Ya I know I've been talking about this for several years now, but big plans take time... lol

I'm installing 200-350 watts of solar

components included: 200ah of deep cycle AGM batteries, 30A Renogy Charge Controller, inline fuses, low voltage cutoff from Victron, Fuse box to run all circuitry into, inverter, and electronic battery isolator so that they charge while driving also... max charge rate of AGM is about 10% of total ah/ hr.

I'll be able to keep up with running 12volt fans (I'm getting a 10speed MaxxAir roof fan), charge phones, laptops, additional fans and use a 120v appliances or tools for short durations. No fridge and cooking, washing dishes, showering etc... are all done outside on portable gas camping stoves, portable sink table which hooks up to a hose, or water bags. Of course the solar is overkill if you're in a camp site with 120v hookup, but the setup will get me through hot summer nights off the grid when desirable. (I'm finding I can source most of it used for under $500)

Van of choice is my daily driver, Ford e350 12 passenger... average economy is about 14mpg and fits a queen beed in the back plus 4 surfboards, and extra gear.

What's your setup?

 

where do you go with that bad boy?



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I troll 2L.com to be a better person in real life

 

my guess is: the gas station!  ALOT 

And, if you've got a couple extra bux to spend, Bowlus.  

edit:  Had to add this pic to get back to original topic.  Unit comes with 120W solar and 4kWh lithium.  Shew!

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add a signature since I'm here in profile anyway

Edited: 06/13/2018 at 05:21 AM by tom

Pretty cool.

I''ll be in the market for a new truck soon, and also want to do a cane chasing roadtrip.  Was just thinking of adding a topper, then building a raised platform to store boards and some gear underneath and have a small "mattress" above.

Bring my tent, for days I'm over being cramped inside the truck.... but when I go I plan on surfing or fishing (or doing something the whole time I'm awake, then just crash) 

just thoughts for now...

Costco has the 1500 lithium ion goal zero battery with the inverter. It's a mere 42 pounds and it's charging time is better than the lead acid batteries. At $1000.00 it's not cheap but it will last so much longer the lead acid batteries and it's portable. Costco was also selling 100 watt 12 volt panels for $120. I bought two and I had a third 100 watt panel from harbor freight. If you could put out five panels during the day until it's full and then run your electronics while the sun is still shining, you would be in great shape.

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"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

Useless without pics...

Not mine, sigh.

 

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add a signature since I'm here in profile anyway

Those are nice and I've looked into that. The portability is great. I don't know much about the lithium charging systems. I guess I could just hardwire in an inverter and plug the charger into that. Then setup Panels at the spot... I'd be worried about theft though.

 

In response to another comment...

It definitely gets much better mileage than my B190 which has a big block 460 or 7.5L Ford Engine!

 

...I like the VW truck in the pic, but I use it for work also so can't be looking like a hippie.

JB ...... how does the quality of the Costco panels compare to the HF one ???



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"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

Willy Cole aka FinGuru on here, has been doing solar work on his van...

.... Click on the pictures for a description of what he has been doing.

Solar panels, thermal shower
oceanenergy instagram









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Puerto Rico 11 - 24 - 2013

Edited: 06/15/2018 at 03:15 PM by SunriseSurfer