I am planning my next trip to a campgound in Michigan and have to address some of the issues that were noted from my first trip:

• needed to block the windows for privacy
• needed to address the cooler situation
• my cot needs a pad or mattress. It was too hard to sleep on.
• need to add a curtain behind the seats
• need a more stable way to anchor the mosquito netting

First, I salvaged a window shade that was replaced and cut out the covers for the back 2 windows. Then I measured the side window and cut that out. Finally, I plan to go to the fabric store to buy a couple of yards of black out fabric for the curtains.

The cooler – My friend, Caroline, brought a small cooler and I had an insulated bag. The cooler worked fine with ice, but the bag was a bust. I plan to use the bag for shopping only. I was planning to buy a 12V fridge for full time RVing, but since I don’t have electric hooked up yet, I decided to buy the Yeti Tundra 75 white cooler. Why Yeti if it’s not permanent? If this cooler will last for the long run it may replace the idea of the fridge. One more non-electric item that will save energy. It’s huge and heavy and I’ll need a dolly to cart it around, but I think I’ll love it once I start using it.

Mattress for cot – again, I’m thinking long term and bought a Zinus twin size 8″ foam mattress. It’s 9″ too wide for the cot and I’ll either buy foam for the cot or jig something up to use the mattress. I’m not ready to unpack this thing. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Mosquito netting: My netting is meant to cover a bed so there’s a lot of it. It worked fine when I was camping but I need to attach it better to the van. I used magnets that worked, but didn’t have anything to anchor the sides. I also bought one of those patio door things that oen in the center with magnets. It’s not wide enough and I might jut add fabric to the sides to fit it. I’ts pretty cool and I’d love to use it.

So, that’s all for now with my van issues. Please comment and let me know what your ideas are. Thanks!
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Zinus Memory Foam 8 Inch Green Tea Mattress, Twin
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Yeti Tundra 75 White Cooler
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