Toileting for older van dwellers!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Using the toilet in a van women and men over 50 does not need to be rocket science
THANKS FOR WATCHING AND PLEASE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE IF YOU HAVEN"T ALREADY.
I am 61 (1956), Disabled Transgender/Christian Man traveling with my Mobility Assistance Dog Jake
Jake & I Have been Full Time RVing since 2015
JAKE: is a Yellow Labrador born January 2010 and a Trained Assistance Dog from Triple M Assistance Dogs and is used for MOBILITY.
VINNY (our van): is a 1997 Dodge WIDE ONE once used as an Arizona East Valley Metro Bus and was purched June 2017 in Minnesota.
MPG:10 ( 5.9L 150,000 miles)
Vinny pulls...
OUT BACK: the 5x8 box trailer that I use as my garage and toy box.
BICYCLE: 2018 RAD mini folding E BIKE
SOLOR: 400 watts on Vinny and 400 watts on Out Back
BATTERIES: 4 T105 6volt wet cell golf carts in Vinny & group 31 100 amp/hr + 85amp/Hr AGMs in Out Back
GENERATORS: Ryobi 2000 watt blue tooth for Vinny and a 1250 Yetti solor generator in Out Back
we love hearing from you:
Facebook page "traveling with the Gramkracker"
email: gramkrackertravels@gmail.com
Tip Jar at Paypal: www.paypal.me/...
THANK YOU
Rādie & Jake
![ได้เวลา! พาน้องแฝดฉีดวัคซีนครบ 1 เดือน🫣 [cc] แดนแพทตี้ SS2 | EP.52 |](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IzeLtaXBLNE/mqdefault.jpg)
Love your bathroom setup. Also like your no-nonsense way of explaining things. You have a new subscriber!
Thanks for subscribing and commenting
Thanks!!
i know Im quite off topic but does anybody know of a good site to watch newly released tv shows online?
Thank you thank you thank you...such practical and sensible advice and setup...I have been wondering how I would manage as my hips and knees arent what they used to be and having had children urgency is always an issue.
Thanks for your comment and glad this helps
Good idea. When you have IBS like a lot of us older ppl have you need to be close to a toilet ASAP. No time to go looking for a place to use.
Glad you liked the video and I’m glad I could help. Thanks for watching
Ain’t that the truth!
Moon glow, thank you for mentioning IBS. Do you know if loose/liquid bowel movements are okay with this composting type of system?
I’d like to know as well if having loose liquify BMs would cause issues with this system. I also have IBS and urinary urgencies.Thanks for sharing. I’m 62 with chronic health issues looking into possible Van life in the future.
I really appreciate this video. I am considering van living due to finances. I am older, on disability and I too would need to change clothes if I had to pick around in the dark to set up a pottie. Lol, love your humor, I have had bladder issues all my life, your setup is genius. Things like this can change a person's life 😃🎄
Thanks Pam..... I have drafted plans with materials list if you are interested... send an email to Gramkrackertravels@gmail.com
I am Ursula, I love your calm demeanor and info as well. I love the " GramKracker" name of your channel. Thank you so much for the info, you are a real peach to be so informative and helpful with your honestly.
Thank you very much, keep watching and if you haven’t please subscribe. Thanks for the compliment!
This is such a great, practical video. You rock!
Thanks... thanks for watching and commenting please subscribe if you haven’t
WooHoo and thank you for talking about the realities of life and living out there!! I have been full of dread for those girlie funnels....not happenin!! Love your set up and thank you for paving the path for us dealing with these very real parts of life!!
You are welcome
Thank you so much for addressing this sensitive issue. I am 57 and have urinary incontinence issues, along with osteo arthritis.
I appreciate this information!
Thank you very much for watching and I’m glad I could be of some help. Also thanks for your comment and please subscribe if you haven’t already.
Yeah, age brings challenges. We have to face them. These ideas are very important. Thanks.
Glad you like this video hope to make some more like it in the future would you have come along and traveled with us
Not just age- disabilities can be any age..
@@saradanser894 true. I'm 44 and never make it to the bathroom
Thank you for having the courage to "deal" with such a delicate subject and relate the problem in such a straightforward manner. I'm a man with a middle of the night problem ( although not in a rv situation yet) so seeing your solution have me hope. Thank you!
Well I’m glad I can offer some assistance. Most people want to know how we as RVrs or van dwellers deal with toileting issues. There’s a lot of videos out there of how most men use the facilities but nothing concerning older individuals with our nighttime needs. Thanks for watching and commenting! Hope to see you down the road!
Exactly what I have been designing in my mind, however, for the urine, I have been trying to come up with something which isn't "round" and tho't about using the urine specimen trays which you get from a Dr. or when in the hospital . I found that they sell them at Walmart online, at less than $4, and a couple of those should last for a year, I'd think, with proper care. They are straight across the back (rather than round) and would leave more room for a bowel movement to hit the bucket a little easier. And they have a rim which fits easily under the toilet seat. Anyhow, just a thought for everyone Why pay a thousand dollars for a composting toilet when you can build your own for $10 - $15 total cost. You did a super job on this one with everything being right there at your disposal. And I like the idea of a privacy curtain. Thanks so much for sharing with us! People our age aren't always comfortable talking about this, but you were very informative while being discreet! I appreciate that!
Thank you I appreciate your comment please and thank you very much for watching.
A funnel the right size would work. For a larger funnel, instead of looking in housewares, look at a large automotive supply store, or a Harbor Freight.
I had the same thought, but how would it drain into the urine container? Would you drill a hole in the plastic and somehow attach tubing?
Your toilet solution is the best I’ve seen so far. Thank you for sharing this brilliant design!
Thank you very much for your comment I appreciate that thanks
I suffered with acute IBS & pelvic issues most my adult life, which pretty much affects both ends, I got it in the late 70's and I'm 64.8 so I've suffered with the disease a long time. So bathrooms are of great importance to me, and I hate going in public rest rooms. I think you are one of the bravest woman on earth to talk about this and discuss how you handle your needs. The nice toilet from before looked great, but what every suits your needs is a big game changer regardless of what it looks like. I personally think you did a nice job with design and also giving yourself privacy. Young people don't realize what it is to age and, some of the limitations us older people man or woman go thru as we age. I'm fairly spry, except my disease has kind of ruled my life, and while medicines help, nothing works even at 80%. As a man going in a bottle, because the IBS made my bladder hold less is a big help, so when my belly is under control I can at least get out in my kayak fishing and act fairly normal, however I guess there are down sides to being a man just as there are two sides to any story. I really appreciated you sharing, and I hope your van dwelling continues to be rewarding and you stay in good health. FYI, I am not a van dweller, but I’m just introverted enough that I could be, LoL. I live rural with my cat Shyann, in a 28 x 8 foot converted construction trailer, but I also have a six car garage, which houses my cars, a small wood shop, my heated shower room and washing and drying machine. The latter was all on my land, and after I won disability at the age of 57, I had to liquidate my business while my x wife divorced me and I gave her the house. so it seemed like moving into what used to be a thriving machine shop for 32 years with some clean up and retrofitting, was the best place to move too since it had paid in full mortgage, for years. Thanks again for covering this sensitive subject. I wish you all the best, and my hat is off to you once again for your bravery and being adventurous.
Thank you Pete I’m glad that you got something out of this video too, and it goes to show that guys can benefit from this information as well. I’m sorry for your health issues but I’m glad that you are able to get out kayak and enjoy life so keep enjoying life and hang in there maybe you can convert that little trailer into something towable and go on some weekend trips. Nothing like hanging out by the lake and going fishing for the weekend especially if you have your porta potty close by LOL. Thanks again for watching good luck
You have read my mind a little bit. I have a fairly large SUV that will pull 5,800 LBS with out a problem. The 28 foot long trailer is my home, and is up on concrete pilings with no wheels on it or a tongue, & has a deck and skirting, AC, cable, etc. I'm pretty much tied in here. However, I have been looking for a tow behind camper, maybe a small double axle, and yes it will have a porta potty in it. When I owned my machine shop, due to my condition I used a 86 custom Dodge Van Conversion and yes it had a porta potty in it. I used to go on sales calls and take customers to lunch. No one was the wiser as the van was all plush inside, etc. I owned a 15 employee machine shop for 32 years, so I had handling myself down pat, however, being younger my disease was not as bad as it is since I'm older, but I'm sure I could be worse off and thank God I'm not. With this disease I do suffer a lot of lethargy, so I simply sleep when I have too. However, thanks for your reply, I got a lot out of your story. I did find the porta potty in my case easy to use, the blue liquid changed everything to water and I just emptied it into the shop's toilet at night after my employees went home about once a week. I was very careful whom knew of my disease. Again, thanks for sharing your video......
Hi Pete. I just read a book that could possibly help you (one can have hope). It’s called “The Plant Paradox”. Pretty technical, but the info makes sense to me. I’m a nurse and like to keep learning. The ideas in his book makes sense. Hope it maybe helps. 💕
Thanks Gram! I am just starting my build at age 60! I like the design and chemical free operation. Returning the toilet I bought at WalMart as it does not separate and requires questionable stuff for odor control...not interested in breathing in any chemicals. I totally subscribed!!!!
I think you’ll be happy that you did return your chemical toilet to Walmart because it’s very hard to find places to dump those things. Not so hard to empty a composting toilet especially if you empty it regularly. Thanks for commenting thanks for watching hopefully your build goes well.
Going to hit the road in about a year so helpful. Thanks!
Thanks for watching.... glad I could help!
This is the #1 guestion (No pun intended) in van dwelling. Thx for being brave and sharing with us!
Hey thank you for watching.
Don't you mean: these are the #1 & #2 questions! lol but really are my top 2 questions/concerns!
Great video. I have coir here for microgreens growing.
GREAT VID !!... I've been wondering what I was going to do about the toilet thing, ( once I get on the road that is.)
Your idea fixed it for me!
Here's a big THANK YOU for sharing it with us older people.
Maybe one day we'll meet up. :-)
Thank you very much. Maybe we will meet on the road. Thanks for commenting. thanks for watching. please subscribe if you haven’t already.
Disabled for 22 years...thank you for addressing this in such an informative and realistic manner. I have all sorts of “bathroom” issues. This is one of the adaptive issues that has caused me to NOT experiment with Vanlife. Thank you!
Hopefully this might help!
First of all thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for broaching this subject. I realize it can be a hard to find a solution that works, in such a tight space, that is functional, and easy to keep sanitary. Very clever setup. Cheaper then buying the special separator from Amazon. While in Boy Scouts, with my sons, I took a milk crate that was dual purpose. I used it to carry extra gear to the campsite, then once empty, I added a couple of plastic bags to line it with, for inside my tent at night. Who wants to get up and walk all the way to the bathroom at night just to pee. Now, I put special cut pieces of conduit over the edge, of the crate, and then a large size pool noodle, before the plastic bags and it works great. Necessity is the mother of all invention. Stay safe and than-you for bringing us along for your journey.
We've been thinking about the pool noodle thing as well. Great idea, cushy for the tushy! LOL
Great idea 💡 thanks for your comment
I have been using a five gallon bucket with seat and a jar. I am getting better at using the jar separately, mainly because I use the jar regularly, not waiting for a body signal. At 64, my body signal is a day late and a dollar short.
Your setup is brilliant, and I like the idea of removing the passenger seat for location. keeps the home space more open.
I just subscribed, you are a treasure.
Hello I have just watched this video Oct 2019. Wow how clever you are this is a fantastic idea. Thankyou for sharing. Stay Safe ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I am SO glad that I found your channel just now!!! There are going to be so many of us ladies out there, and you just gave some of the most practical advice!
Lynette thanks for your encouraging comments and welcome aboard
Hello, I think its good to talk about these things. We tend to suppress the nasty bits, don't we? but its only natural. My husband always teases me about how I would poop if I lived in a van, and I don't want that to inhibit him/me or us. I am glad I watched. Best regards, c
Tell him now it is possible and quite doable to poo in a van!!! Lol 😂 thanks for watching
Some things are meant not to be talked about. You learned to go to the bathroom when you were two years old. Is it that hard?
Forest Girl, I deduct you are still quite young and ignorant. Perhaps you should not be on a site that is too mature for you. Oh, and many of us learned to say nothing at all if we can't say something nice. Is it that hard?!
@@forestgirl4071 Re: "Some things are meant not to be talked about" And yet, HERE you are, "Forest Girl" (yeah, right), on a video page clearly titled "Toileting for older van dwellers"! Evidently, what's hard for you is staying away from this woman's page (or is it the toileting issues you can't stay away from?). Yeah, why ARE you here?
@@returnofthereasoner3200 THANK YOU, LAURA!!! She seems to have some giant unresolved "Mommy & Potty Training Issues," in addition to being - well - just plain ignorant, and seems to have had NO home training, at all. I guess that would be difficult - if you lived under a bridge in Hell.
To separate urine from stool, try a "urine measuring hat". This is a medical device used in hospitals. Ìt is a half-moon plastic container that fits beneath a toilet seat. Place it either in the front or back of the seat. It has a small spout that makes it easy to pour urine into a storage bottle. About $5 online.
I thought about using one of those hospital hats, however I don’t believe that they would hold up in the long run. and they have no drain so you would have to put one in, and that would weaken the plastic even more that’s why I went with stainless steel. I tried plastic the last one I made and it was difficult to clean it up pick it to smell after a while the stainless steel has worked really well. Thanks for watching thanks for commenting.
That is what I did. My last surgery, I saved and took home about 6 of the plastic urin measurers. Glued 2 together as they are delecate, and then screwed them onto the top of my plywood. I am not sure I posted a video yet, but I did put it on my instagram, and face book. No one cared.
I will see if I can make a quickly video about mine.
I wish I had room for a chip box in front, but I dont. A bag of spagnum moss will have to live in the bathtub until one needs to shower. I live in Maine so won't be using that for a bit as the water tank will freeze. I do have a portable lu tent, and a propane hot water on demand machine. It can be rigged up for a 5 gallon bucket if water and only using grey disposal tank. With rv antifreeze in it.
Lot to keep thinking about and do to get packed, repack because there is to much stuff. Sigh.
Traveling with the Gramkracker Hello! I agree that plastic absorbs, I’ve had chili n a plastic container, the chili absorbs n to the plastic, it doesn’t wash out, that’s proof enough for me on it absorbing odors. Thank u
@@joybickerstaff194 Vinegar. Full strength. Overnight.
jzt999 Awesome, thank u for the tip, I appreciate u for it! Have a wonderful day
Very nice idea! While I'm only 46, I have had to get up in the night for a number of years to potty. I have just moved into a minivan, and I have made sure I set up a toilet every night before bed. Most of the time I have to use it. I don't yet have space to make a dedicated area for a toilet that stays set up, but one day when I can obtain a bigger van, I will do something like yours, probably. Thanks for the video!
glad i could help out….good luck on your journey. thanks for watching
What a great video about a subject most people don’t address in such practical terms. I’m a new subscriber having seen you interviewed by the Cheap RVing guy. You’re a great example of living life to its fullest. And at 76 that includes those multiple bathroom visits.
Yes it does.....I know several people, men and woman who travel being in the 70's club and they love it. don't let age get in your way of living life to it's fullest!
You're an engineer!
Yes at least used to be
I enjoy your realistic videos, curious how long can you wait to dispose of dry matter? , does it work for the 14 day
Not quite about 1.5 weeks
Great design! Through explanation...thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your interest and please subscribe if you have not already
Traveling with the Gramkracker Yes, I subscribed and clicked on the bell to receive notifications.
👍
I'd be right along side you the next day, outside washing our pants out!! lol That's my biggest issue in traveling & I'm too dang tall, 6'1/2" (one good thing about aging; you shrink, I used to be 6' 1-1/2"...lol). I tried a porta potty in my SUV; forget it, I can't even get my britches down & when I have to go, it now or laundry time. Yup, I'm not a "Barbie" either. Yeah, & Jan doesn't do odors either, unless I have a bucket to throw up in. You're so smart, Radie...I just love it you're not afraid to talk about it!! Nice looking john!! Radie, w/that step, I'd fall & break my neck, half asleep at nite (I'd forget it was there). I mean, I take after my Dad, he was a clutz & unfortunately, I am too. I love your setup though & I like the bleach, gray water, & waste covering stuff too. This is making me think, I need a bathroom when I do this; I can picture me tripping in the middle of the night & knocking over something, I would regret. Thanks Radie...this opened my eyes even more. You are one smart cookie!! Blessings, hugs and love to you and Jake and thanks for this video; I always learn something w/every video you make.😊🙏💖🐾
I'm 59 and cannot relate to your bathroom challenges. Hopefully I'll never have to but am glad you're sharing for those that do. Thank you.
I hope you don’t either😁 thanks for watching and commenting please subscribe if you haven’t
You should patent and sell them! I’ll buy one!
Nice idea but the idea of a separation toilet has a patten I think and one can not re patten something
I would purchase a download of a design drawing or a .pdf document of pictures and instructions from you as I still don't quite understand the setup but it's the best I've seen so far.
Check this out and also google compost toilet urine diverters and you will see all kinds of ideas. Here are some plans. www.we-pee.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Compost-toilet-box-instructions-2016.pdf
Jane Conboy Thank you, Jane!
Thank you for sharing..
That's a great setup you have there. I'm pushing 60, but am disabled, too. Hey, at least we can modify our living spaces to be more comfortable, lol.
Yes we can Sally
Good video. I travel the country in a 2014 Ram Promaster high top. I haul freight in it. I use a toilet called the "Hassock". It's like $24.00 from Amazon. I put 2 bags in it, solids and liquids go in it and I just cover everything with cheap cat litter. It makes everything a solid. I tie up the bag and toss it into a dumpster or garbage can about everyday. It's really no different than throwing out cat litter from your cat. It works great! It's simple. No moving parts. No water. The only thing I am going to change on it is that it's just a little too short. I'm going to cut a piece of dense foam and glue it to the bottom to make it taller.
Nice tips
I can't tell you how much I appropriate your open and honest comments about older folks, especially women, and our special needs. Thank you so much!
Thanks for your comment and keep watching
I like your toilet set up. However, I am disabled senior and not handy. I need to sit on something stable. So in planning my build I have decided to purchase an adjustable height homecare commode chair that contains a commode bucket with lid and splash guard. I hope to use your idea of separating solid from lid in the bucket. The unit I am considering can be folded up when so desired,
So, this is a gross question but what does someone do that suffers from chronic diarrhea. I have had to manage this issue as a result of surgeries 40+ years ago. While it has always been bothersome now, as I adopt the nomad lifestyle, it is a real problem. I do not want to deal with black tanks but do I have an option? Thanks for addressing this issue faced by older, bigger, less mobile ladies.
I would imagine that a compost or bucket toilet might work for you..... however in the end you must do what you are comfortable with. Thanks for watching and commenting
This setup would work for you I think: I have similar problems to you and am 200lb+. Make the box xstrong and use extra sawdust /coir / woodbased kitty litter. A little essential oil and - no smells except a nice one
Fantastic ideas ...very sensible....thank you
Thanks for being the one to finally show us the physical design of seperating waste! Being in my 60's and pretty crippled up, I REALLY appreciated that you addressed the need for quick and easy access needed by us older folks. Don't know why everyone else makes such an uncomfortable issue of it. We're all adults here (theoretically) and...everybody poops!
Nice🤗
Thank you I’m 65 and I’m thinking about van dwelling
Go for it! I love it, wish I could be traveling this summer, but still waiting on my car to be fixed.
My 75 year old disabled human votes a huge thumbs up . And yes, I, Bridget ( Yorkie ) told my human she should subscribe. By the way: I rescued my human ..woof woof. ( thank you)
Well Jake says hi and thank you for watching and subscribing!
Subscribed! Practical affordable workable organized solutions. Kudos!
thank you
Excellent solution for toileting issues! I often wondered how elderly women handled that being in such small spaces...& many having mobility issues. I could not imagine living full time in anything smaller then a class c. One reason we opted to part time Class A & build a homestead instead of full time mobile.
My hats off to you ladies doing this 😁✌❤
Thanks for watching and commenting please subscribe if you haven’t already
Ladies, THINX is a WASHABLE brand of Incontinence Panties for women and they also have Period Panties. If I pickt them off of the WALMART shelf at the right heading, the tag for it said somewhere around $16 - $18.00 per pair- I bought both for my mom, just in case she may ever runs out of adult disposable panties and forgets to tell me when she needs more. The Period Panties are more like a boy-cut waist, which are better for petite women who are a bit shorter in the hip and the Incontinence Panties is more like the high-waisted typical granny-panty ( which I have always adored - no panty lines ). The first is black the second is beige, and I am not sure if they come in other colors. Also if there is any other higher absorbacy than is listed on the side of the incontinence panty, I am unaware, as Walmart did not have any. I got the last pair, but the period panty states that it is in the higher range of absorbency. Due to "viscosity" of the liquids we are talking about I'm not sure about how scientific it all is but this is why I bought both to see which is better. However Heaven examined the absorbent padding in both, I would say they are about equal. But then again, the incontinence panty does not have as many water droplets on the side of it as does the period panty. There is a waterproof liner in the panty to keep your pants dry, and the inner fabric helps wick away moisture from your body. I remember there being something about antimicrobial lining o innerr fabric or something....
The little old lady catalogs that my mother gets like Comforts and Dr Leonard's, even Carol Wright and Helen Carter, as well as various plus size catalogs and a cheaper clothing catalog, Anthony Edwards features them, offering the type for around $35 bucks per pair, sometimes for two or three pair, the average cost being only slightly less than price per. They may be more heavy duty for the demographic they serve. The 80 and crippled crowd. They also do not seem to be cut to fit across the bottom as well as these panties I am raving on and on about. Both sitting and driving will be much more comfortable in these then those that have a thick band running right across your sitting bones.
thanks for your info
Don't mind me but I had to watch your toilet building idea again.
I've got some experience, so I'll be ok with it. THANKS AGAIN! 🌼
thanks
Excellent video, thank you for sharing❣️
Thanks for watching!
That's a great idea. One reason I hesitate being a van dweller is because of toileting and shower issues.
Well now you have no reason to hesitate. Van dwelling has opened up a lot of freedom for me hope you find that too.
It's not that hard. You use a gym for showering and a bucket and bottle for toileting. Just toss the bag in a dumpster or trash can in the morning.
That's nice for people who want to live in cities or who can afford a gym membership, or who don't have joint issues that make using a bucket difficult. I'm happy for you that you don't have these problems.
If you can't afford a $20-$30 per month for a gym membership, then you can't afford van life. Also, squatting on a bucket is basically no different than sitting on a commode.
D A www.rei.com/product/100547/reliance-hassock-portable-toilet?CAWELAID=120217890002294641&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15877490680&CATCI=aud-87986356584:pla-282202333862&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|404_33237|1005470001|none|2fb3f5e0-3bfa-4490-89f5-bfbe438da496|aud-87986356584:pla-282202333862&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA|404_33237|1005470001|none|2fb3f5e0-3bfa-4490-89f5-bfbe438da496&kclid=2fb3f5e0-3bfa-4490-89f5-bfbe438da496&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Kyv-4fu2wIVkMDACh3jOAWUEAQYAiABEgIpHvD_BwE
Very practical. Good. Save a lot of money.
To separate urine from stool, try a "urine measuring hat" ($5 online). It's a half-moon plastic container that fits either in the front or back of the toilet. Place it under the toilet seat. It has a small spout to help pour urine into a storage bottle.
Thinks for the tip and Thanks for watching and commenting please subscribe if you haven’t.
Brilliant! Thank you!
Thanks
My mini is my bedroom while my cabin tent is my living/bathroom. I use a bucket potty with a bag and a little bit of kitty litter, although I want to try the cedar chips next trip. Yoga stretches and squeezy exercises have helped muscle control tremendously. I’m a curvy size also and have arthritis, which I manage with yoga. I do simple stretches with no pretzel acrobatics. LOL. My tent is my yoga space. Happy trails.
Thanks for your suggestion, you will find the chips much better at odor control, lighter and cleaner.... thanks for watching
Linda Sue , I'm so glad to see your comment! I try to practice yoga every day and it's been my concern about living in a van. Will you recommend a good tent for yoga? Thanks.
cindy Lou I recommend a cabin tent with over 6 ft. head clearance. I use the Kingdom 4 cabin tent (from REI) with my family, or the Coleman instant tent when solo tenting (although I never camp alone, usually with friends or family). The instant tent (from Walmart) sets up like an umbrella, with the poles attached. Easy even for a short, older person. The Kingdom has separate poles, so needs two people to set up. We got the Kingdom years ago, before instant tents were available. Both have excellent screen windows and rain fly, stand up to wind and rain. The cabin tent allows you to do standing and bending poses. You can fix it up (“glamping”) with pretty scarves and string lights, rugs and yoga mat on floor. I also have a table and camp chairs, cooler, and potty in it (although the cooler and potty go in my bedroom, in the minivan, at night). I’m a part-time camper, camping in campgrounds or forest service, so I don’t need to be “stealth”...I go camping, hiking, and fishing in recreational areas. I suggest using a tent if it’s more than one night. We usually camp for about two weeks. I play my ukulele, art journal, and yoga in my tent. We cook outside. It’s very nice. Happy trails.
Linda Sue thanks so much for this encouraging information! I'll check these out. I'll be going solo, so the individual tent will most likely be best.
cindy Lou I just remembered. Some folks use those tents that attach to the car. I like the separate ones, in case you need to save your camp space and go to town, or in case you have to leave suddenly for an emergency (come back later for the tent). They also look harder to set up than the Coleman instant tent. I don’t know, as I never used the attached one. Best wishes.
Great info - I am not a vandweller but I've always wondered how those women who are older deal with such things!
Well now you know the rest of the story
.......just keep on livin'.......u'll figure it out........an ex-runway model........lol
That's an awesome "dunny" (old NZ and Australian slang) Really practical.
Sweet, Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment.
Very honest, beautifully explained. Love it cherish your life.
thanks 😊
I'm new to discovering this fun lifestyle, and am in the process of watching a ton of videos! I admire you and all of the folks out there living in small, mobile quarters!!! This video was so informative and I believe it will help many people. I am amazed there has not been a decent toilet commercially made!!!!!! Thanks for being there with such a personal yet helpful video.
Julie there are several commercially made they are either very pricy or they require a dump site to empty them. thanks for watching.
Traveling with the Gramkracker I wonder why nobody makes one that is decent. Perfect opportunity for somebody who wants to make a fortune. Hey.... Looks like it could be YOU!!!!😉😉😉😉😉
Thanks for your frank, no-nonsense, respectful explanation of older women’s bathroom needs. After my cancer surgery I have many changes in how my body works. Your toilet setup will make it possible for me to retrofit a van and begin my nomad adventure. Hope to meet you on the road.
Im glad i could offer you a solution! Happy travels
Ahhh Thank you so much for sharing what works for you, this is a great idea!
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and commenting
Very helpful!! I’m wondering if the coconut and shavings work the sam as kitty litter?
I believe that kitty litter is the worst... reason: it does not absorb as well, does not dry the wast, and does not remove orders, also heavy. The very best is coconut core or old DRY coffee grounds.
I plan to replace the front passenger seat with a commode chair and separate that front area from the back with a shower curtain.
Good idea ..... thanks for watching and commenting please subscribe if you haven’t
Diane R Good idea..Thats what I need to do..Not much room in my Dodge Grancavan.
of course! the best ideas are so simple and obvious... so why don't we think of them?
I was just thinking that!
Thank you for sharing your potty design as I am over 60 and disabled and had been worried about how to design one for my needs. I will be in minivan, so there will need to be a fewtweaks, but at least now, I have a place to start! B
I geodes to call my grandma "gramcracker"! Not for long as it did not amuse her... My grandson calls me nana wile my granddaughters call me mema. I tease my 5yr. old grandson about being his nana bananas! A while back, my son discovered that there is a game by the name nana bananas! How funny! Another new subscriber to your videos for you!
Thank you and welcome to this. channel, i do hope you find useful information for van life here.
Yes, thank you for your thoughtful video! And yes, I like it. Haven't got the van yet but planning soon for it. And collecting good ideas for it. Yours is in my collection!! Your video was needed!!
Good 👍👍👍video. I made my own compost toilet too with a urine diverter and 5 gallon bucket from home depot works great 👍
nice
I’m sitting on my toilet,while watching your video.👍🏻lol
TMI
Fortunate Travel Adventures That's funny..lol
Lol..... that got a belly laugh!
Lol!
😂😂
I happen to stumble on to your channel and I am glad I did! I subscribed and gave this video a thumbs up.
Thank you for patiently explaining this and sharing the pictures!
Thank you very much Andrea I am glad you liked it. And thank you for subscribing. Keep watching more videos to come.
New subbie! It is so refreshing to learn from someone who understands the unique needs of women of a certain age, and who clearly has well- thought-out solutions to make living on the road more comfortable and safe. You are truly filling an important niche. How do you keep your plants from falling over when in motion? Thank you so much for doing what you do, and I am keen to look back at your prior vids and to see the new ones as you continue to post!
the secret for my plants hanging on is magnetic planters.....and careful driving!
@@TravelingwiththeGramkracker LOL!
I applaud your frank discussion on this essential human function. Well done. Thank you.
Wow.... great job!.... very ingenious.
That's and incredible design. We have a class c but dont even use our black tank, only use the toilet for setting the bucket into... I'd live to replace it all with this, but I have no carpentry skills.
We know each other..... how are you? Will u be at the van build this year I can show you then and even help build one!
Traveling with the Gramkracker Hello! Wow!!! People like u r non existent/ex stinked (spell check) in my life, the paths of those that I’ve crossed only found me as a useful tool for them, deceiving me to believe their friendship or love, only to cast me to the curb like trash when done or found another. At 49/50 I chose to be alone from there on, no more pain in that area. 57 now, a cashier at a convenient store, (I guess some people think we’re related to bar tenders, they spill their guts, “I listen”, one lie, constant change of story, I’m done) life’s is way to short, I’ve waisted enough life on people like those n my past, I’ll not waist what’s left of it. GK, ur offer to help this person, warmed my heart. Thank u
Thank you and I know some people may not think so but I do wish you had been a bit more detailed as to the aspects of how to build it.
thanks I do have other build videos as well as drawing plans
I love your toilet design! Very well thought out and executed. BTW, Kiln-dried pine pellets sold by feed/grain stores for horse stall bedding is less expensive than shavings. It kills the urine odor, and reduces to a lightweight sawdust and dries the #2 very quickly. It retails around $6 - $7 for a 40 pound bag. Usually the guys at the feed stores are very helpful and are accustomed to helping customers load their purchases, just ask!
Thank you I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for watching
My toilet itself is a 3 gal. tool bucket on wheels, with a funnel diverter into a jug for #1 and compostable plastic bag for number two. It's topped with a lugable loo seat. I use this as my seat on wheels inside my van because I have just a standard length, low top cargo van So I don't have room for a dedicated toilet but like you I need to have one available inside my van. So I turned it into a stool on wheels, with a round seat cushion and fabric curtain that fits over it like a little slipcover. It's perfect for me to roll around inside my van. So I don't have to constantly be bending over or on my knees on the floor doing things. And when I need to use the potty I just lift the cushion and fabric up off of it and lift the toilet seat which does a good job of keeping all the odors in check.
I use pine horse bedding pellets for both my potty and my kitties litter box. It smells like a pine forest. And it costs me between $5 and $10 for a 40-lb bag at any tractor supply store. Which is about the same size as a big bag of dog food to give you a reference.
I'm glad you have something that works
Brilliant! Thanks for addressing this issue especially for us over 55s. Wish I could do the compositing toilet, but like you point out, hard to keep things separated. Have had lots of experience with sawdust toilets on whitewater r rivers, and boy, is it an improvement over out or vault toilets. No flys, no smell.
Great comment. Thanks for watching
I'm sure that I've seen a van tour of your rig with Bob Wells. You're very innovative, and so creative (your shower is genius)
thanks 😊 and yes I was interviewed by Bob and several others
can you remove the bowl if you accidentally go over the edge?. I am disabled and if life ever intervenes and I get a van this would be my big issue. I am glad you are showing us how to modify space for our needs
I’m not sure what you’re referring to buy “going over the edge”, the bowl is attached to the wood by screws underneath so that it doesn’t move around. If you could elaborate on what you’re referring to I might be able to help you. Thank you for your comment, thanks for watching and if you haven’t subscribe please subscribe.
ive used hats before and gotten the poo in the wrong spot. how easy is it to clean out if that happens to your set up is i guess what i want to know. if both do get mixed is it best to have charcoal to add along with the shavings to eliminate odors?
The bowl is stainless steel so it is easy to disinfect.... but I have never experienced that problem so I can’t answer...sorry
Great video. I'm a newbie to your site and will be subscribing. But I too was wondering, what do you do if the poo does not miss the bowl and gets on the backside or even into to dog bowl? Thanks
@@Takpay why not cover the inside and around the entire butt contact area with two (doubled) sturdy plastic trash bags then can tie and dispose of in the same way you would a trash can liner, without touching any area that might have poop/pee on it? I like hand sanitizer but I love spray bottle with 70% rubbing alcohol for spraying hands and surfaces if any germs of any kind are suspected on surfaces and hands: cheap easy, fast and very effective at killing bacteria and viruses. Needs to be wet for 20 seconds though. 70% kills more germs than 90% because takes slightly longer to dry. It doesn't leave an antibacterial reside which requires Lysol-type disinfectant,which I occasionally use after the alcohol has dried on surfaces I suspect will get germy regularly. If you're not used to using alcohol as a disinfectant remember it's flammable but otherwise ideal. And cheaper than sanitizer and is runnier so better coverage (under the nails, in callouses, etc.) also can use on feet if you shower anywhere someone who might have athlete's foot has, such as the Y, truckstop or gym. Alcohol is the answer haha, but not drinking it!
I lived in a rural area in Alaska. Separating the paper is a must and I like your carbon idea. A 5gal bucket will give you the height you need. Pour @ 1qt of clean water in the bucket add I package of baking yeast and you are done. Deposit your solids and your liquids into the same container. The yeast will skin over the top of the water and there will be no odor. Most of us make more liquid than solid ,so the solids slip below the surface where the yeast breaks them down to a slurry very quickly. People using my commode always remarked how odorless it was and wanted to know my method. Which I always shared freely.
Thanks
I set mine up for the night. Rv portable toilet
It’s all about whatever will work for you. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Well I have wondered how that situation would be for me if I ever got to have a van life!!! Now I know. You are exactly right. I’m one of those up a time or two at night !! Almost 70 !! Love the videos. Keep em coming 🥰
Karen Lara thanks glad I could help
Okocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter,,,,...Is also environmentally friendly if you can't find saw dust or coconut core. Sold on line by Amazon and Walmart.
Thanks for the tip.... and thanks for watching and commenting please subscribe if you haven’t
Hi. It's coconut coir and used in gardening and for pets (litter trays?).
Awesome first person I've heard someone address my issues being a older woman. Thank you.
You are welcome 😁
Awesome setup do you build that yourself? It is nice to see someone addressing older woman's issues as nomads. Are you full time and what is your rig?
Yes to both of your questions. I love to build and I’ve been on the road three years full-time. Thanks for commenting and watching please subscribe if you haven’t already.
I so agree with you as I am now 69. I would definitely need my own potty for an extreme emergency if I lived in a van. I love your toilet setup. Thank you for talking from a older woman's point of view. Stay safe in your travels.
Thanks 😊
Great setup!
Question: how often do you have to dump your bag? Is it every time, or can you use it a few times since you use sawdust an coconut core?
I can use it several times before discarding the contents. Thanks for your question and comment
Enjoyed that video tremendously. Very clever setup. That's essential for me to have a shower and good tolieting. I'm older and when I.need to go I got to move. So thank you for that innovative info. Good to hear you say your enjoying your life style. The nomads life is a good life but you have to be smart about what your doing.
Yes you do👍
That is a very creative toilet! Great job!! That was always my concern, bathroom necessity! You have certainly solved that problem. I hope you have a patent on its creation!! May I ask your age? I'm 73 and would live to hit the road!! My grandson calls me graham cracker! LOL
Presently I am 61, however I have a lot of friends on the road that are over 70 and some over 80 so don’t let age stop you. Hope to see you out here and thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
I just happen to come across the video. Thanks for doing it. A lot of us guys have the problem caused by old age and or prostrate problems and cancer. When we had our bathrooms remodeled in our house we had the taller ADA toilets installed. Man, what a difference. They are great. We haven’t done any RVing May or may not in the future. I been watching the various RV videos to learn all about it.
Well thanks for watching mine!
I would like to have a small composting but in my van (if I was to live in it), there would not be too much room. I have heard of a big gallon bucket with toilet seat and kitty litter :) I am like you, I have to pee in the middle of the night. So much to consider when traveling in a van or living in a van. Thank you for this video. :) Travel safe.
Thanks for watching.... The bucket will work great, however I have tried the kitty litter and personally it’s messy and I really don’t like it...I find the best thing for absorbing the order would be coconut core. Others however just put a bag in the bucket use the bag tie a knot in it throw it away. And whatever you do don’t just think about traveling try it out for a weekend whatever just get out there. Thanks again for watching.
I am 74. I have used the bucket method for years. You are right, it's an emergency in the middle of the night. I use shreaded cedar to cover it all until I can dump. I cover it all with a towel and use it as a table. I van camp and teardrop camp.
Nice 👍
Thanks for this video. I have incontinent issues myself.
you are welcome
I'm 60 and one who has nighttime issues. Thank you for the video. I would always have some type of toilet in their van. Stay safe in your travels
Thanks
I love your honesty - got a new subscriber.
Semper Fi
Thanks for subscribing and keep watching.
Thanks for taking on a difficult subject and a great idea
Thank you for your encouragement. Also thanks for watching and please subscribe if you haven’t already.
I'm so impressed with you. I'm 74 and also handicapped. Not gonna be living in an RV. So I fulfill my fantasies watching you all on TH-cam. Dealing with bathroom issues would be a deal breaker for me. I'm really happy to hear you have solved that situation. Take care. I hope you continue to enjoy your traveling life. ❤️
You can enjoy travel too.... you don’t need to just fantasize. I have a lot of friends that are over 70and some over 80 that travel full-time. Enjoy your life evidently this life intrigues you if nothing else try some weekend trips. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting.
Thank you for the details! How do you dispose of the liquid and solids when it’s time to empty?
Thanks for the question. The solids stay in a bag with saw dust and coconut core, and is deposited in a dumpster. ( Not a trash can).... The liquids are used to water plants or deposited in a toilet.
Spot on! Absolutely right on. I need your help! Lol :)
Thanks
Great video. Not everyone is under 25 or practices yoga. The curtains were a great idea for short stops.
Thanks
Thank you so much for your he information I think what you have done is a wonderful idea. When I do my van I am going to use your idea and yes I am a older woman hope to run into you some day.
thanks so much for your coment and support.
So glad you addressed this subject for those of us who need the taller toilet. I had often wondered how older or physically limited people would manage.
thanks
How do you empty it and where? I did a video on the Go Girl, will do a follow up on it soon. It is good for those of us that can't squat outdoors, but can use the outdoors at times. Just another idea.
Have a go girl not practicable for full timing ( night use) I empty jug in toilets, dump sites and on the ground when in the wild. Bucket goes in a dumpster
Brilliant!
Thanks....i have current build plans if you would like them. I have found the stainless steel is easy to clean and leaves no order. Good luck to all 4 of you on your build....i am spending the winter in Quartzsite as I'm not ready for the cold up north yet. It was 12° last week (Nov) when I left Valle.
Your toilet idea is astronomical!!!! This is the same idea as another type of toilet (the name escapes me) . I'm not sure you could patent it. but it is surely a terrific idea for use in limited space. You must have been a mechanical engineer in another life. You should draw up plans and sell the plans for around 10.00 to make some gas money. Try that medical hat that hospitals use to see if it would save some space in the duty hole. From the video it appears that more space is used by the dog dish than is left for the bowel movement. It's still the best DIY project for a van project.
You are not far off I was a civil engineer in my past life. I have not thought about drawing up plans to sell them, because I primarily do this to just help people and whenever I do somehow the help that I need comes around. I do this cause I want to not because I have to. Thanks for your idea. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I am still young under 40, disability is worsening for me so I have had two accidents trying to climb to a space where the toilet was away from the bed area of the van along with taking wipes and tissue out as well. I have a husband that was trying to figure out the box set up and this he liked a lot. I can take my own waste out this way as well. Disability is no joke no matter the age but when you can't hold things and can't hold the bladder (dominant side weakness with opposite side following). Thanks for sharing 😊👍💯💝
Glad I could give you an option