[gregoryx]

I wasn't using Libertarian as a pejorative...

I, for one, didn't even consider that it might be meant as such. I have learned to be more private about how I see my world, as it doesn't match many people's sense of security / comfort... and I have no intent to suggest mine is preferable any more than vice-versa. Though the, "follow the rules," mindset is strong in many and anathema to me; we are all necessary parts of the collective. As I think you may have quoted previously, I believe in freedom of choice (and action and thought and behavior, etc) but not freedom from consequences; we live in the world we live in and I like it.

 

[mdaod77]

I bought a used work van with the partition and left it in place. I had to cut out part of it above the doorway to improve the clearance for getting through it. I leave it open when it's parked in my driveway, so people can see that it's not a work van with a bunch of tools in it. When I am sleeping in it, it can be closed and covered so light does not get out (for stealth). I am also toying with the idea of devising some interior locks so that the whole back can be locked up independently from the front.
Having the partition does mean that you cannot mount a swiveling seat...

 

[pbethel]

I wonder where we would be if our ancestors were as risk averse as the majority of our forum members?

 

[gregoryx]

I wonder where we would be if our ancestors were as risk averse as the majority of our forum members?

Not sure I'd have the money to be building a van if I were as risk averse as many of our members. But, obviously, that's just projecting what I tell myself got me through life this far versus the alternatives that don't really appeal to me; I'm pretty sure our more cautious members would have predicted death for me many times over in the last few decades - and financial ruin many times over as well.

My recognition that I'm becoming more cautious runs toward my physical activities: I currently plan to shift from climbing boulders to roped-up stuff when I turn 60; and to take up ultra-marathons instead of the faster short stuff at about the same time - maybe a couple years later after I get a shot at a couple national races as a fresh 60s. I'll probably be building another van by then as well. I'm not sure taking up back-country split-boarding or mountain-biking again at 54 is a good idea... but here I am. 🤣

 

[Vanaroo]

I wonder where we would be if our ancestors were as risk averse as the majority of our forum members?

Well, most of them probably weren't cruising down the highway at 75mph with many of the other driver's buried in their screens. Some that took the risks of their day came through fine. Others died young. Some that mitigated risk lived longer; others died of something else anyway.

For me it depends somewhat on the difficulty of mitigating the risk vs. my enjoyment. For example, wearing a seatbelt takes nothing away from my enjoyment. Even though my ancestors (and me as a youngster) didn't wear one, I wouldn't have any reason to leave it unbuckled now.

On a bulkhead: For me, if it ruined my van plan I would probably not have one. OTOH, if it works with my plan, then it is not only safer but provides great temperature control from the cab. And maybe it's more enjoyable because I can have my magnetic knife rack, books on shelves, or whatever floats my boat and less chance it will fly into the back of my head.

If I didn't want a bulkhead, and hadn't built my van yet, why not build the cabinets in a safer way if there is one? Avoid the obvious "flying matchsticks of cabinets" way?

Your reply seems to imply that anyone who takes safety into account is a modern-day weenie. But when I see pictures of the tough ol' cowboys in pioneer days, I still see them circling their rigs by the fire for security at night.