I'm a minimalist, and I'm going on a personal growth, journey. You might actually call it personal shrinkage, journey... that's beside the point. I'm going to live in my truck, for a while. I'm looking for ways to make my ranger a little more livable for the winter months.

Before I go any farther, I'm playing with a 1998 Ford Ranger XLT, 4.0L V6, 4x4, extended cab, 6 foot box.

For the most part, I'm looking for ideas to beef up the insulation.
- I don't want to do anything permanent. I want to be able to take the added insulation out, so that I can dry everything out.

I will gladly take other suggestions for anything else on the truck,too.

 

Wow, interesting project but one thing for sure… DO NOT RUN THE TRUCK WHILE YOU ARE IN IT SLEEPING !

Two of my friends got tired while out wheeling in the colder months and went to sleep with the motor running, bad move they never woke up, man that sucks; the thing could have been avoided.

Back to the insulation, the first thing is the all steel container you will be in, cold transfers fast in that stuff. You would need 3 or 4 inches of foam, the heavy closed cell type and even then it will get through. All of the walls of the cab and bed, the floor, around your bed cap, then what will you used for heat that does not give off fumes, how will you exhaust the fumes ?

I think the best way to handle this problem of wanting to go minimalist and live in the truck is to move to warmer weather, use some good foam on the bed floor and HD sleeping bags then heating will not be the problem.

 

I'm sorry to hear that, Scrambler82.

You don't have to worry about me sleeping with a running engine.

The only thing that's holding me here is that I have a couple of small debts to pay. After that, well... anything goes. I would not be against going somewhere different. A new place where nobody knows me might be just what I need.

I don't have a topper for the Ranger, yet. I'll be putting one on A.S.A.P.

I'm actually planning to live in the cab. The extended cab is long enough for me. I can kick the seat back and lie down in the cab. I tried it, last night. It was actually more comfortable than my own bed.

 

Sleep in multiple layers of the stuff we call "clothes".

If you get too hot, take some off.

Temporary.

 

It was a long time back but just something to think about !

Not sure if insulating the cab is going to get the return you want.
Depending on the temp... you may need a constant heat source.

What insulation are you thinking about ?
You ne something that won't absorb moisture and can breathe.

Maybe think on finding a buddy to hang with for some short cash might be easier and better I the long run.

One of my friends used to do just that, a different couch every night or two.

Good luck, I hope you find palace to stay instead of the truck but either way hope it works out.

Ltr

 

I understand what you're saying, Scrambler82, but living with humans has never ended on good terms. A roommate is out of the question.

I am a lone-wolf. I always have, and I always will be. I dislike the idea of settling down, too.

As for insulation, I'm leaning towards something along the line of dense, foam board. It's fairly, easy to work with and

 

After living in my ranger for approximately 1 month, I'm looking for ways to implement the following additions.

- Solar Panel: Since I'm a writer, I'll need a way to keep my digital warfare equipment (laptop) charged. I never liked the idea of using those power inverters that plug into the cigarette lighter.

- On-board battery charger: A trickle charger would be a nice addition. It would be nice to be able to use things like my radio for extended periods of time without the fear of draining my battery. Since I have power windows, it would be nice to be able to use them. Again, a solar panel seems like a good option.

- 120VAC Power: It would be really nice to be able to plug my truck into a 120V power source. That would be really useful if I stay at a campground. After all digital warfare doesn't stop just because you're at a campground. Campgrounds are a heck of lot cheaper than hotel rooms. If I had access to electricity, I could also figure out a way to implement some type of electric heater.