Kristin Dewey wrote:
>

> 4. The refrigerator seems like a PIA. Would I be truly lazy and worthless if I
> just put a block of dry ice in there when I travel? Also, I think my sink pump
> is broken. Is that worth the trouble to fix, or should I just carry a jug of
> water?

Kristin and listees,

Kristin, I see you live in L.A.  Bear in mind (that was oso bad) that in
many parks and wilderness areas, for example Yosemite, Sequoia-Kings
Canyon, and the Big Bear Lakes area, it is required by both law and
common sense that you remove all food from your vehicle and store it in
the provided bear-proof storage lockers.  This includes even scented
items like toothpaste and cosmetics.  Bears will get the scent and break
into your car, learn to repeat this behavior to get yummy human food,
and may end up having to be destroyed.  Some rangers will tell you it's
OK to keep food in a camper refrigerator if that's where you are
sleeping, but others will insist you remove all food.  You're better off
with an ice chest in addition to your Dometic, so you can store your
perishables in the "bear box."  I keep mine bungeed behind the passenger
seat.

That water tank and pump con be really useful, as some areas don't have
water available, eg much of Anza-Borrego and Joshua Tree.
>
> 5. I know I'm not the only one who wants a toilet in my van.

I'm very happy with my tinted windows (no need to close the curtains
every time) and my Thetford Porta-Potty 135, bungeed in the corner by
the rear table. After you've emptied the thing a few times, you might
decide to use it only for middle-of-the-night "number one."

John Welsh, San Diego
87 Syncro Westfalia GL
81 Triumph TR8