Full Time Motorcycle Living - SOLAR FAILURE! -
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ย. 2021
- In This Episode
“We are dead in the water with our solar panel” Chris
As we motorcycle on down the Great River Road, we should have known that shade was going to be a bigger issue than we gave credit to. Somehow, we’ve managed to bring our batteries down to zero and can’t seem to recover. Not a major concern if you’re on a short trip, but we rely on our solar power for everything - computers, camera, gopros - you name it and we charge it with solar. Thankfully there’s been some very inexpensive camping sites with electric along the Great River Road Route that we’ve taken advantage of while we try to figure things out.
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😁😍👍We hope you join us on this crazy adventure! We not entirely sure what we’re doing… but, we’re going to do it anyway… and, we’re going to do it together!
✅Our goal is to build a positive community of people who are passionate about living the life you've always imagined and striving to making your life extraordinary! We want to share our experiences with you about what it’s like living on the road from the back of a Motorcycle. It's not as easy as you’d think and we share these challenges in the hopes of helping you not make our same mistakes on your own great motorcycle riding adventures.
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We’re Rich and Chris - motorcycle adventurists who love motorcycle riding and camping. Rich rides a Harley Davidson RoadGlide towing a Bunkhouse pop-up motorcycle trailer and Chris rides a BMW K1250GS. We’re creating online content to encourage, motivate and inform motorcycle travelers.
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Really like your videos and commentary. The good and bad .. makes it real. Love ruby too! 🇦🇺
Life mirrors the weather. We must experience the bad to fully appreciate the good. Safe travels.
So true!
60 miles SW of Dubuque is National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA. Highly recommend next time you're in the area. Thanks for all the great posts!
Yes another good stop but I think they are much farther south by now.( I hope)
Jeez how many slick surfaces in one day....... Butt puckering!!
True. It was crazy
On a 3400 mile round trip to Montana and back, I used those small batteries, your back up to the back up, during the night to charge my phone and power my ipad. During the day, I recharged it from my bike.
Poopys is about an hour from our home. We just looked at a bunk house camper like yours and may end up with it so, we can start our own adventures! Thank you for
Making Iowa look so good!! We watch your videos together every Sunday so keep them coming.
That six pack used to say G Heileman Brewery OLD STYLE when I was a kid. Sad when they sold out and moved.
Army Corps campgrounds on the Mississippi Rock !! Mosquitos and or floods are the norm. The Mississippi takes days to move in to flood stage , plenty of time to move on. Rode the same area in Aug.
I waterproofed a fabric bag with scotch guard and it worked. I’m probably a terrible person for not washing my waterproof and water-resistant and Kevlar gear very much.
That six pack fits in one "can" from the Stella Artois brewery.
I wish you guys would mention the date so we know what time of year you’re out there.
I love watching your shows great job thank you
Found another roadside restaurant with a strange name in Wakefield, N.H. Not as awful sounding as 'Poopies'. This one's called 'Poor Peoples Pub'. Decent food, catered to by all the locals & travelers along the less well traveled narrow roads. Pizza, sandwiches, bar food, filling. Oh did I forget to include Beer. Of course, it's a pub. Not exactly 'health food' but good tasting none- the- less. It's New England, if you're up this way in the warmer climates.
Comfort food. Yum.
I love motorcycling but there is some days four wheels is a big life. Stay safe. Keep enjoying the less than perfect times.
100% living the dream! Ride safe and ride often. Peace
The function of a solar controller is only to prevent the battery from overcharging. You can bypass it and let your solar panels charge your batteries directly. Keep your multimeter connected to the batteries and do not forget to monitor the voltage so that it does not exceed 14.8 volts. When it get close to that, disconnect the solar panels. And voila, you have become a manual human solar controller.
Another way to not use a controller is to use a Zener diode. The diode shunt the current to "ground" and keep the voltage in line with its rating. (12volts) You have so few solar panels (less than 200 watts) that a 20 amps diode would be ample.
You are impressing me on many levels with your videos. It looks like you have taken a course on how to keep the viewers attention 100% of the times. You are using all the tricks in the book. Congratulation.
Yes we did do that. I connected the small panel directly to the battery’s to get a start change and pump up the beds. We stayed at camps with Electricity until we got a new controller.
Enjoyin' your travelin' musica accompanying your rides.
Poopy's is unique. Some say it it like a mini Full Throttle Saloon. I have been there a few times and it is always an experience. Living in MN I have been able to ride the river road on both sides of the river and it has never disappointed.
It's a super cool road
Consider the kitchen kissed. Great video. Thanks
😊 thank you
You just reminded me to pack my spare charge controller before I go camping next month. Thanks!
Greetings from Western Australia, I have been enjoying your vids, very interesting, you might like to consider some sort of self inflating matress, no electric pump required or one with a pump sack such as sea to summit, thier pillows are also very good and pack into a tiny stuff bag
Thanks for the tips!
I laughed at the "bean lunch". Not laugh at you, but because I have had beans for lunch...or a can of potted meat...or just an apple! Eat what you have. AND brings to mind an old saying I know you've heard. "Beans, beans, so good for your heart. The more you eat, the more you want". Not sure that's real accurate wording. Enjoyed the video! oh, and a riddle. What's worse than riding in the rain? Putting on wet cloths the next morning. I really don't like that.
The only time I've ever had a issue pulling my Aspen. Was coming home from a Moab & Yellowstone trip a few years ago. It was raining all day. We left the Deadwood KOA, heading South down 385. On a Nebraska backroad, I was making a slow Right turn. Traffic in front and behind me. Half way through the curve. My back tire broke loose and I went down. There was a groove all the way through the curve that couldn't be seen since it was full of water. I was lucky, the damage to my Goldwing was significant. Although I was able to make it home after a few roadside repairs. Not a scratch on me thought. As a result. I won't tow in the hard rain anymore. And I have towed a lot in the rain. Be careful out there. Great channel!
Love the video today!!! Hope you outvrun the snow!!! Great music too!
Partner...
Love watching you guys!!!!
We have a Qwick Camp Camper..
Pulled it, all up and down the east coast...
Love solar, Big Time...
Something, you guys need to understand...
12 volts, is zero!!!
Anything less than that, is degrating any 12 volt battery
Setting up your, charge controller
Will be the best thing you guys will ever do.
Happy trails to you guys..
Thanks, for taking all of us, to places, we can no longer, travel!!!
God Bless....
One more comment. I have to applaud both of you for your honesty, and candor with your mistakes and adventures. Have fun, ride safe.
Love your positivity and overall energy 👍🏿
Thank you so much 🤗
Definitely spray anything that was once waterproof or resistant with scotch guard. I do it with my duck hunting coat. Duck hunting is only done on the wettest and nastiest days. Scotch guard keeps me dry all season long. Hopefully you get a new solar charger controller and get everything up and running.
Loved this long content! Great vid guys!
hello chris my susuki burgman 650 maxi scooter is 30 kg heavier than your 1250 gs.But i love riding it here in way out new zealand. Just love what you guys have done.keep posting.
MY wife says where are they now.isay heaven. as long as it dosent snow.
It's probably too late, but there's the Natl Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA, which is a fun stop.
I loved my Aspen. Towed it with a Goldwing with upgraded suspension. No troubles. I admire you all though cause I wussed out a lot and stayed in motels. You’re doing great.
Great thanks for watching. Our budget kept us out of hotels. When we did it was points used from a previous road warrior life.
Your not too far from me in Illinios!! Enjoy following your jouney!
Thanks Julie
That wet weather looked so British, horrible! Great that you can see the funny side to adverse situations, unless you edit out the snapping! 😆 Love it when you unpack your home for the night after a hard day’s ride. Always entertaining.
You two are such a trip to watch. Even with the troubles you encounter and the wet weather & fog you both get smiles on your face and I just have to laugh.
Maybe you had issues but
No time clock
No property taxes
No noisy neighbors
No lookin at same place every day
No boss
No job
So you guys are still living life to the max. You guys are my heroes and I do look forward to these videos. I have a shady big back yard if ever in north east Texas. You can camp for free and even have electricity to boot. Ride save. Love your channel!
Thanks Willie. Awesomeness
Thanks, Willie!! Love all those 'No's", well except "no job'. Contrary to what people thinking running a YT channel can be like a FT job, but at least we're riding motorcycles. Thanks for the invite! Appreciate it.
Just realized I had my notification button set to Personal.....which I obviously don't know how to set up since I haven't seen any reminders about your postings. Now set to All and I should be good to go. Really enjoying catching up on all your travels, and looking forward to this new adventure down the Mississippi! Safe Travels!!!
Loved it. Good job guys.
I ride around that area all the time, it's so beautiful, I wish I had seen you in one of my rides, I live in Rock Island Illinois, not far from there.
Great to see you go through my area. I live just west of Dubuque. Wish I could have came to your camp in Dubuque to meet you. Enjoy your videos.
Awesome sound track! As always! Never ask what’s next, it becomes a challenge!!!!
Keep tire side down have a good day when I pull trailer I never have tires at max pressure doesn't bounce near as bad
Yes for sure it did calm it down.
Yes, we're still working out what's the best tire pressure.
McGrath HD in quad cities is outstanding if you should need anything, also Poopys is in Savanah, Illinois, just across the river from Clinton. if you continue south,the Iowa side is much prettier than Illinois side, until you get into Southern Illinois, then it's very pretty. Of course Missouri is beautiful too. Safe travels 🙏
I hate those bridges with the grates. Feels like sand. Wobbly
Yes very sketchy
Another great vlog thank u for taking us along.
As always, great video guys.
Travel safe 👍🏻❤️
Love you guys. Your videos make me want to go somewhere.
I love your blogs and am envious of you guys living your dream.
Please stay safe and enjoy every moment.
One of your best Vids. Very nice.
And once again you've out done yourselves with another spectacular video.
I'm starting to plan my "Great River Road" trip now. Keep the videos and ides coming.
Hi from Australia. When I get caught in the rain I try and find a laundrette and spend a couple of hours there washing and drying out. Well done taking the Harley on unsealed roads as I do. Though I’m on a Kwaka these days.
Thanks
Very enjoyable video you guys. I love your sense of adventure. Be well, be safe.
Hi.
Saludos de Costa Rica.
Cheers
Thanks guys , sorry for your troubles,Hope you Have a Blessed Thanksgiving , Praying for your continued safety 🙏 I Love how you two roll with the punches.
Thanks so much! Here's hoping you have most blessed Thanksgiving too.
You too are so cool thanks for bringing us along happy trails. Be well.
🤓😎 sorry for your solar troubles,but big thanks for sharing the vid. Beautiful area by the Mississippi River. 🥂🏍💨💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦
great video guys i really enjoy them keep them coming
Just a thought - pick up a quiet running Honda 1000 watt inverter generator that weighs only 26 pounds and is fairly small. Get rid of your non working battery system (they all tend to fail too much - have my own to know) and instead use a small inverter generator. A little amount of gas goes a long way and will for sure charge everything in little time.
Grew up in Wisconsin. Never realized until I moved to the high desert in Arizona that the sun shines everyday and doesn't disappear for months at a time like it does there. Enjoy your videos and the lessons you share about just living your life. May God bless you both and Happy Thanksgiving.
As a rider of a HD Street Glide, that muddy road puckered me up! You guys have skills to be admired!
Thanks a bunch!!! Sometimes when it rains it pour’s…….life on life’s terms. ✌🏻❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸
You got that right!
Glad you guys are OK. True inspiration to lot of current and budding travelers. Keep on rolling. Huge fan!!
I rode for many years before retirement. Crossed many of those bridges '''paved' with metal grates. You commented it was a bit squirrelly. I found the queasiness factor dimished if you weaved across those plates so your tires wire. hitting the squares on a slight diagonal. Reduces the shaky factor enormously.
...a cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you…
Always nice to see your new videos and the adventures. I was thinking about buying a motorcycle tent camper myself but not quite sure on what brand to buy. Btw, in a pinch, harbor freight carries a solar charger controller.
Hello adventurers! I enjoy watching your escapades, especially Chris' laughter at every obstacle. GREAT attitude I wish everyone had. It's a gift. I must say, I'm detecting a bit of "burn out" with the dirt, rain and compact living style. Maybe it's time for a break? Why not get one of those extended stay suites for a month - especially with the crappy weather coming. Ride safe and good luck!
Thanks guys for showing the real side of motorcycles camping….. the trials and tribulations!
Stay safe
Watching the video was like going home again. I grew up just east of Cedar Rapids, my wife is from Dubuque (I saw the shot with the 4th street elevator) and I worked in Muscatine for my first out-of-college job. I live in Colorado now but appreciate you taking me back.
The skill you two have in the rain is excellent. One benefit of living in Dubai is the almost complete lack of rain. Of course, in the summer the ambient temperature gets to 130+, burn it’s easier to ride in that than in the rain. Hopes and prayers that you ride in the dry!!
I started with an HWK jacket and it was ok but lost its waterproof capability. While expensive, consider looking at a Klim waterproof jacket. The Carlsbad has been fantastic and it is very durable with excellent protection. Goretex works… I’m sure they have women’s styles that would be good as well. Another option is to just wear a Goretex jacket over your HWK for staying dry.
I really appreciate all that you go through to get the episodes that we all love to watch!
I can’t imagine how much time & effort you have to put into making each episode. Thank you, thank you & thank you again!
Carpe Diem!
Love you guys! Do you ever just get a hotel room for those icky days? Refresh and regroup and a warm shower and charge up all your stuff? Being from the Pacific Northwest, camping in the rain can be miserable. Glad things worked out.
Yes we do. Sometimes we just have to when it gets too hot or cold. Thanks
Just finished watching all your videos yesterday from the beginning. You two are special and I hope you live this dream to your heart’s desire. We have traveled on two wheels all over the country but are now reaching the age where it’s not possible for my wife who has health issues. Enjoy it while you can and we will follow your adventures. 💕
Great video! I commend your stamina. We have been down that stretch on the GRR minus all the rain. Sorry to hear of your solar issues. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and stay safe and dry.
Thanks Cathy.
Love that you're heading down the Mississippi River. We know y'all don't dine out much, however, when you get to Natchez, MS, try to have lunch at Mammy's Cupboard. You will not regret it. They are only open for lunch, and it's all home cooked meals and desserts. If available, try the blueberry lemonade. We're in FL and can hardly wait to return just to dine at Mammy's! Ride safe y'all!
Glad to se the not so glamorous riding. Bern there done it not fun but part of the adventure
I was actually stranded at this campground back in July on my way to the Sturgis MC Rally!! Rained for days and was confined to the Gypsy Rose 1978 Itasca motorhome. God sent me a mechanic named Joe who lives in Dakota MN. Thanks for sharing and safe travels ❤️
The older I get the more I realize that nothing is easy. At least you have each other to help ease the pain.
I use my DC outlet on my Road Glide for my mattress air pump. Works great. Ride on!
I've run 4.80 / 12 trailers tires down to 45 psi, on boat trailer boat weighs 900 lb, made 5 trips to florida from UP Mi, about 25,000 miles same tires and bearings. Love your adventures!
I have ridden the Great River Rd. It is awesome. And I have also two days on it in torrential rain.
If I do it I would send you a recipe for a homemade bug spray. It is very good. Can't seem to on utube
I am 68 all long time riders have had days like that. In future time they make the best stories. And if not for days like
you went through the Blue Bird Days would not be as special. Stay safe where ever you are now.
Thank you
The easy trips are not as well remembered but nice trips allow focus more on the sites! Keep on rollin'
Just love the way you two get along bugs and all. Great watching your journey and certainly different from the way we can ride in UK. Ride safe and stay warm with winter coming on.
Thanks 👍
Good God I lived in Dubuque, Iowa as a kid! Also I remember I first time crossing an iron grate bridge was very interesting! Goodness the mud you guy do travel through
I always said "You can ride in the rain BUT it's not much fun". Despite the rain you still were able to have some fun. Thanks for Sharing!
What a nice video! I especially loved the motorcycle ride with the lovely music...so pleasant to watch this cold dreary night here in middle Tennessee. Thank you!
Thank You we are glad you enjoyed. Cheers
And it's still the time of your lives. I love these vids.
Yes it is.
Intrepid!! Good on you both. 🤟
You guys crack me up. …
Thank Edd
I just bought my first Harley yesterday and I’ve learned so much from you both I really enjoy your channel I’m the proud owner of a road glide special.
I love my ms Alice
Congratulations!!!!! How awesome is that. Here's hoping you enjoy the heck out of your new bike. Keep the shiny side up.
Nice
Congratulations on the the new bike. I bought a limited in late July, it’s got 7000 miles on already. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Congrats on your new ride. If you're interested I can give you a list of things to make sure you stay ahead of the curve in maintenance.
Harley won't even consider engineering these problems out of their bike because they make so much money by not telling you about it because they want everyone to PAY to replace and repair... it would take a huge amount out of their koffers if they told you about it or if they engineered it out of their bikes. Trust me, I've learned a lot with my `04 Ultra Classic.
Still good times to be able to do this w a partner. Y’all have collected so many memories. So awesome.
I've been to Poopy's. It reminds me of Sturgis. Overpriced food and drinks, Okay not that bad.
Road this same stretch on a 5,500 mile, 21 state, 12 day cross country to with my dad. We had far better weather. That stretch was absolutely gorgeous!
So true.
I've made up an adapter for my MC battery trickle charger (1.5 amp output) that I use during the winter with the trailer in the garage to keep my solar system batteries charged. Would work as a backup in case of a charge control failure. I think your reason for the failure is accurate.
Do love your music selections.
I live in Iowa. Sorry it rained on you up around Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak. That area has some scenic hilly touring as it was not affected by glaciers like the rest of the state. I almost fainted when you said you were going to take a quick side trip from Dubuque to Winterset. Wondering if you could get an enhanced tourist experience if there was a way to communicate with your viewers at the time you are in an area.
hello je vous regarde de françe un grand bravo pour ses images de road trip thank you
Love you guys! Be careful with how much air you put in your tires. You can’t go by the tire ratings alone. You should stay close to the motorcycle manufacturers’ recommended pressures. If your run down the Mississippi brings you near Baton Rouge, I’d love to meet up with you and buy you lunch.
That was some rain-ride. I saw your white knuckles when you pulled up to the campsite. You guys look much better in dryer weather.
one of those days when rain is your companion from morning to evening. it's bad. packing up the camp in the wet I find it horrible. Then having rain during the day and not enjoying the places one goes through, it's frustrating. But that's the way it is, one cannot have 20c and sun every day. At least you are well equipped and that is essential. Once I rode from Italy to Belgium in the pouring rain in a day ...