Travato Van Mods for Living & Working on the Road - 3 Month Full Time Update
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- We have been van-based in our 2016 Winnebago Travato 59G since early August - almost 3 months. We're about to return to bus life, but before we do we wanted to share what full time van life has been like.
We also go over many of modifications we made to the van to make it more livable for working and living from the road. From our office layout, monitor swing arm for viewing TV from bed, wardrobe to pantry conversion, mobile internet setup and more.
For the blog post version of this video:
www.technomadi...
Products shared in this video (all purchased on our own - may contain affiliate links):
Coleman Fold-n-Go Grill: amzn.to/2ZdMj85
Airvents for Doors: www.eurocampers...
Pantry Bins: amzn.to/31I9xjN
Spice Racks: amzn.to/31GmTgL
JVC Car Play Head Unit: amzn.to/3691bV7
iDataLink Steering Wheel Controls: amzn.to/2pUFLKO
SkyGenius USB Fan: amzn.to/369BQKL
AmazonBasics Monitor Arm: amzn.to/351MnXZ
USB Tactical Flashlight: amzn.to/30hwL2P
SumoSprings (rear): amzn.to/2BK7eBE
SumoSprings (front): amzn.to/32QdNOQ
Provided by www.LivinLite.net:
Poynting 7-in-1 Antenna: www.rvmobilein...
Pepwave MAX Transit Duo: www.rvmobileint...
(LivinLite provides our premium members a nice discount too.. learn about membership at www.rvmobileinternet.com/membership)
More RV & Van Gear at: www.technomadia.com/gear
Opening song:
'Straight Up' by Shakiban - shakiban.bandc...
Camera Gear Used:
iPhone XS & iPhone XS Max
Mavic 2 Pro Drone: amzn.to/2DAn9nY
Rode Video Micro Microphone: amzn.to/2JNqG2Z
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Cherie & Chris have been full time technomads since 2006. We have a fleet of nomadic vessels that we split our time between - a 1961 GM 4106 vintage bus, a 1999 Bayliner 4788 motor yacht and a 2016 Travato 59G van conversion.
We share for fun in our spare time. Tips/contributions are never an expectation - but they sure keep us inspired. You can leave a tip at: www.technomadia...
We love sharing a slice of our life with others at www.technomadia..., Facebook and Instagram. We use the name 'Technomadia' in all those places. Come join the adventure however you choose!
We have full time jobs that fund our adventures (this channel is our fun after-hours hobby space). Our career is running www.MobileInter... - where we track mobile internet options for RVers and cruisers. We have a dedicated TH-cam channel for that content at / mobileinternetresource... you can subscribe to.
© Technomadia 2019
For entertainment purposes only. See our website for a full disclaimer.
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That fan is a game changer. Best recent purchase. Thanks!
FINALLY! Thank you for the update. I just hit 3 months full time in my 2020 GL. And yes, the lithium in da bomb. I'll come install your Sumo springs if you help with my internet, LOL! Make sure you are clear that it is the 2020.5s that have the updates. I have a 2020 and it is EXACTLY the same as the 2019 but with a slightly higher price tag. Winnebago is infamous for their half-year updates (don't get me started on how dumb that is.) Yall rock, keep us posted on how the internet equipment testing goes (yes, I'm a member), I'm about to throw my MiFi out the damn window!
The upgrades and modifications you shared are awesome and will work for all of us who are contemplating a camper-van even if we are leaning towards something other than the Trevato, thanks!!!! We have the boat, finished the Loop and now van-life is next! IF you are ever in Tarpon Springs Fl, look us up, we are the harbor hosts there, at least until we hit the road!
Just bought a 2019 59G and finding your videos so helpful. I too live on a powerboat (in SF) and planning a land plot for a big motorhome somewhere. Hope to meet you on the road. Cheers
The internet ideas are great. Also I love the monitor setup. I’m contemplating a new travato g or possibly a revel, but the revel doesn’t come with a tv so I’d have to mount one up.
Adding Sumo Springs is a great idea, however I also upgraded the rear anti-sway bar (40% larger). The ride is now flawless. I am really nitpicky when it comes to vehicle handling, and vans handle terribly. It's now much more relaxing to drive the van. It doesn't wander! My Travato came with Serius XM Satellite radio. I would have a tough time taking a long trip without it.
Thanks for the tip on the sway bar. SumoSprings (and new tires) were installed last week - and it's already a HUGE improvement.
Nice modifications! My favorite is the cool work station up front! I like to use multiple monitors, too.
This is greatl We are picking up our first RV today (Coachmen Crossfit 22' class B) and knowing I will need to update the tech sit on it. Many folks who talk about more complicated cell systems are in big rigs. Nice to see how to do it on a small footprint. Thanks!
"I'll guard your beer while you get me some catnip." Kiki
The pantry mod is a great idea!
Sounds like the Travato is working out great for traveling between boat and bus. Like what you did for improvements, especially the office. Those captains chairs are nice.
Wish my husband and I understood the tech side of things. I’m very interested in the newer USB install you did. 2018 59K here. Thanks for sharing. We had the Houghton AC unit installed, they do amazing work, and was installed in Ohio. Have friends who’ve heard both side by side and had the Houghton installed as well. The company that installs it found our OEM AC from Winnebago had zero seal underneath. They install the new one with insulation and a wonderful seal. We can now hear ourselves think and it’s so wonderful to sleep and not have to put a pillow over our heads. Highly recommend it over the newer WBO AC which I’ve heard has had many problems.
So happy to see Zephyr back in use! Also appreciate your Travato comments. Wanted, at one point, to go the bus route but instead chose a baby A. At my age I found that not to be nimble and utile enough. Have pretty much decided on the 2020 Travato KL since 2 beds are needed. Enjoy your Bus and thank you for all the wonderful videos.
We just picked up our 2020 NPE and absolutely love it! Very glad we got the extra lithium & the quieter air conditioner. Awning windows exceeded our expectations-hear next to no exterior noise. Totally agree with you about the bed in the back; I’m claustrophobic & no problems. The first night we woke up to our German Shepherd sharing our bed - more than enough room for the 3 of us! We boondocked (including at our son’s apt complex) for 4 nights after leaving Lichtsinn RV. Have 2 more trips planned for November into December.
Tysvm for all the fantastic videos on both your channels. Especially like all the “electronic” information.
I would say take the plunge and get the National Parks Edition. 🙂
Glad you found your van groove! Impressive mods!!! Congrats!
Glad you are happy with the van. Thanks for the tech information. I plan to go the van route for the same reasons you stated, easy parking and mobility in urban areas.
Good to hear that van life was more doable than you imagined. I’m trying to decide between a small trailer (16’) or a van so it’s nice to get your take on it.
We’re excited to hear what you guys think about the product! We love our Travato owners - and this is an easy upgrade. Great news for anyone who plans to buy a new Travato - SumoSprings are now Original Equipment on ALL new Travato vans on the RAM promaster chassis, on the front and back!
We are headed to Iowa next week to film content with Winnebago :)
You guys are amazingly creative and very smart on how to upgrade things for yourselves. I wish I knew how to do the same.
Enjoyed seeing the updates to your Travato. Great work station set up!
I love hearing your review. It is very helpful. The 2020.5 seems to have fixed a lot of issues I was concerned about. Ah the choices!
I just got my Travato and you touched on some area's that I wanted to upgrade (like the radio and pantry). I got the new GL and lithium is fantastic. I'm also here in Austin, too. Thanks for the great video
Glad van life worked. You're still together, etc. Looking forward to your next adventures. Yesterday was National Cat Day 😸 give Kiki a scritch from me. Earl Grey 🐱 says hi.
The light and fan look interesting. Heading over to Amazon.
Ya'll are so much fun. Super info, thanks!
Sure is nicely set up for you.
Thanks for sharing guys. I'm glad to hear you are loving van life. Our goal is to go fulltime so we can do more exploring. We have thought about van life before, but maybe only for short periods of time. New subscriber here so I can't wait to catch up on videos!
I have been full timing in a 22 ft trailer and am so ready for something bigger, so tired of no space. I do art and need more space.
Just ordered the fan and the flashlight! Cool stuff, thank you for the review~
Good to see you!
Thanks so much for this informative video!!!!
Thanks for the update. We used to be tent campers. When we first got our 34' motorhome I just loved how easy "set up" was in the motorhome. Now, 18 months later I wonder if going out for the weekend is worth it to "set up" (hook up, leveling, putting the slides out), just to "tear down" 2 days later (flush tanks if needed, unhook, bring in slides, Jack's up). I was surprised to find myself whining about it.
I am curious to see if you will find yourselves gravitating towards Copernicus and feeling ready to let Zephyr go.
You both are so cool!! Happy van life.
Thanks for the list.
I forgot to add: you can knock out the blank simulated wood panel above the 12 V Jensen radio, and probably fish that ugly wire into that space, and then over to the TV. That blank panel is stapled from the back, so you can probably use a short 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 and a hammer to liberate it. I am still in the process of making a wooden cubby for the space. I can always use the extra storage. You probably could glue the panel back after removing the Staples.
I removed the Jensen and had access to the space above. The hole across the roof was too small for the wire bundle.
59K has a more comfortable sleeping set up , 59G is more for work space , depends on priorities of course.
And depends how you sleep. For us - sleeping apart wouldn’t be comfortable at all. But cuddling up in the G bed is great!
Hi guys! Binge watching you videos this am and really enjoying discovering new mods and places for our ‘21 KL! Question: Don’t see where to get the lighted license plate mount for the ladder. We carry two Rad City bikes and the cover does hide pure plate. Aftermarket where?! Thanks! Hope to see you on the road! 5:37
We got ours on Amazon.
You can always add a storage box on the rear hitch.
That would defeat the purpose of getting a van to fit in regular size parking spaces :D
We are doing a Subaru and a pop up so best if both worlds :)
Our 59k Travado bath sink drains into the black tank. We no longer use that sink. The kitchen sink is 8 feet away.
Hi guys, we’re new to our 2020.5 59GL. My wife and I really enjoy your videos. One question. With regard to the mod, installing shelves in the converted clothes closet, I noticed that the backing board is fairly thin pressed board. 1. Have you found that the mounting of the vertices supports have enough “bite” for the screws to grab and property support and carry the load of the shelves? and 2. I’m always worried about screwing into anything not knowing what’s behind a board. Have you ever had any issues with that?
If I remember right - the vertices are screwed into solid wood crossbeams that provide ample support.
You can dismantle things to get a look behind the back - I took it all apart when I was pulling new network wires. I don’t remember any particular challenges that came up in the process.
Just an fyi for anyone on the road who needs multiple monitors, the iOS app Duet works perfectly with any laptop. You can use your ipad (or phone?) as a second monitor for shared screen use. It works perfectly for me when traveling (at home I use a 55 inch 4k TV as a monitor LOL). It also charges your ipad via the usb when it's connected to your laptop. I love your mods. If I went for a G, I'd probably do the same things. I'm leaning towards the K though.
Yep - Duet is great! That is what I use to extend the screen onto an iPad!
My favorite geeks. 8-)
Omg I just found you guys! I’m
Not a tech person so I almost missed all the incredible things I can learn from you both!I’m thinking of buying a used travato, same layout as yours vs buying a promaster 159 WB and doing an inside build. I’m a 60 year old solo female w/ 2 pups planning on going on the road for adventures when not working and when I am working ( I’m a movie/ tv makeup artist ) use the vehicle to travel to locations. You guys helped so much with all your great mods! I’m thinking of taking out toilet and replacing with a natures head toilet. I just don’t think I wanna deal with black tank on my own. Any thoughts? I’m not that handy..anyway Cant wait to buy all your recommendations if I end up with travato. Thanks again from a fellow redhead
Thanks for finding us.. and welcome! Dumping black tanks is no big deal, we've never found the appeal of composting toilets in RVs.
We have the same Coleman grill and agree, it's a great small portable grill that cooks fast. Nice van, but I don't see any exterior storage for those normal camping things; drinking hose, power cable, camp chairs, tire stands, gray water hose, etc. Just watched a video on a loaded 2020 model and same; no exterior storage. Plus, everything hang very low on the chassis. The black/gray values are low and the propane connection is as well; on the propane tank is internal and can only be filled from the exterior so you have to go to a normal propane supply place and let them connect directly into the van. Question for you guys; how difficult is it to make the bed?
True... no exterior storage. But plenty of room under the bed and on the back wall for that stuff. Bed is no problem to make - no more difficult than the ones our boat.
Cuddle pile or is it cuddlepile? Crawl over or is it crawlover? Whichever both of these are new ones on me. Really no tuxedos on the road? How gauche, one must dress for dinner my dears. Oh yea, it 2019 not 1885, my bad. Thanks for the video and the tech information. I'll have to revisit when I go full time in the spring. Too much other stuff going on right now. Keep the good videos coming. P.S. Would you be so kind as to let me know how much it costs per month to store Zephyr?
Great video, love all the info shared. You might be able to use SteathLocks (SteathLocks.com), to lock all your cabinets and drawers at once simply by entering a digital code. A little pricey, but wonderful convenience. You can have at least two combinations to lock/unlock all of them. They can even be hardwired to 120 V.
Hello... love your channel and videos. Can I ask you a question? When you moved the tv/monitor mount to the other side wall under the electronics did you have any problem installing the mount on that wall? Did you have to check for wires before you installed the new tv swivel mount? Trying to get a mount like that and install it on that back wall like your Mod. Thanks for your time
We had no problem mounting in that location at all - but I always check carefully for any potential wire runs to be sure. There were none there on our van.
@@Technomadia Thank yohu for your response and time.
I love what you did with the pantry. Was there any concern about putting screws in the back and hitting any wires? that's my big fear.
We screwed into the down cross beams on the edge of the pantry (only 'wood') - and used shorter screws than came with the kit.
I feel the swapping the navigation is a must. Does the back up camera work? Was there any issue with that?
The camera is dim, but overall works.
Hey good video! If you were to live out of the Travato, would you get the lithium model instead of the regular base with the onan generator? My use case would be boondocking and probably never plugged in. Thanks
If were buying a new Travato, we would most likely go for the lithium version.
Love your life! I hope to be getting a van soon but my concern is I have 2 indoor kitties, I'm so afraid of losing them, any advice please.
Start leash training them now.
We have the Travato 59G also and I agree, the nav. system sucks. We've had ours for a year and still can't figure out how to put in address's. So we use a Garmin Nuvi we've had. Simple to use.
Love the TV mount. Did you have to buy longer cables for it, or did the original ones work? Thanks.
Original cables worked fine
Thanks for your videos. I work in a small cash cage and live in sticks and bricks. Envious of your adventures.
Ordered a gl but without
- deluxe paint
- ladder/roof rack
- dual-pane windows
Will I regret? Thanks
The dual pane windows seem like they are worthwhile, and impossible to add later. Check the various Travato groups for more.
@@Technomadia Thanks
Thanks for the video. What type of bedding do you use for that small 59k bed?
Nothing fancy... just regular sheets. I even forget which size, just took a set off the boat. Either full or Queen.
Great video, thank you!
Could you sleep inside with the onan generator running to run roof ac while boondocking, not plugged in? Is it loud from the inside with that generator running? Because I’m getting a travato without lithium.
It’s pretty loud. We would seek hook ups if AC was required.
I’m never ever plugging in tho shore power and always boondocking as stealth as possible. It’s 100 degrees outside, Can I sleep with the onan generator running with roof ac? Or I might have to consider the additional 39k dollars for the 39KL lithium that would break the bank! Thanks !
Why use an inverter for the Mac mini? They have traditionally been 12v.....if one bypasses the ac dc converter.
The originals were... but the newer Mac minis are not as 12v easy to run.
Good to know! Thanks.
Hi guys! I was wondering. You spoke of using google maps. What do you use when driving Zephyr? How do you avoid parkways and low bridges?
Pretty much the same... Zephyr is only 11.5' tall, so not a big concern. When traveling in the NE, we double check All Stays too.
We need locks for our cabinets and drawers, have you found any good locks?
The Travato came with them built in... they work fine if you remember to use them.
👍👍 ✌&❤
Can you please post a link to the upgraded USB jack?
It's in the description.
@@Technomadia Are you sure? I didn't see it there and it sounds like exactly what I need. Thanks for posting this.
Using a computer monitor how are you able to receive over the at TV? Thanks
We stream everything
There is a way to use a computer monitor for over the air HD TV.. the device is called a HDHOMERUN from Silicon Dust.. you connect it to your HD antennea and then to your "network" - then you use apps in Windows or Mac computers connected to your monitor and on tablets etc.. I have used an older model for a number years -- the new ones seem even more capable. it is a little techy -- but does work -- so you can have OTA TV on a computer monitor.. streaming is still bett imho -- but this does work if you can get a decent OTA digital signal..
What type of keyboard and mouse does Sherie use?
Just the standard Apple wireless ones.
what about parking garages?
What about them? Usually they are too short for a van conversion.
Can you dolly tow your van, with your bus?
No, we'll convoy
How much do you think you have invested total in the bus rev and boat?
Precisely what we're comfortable to have put into them.
:-)) :-))