It’s hard to believe – we have been in our 2016 Winnebago Travato 59G for nearly 3 months as our home base.
It all started with wanting to be with my mom back in early August for her surgery and then evacuating for Hurricane Dorian.
Since the boat was already hauled out, we decided to just take off in the van to return to Zephyr – with a stop in St. Louis on the way.
To our own surprise, the van has been far more comfortable than we anticipated for extended travels. What we thought would be a comfortable shuttlecraft for a couple weeks at a time – has been pretty darn thrivable.
We’re now back in Austin and will soon be switching back to bus life.
Before we do that, we wanted to take a moment and share what van life for the past few months has been like – and the modifications we’ve made to make the ride more comfortable for daily living and working.
In this new video, we give you a tour of the mods we’ve made – from creating a pantry out of the wardrobe to creating an awesomely productive work space.
Modification Projects
Nearly three months from Savannah to Florida to St. Louis and then to Austin has been pretty comfortable – despite some whiplash adjusting back to road speeds.
That was in no small part to some dry runs in the van, and doing some mods along the way.
This isn’t meant to be a full documentation of those modifications (there just aren’t enough hours in the day), and nor does this cover everything shown off in the video.
But here’s a quick list of the major projects (note, check the end of this post for links to products mentioned and stuff we’re using in the van.).
Pantry
We turned the wardrobe next to the fridge into a pantry by taking out the hanging bar and installing shelving.
We went with the ClosetMaid system sold at most home improvement stores – the 16″ linen shelving (installed upside down) is the perfect depth to leave a bit of room for installing spice racks and bins on the cabinet door.
This has massively increased our storage space.
For our clothing, we just use the overhead cabinets above the bed – we typically only have foldable clothes anyways.
Monitor Arm & Office Space
The Travato comes with a 24″ Insignia TV on a very basic monitor arm that positions the screen in a quite awkward angle for viewing only from the front seats.
We wanted something that would allow us far more flexibility
While in Charleston this summer I replaced my iMac (a 21.5″ retina monitor with built in computer) with a Mac Mini and 24″ LG UltraFine 4K monitor for more flexibility to move between 3 homes.
But the problem became what to do about my workspace on the bus when we returned. I would need a monitor there too.
What we decided was to find a better and more flexible monitor arm for the Travato – which after trialing a couple different ones we settled on the $80 AmazonBasics Premium Arm.
We attached it behind the dinette seat – which allows the screen to be much better positioned for viewing from the front seats OR from the bed.. and used as a display for either my Mac Mini or a laptop.
And then we put my new monitor on the arm – which allows us to safely transport it from boat to bus, and utilize it while in the van.
The stand nicely stows under the dinette seat around the Truma Combi – so we can move the monitor to my workstation on the boat and bus.
Perfect.
We still have the original TV on the boat – and will reinstall it on the van for trips during our boating season.
It’s been a SWEET setup – and we fight over who gets the workspace in the van.
Mobile Internet Setup
We had been just using mobile hotspots from Verizon and AT&T with portable MIMO antennas as our mobile internet solution in the van. It’s a super simple approach that we guide a lot of folks towards.
But the Pepwave MAX Transit Duo with Cat-12 dual modems came out in early September.
Since we’d need to be testing this new consumer affordable high end option, we decided to install it in the van along with the new Poynting 7-in1 antenna (with 4×4 cellular MIMO).
Thanks to our friends Erik & Kala at Livinlite.net for providing it as evaluation gear for our work at the Mobile Internet Resource Center.
To do this, we removed the King TV antenna on the roof and re-used the hole to route the antenna. We don’t watch regular TV, and stream everything over the internet anyway.
Unfortunately, the 7 cable wiring is too thick to completely route – so the cable just runs across the ceiling into the tech cabinet behind the monitor (in newer versions of the Travato, they provide a nice conduit for such things.)
Since we test mobile internet gear for a living, we’re constantly swapping out options – nothing is a long term installation for us.
In fact, we just got in the brand new WiFiRanger Converge, which we’re putting into testing too.
Our premium MIA members are following along with our hands on experience with both approaches to mobile internet in an RV or boat (and they get some pretty sweet discounts on both.)
You can learn more about our always evolving mobile internet setup.
Other Mods
There’s a bunch of little mods too mentioned in the video – such as our Airvent Cab Inserts for better airflow while parked, our snazzy USB rechargeable tactical flashlight and magnetically securing the rear screen for cat-proofing.
We’ll also soon be installing the SumoSprings that just arrived to hopefully get a smoother ride.
And in the future we’ll want to swap out the AC for a much quieter one – that thing is way too fricken loud. Thankfully, we’re out of AC-season now.
And there may be a lithium upgrade in the future – either by swapping out the batteries, or giving into temptation to acquire a brand new lithium model Travato.
Back to the Bus!
We got Zephyr out of storage this past week, and she’s currently at a shop getting caught up on general routine maintenance and getting some new dancing shoes.
We anticipate that in the next day or two we’ll be back to sleeping in a bus!
As much as we’ve enjoyed van life – we are looking forward to stretching out and getting our old gal back on the road!
We’ll be convoying the van behind the bus on our way out to Arizona this winter.
Keep an eye on our YouTube channel – we may just do a rather spontaneous LIVE from the bus – and of course we’ll follow up with what was involved with getting an RV back on the road after a year and a half in storage.
Van Gear Stuff
Above we mention several products we’ve added to the van to make life on the road more comfortable. Here’s links to the items (some are affiliate links):
Van Stuff
Amazon.com : CGEAR Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat
The Small size is perfect for the van entry mat – folds up super small.
Amazon.com: Cork Pops Legacy Wine Bottle Opener
We love this wine bottle opener. It uses compressed air to pop the cork right out. Quick, easy and quite snazzy!
Amazon.com: TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter
We use one of these at the water source side to pre-filter water coming into our van, bus or boat (and have internal water filters too).
Amazon.com: YueYue Storage Boxes
3 of these fit nicely in the ‘pizza oven’ overhead storage area of the van. We organize extra dry food, paperwork and tech in these without extra clutter.
Airvent Cab Window Inserts
These inserts easily install and create airflow in the front cab while parked.
Amazon.com: Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Ordered this in queen size and trimmed to fit the Travato 59G/GL mattress. Greatly improves the comfort, and bed still folds up without splitting the topper.
Amazon.com: Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill
We love this little grill.. super small, super efficient (and pretty cute!) Great for the small space of a van.
Amazon.com: Blink XT2
We use these wireless cameras for security alerts, remote monitoring and temp alerts in all of our vessels. Operates over whatever internet connection we have going.
Amazon.com: AboveTEK Tablet Stand
For holding our iPads for watching movies or video conferencing. Perfect height, adjustable and can hang from things.
Amazon.com: Happy Camper Holding Tank Treatment
We’ve used this organic powdered holding tank treatment for years – it works fantastically! No black or grey tank odors.
Amazon.com : STRONGBACK Elite Folding Camping Chair
We bought our first set in 2018, and they lasted just over a year (being stored mostly inside our boat). They were replaced under warranty in mid-2020, but a year later already showing rust and wear when mostly stored inside the van.
Vanmade Gear Front Window Shades
We had a set of these made (olive inside, marine reflective outside) for our side door shades – so much better than the stock Travato shades.
Amazon.com: Stainless Wine Glasses
Perfect wine glasses for outdoor use!
Amazon.com: Camco Bamboo Folding Table
Perfectly stows standing on its side under the Travato 59G bed. It has two heights – coffee table or dining table, so perfect for when there’s no picnic table.
Amazon.com: Headrest Hooks
With the driver and passenger seats spun around while parked, these hooks provide extra organization in the front of the van. Great for hanging jackets, bags, etc.
Amazon.com: SSR-313-54 Yellow SumoSprings
SumoSprings for the rear of the Dodge ProMaster – helps improve the ride! (Added to our 2016 Travato, standard on our 2020.5)
Amazon.com : Magnifying Makeup Mirror with Light
We use this mirror in the Travato’s bathroom – it helps with the limited lighting and awkward mirror placement.
Amazon.com: Bellemain Spice Gripper Clip Strips
We use these on the inside of the van’s pantry/wardrobe cabinet to store spices.
Amazon.com: Magnet Hooks
We use a pair of these to attach a basic shower curtain to the back doors of the van to create a private outdoor shower area. No bar needed!
Amazon.com: Water Pressure Regulator
We use this with our bus and van to regulate the water pressure coming into our water systems.
Amazon.com: Kenwood Excelon DMX957XR CarPlay
We replaced the head unit in our 2020.5 Travato with this one – wireless Car Play ROCKS! (We got our kit at Crutchfield)
Amazon.com: Magnetic Phone Car Charger
We clip this to the AC vent fan to hold/charge one of our iPhones while driving.
Amazon.com: 3Qt Instant Pot
Perfect size for fitting in the cabinet under the sink of the Travato, and allows us to create one-pot meals.
Collapsable Drinking Water Hoses
We carry a couple of these with us in the van, bus and boat. In the van, the 25′ version fits nicely in the waste hose compartment (instead of the waste hose).
Amazon.com: SkyGenius Battery Operated Clip On Oscillating Fan
We have several of these battery/USB powered fans in the van and boat – great for extra air flow, and easily clips wherever we need them.
Amazon.com: Kamenstein Perfect Tear Paper Towel Holder
Mounted this with over the kitchen sink of the Travato – it’s great, except the cat thinks it’s a special toy for her to play with.
Amazon.com: Oxygenics Shower Head
This water saving shower head is fantastic combing air with water to feel full pressure. We’ve had them forever!
Amazon.com: USB Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
We love these small flashlights – USB rechargeable (port built right in – nothing to lose), super bright, multiple modes and magnetic!
Amazon.com: Cartman Collapsible Traffic Cone
Super handy for marking your site occupied if you leave, or holding a space, or for emergencies. They pack up small too!
Amazon.com: First Aid Kit
First aid kit we keep on all of our RVs and boat.
Amazon.com: RV Surge Protector – 30 Amp
We never plug into shore power without this – it lets us know if there’s a fault, and provides protection against surges.
AmazonBasics Premium Wall Mount
We replaced the TV mount with this so we can use our screen as a monitor over the table, or watch TV from bed.
Amazon.com: Collapsible Water Carrier
We keep these on board our RVs and boat so we can ferry fresh water out to our boondocking or anchored location. Super handy!
Rocky Mounts BackStage
We love this bike rack for our van – it swings out of the way so that our back doors can be opened, and is strong enough to hold two eBikes.
Amazon.com – BLACK DECKER Pivot Vacuum
This rechargeable vacuum SUCKS! Very compact and awesome. We got it for the Travato, but it always ends up coming with us as move between the boat and bus too.
Amazon.com: Hanging Roll-Up Organizer
We organize a bunch of ‘stuff’ in this bag – rolled up it fits perfectly in the Travato’s medicine cabinet. Each compartment is also removable.
Amazon.com: Suction Cup Shower Caddy Storage Basket
These vacuum suction cup caddy and hooks stick to the walls of the Travato bathroom, and hold up incredibly well to road life.
Amazon.com: Luci Lux – Inflatable Solar Light
These solar powered inflatable lights are great for ambient lighting!
Amazon.com: Camping Lightweight Hammock
This hammock is similar to the one we picked up at Costco – stuffs in a bag for easy storage, and actually quite comfy.
Flat-Jack Air Tire Levelers
VANLIFE Outfitters is the US distributors of these innovative inflatable bags for leveling a van. We purchased a set in the beginning of 2021 along with a battery inflator, and have ditched our leveling blocks. Pricey, but very convenient.
Amazon.com: Magnetic Fast Charging for iPhone & Watch
We have several of these scattered around the van & bus & boat for charging our phones and watches.
Amazon.com: Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller
AAAAH… mosquitos!! We love our Termacell so we can sit out doors enjoying an evening cocktail at sunset without losing all our blood.
For more Gear we love on our bus, van and boat that enables our mobile lifestyle – check out our Gear Center.
Rick Filcoff says
Cherie and Chris, Thank you for sharing the mods to you 2016 59G, which appears to be same configuration as ours, down to the non-painted bumpers almost matching the paint (a big plus for us). It is interesting regarding that some of the mods that we have made, without seeing yours, are almost identical. I like also like to work with multiple display monitors when out in our T (typically for 2 to 3 weeks at a time) and would be very interested in learning more about the mounting point and cable routing for the monitor mounted on the wall behind the bench seat. Also, we addressed the counter space, folding table and closet conversion to pantry a bit differently than your approach. We also went wild with the suction hooks. We also came up with a novel way to address the uncomfortable back rest angle on the bench seat and to increase interior storage at the same time. What is the best way to share photos of our mods with you and followers? Any chance you are going to be in the St. Louis area in the near future? Rick
Cherie Ve Ard says
Hi Rick – best way to share is a link to your blog/IG/FB/YouTube or wherever you’ve shared your mods at.
We just left St. Louis last month actually.
Glenn Parker says
Where in the Austin area are you having the bus checked out? I ask because my wife and I live in Austin and have recently acquired a 1984 Newell coach that I would like to find a reliable mechanic shop to do some work. Thanks.
Glenn Parker
Austin
Cherie Ve Ard says
We went with a truck shop – this shop normally doesn’t work on RVs, but since our bus is a highway bus (not purpose built RV), they were willing to make an exception.
Chris Dunphy says
But if you wan’t to give them a shot – they were AR&W Truck and Trailer Repair in Kyle, TX.
– Chris
Gerald W Koth says
Very nice walk through of your mods. I really appreciate the links to all the products. I am sure that your nomadic life made the task of modding much easier. As all we nomads know, the first mod is not necessarily the best mod.
W.Ned Dusharm says
Are you guys thinking about selling your 4106
Cherie Ve Ard says
Not really… but an attractive offer might tempt us.
Sherry says
Enjoyed your description of living in the Travato. Have watched this 3 times and found it very helpful. I have been interested in van traveling for some time. Have yet to commit to anything. thanks for describing Kiki’s accommodations. Love the photo of her sitting on your lap as Chris drives. I look forward to your posts.
bugsbunny7 says
Do you happen to have a link for the monitor/TV? Thanks!
Cherie Ve Ard says
It’s available at Apple.com – only place we’ve found it.
Nikki says
I love that these mods can be utilized in so many lifestyles…including small spaces, tiny houses and even roommate/house sharing. Technomadia truly has something for everyone and y’all are always thinking outside of they box for whatever life brings next. Looking forward to seeing you back on Zephyr! Love them all but I think she may win out as my favorite. Besides Kiki, of course. =) Safe travels, wherever you roam!
cmbgoeke says
Great video. I am going to check out that flashlight.
judilyn says
Always look forward to your videos and other sharing of information. You seem so relaxed! ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Marie H says
We love our Luci light.We bring it home when the boat’s up on the hard in the winter. It’s holds a charge a long time and is a great power outage backup.
Is the Blink the camera that notified you that somebody was on the boat? We’ve only had one break in at our boat in the last twelve years. We don’t lock our doors. We would rather lose a few odds and ends than have to repair our huge sliders. We lost an underwater flashlight on that one. But, I would be very interested to know if we every have any uninvited boarders.
Cherie Ve Ard says
Yes, the Blink is what have on the boat too and what alerted us to the intruder.
Laura says
Thanks for sharing all of this great information and the product links. I am very interested to hear about the new antennas you are testing… we are anxious to upgrade but WILL NOT do it till we get your opinions. We love the little MIMO antenna you recommended, BTW.
Would love to hear how you have adapted Kiki’s bathroom to this smaller vehicle. She has such fine accommodations on the bus, I bet she is looking forward to having her private bathroom back with nice ventilation.
Cherie Ve Ard says
Our members can track the antenna testing in our testing lab and in progress testing forum. (www.rvmobileinternet.com/lab).
Kiki’s area is all under the bed – a hooded box and her scratching post. She’s doing just fine with it.