Innovative Minimalist
Eric Talaska - Eco Neato
Living and Traveling Full-Time in a Nimble
20' long Custom Campervan / Motorhome

Current Location: JBLM, Washington

Plan to go to southern Arizona / New Mexico for winter,
Colorado and Montana areas for summer, 2019

Tippy companion dog: Age 14.3 (have had 14 years): 100% blind and diabetic but good quality of life with special home made meals, insulin injections and frequent attention. Beagle-Whippet mix life expectancy is 12-15 years. His cognition is extremely good and has no pain as reasons won't put down despite pressure from some; actually better than those who recommended he be put down!
 

Innovative Campervan Main Features

• Solar Powered Major Appliances
  • 6k BTU Air conditioner: All day operation for free without shore power grid assistance
  • Induction stove: (no propane) allows cooking for free
  • 4.7cf refrigerator (solar charged battery runs it at at night)
• 50' solar heated water hose mounted on aluminum reel, enclosed in aluminum box; use to wash vehicle, take shower, wash dog, wash bottom of shoes, etc. Also serves as system accumulator tank.
• Diesel heater runs from existing diesel tank for main engine (no engine running required)
• Rear skylight under semi-translucent solar panels (panels block all heat, but allow light)
• Ultra high mount small glass windows for best privacy and least heat
• Folding steps and handles on both sides to clean solar panels / store surf board without a bulky ladder
• Hydraulic sit/stand desk - is healthier than only sitting

Stealthy or Not?
My van looks extremely unusual and gets a lot of attention. This was not my intention. Everything on the outside has a utilitarian purpose and is not placed there to get attention, especially since I prefer to be stealthy; however I obviously prefer purpose over stealth. Nonetheless, many would consider the utility items stealthy because the vehicle looks like it has a utility purpose (research, utility work, etc.).

FAQs

What's in the Boxes on the Back? How are They Mounted?

• One box has a 50' black rubber hose connected to the in house plumbing I use to wash the vehicle, wash the dog or take a shower. If the hose is left in the sun, there will be a few minutes of hot/warm water. The hose is on an aluminum, permanently mounted reel.
  
• The long box at the bottom stores vehicle levels that get dirty I don't want inside.
• The other boxes are for misc. storage of low value, light weight items.
• The boxes help the air conditioner blend in for better stealth; air conditioner painted to match.
• One box has a cellular antennae mounted to the corner as to not pick up its amplified signal inside.
• All boxes and contents help provide some added sound insulation and collision protection.
• All boxes are bolted to the back doors.
• At first, only one box was mounted to house a small generator to power the former roof air conditioner, etc. Then it was used to hold up the door mounted air conditioner. Now it's not used for either purpose. I have rearranged the boxes many times to experiment with different configurations.

How is Driving a Diesel Burning Van Eco Friendly?

• This van promotes clean, renewable solar power via demonstration example and eco website. The innovative setup is also applicable to tiny homes. A free how to guide is published on this site.
• When I drive, my batteries used for cooking, etc. charge via the alternator. I can even have something cooking via alternator power while driving.
• I am forced to be a minimalist and only buy what I have to have due to limited space vs. house, etc. I have to conserve energy / make sure all electronics are as efficient as possible and conserve water.
• I have to live somewhere. It's either this, an apartment on the grid which I hate or a house on a concrete foundation on the grid that required destruction of the environment the size of land it took up.
• The fuel efficiency exceeds that of any hybrid car or SUV when you factor interior room.
• Government regulations / voters and full campgrounds force me to keep moving frequently unless I stay in a monthly RV park which I hate due to how those sites have no privacy and are in a noisy, urban setting. I would love to stay put in one peaceful place such as a park, but government regulations won't allow it. Our government is forcing me to burn fuel a lot more than necessary, for example, I often leave a noisy campground during the day to hang out in a more peaceful park, but then the government requires me to drive back to the noisy, smoky campground I don't even want to be at! It's quite a huge waste because the government / voters think I'm too much of a risk to be in a park at night! Bad things happen in campgrounds, hotels and especially HOUSES too, but they don't ever close those at night!
  • Churches destroyed millions of acres of natural habitats to install parking lots only used a few hours a week. Those lots would be perfect for me to spend the nights on, but apparently "their" God(s) are not powerful enough to prevent me from damaging(?) something there, so the lots are wasted space most of the time. No wildlife, no non-member people allowed!
• I will gladly switch to a van that uses renewable energy when available and affordable.
• I will also gladly switch to a suitable eco-friendly house or tiny home close to amenities I need if you want to buy me one ;) and I'll even ride a bike.

What's the MPG? 17 to 23 depending on driving situation. I have a very heavy load; 8,000 lbs total.

What does Eco Neato mean? It simply sends the message that being eco/green is neat.

Living Space

• Storage: 37%
• Bed: 30%
• Sit / stand desk, chair and printer: 15%
• Sink, tank, plumbing and stove: 11%
• 4.7 cubic foot fridge: 7%

Will I go Crazy in Small Space? No. By far most van dwellers and even couples who live in smaller vans are very happy. I installed many windows for good views of nature - much better than most offices. My van is tall enough to allow me, 6'4", to stand. I am outside quite a lot walking, etc.

Do I get bored? No.
What do I do for entertainment and with my free time?  I walk a lot with my dog and now nurse him. I spend a lot of time watching science, etc. videos online. It takes a lot of time to maintain and keep the van clean inside and out.

How Does Dog Like It? He has been very happy.

Do I get lonely? Yes, but used to it; only interested in rare like minded, smart and clean friends.

• Am I Willing to Meet Strangers? Yes. No smoking, heavy drinking or controlled substances.

How Do I Entertain / Keep Guests Comfortable?

• A night guest could sleep across the front seats with a pad in the middle. All front windows can be covered well. There is a privacy curtain separating livings spaces. Or set up a tent, etc.
• Swivel bucket seat. Small tables. Outdoor chairs, one that rocks. High quality hammock.
• Unlimited internet WiFi with cellular signal booster, outside charge ports for USB and 110V.
• Hydraulic sit-stand desk, 24" TV with side vision and even a printer.
• Commercial free music, front and rear bluetooth high quality speakers.
• Two long range radios for communication where no cellular.
• Deep tissue powered kneading massager and rolling wood foot massager.
• Comfortable diesel heat and solar powered air conditioning; many fans and vents. HEPA air filter.
• Throw toys to play catch anywhere. Dog to pet, but too old to play with.
• Healthy treats and meals. Lots of refrigerator room. Filtered drinking water. Induction stove.
• Safety: 24/7 outside surveillance recording. Self-defense weapon options.
• The interior is beautifully decorated for a relaxing feel. There are many high-mount privacy windows.

 
What do I Eat / Cook? Mostly raw health food: I heat or cook veggies, etc. lightly in olive. I eat a lot of organic apples. I eat nuts. I pick wild food when available and practical (usually in Washington and Oregon). I take many supplements. I distrust the food industry, especially restaurants.

Where Shower / Use Toilet? Campgrounds, Planet Fitness and few other places; have flushing and composting toilets in vehicle. I have a portable propane shower kit for use when in forest / BLM land a longer time.

Finances

• Continual Income: Investments and Army retirement; no social security or state funds
  
• Monthly Costs: Ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on campgrounds, maintenance, etc. I do not itemize or keep close track of my budget. I simply buy what I want and need.
• Can I afford a House? Yes. I choose this lifestyle until I find the right house. I might not ever live in a house or rent again.
• Would I Consider Buying a Larger RV? Yes, but only what my van can tow because I always want to use my van for daily use. The largest RV my van can practically tow for long distances is a tandem axle bumper pull trailer about 20' long.

How Much Stuff Do I Own? I donated most to thrift stores and relatives. Everything I own fits in this 20' long van! :) I'm a true minimalist.

Internet: Verizon BeyondUnlimited slows after 15GB of usage per device; use tablet as hotspot to computer; all devices receive amplified cellular signal from a Weboost system. Cell and tablet for around $130 (military discount).

Full Time Nomad? Yes; I live in the campervan full time. I avoid hotels / B-Bs due to cost, germs, bed bugs, filth, smells, noise, break-ins / staff thefts, hidden cameras! and reservation inconveniences.

• Why Spend so Much Time in California? California has a lot of problems: Expensive, crowded, crime, fires, drought, floods, earthquakes, etc. I am there a lot because of the ocean beaches, amenities, warmer winters, diverse culture and tourist attractions. It's conveniently straight south from my summer hang-outs of Oregon and Washington. I can hang around the most expensive and beautiful areas cheap.
• Where I Camp: About 90% mostly fee based national park/forest and state campgrounds, 5% free urban parking (usually lots), 5% other or stealth
  • It's very rare I camp in a typical private campground or RV park due to extreme costs, tight sites and rules. I made a large effort to shop for one or more campsites to buy, but the HOA fees and restrictions are deal killers.
• Future Location / Plans: Frequent migrations; environmental advocacy / YouTube videos focus
• USA travel: All states including Alaska, but not yet Hawaii; Foreign: Belgium, Germany, Canada, Mexico
• Favorite Places: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Benson Sculpture Garden, Colorado, Sedona, Arizona, Mount Rainier, Washington, Olympic National Park, Washington, Hunter Springs Park, Florida
• Where I Would Live / Buy a House: Unknown. Significant pros & cons everywhere. Requirements: Safe, quiet, shaded walking trail.
• How long Living on the Road Full Time? Since July, 2015

Lifestyle Pros

• Lowest carbon footprint (barely) allowed in the USA except tiny home / earthship; No generator or shore power required despite using diesel fuel to move or heat; Governments won't allow sustainable, off grid tiny home or RV where want to live close to amenities
• Live many lives / explore many cultural areas; beautiful campsite settings without dealing with nasty, inconvenient and expensive hotels
• Meet new people
• Nimble motorhome allows me to have all my stuff, take nap, cook, etc. anywhere I go; no worry about other place or vehicle
• Save money by finding cheap or free overnight parking and campgrounds
• Don't impose on anybody, have my own dwelling, need only small parking spot
• Always had problems with neighbors; couldn't afford home in suitable neighborhood; hate apartments and landlords
• Explore before things get even more crowded and expensive, especially regarding California
• Usually don't have to make reservations when traveling; many overnight options
• Survivalist; bug-out vehicle; quickly escape problem areas and natural disasters
• Easily migrate to good weather

Lifestyle Cons

• Toxic neighbor campfire smoke and other sources of air and noise pollution from generators, etc.
• In free camp or parking areas, any jerk can pull right up to your vehicle and do what they want.
• Filthy, crowded, expensive, inconvenient laundromats often located in ghetto areas.
• People call police for parking near their residence, etc. during the day and evening. They lie, claiming I spent nights there. I tell the police to go interrogate the complainer for wasting police resources.
• Logistics
  • Campgrounds are often full, inaccurate and incomplete online campsite, etc. info; can't practically book ahead due to other issues:
  • Medical appointments far apart in space and time
  • Incompetent postal service (all carriers); Amazon won't let me know carrier until shipped. About 20% of all mail is extremely! difficult to receive and requires strategic, detailed planning. There have been many cases where the mail was attempted to be delivered, but somebody made a mistake, didn't understand "general delivery", required a signature, etc.
  • Incompetent vehicle service centers, especially regarding a Mercedes diesel
• Almost everywhere I park or camp is very unlevel / uncomfortable lean; often have to build up levels to an extreme; It's very annoying that I often go to parks, etc. and am restricted to park in certain spots that are unlevel, filthy or no solar and I see a great place to park that is level, I can get better solar, has grass for my dog, etc. but the rules won't allow me to park there. It's often the case I'm assigned to a campsite with a bad neighbor (noisy, smoking, etc.) and I see a better place, but rangers won't let me move there. Many places I am restricted to park all I see out my windows are reflections from vehicles, filthy people, etc.
• Tiny living space; extremely limited storage (but also nice to have everything in reach, easy clean)
• No DSL internet; some areas no service at all; most areas have 4G which is good enough, but get throttled down after using so much data; throttle down is often very crippling until the billing cycle resets.
• Earthquake conditions while driving; have to super secure everything
• Everything / everywhere is getting more crowded, competitive and expensive.
• No yard for dog; have to spend much time finding grassy area and waiting on the leashed dog.

 
What if No Sun for Solar? Even when rainy or cloudy there is usually sometime during the day my batteries charge via solar, but on rare days of extreme rain, shade or clouds where I run out, I idle my engine or drive for about 10 minutes to recharge good. I'd rather do that every rare once in a while than lug around and deal with a generator like I used to.

What if Vehicle is Inoperable? Hotel for several weeks or I have a backup tent shelter, pad, portable solar, etc. so that I can sleep at a campsite. I can use Uber to and from hotel and campsite or rent a car.

Nomadic Lifestyle Surprises and Rants

• Extremely difficult to make new, like-minded friends anywhere (in my case). They are too busy and distracted these days.
  • I choose to reject a lot of people who are willing to be friends because they may be burdensome.
  • Extremely difficult to regain popularity I once had on the Internet. People are distracted by billions of other people and websites online.
  • I'm working a lot towards posting higher quality videos and content, but search engines aren't respecting.
  • No single woman I met and showed interest in wants to join me; most would rather work full time for someone else and deal with city stresses.
  • Lots of people I meet online or in person with similar lifestyle are extremely arrogant in that they have figured everything out and need no advice.
• Extremely challenging, often impossible to find legal, free, long term overnight parking
  • All levels of government are very anti nomad; all land is tightly restricted by governments and private ownership
• Many unimpressive (not in a scenic park, noisy area, crowded, no utilities, etc.) campgrounds are expensive
  • At least half of all campsites are terribly sloped; no effort to level them
    • Nobody makes levels large enough to accommodate many sloped campsites and parking areas
  • Upon reserving and marking a campsite, if not occupied by around 6pm, others try to steal the site almost every time
• At least half of all campgrounds unsuitably located close to train tracks, highways and slopes (unlevel). The more expensive, private "RV Parks" are almost always lacking in privacy and located in noisy areas.
• Places that are rated by credible sources as being environmentally friendly are far, far from it in reality.
  • Everywhere I see trash in recycling bins and recyclables in trash bins.
  • It's astonishing how much product (over) packaging and shipping boxes with bubble wrap, etc. I have tossed in recycling bins or trash bins if no recycling available nearby (which is common).
• No manufacturer or distributor of products I use for innovative installations are interested in sponsoring, etc. Examples:
  • Solar powered air conditioner (Frigidaire, Grape Solar have been contacted; no response)
• The amount of trash I, one person, generates is astonishing due to how most products are over-packaged. Recycling is neglected due to how people put trash in recycle bins and recyclables in trash bins.
• There are some very expensive bridge and road tolls that don't make sense and somebody is filthy rich from
• Southern CA, etc. claims to have indefinite severe water shortages. They should not allow new construction then! Also would help to fix the millions of plumbing leaks!
• I have lived on the west coast and Alaska for many years and never yet felt an earthquake. I am very aware the west coast is overdue for a devastating earthquake likely worse than anything recorded before. Since I live in a portable all-in-one survival box on wheels that can sustain shaking, I would most likely be much better off than those in houses; it would depend on where exactly I am during the event, road damage near me and whether there are dangerous people near me.

My First Camper Van Conversion

• 2005 Honda Odyssey (mini van) in late 2015. I installed a generator on the rear and a portable air conditioner inside (the first to do that). I'm 6'4 and lived in it with my medium sized dog for a half year. I had to put much in storage due to space limitations.

My Second, Current Camper Van (Class B Fully Self-Contained RV mostly due to permanent, flushable toilet)
  This vehicle gets a lot of attention (many people stop, stare and talk about).

• Coolest, most unusual features  (see top of this page)
• Sprinter Van upfit to RV cost: About $7,000 in RV related premium parts only.
• How Long to Upfit: About 2.5 years part time; took me from February, 2016 to June, 2018.
• How Did I Attain the Skills? When I was around 13 to 16 I did some serious motorcycle mechanic work on junky bikes which required problem solving and improvisation skills. Since then I've done the same with vehicle mechanical work. From 1996 to 2000 I spent a log of effort inventing, developing, designing and testing inline skate brake systems. I spent hundreds of hours scouring hardware stores. From 2004 to 2008 I remodeled a house 98% on my own.
• Will not do for others, but willing to sell existing and build new for self. See ad. I bought the van empty (except roof mounted A/C and 15A service which I removed) and did all the conversion work myself.
• Would I Build One for Someone Else? Sorry, no, too much work; but I provide tutorials (text, photos and videos).
• Did I Do All the Work Myself? Yes I did with no physical help from anyone. I did it all in the public, mostly parks and parking lots (did not have my own place). My dog Tippy was cooperative, patient and tolerant.
• Year, make, model: 2007 Dodge Sprinter (made by Mercedes) 144" WB, 20.5' long, high roof - Recommend? Yes
• Engine: 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel, No DEF (no diesel exhaust fluid) Recommend? Yes
  • Reports indicate the 4 cylinder twin turbo struggles uphills and on highways and doesn't get better fuel economy except in city
  • V6 Turbo Diesel MPG: 20 combined average (17 to 23 range)
• Solar: 3x180W (540W) panels, 40A DC MPPT charge controller; powers air conditioner all day (no generator)
• Most Unique Feature: Solar powered air conditioner; 6k BTU, 12.2 EER, 3.8A AC, 30A DC
• Batteries: 2x6V in series for 12V 260aH rare Mastervolt (imported from Netherlands) AGM
• What I Need Help With (van)
  • Split or DC powered air conditioner that consumes less than 500 Watts
  • All rear door storage boxes to be keyed the same

Biggest Changes in Nomadic Lifestyle

• Started by living in a Prius for a few weeks, then a minivan a half year, now the Sprinter van since Feb. 2016.
• Before freshwater holding tank, lugged around 5 gallon jugs and went to Walmart, etc. to refill. Now have large holding tank and built in filtration.
• Before the solar air conditioner:
  1. I would drive around a lot looking for a shaded place to park with the consequence of less solar charging and annoying tree sap, bird droppings, leaves and twigs on my paint, solar panels and windshield. Now I seek the sun for free air conditioning and less vehicle washing and sap removal.
  2. At first I used a generator frequently; now I don't have a generator
  3. Used to drive around for long periods of time trying to find a self serve car wash this tall van would fit in. Now I have my own 50' hose on a reel in a rear door box attached to my plumbing.
• First two years focused on avoiding campgrounds and overnight parked in Walmart, etc. instead. Thereafter reverse trend: Try to avoid Walmart and find good campsites.

General Personal

• Looking Forward to the Most: What we will learn after the James Webb telescope is launched by 2020.
• Continual Income: Investments and Army retirement.
• Work / Contributions to Society: Self-guided non-profit environmental advocacy; Diverse educational media productions; innovations such as a vehicle brake patent, solar powered air conditioner, etc.
• Business Experience: Extremely diverse: Ranged from owning small computer store to TV news. About 30 jobs.
• Adverse Records: None | Background Checks: DOD: ID permanent cardholder - access in all (even sensitive) military bases
• Formal Education: B.A. in Communication, 1995 - Univ. of Arkansas | Paralegal Cert., 1998 | Web Design and e-commerce, 2014 - Peninsula College, Port Angeles, Washington.
• Status: Single, always straight, clean-cut, never married, no children
• Where Originally From: Born in Findlay, Ohio, raised in Texarkana, Texas / Ashdown, Arkansas area until 18.
• Age: Born in early 1969
• Religion: Agnostic (not atheist)
• Extended Bio: BioAbout.me
• Pet: 33lb Beagle mix born in 2004; have had since then. He went blind in late 2017, but as adapted very well after a lot of special care.
• What I Need Help With (Personal)
  • Girlfriend: Smart, friendly, attractive, younger than me, clean, healthy, no children, non-smoker, no drug addictions, minimal body "art" (minimal unnatural self-mutilation)
  • Long term camping in a safe, quiet, reasonably priced location
  • Converting a Google map of campgrounds and free overnight parking spots into a paid app