Breakdowns are costly, here are some options to better manage those costs.
The absolute best situation is to continue living aboard during the breakdown. Renting alternative accommodations is an expense that takes away from funds that are better invested in repairs.
That requires finding a shop that will allow you to park in their yard at knight. Most repairs take more than a day. The vehicle would need to be rolled out to the yard when it’s not being worked on.
Another option is to rent a spot in a yard that allows you to continue living aboard during repairs. A mobile mechanic service would come to you and perform the necessary repairs.
On one occasion my vehicle was in the shop overnight. It happened to be in summer so I just slept outside.
HOW I LIVED ABOARD DURING A SIX WEEK BREAKDOWN
My situation could not have been any better, all things considered. My mechanic is across the street from my employer, so no trouble commuting to and from work. The mechanic was okay with me living aboard in his yard during the repairs.
My employer was gracious and I am very thankful to them. I had access to a company vehicle when needed. I returned it with a full tank any time I made use of it. I made personal use of it twice a week for shopping and stuff. I used it for work related task when required.
THE PROPANE PROBLEM
Vanna has a 30lb automotive propane tank. That means its bolted underneath to the frame so it is not portable. It cant be removed and taken to the depot to be filled. At this time of year it needs to filled every 5 days. Prepare for this situation by purchasing a portable tank adapter line that connects to the onboard automotive propane tank. One of those items best purchased before its needed and kept in the in case of emergencies box. The remote propane line should be at least 10 feet long for practical reasons.
I did not have a portable propane tank, however I was able to borrow a 30lb tank from a friend. Another option is a propane tank exchange situation. Something I’ve never had to do so I know nothing about it other than it exists. Another option is to have the remote fill delivery service truck come by. A common service used by industry. I don’t know the cost of service, also its unlikely it would be cost effective or logistically feasible to fill twice a week. The best option is likely to be renting a 100lb tank weekly or monthly.
SEPTIC SERVICING OPTIONS
What to do about dumping your grey and black water tanks. I purchased an RV portable waste holding tank at a cost of $400.00 dollars. It worked, however I have mixed revues about that option. Having access to a pick up truck meant it could be taken to the sani dump station when required. The 20 gallon range worked well. Something to consider is twenty gallons weights two hundred pounds (90kg). I produced approximately ten gallons of black water per week. I flushed the “Stinky Slinky” line with waste water from the grey tank. The trick is to not overfill the portable tank.
It is best to handle the portable tank with delicate care and attention at this stage. Like a rotten egg. Its RV grade after all. Loading the two hundred pound tank into a vehicle ain’t so easy. An elevated side walk nearby that was at the same elevation of the open tail gate worked out well for loading the tank into the truck. This eliminated the need for a ramp. I secured it from rolling around with ratchet straps. I strongly recommend not skipping this step.
Under no circumstance should one ever consider loading a full portable waste water tank inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle. It’s not a law, more an unwritten rule, a strongly recommended bit of advice lets say. But hey, its a free world, you do you, or should I say, “you poo you”.
A vehicle with a trailer hitch mounted cargo carrier is a possible option. I know only that they exist and no more than that. Certainly a situation to drive casually with caution.
Another portable waste holding tank dumping solution. Find a nearby in ground septic tank that’s accessible or failing that check the nearby area for a manhole cover that reads sewer on it. Open the lid far enough to dump directly into the city sewer system. Close the lid and done. Under no circumstance should it ever be dumped in the storm drains.
There is a second option. Call around for a septic service truck in your area. Port A Potty suppliers are septic service providers. I have no idea what they charge for such a service. It’s certainly a practical solution. It may be more affordable than buying a tank and driving to dump a tank.
Most properties have a sewer clean out at ground level. Usually near the exterior perimeter of the building, however it can be inside the building as well. Its typically a 3 inch or larger black Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene pipe sealed with a screw on plug. With a little luck parking next to it may be an option. If not, an easy dump situation for a transfer tank.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Water. Is it readily available? Can you reach with a hose? If it can be reached with a hose be sure to use a potable water hose. A regular garden hose will only make you sick, the water taste bad and smells bad. Portable water bottles could be used as well. I’m set up to fill directly with bottles already, otherwise a funnel is required.
If you were relying on the vehicle alternator for electrical power an alternate source is required. Available shore power is a bonus for sure.
If you don’t already have one, it’s a good time to invest in a gas powered two thousand watt inverter generator. An inverter generator is the best buddy to have around with you at all times. I run mine 4 hours a day on economy mode and consume 1/4 of a litre of ethanol free high octane gas to keep my batteries up and basic systems working.
I recommend two thousand watts because it does all that you need. It will run a block heater in winter so your vehicle will always starts. Best to start running the block heater one hour before starting, longer if its forty below. Running the generator any longer than necessary is costly. Also, I keep a battery charger handy and charge up my starter batteries when necessary. I don’t drive enough to keep them topped up, my vehicles alternator is not used to charge my home batteries.
An added note on the inverter generator. When its below freezing its really hard to start, keep it stored above freezing if at all possible.
THE DOWNSIDE OF RUNNING THE ALTERNATOR
Firstly an inverter generator can top up your home batteries for less money than the alternator. Excessive vehicle idling has bad side effects, other than it being frowned upon from passers by. The alternator provides minimal power and runs hot. Idling does not hurt your engine, it does however abuse everything else under the hood. Being parked and idling for long periods of time does not produce the air flows required for healthy engine compartment cooling. The heat that is trapped in degrades all the plastic and electronic components. I recommend opening the hood when the engine is idling for long periods of time. This open hood suggestion does not apply at forty below however.
One Amp of Direct Current produced by the alternator produces one British Thermal Unit of Heat.
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.