Late september update

The structural work on my van is complete. For now. I keep coming up with ideas for modifications, but I have everything done that I need for launch. The van is now equipped with enough shelf and drawer space to hold everything I need to sustain myself on the road. Most of my stuff is packed. I'm surprised that I was able to comfortably fit everything without serious sacrifice, and without using the seating area at all. I'm almost ready for the big garage sale to get the remaining items out of my possession.

I have enough tools to make additions, maintenance and repairs on the road. I'm still not sure if I'm going to need insulation, but if I do, I can add it. I'm also thinking about installing a back wall - since the rear doors aren't usable anyway - a wall would provide privacy without curtains, insulation, keep me from falling off my narrow 24" bed toward the rear, and give me even more storage space between it and the rear doors.

I have equipped the van with a remote starter. That will come in handy when I wake up in the morning and it is freezing outside. It works wonderfully except that the parking lights turn on when activating it, and don't turn off until somebody turns the key in the ignition and depresses the brake pedal. I think there is a way to reprogram the thing so that I can run the engine without turning the lights on. That sort of works against the whole stealth theme.

An electric blanket will ensure that my bed is warm at night. Electric outlets have been installed in the rear, with my backup battery hooked up to charge via a power inverter anytime the engine is running.

I know, I need to post some pictures. I'll post as soon as I get a chance. Maybe this weekend.

I've ordered a Kindle 2, the e-ink reader from Amazon. I've been on the fence about buying it for a while, but after holding one in my hands I'm persuaded that I need to have one for my trip. I plan to be studying and reading a lot, and it's just not practical to carry books with me. I'm also on the fence about buying a new Windows laptop. I may wait until they begin shipping with Windows 7, although I'm not sure if I can make do with my Mac Book until then. If a great deal shows up on fatwallet.com, I'll jump on it.