily taking your shoes on-and-off as you go in-and-out of the van. You’ll track way less dirt in if you do. I like to keep the van closed-up to keep out bugs, dust/dirt and campfire smoke. I think it’s pretty much the perfect shoe – so many great colors and patterns to choose from too.

The Potty - The potty/shower closet is what is known in RV parlance as a “wet bath” and is all together in one little room. Those over 6’ will probably need to crouch down a bit to take an indoor shower. There is also a shower hook-up in the rear to take a “swimsuit shower” outdoors if weather permits. Pack a medium-sized bath towel. The toilet uses water and empties into a 5-gallon “cassette” – an RV term for what is pretty much a poo suitcase that can be emptied into any toilet. For obvious reasons, I strongly recommend that the toilet only be used for #1, and only #2 in emergencies! If you do use the potty, there is a gauge, but I recommend you empty the cassette often. That is a major reason why I recommend BLM campgrounds as there are established restroom facilities. Restrooms can also be found at many trailheads. As an added bonus, I will empty the cassette if it’s just #1 upon your return. If you drop a deuce in it, it’s on you to deal with! I’ve heard the Shell and Maverick gas stations have nice bathrooms! ;)

Water - The van has about 20-gallons of fresh water capacity. I drink it. It goes fast. Watch the gauges and your water consumption. You’ll probably need to fill it up every 2-3 days. It’s easy to do. The grey water tank is about the same size and I usually just find a tree that looks thirsty in the desert to water. You can also empty it at Dump Stations. Also, as an added bonus, I can empty the grey water tank upon your return. You are also welcome to fill-up the water tank at the house if you’re in the area - just shoot me a text and let me know you’re coming.

Washboard - Oftentimes the gravel roads can get washboarded pretty badly. The best way to proceed is to take a deep breath and go slow. Wave any tailgaters by and tune into the Tom Petty channel. ;)

Traffic - Tranquilo is the only way to travel but traffic can get pretty gnarly in the Spring and Fall. Go to a stoplight instead of trying to take a left across Main Street.

Trash - You’ll find a paper bag and plastic bags behind the passenger seat. I like to put a plastic bag inside the paper bag for trash. Keep the desert pristine!

Sleeping -  A small, lightweight double sleeping bag is ideal. Pack two standard-sized pillow cases, and I can provide the pillows.

Yoga - What could be better than doing yoga in the desert? If you have an interest, just let me know.

Shipping: Feel free to ship anything in advance directly to me. FYI, Google has the pin in the wrong place. Keep going up the hill, it’s on the left.

Josh Lewis
1890 Desert Hills Dr.
Moab UT 84532

Questions? Just ask – I’m here to help!