NOTE FROM SLIM: I am getting a lot of comments on this video, thanks. But I would really appreciate it if people would first read the other posts before making the same comments again and again. Three notes: 1) I am considering a new MPPT controller so thanks for those who provided useful info on them. 2) Lithium-Ion Batteries are NOT an option for me at this time as I travel on a very tight budget, plus I also travel in extreme temperatures. Glad they work for others but I will not be pursuing them until the price drops and they charge below freezing. 3) NO GENERATORS, Ever! I may block the word generator if I must explain every time why I will not use them!!!! 4) Renogy apparently changed their design to include grommets. Yay!!! 5) DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS IN YOUR POST PLEASE! They get blocked and I have no time to verify them. Thanks! SP
My wife and I absolutely love your videos and look forward to seeing them. We binge watched all of your videos and found you to be (in our opinion) the best of all boondocking videos on TH-cam. We anxiously wait for your videos each week and hope to meet you in the future. Keep up the great work and thank you for showing us the beautiful scenery and informative tips and tricks. Love your sense of humor. 😋
I've given up choosing which of your videos to store for reference...you now have your own folder! I always enJOY your practical solutions... and the humor is greatly appreciated. Journey mercies.
You're forgiven, Slim. Your 'transgression' was a temporary measure motivated by desperation, and you've taken steps to avoid having to resort to shore power in the future. Well done!
I'm a huge van of "nomadic life" videos, but you are far and away THE best! Your efforts are truly appreciated. Even my husband is a huge fan! Learning a lot from you. Thanks so much!
Another great video..and we like the idea of calculating amp usage on a typical day! If correct, in one of your previous videos you had suggested plugging in for winter camping (to use a ceramic heater), but that may have been before you had the small wood burning stove idea. Ingenuity, and innovation are two words that so often apply to your channel!
I would NEVER judge you Slim. We all have to do what we have to do at times. You had to plug in your A liner that is not a crime. I understand you want to be off grid but there are times that you might just have to plug in the camper and going on grid. Don't beat yourself up over this. We still love you no matter what. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming. :)
Mr. Potatohead, thanks for coming and enjoying our great weather. Usually like that for 200 days a year. You have taught me enough about these fantastic machines that I think I am ready to do this with my son this summer. I've always been the computer geek dad, but I think you have given me the confidence to get out there and live it. Great stuff my friend, thanks for making great inspirational videos.
It might be just the old geezer in me, but I am thinking of starting the lifestyle, at 63, after having a lifetime of adventures on the road. I have about five million miles driving around the USA and am getting the call. Soon I can do it with an older RV. I lived in the cab of a big rig 28 days a month. I have been watching a lot of videos from all sorts of people online, but I enjoy your videos best. I doubt I will do a detached unit. I like having the living area and driving area together. You do good work. A craftsman in DIY, and a craftsman in producing videos too!
Looks great Slim! With several cloudy days all you need to do is start your tow vehicle and charge your trailer battery using a set of jumper cables. I usually only need to run that dirty hot shaky smelly thing for about 1/2 hour at idle!
I’m thinking of my 90 year old aunt living in her cottage in the west of Ireland . She was given solar panels ( installed) for her hot water heater and lights. The sun comes out a few times a year ( maybe) . I was shocked that they work and work well. Someone told me that they harness uv rays and the sun isn’t really needed. Just thought about that watching your video. Cheers again for a good show
I don’t even know you anymore! In all seriousness I just discovered you and your videos. They are top notch in the TH-cam world - in my opinion. Keep up the great work.
I kept thinking there has to be a way to reduce your power needs until you got to the end and detailed which things you are using that need power. Eight hours editing your videos? Wow, but I really appreciate the effort, your segments are well-planned and elegant. Thank you! BTW, I live on the Oregon coast and yes, we have "issues" with sun in the winter months, but compared to the rest of the country I'll take our averages and be glad I'm here!
I’m givin’ her all she’s got Captain! It looks pretty wherever you are, I hope it stays sunny so you get all charged up. Enjoy your week and thanks for the video.
Hey Slim - Great video! I have those big window bubble skylights on my A-Frame popup so no room on the roof plus I like to park in shade if I can. My solution is a bit different and I have laptop, drone, tablet, etc. plus a 30qt Engel fridge. I use 2 Trojan T105 6 volt in series and Zamp portable 120 watt solar panels with a long extension so I can move them around. What saves me is an Ecoflow River 114,000 mAh lithium power bank and cheap 60 watt Suaoki folding solar panels. The River powers and charges all my electronics for days and I can move it anywhere to find the sun. It will run the fridge on it's own and keep up nicely with the 60 watt panels if I want to. I've gone several days with little or no sun and the camper batteries have never dropped below 75% because I use them sparingly. A small collection of power banks ($20.00 or so each) will power small fans, charge phones, etc. So I'm charging power banks every chance I get but never want for power. It's a math problem like you pointed out. Figure your amp draw and plan for worst case. The River is pricey and I found it on eBay for a really good price but there are other cheaper options. So far, I've never had to plug-in or use a generator. Happy travels!
Slim, I have had similar issues with my aliner, not enough juice to power the meager needs of my gizmos. I tow with a Ford Escape, 2014 vintage, and it has factory installed inverter that I can plug the camper 110v line into. I can recharge the camper battery in short time by idling the escape while connected to the camper. You have found a solution with the two new panels, simple and doesn't require burning gas, which is great. The inverter is an alternate solution which has helped me out in the past.
My husband, two dogs, and myself fulltime. We don't let the weather totally dictate our travels. But when it's cold, rainy and overcast sometimes we need all the power we can get. I so get it!
Welcome to Springtime in the South! Since your this far east, you owe it to yourself to check out the Smokey Mountains during spring green up and when the dogwoods are blooming. BTW, how about a video on how you put a video together using PowerDirector? Maybe a good rainy day project ;-)
I recently saw a Y-Tube vid of a Australian outbacker whom had the " best " panels money could buy , Than he bought the cheapest Chinese ones to compare them , To his horror the cheap ones outperformed the branded ones in every way , He did the test 3 times over as he could not believe it . Ps a MPPT is really efficient if the open voltage of your panels is higher than 17 volt ! When you use the panels in series ( higher voltage ) its a must do . Hope this helps , Paul.
I'm glad I watched your video. I also have 200 watts of solar on my RV and I am thinking of heading east next spring for a couple months. I have thought about adding another 200 watts just to deal with the low charging rate on bad weather days. Your video has confirmed my concerns and motivated me to do it. Thanks, and best wishes to you for safe travel.
Slim I agree with most commenters. I live in my van. An MPPT controller is so superior in low light conditions! On my set up I use an extension cord and some homemade adpators to be able to set my ground deploy panel up to 50 feet away. Out of the trees. I recommend a victron controller with blue tooth.
Yes. A manufacturer should consider how its customers are going to use their products and build in features like grommets that will reduce the number of tech support calls and make a happier customer!
They do. These panels are likely meant to be bonded to a surface. Many panels have provisions for attachment, some do not. The variety of panels available is amazing.
It wouldn't surprise me if that was intentional so that the user would void the warrantee or even if gluing them on something voided the warrantee. I agree when you pay for a quality product first you shouldn't expect to even need the warrantee but then voiding it just for drilling the attachment holes that weren't provided in the first place is just wrong.
I love all of your videos. Even if it's about repairs which I know nothing about doing. I just wish your videos were longer because I love them more than anything!
Hey Slim, you have been all over my neck of the woods here in Texas. You are by far my favorite channel, I appreciate all your wealth of knowledge and experiences, observations. I will hopefully be in my new to me rig soon!!! I have been searching for an accessible rig I can travel in independently...most important it’s got to be light and manageable so I can just “hook it and book it” as I like to say! So teardrop is my choices ( I think I have found a great one) as I have tried others but far too many campers have way too narrow doors that I can get in and out by myself from my wheelchair. I posted some of my struggles on my channel to share my experiences... anyway hope to run into you one day! Keep them coming!
Good information. But isn't you Jeep wired to recharge your batteries when driving? If so I'd HIGHLY recommend getting an auto start system installed on your Jeep if its an automatic transmission. You can use a fob to start it from a good distance, and if you spend a little more some systems can detect if your battery is getting low and automatically start the engine and recharge without you even pushing the button. Safe Travels Sir.
Not to worry, Slim. Everybody loves your videos! The list of electrical things you use was very helpful at the end of this video. Thanks. Oh, and I have some Canadian blood in me. Love those geese!!!!
Yep, morning coffee and unplugged with Slim! All is forgiven. Glad you didn't film it, the shock might have scarred me for life lol!! Thanks for all the fun. 🤗
I watch a LOT of youtube and have to say that your channel is my favorite by far. I am so happy I found your channel. I am preparing to go on an adventure next year and will be putting a lot of your techniques into my build. Unfortunately an Aliner is not something I can handle myself being 5'3 with a torn shoulder but that doesn't mean I still can't borrow your ideas.
Finding a trailer that suits your personal needs and budget is essential to sucessfull travel. I'm sure you'll find one perfect just for you. Thanks! SP
Hahaaa. I never realized you “never” hooked up to power and I’ve been watching you for a long time. Personally, I do what makes me comfortable. We no longer have our class A RV, but are seeking a smaller camper which we will outfit with plenty solar panels and, probably lithium batteries. One thing (among many) I have learned watching you is to reduce using the generator! Thank you for your quality advice and videos, as well as your sense of humor.
I realize I'm late to the party, but adding solar panels is the right solution. But I would not wire them in with your existing setup. I added two extra panels with an extra charge controller (pwm) in parallel with the first controllert to my battery with an SAE connection and extension cord. This allows me to clip and unclip it easily, and the extension cord allows me to move the panels to where the sunlight is, that way my camper is in the shade and my panels are in the sun. I may switch to a MPPT controller and wire them up so extra panels can be added in an extension cord in parallel too. I'm currently experimenting with cell booster technology as my wife and I set off to do some traveling. Enjoy the videos! Congrats on the new camper and frame!
Break down and buy lithium batteries. 1. they can draw down to 0% without hurting them. 2. they are less then half the weight of AGM's. 3. they can take high amp's to recharge them, quickly. 4. they can be recharged 3,000 to 5,000 times, unlike AGM at 500 times. Battle Born are the best. Love your video's
Love your videos and appreciate the work you have to put in to make them. You've given me options for boondocking that I never considered. I'll be better prepared too! Thanks.👌
For my teardrop, I've got a single 60w panel which charges my single battery. It gives me enough to run interior and exterior lights and the fantastic fan. Also enough to charge phones and keep the media center charged, which is just a Kindle Fire hung on the wall inside. I have a small folding 5w to USB panel that I use to charge phones and phone battery banks if I need a little more. So far so good.
Hard stuff for this old brain to figure out. But thanks for the tips and suggestions. I will soon be learning for myself in a cargo trailer. Happy camping to ya.
At the risk of repeating myself, it looks like a solar generator would be another answer to your power problem. Please continue to make new videos, especially with your marvelous nature photography.
Slim... my suggestion.. a new MPPT controller and wire those panels in series-parallel to get them to 24V (or even better series them all to 48V when all 4 are connected). You will get more useable daylight hours and better use of low light situations since the MPPT will output the desired charge voltage while the panels are pumping out way more voltage and via Ohm's law, being converted to additional current on the battery side.. Also, a good MPPT controller will allow you to "over-panel" the controller while still limiting the maximum output current, exactly for situations like you experienced, or for Summer/Winter fixed array compensation.
One idea I have for attaching the solar panels to the trailer is use some sort of holder like those that hold mirrors to the wall. Those are plastic but you might find some or fashion some out of metal that will be wide enough and drill a hole in one side to attach the holder to the trailer but no hole in the solar panel edge on all 4 sides.
I'm going to look into a solar panel for my little camper shell since I don't like paying to hook up and would like to do more off grid free camping. Can always depend on you for teaching us the how to do things that most of us can understand. Loved your confession LOL
I have a 400 watt solar setup, with 360 amp hours of battery capacity, but I still have to pull out my generator on those consecutive rainy days from time to time.
Thank You for breaking down the Techno Phychobabble into an easier to understand edition. Some people (myself included) just dont get electronic stuff. But this made it much easier to digest. Hope you are enjoying Texas. I just got back frome a month in Az. I thought if you while I was there. That was my first trip out for that length of time.
Thank you for the video. You actually did help. A few questions I have were answered but lol that only led me to a few more questions. But truly I appreciate the video it helped a lot. Have a good one and safe travels!
Another shocking video. You got me all amped up after watching your vid. Hey, you gotta do whatcha gotta do. Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work, the puns, and be safe. Keep 'em comming.....don't leave us in the dark! OK I'll stop now.
Great video! I do have an advise for you and it would be using battery of the same rating and type. You can also buy deep cycle battery in 6 volts version they will be the same size and have more capacity. I have 2 6 volts 220 Ah in my camper van, yes they are heavy but they had the power to run my fridge all night on electric power. You could also equip yourself with a small 12 volts generator for extreme case. Keep on camping!! and Cheers from Canada!
thanks for graciously taking your precious moments to enlighten how to maximize solar power!! save travels, health and joyful journeys ahead from the ozarks
NOTE FROM SLIM: I am getting a lot of comments on this video, thanks. But I would really appreciate it if people would first read the other posts before making the same comments again and again. Three notes: 1) I am considering a new MPPT controller so thanks for those who provided useful info on them. 2) Lithium-Ion Batteries are NOT an option for me at this time as I travel on a very tight budget, plus I also travel in extreme temperatures. Glad they work for others but I will not be pursuing them until the price drops and they charge below freezing. 3) NO GENERATORS, Ever! I may block the word generator if I must explain every time why I will not use them!!!! 4) Renogy apparently changed their design to include grommets. Yay!!! 5) DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS IN YOUR POST PLEASE! They get blocked and I have no time to verify them. Thanks! SP
We are not here to judge you, Slim, we're only here to live through you vicariously. 😁
LOL! Almost lost my coffee there, and I think 39 more of us are doing the same as you (and counting). Made my day Greg ;)
right on Greg O
Ditto 🌈
It's like deja'vu , watching you sit in a camper while it's raining. I feel like I'm there.... love it!
Ahhh, my morning coffee and a potatohead video. A good day begins.
John Campbell
oh ya !
😂😂😂😂
My wife and I absolutely love your videos and look forward to seeing them. We binge watched all of your videos and found you to be (in our opinion) the best of all boondocking videos on TH-cam. We anxiously wait for your videos each week and hope to meet you in the future. Keep up the great work and thank you for showing us the beautiful scenery and informative tips and tricks. Love your sense of humor. 😋
Slim, you are very funny. I enjoy each video you posted. Thank you for your time, energy, and generosity.
Loved the heartfelt "confession" at the beginning. Made me laugh. Oh, the horror!
I've given up choosing which of your videos to store for reference...you now have your own folder! I always enJOY your practical solutions... and the humor is greatly appreciated. Journey mercies.
Camping is all about doing what you want to do. Slim you are still my go to guy. Thanks again.
Slim, I like how you take subjects like solar panels and make them easy to understand. Thank you
You're forgiven, Slim. Your 'transgression' was a temporary measure motivated by desperation, and you've taken steps to avoid having to resort to shore power in the future. Well done!
Part of the beauty of watching you is the education I get on a variety of pertinent subjects. Keep on camping n bringing us great content. Thx, Slim.
"I was another one of THEM" Man my sides nearly split, lol that was a great line. And thanks for another great video Slim.
I'm a huge van of "nomadic life" videos, but you are far and away THE best! Your efforts are truly appreciated. Even my husband is a huge fan! Learning a lot from you. Thanks so much!
Another great video..and we like the idea of calculating amp usage on a typical day! If correct, in one of your previous videos you had suggested plugging in for winter camping (to use a ceramic heater), but that may have been before you had the small wood burning stove idea. Ingenuity, and innovation are two words that so often apply to your channel!
That storm stinks for solar power but a rainstorm in the woods is a relaxing sound. Take a nap!
I really enjoy your videos. They are both informative, funny and real. :)
I’m glad you show all the ups and downs of your adventures.
I would NEVER judge you Slim. We all have to do what we have to do at times. You had to plug in your A liner that is not a crime. I understand you want to be off grid but there are times that you might just have to plug in the camper and going on grid. Don't beat yourself up over this. We still love you no matter what. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming. :)
Mr. Potatohead, thanks for coming and enjoying our great weather. Usually like that for 200 days a year. You have taught me enough about these fantastic machines that I think I am ready to do this with my son this summer. I've always been the computer geek dad, but I think you have given me the confidence to get out there and live it. Great stuff my friend, thanks for making great inspirational videos.
It might be just the old geezer in me, but I am thinking of starting the lifestyle, at 63, after having a lifetime of adventures on the road. I have about five million miles driving around the USA and am getting the call. Soon I can do it with an older RV. I lived in the cab of a big rig 28 days a month.
I have been watching a lot of videos from all sorts of people online, but I enjoy your videos best. I doubt I will do a detached unit. I like having the living area and driving area together.
You do good work. A craftsman in DIY, and a craftsman in producing videos too!
Plugged in? RE-VOLTING!!
😂😂😂
😂😂😂👍🏼
Don Foster Hahhaaa! Good one.
😂
AHHHH .... get it??? ..... TOoOoOo FuNnY! :D :D
Looks great Slim! With several cloudy days all you need to do is start your tow vehicle and charge your trailer battery using a set of jumper cables. I usually only need to run that dirty hot shaky smelly thing for about 1/2 hour at idle!
I’m thinking of my 90 year old aunt living in her cottage in the west of Ireland . She was given solar panels ( installed) for her hot water heater and lights. The sun comes out a few times a year ( maybe) . I was shocked that they work and work well. Someone told me that they harness uv rays and the sun isn’t really needed. Just thought about that watching your video.
Cheers again for a good show
I don’t even know you anymore! In all seriousness I just discovered you and your videos. They are top notch in the TH-cam world - in my opinion. Keep up the great work.
Slim OH ! NO ! you didn't ? Oh my goodness how could you do such a thing LOL !! Good for you for giving in to the pressure .
😂😂😂😂😂
Great video. You explain things where we can understand. Thanks for taking the time to show this. Thanks for taking us along.
I kept thinking there has to be a way to reduce your power needs until you got to the end and detailed which things you are using that need power. Eight hours editing your videos? Wow, but I really appreciate the effort, your segments are well-planned and elegant. Thank you!
BTW, I live on the Oregon coast and yes, we have "issues" with sun in the winter months, but compared to the rest of the country I'll take our averages and be glad I'm here!
I like how talk about different things. Your a natural at making videos!
I’m givin’ her all she’s got Captain! It looks pretty wherever you are, I hope it stays sunny so you get all charged up. Enjoy your week and thanks for the video.
Seems like a great solution for a quick fix & knowing you, it won't be long before you make it more elegant & easy to use.
Great information, Slim. Always entertaining videos. Safe travels.
You are an Awesome Guy!! I watch your videos over and over.
Hey Slim - Great video! I have those big window bubble skylights on my A-Frame popup so no room on the roof plus I like to park in shade if I can. My solution is a bit different and I have laptop, drone, tablet, etc. plus a 30qt Engel fridge. I use 2 Trojan T105 6 volt in series and Zamp portable 120 watt solar panels with a long extension so I can move them around. What saves me is an Ecoflow River 114,000 mAh lithium power bank and cheap 60 watt Suaoki folding solar panels. The River powers and charges all my electronics for days and I can move it anywhere to find the sun. It will run the fridge on it's own and keep up nicely with the 60 watt panels if I want to. I've gone several days with little or no sun and the camper batteries have never dropped below 75% because I use them sparingly. A small collection of power banks ($20.00 or so each) will power small fans, charge phones, etc. So I'm charging power banks every chance I get but never want for power. It's a math problem like you pointed out. Figure your amp draw and plan for worst case. The River is pricey and I found it on eBay for a really good price but there are other cheaper options. So far, I've never had to plug-in or use a generator. Happy travels!
Always enjoy this channel-
Thanks for the efforts and approach to your content-
“.... Ominous clouds of doom... “
Classic.
after all this time watching you im finally getting an aframe for myself, glad ive gotten to see all your informative videos so far
Slim, I have had similar issues with my aliner, not enough juice to power the meager needs of my gizmos. I tow with a Ford Escape, 2014 vintage, and it has factory installed inverter that I can plug the camper 110v line into. I can recharge the camper battery in short time by idling the escape while connected to the camper. You have found a solution with the two new panels, simple and doesn't require burning gas, which is great. The inverter is an alternate solution which has helped me out in the past.
My husband, two dogs, and myself fulltime. We don't let the weather totally dictate our travels. But when it's cold, rainy and overcast sometimes we need all the power we can get. I so get it!
I love any video that has to do with trailer modifications can't wait to see the next one!
Nothing to apologize for... loving your awesome creativity .. you be you!
You, sir, look like one happy camper! Thanks for posting!
ROTFL! Very much enjoyed the opening! Hope the new panels hold up well for you under limited usage plan.
Love your sense of humor Slim. Another great video! Thank you!
Ah, big deal. Now if you were caught pooping in the stream, I would be concerned.
LOL!!!!
That was great!!!
Another great video Slim. Yup, hard to get away from the need for power.
LOL! I’m one of “them” every time I go camping and honestly not ashamed of it. To each his own. Enjoy your videos. Thanks
Welcome to Springtime in the South! Since your this far east, you owe it to yourself to check out the Smokey Mountains during spring green up and when the dogwoods are blooming. BTW, how about a video on how you put a video together using PowerDirector? Maybe a good rainy day project ;-)
I recently saw a Y-Tube vid of a Australian outbacker whom had the " best " panels money could buy , Than he bought the cheapest Chinese ones to compare them , To his horror the cheap ones outperformed the branded ones in every way , He did the test 3 times over as he could not believe it . Ps a MPPT is really efficient if the open voltage of your panels is higher than 17 volt ! When you use the panels in series ( higher voltage ) its a must do . Hope this helps , Paul.
I'm glad I watched your video. I also have 200 watts of solar on my RV and I am thinking of heading east next spring for a couple months. I have thought about adding another 200 watts just to deal with the low charging rate on bad weather days. Your video has confirmed my concerns and motivated me to do it. Thanks, and best wishes to you for safe travel.
Slim I agree with most commenters. I live in my van. An MPPT controller is so superior in low light conditions! On my set up I use an extension cord and some homemade adpators to be able to set my ground deploy panel up to 50 feet away. Out of the trees. I recommend a victron controller with blue tooth.
Yes. A manufacturer should consider how its customers are going to use their products and build in features like grommets that will reduce the number of tech support calls and make a happier customer!
They do. These panels are likely meant to be bonded to a surface. Many panels have provisions for attachment, some do not. The variety of panels available is amazing.
It wouldn't surprise me if that was intentional so that the user would void the warrantee or even if gluing them on something voided the warrantee. I agree when you pay for a quality product first you shouldn't expect to even need the warrantee but then voiding it just for drilling the attachment holes that weren't provided in the first place is just wrong.
Hysterical ! You’re forgiven Slim. Keep it coming.
Keep on A-lining, bud’! Love your videos!
It happens to everybody sooner or later. I just love your videos. Stay safe in your travels.
We love your videos! You are a funny guy and show us a lot of places and you travel a lot. I want to eventually get a Aliner camper as well.
I love all of your videos. Even if it's about repairs which I know nothing about doing. I just wish your videos were longer because I love them more than anything!
We do TRULY LOVE YOU Slim and we ALWAYS WILL!!! Thanks for sharing your unique EXPERIENCES!!! Keep On Truckin', Dude!!!
Hey Slim, you have been all over my neck of the woods here in Texas. You are by far my favorite channel, I appreciate all your wealth of knowledge and experiences, observations. I will hopefully be in my new to me rig soon!!! I have been searching for an accessible rig I can travel in independently...most important it’s got to be light and manageable so I can just “hook it and book it” as I like to say! So teardrop is my choices ( I think I have found a great one) as I have tried others but far too many campers have way too narrow doors that I can get in and out by myself from my wheelchair. I posted some of my struggles on my channel to share my experiences... anyway hope to run into you one day! Keep them coming!
Good information. But isn't you Jeep wired to recharge your batteries when driving? If so I'd HIGHLY recommend getting an auto start system installed on your Jeep if its an automatic transmission. You can use a fob to start it from a good distance, and if you spend a little more some systems can detect if your battery is getting low and automatically start the engine and recharge without you even pushing the button.
Safe Travels Sir.
Not to worry, Slim. Everybody loves your videos! The list of electrical things you use was very helpful at the end of this video. Thanks. Oh, and I have some Canadian blood in me. Love those geese!!!!
Lol you got caught. You didn’t know what you were thinking! Good editing!
Finely a video that says just the facts that you really need! Great Video!!!
Yep, morning coffee and unplugged with Slim! All is forgiven. Glad you didn't film it, the shock might have scarred me for life lol!! Thanks for all the fun. 🤗
I watch a LOT of youtube and have to say that your channel is my favorite by far. I am so happy I found your channel. I am preparing to go on an adventure next year and will be putting a lot of your techniques into my build. Unfortunately an Aliner is not something I can handle myself being 5'3 with a torn shoulder but that doesn't mean I still can't borrow your ideas.
Finding a trailer that suits your personal needs and budget is essential to sucessfull travel. I'm sure you'll find one perfect just for you. Thanks! SP
Love your posts. Informative and infused with your wonderful humour.
Hahaaa. I never realized you “never” hooked up to power and I’ve been watching you for a long time. Personally, I do what makes me comfortable. We no longer have our class A RV, but are seeking a smaller camper which we will outfit with plenty solar panels and, probably lithium batteries. One thing (among many) I have learned watching you is to reduce using the generator! Thank you for your quality advice and videos, as well as your sense of humor.
I realize I'm late to the party, but adding solar panels is the right solution. But I would not wire them in with your existing setup. I added two extra panels with an extra charge controller (pwm) in parallel with the first controllert to my battery with an SAE connection and extension cord. This allows me to clip and unclip it easily, and the extension cord allows me to move the panels to where the sunlight is, that way my camper is in the shade and my panels are in the sun.
I may switch to a MPPT controller and wire them up so extra panels can be added in an extension cord in parallel too.
I'm currently experimenting with cell booster technology as my wife and I set off to do some traveling.
Enjoy the videos! Congrats on the new camper and frame!
Break down and buy lithium batteries. 1. they can draw down to 0% without hurting them. 2. they are less then half the weight of AGM's. 3. they can take high amp's to recharge them, quickly. 4. they can be recharged 3,000 to 5,000 times, unlike AGM at 500 times. Battle Born are the best. Love your video's
Yup, Battle Born, Relion and Life Blue are all good brands. Renogy are a bit too new to know how well they stand up in the long term.
Awesome vid Slim thank you.
Love your videos and appreciate the work you have to put in to make them. You've given me options for boondocking that I never considered. I'll be better prepared too! Thanks.👌
For my teardrop, I've got a single 60w panel which charges my single battery. It gives me enough to run interior and exterior lights and the fantastic fan. Also enough to charge phones and keep the media center charged, which is just a Kindle Fire hung on the wall inside. I have a small folding 5w to USB panel that I use to charge phones and phone battery banks if I need a little more. So far so good.
Who am I to question a Canadian, but I believe those were Canada Geese, hard to tell if they were Canadian ; )
They had a maple leaf on their epaulettes. You would have needed high powered binoculars to see that.
But did they sing Terrence and phillip songs?
I was watching Jeopardy and they showed one. The contestant said "What is a Canadian Goose?" and he lost.
Thanks Slim! Good tips on solar 👍💕
Hard stuff for this old brain to figure out. But thanks for the tips and suggestions. I will soon be learning for myself in a cargo trailer. Happy camping to ya.
Forgot to add, but please consider doing a Q&A video with your viewers. We can submit questions in the comments section. Thanks again!
Slim. I just LOVE your videos. You keep it real and with a sense of humor
At the risk of repeating myself, it looks like a solar generator would be another answer to your power problem. Please continue to make new videos, especially with your marvelous nature photography.
Slim... my suggestion.. a new MPPT controller and wire those panels in series-parallel to get them to 24V (or even better series them all to 48V when all 4 are connected). You will get more useable daylight hours and better use of low light situations since the MPPT will output the desired charge voltage while the panels are pumping out way more voltage and via Ohm's law, being converted to additional current on the battery side.. Also, a good MPPT controller will allow you to "over-panel" the controller while still limiting the maximum output current, exactly for situations like you experienced, or for Summer/Winter fixed array compensation.
_"over-panel" the controller_
Yes sir, that's how I do it here in the wet south east, especially with the price of panels compared to batteries.
You meet the nicest people on a Honda generator! They’re so quiet 👨🏼🔧
lol..... Scotty i need more Power.... I'm givin' her all she's got, captain! 😁😁😁
One idea I have for attaching the solar panels to the trailer is use some sort of holder like those that hold mirrors to the wall. Those are plastic but you might find some or fashion some out of metal that will be wide enough and drill a hole in one side to attach the holder to the trailer but no hole in the solar panel edge on all 4 sides.
LOL, I love the beginning! Great info, also. Thanks.
Great video Slim! Keep up the good work! Hope to meet you out there on the trail someday!
I'm going to look into a solar panel for my little camper shell since I don't like paying to hook up and would like to do more off grid free camping. Can always depend on you for teaching us the how to do things that most of us can understand. Loved your confession LOL
When you have no power, you have to do something about that. I would never hold that against you. Great video. Thanks for sharing
MPPT controller was the best upgrade I have made as I start making power at daybreak even on cloudy days
Good job! You make it work, no matter what problem you have. Excellent work!
I have a 400 watt solar setup, with 360 amp hours of battery capacity, but I still have to pull out my generator on those consecutive rainy days from time to time.
“One of them” would have the $500k motor home and the cheapest loudest generator all night. You have a great, subtle sense of humor.
Thank You for breaking down the Techno Phychobabble into an easier to understand edition. Some people (myself included) just dont get electronic stuff. But this made it much easier to digest. Hope you are enjoying Texas. I just got back frome a month in Az. I thought if you while I was there. That was my first trip out for that length of time.
Thank you for the video. You actually did help. A few questions I have were answered but lol that only led me to a few more questions. But truly I appreciate the video it helped a lot. Have a good one and safe travels!
I like how you think outside the box and that's why I watch your videos.
Another shocking video. You got me all amped up after watching your vid. Hey, you gotta do whatcha gotta do. Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work, the puns, and be safe. Keep 'em comming.....don't leave us in the dark! OK I'll stop now.
LOL :)
Innovative and highly practical solution to insufficient power. Well done. Thank you for the video. Lots to think about.
Hi, my name is Michael and I was plugged into the grid all last week. Lol! Nice video SPH.
Great video! I do have an advise for you and it would be using battery of the same rating and type. You can also buy deep cycle battery in 6 volts version they will be the same size and have more capacity. I have 2 6 volts 220 Ah in my camper van, yes they are heavy but they had the power to run my fridge all night on electric power. You could also equip yourself with a small 12 volts generator for extreme case. Keep on camping!! and Cheers from Canada!
It’s mating season for Canada Geese, and that’s why they make such a ruckus at this time of year.
Always enjoy all your videos.
thanks for graciously taking your precious moments to enlighten how to maximize solar power!! save travels, health and joyful journeys ahead from the ozarks
Great one Slim! Had me cracking up!
I was expecting something horrible during the confession. Lol. WE STILL LOVE YOU SLIM. DON'T LET THE HOOK UP BUG YOU.