Chris and Linnea are a couple on a unique and adventurous trip, living in their custom RV for three months during a harsh winter. Chris owns a 2002 Blue Bird All American school bus and Linnea owns a 2016 Dodge Promaster van. Both vehicles have been meticulously tuned and equipped to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Chris invested approximately $80,000 in his Blue Bird school bus, which has been equipped with an advanced off-grid solar system including four rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, two 5,000-watt inverters, a propane generator, eight propane tanks, and a 2,100-watt solar panel. roof. Cleaning snow off these massive solar panels can be a challenge, but it’s important that they muster up enough energy to power their RV.
Linnea, on the other hand, invested $30,000 in her Dodge Promaster van, which serves as her full-time motor home outside of the gauntlet. It has a comfortable cabin-like aesthetic with a wood stove placed right in the center of the van. Van has a kitchenette with fridge, freezer, sink and stove. Even though these appliances are currently turned off due to lack of sunlight, they serve as a lifesaver in an emergency situation.
For both RVs, keeping food fresh is an important part of their daily routine. Cellars were dug to store fresh vegetables and much of their food was cooked outside using campfires and Dutch ovens. They also have a Honda Element for emergencies and for keeping all their freezer food in the cooler.
Getting to water can be a challenge, but this pair is resourceful. They collect water from a nearby frozen river and filter it for their daily needs. The front of the bus has a couch, two chairs and a table where they store spices and leftovers.
Both RVs have strict energy saving measures in place, but there are times when they need to use minimum lighting for work, alone time, or sleep. The couple started their journey in December and braved the winter weather in northern Wisconsin. According to them, so far they have not encountered significant obstacles.
For the record, the video at the top of this page, courtesy of Tiny House Tour, shot midway through their three-and-a-half month challenge that started in December. Will they be able to complete their goal? Let’s wait and see.
