Eco Neato (Eric Talaska)
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Focus Summary
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Recent Projects
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Travel Schedule
- Present - TBD - Vandenburg AFB / US Space Command / SpaceX restricted access, California
- Likely will stay along coastal California, Oregon and Washington for less driving and climate stress on my geriatric dog and because I don't feel like going inland even though it would be cheaper
Tippy Companion-Service Dog: Age 14.7 (have had 14.4 years): 100% blind, diabetic and heart murmur, but great quality of life with quality food, insulin, nursing and frequent attention. Mobility has greatly improved which is extremely rare at this age. He also had cancer symptoms and an inner ear disease that all disappeared with intensive nursing in early 2018. Beagle-Whippet mix life expectancy 12-15 years. Anticipate 16-18.
FAQs
- What's in the Boxes on the Back? How are They Mounted? See details on my storage page
- Why am I Sometimes in Conflict with my Campground Neighbors? See explanation here
- How is Driving a Diesel Powered Van Eco Friendly? See explanation here
- 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.
Innovative Campervan Main Features
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.).
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.).
Living Space
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, but overly anxious while driving.
Do I get lonely? Yes, but used to it; only interested in rare like minded, smart and clean friends.
How Do I Entertain / Keep Guests Comfortable?
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, gyms and few other places; have flushing and dry chemical toilet options in vehicle. I have an outside shower for use when in forest / BLM land a longer time.
Finances
How Much Stuff Do I Own? I donated most to thrift stores and relatives. Everything I own fits in this 20.5' long van! I do now have a storage unit and hate them. I'm a true minimalist.
Internet / Data / Cellular Details and Recommendation
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.
Lifestyle Pros and Cons
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. This is also the world's first RV / campervan that can plug into an EV charging station. 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.
General Personal
What I Need Help With
- Storage: 37%
- Bed: 30%
- Sit / stand desk, chair and printer: 15%
- Sink, tank, plumbing and stove: 11%
- 4.3 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, but overly anxious while driving.
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. I have tried making friends online (Facebook groups, etc.) only to be overwhelmed with malicious trolls. I have tried to make friends in person, but they quit keeping in touch.
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, gyms and few other places; have flushing and dry chemical toilet options in vehicle. I have an outside shower for use when in forest / BLM land a longer time.
Finances
- Continual Income: Investments and national security 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. So far I don't want to deal with towing anything.
How Much Stuff Do I Own? I donated most to thrift stores and relatives. Everything I own fits in this 20.5' long van! I do now have a storage unit and hate them. I'm a true minimalist.
Internet / Data / Cellular Details and Recommendation
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 and drier 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. There are filthy and evil people everywhere. There is no perfect place for me.
- 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 and Cons
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. This is also the world's first RV / campervan that can plug into an EV charging station. 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.
General Personal
- Looking Forward to the Most: What we will learn after the James Webb telescope is launched by 2020.
- Continual Income: Investments and national security 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 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: Beagle mix born in 2004; have had since then. He went blind and developed vestibular disease in late 2017 and diabetic in early 2018, but as adapted recovered very well after a lot of nursing.
What I Need Help With
- Girlfriend: Smart, friendly, attractive, clean, healthy, non-smoker, no controlled substances
- 6 cell lithium balancer
- 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
- Garage or carport to rent one month to build new campervan
- Split or DC powered air conditioner that consumes less than 500 Watts
- Sliding door air pressure release flap clean-out (so door closes easier)
- All rear door storage boxes to be keyed the same
- Windshield sliding shade that works around video cameras
- 40" deep drawers
- Office chair stop squeaking for long time after oiling (squeaks again soon after oiling)
