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  1. J

    How soon will electric or hybrid vans/RVs be common?

    https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2023/10/18/solar-electric-camper-van-with-250-mile-range/ Pricey...but we haven't heard any conspiracy theory stories from 'sturgis' for awhile.... :o
  2. J

    Your experience with all-electric vans

    The near future will likely be H2 AND battery options...with a battery/H2 hybrid RV probably being the best choice for range and versatility. The price of solar and wind farms is now cheaper than coal powered power plants...and are predicted to get even MORE cost effective. Overbuilding...
  3. J

    Cooking an egg with a mini inverter+ battery

    I bought a greenworks lawn tractor (Costco)---and it came with 12 of the 80V batteries. I only use 4 at a time (for mowing)...so I have a few extras. :) The inverter was a free gift from greenworks--(for writing up a review of their lawn tractor)....I believe it's about $90 on Amazon...
  4. J

    Cooking an egg with a mini inverter+ battery

    I've probably used the inverter/battery over 50 times with the mini cooker...so far no issues. It does have an internal cooling fan that cycles on only occasionally. I now even use the cooker for veggie burgers--about 9 minutes continious use plus 2-3 minutes off (with it's residual heat)...
  5. J

    Any considerations when blocking windows with walls?

    Just keep in mind what would happen if one of the 'walled over' windows should ever get broken (rock, etc.). I believe most side windows would require access from the outside AND inside of the van to replace them. YMMV
  6. J

    How soon will electric or hybrid vans/RVs be common?

    Some good comments here. Sadly, the ultimate electric/hybrid van has yet to be built. It should include: * 100 miles of battery range (+300-400 miles of H2 fuel cell or gasoline hybrid engine range) * Run-flat tires (no spare needed) * mini heat pump for ALL heating & cooling (HVAC) * dual...
  7. J

    Cooking an egg with a mini inverter+ battery

    I had one of these...
  8. J

    Heating AND cooling...in one 'box'?

    I think the advantage of a mini heat pump is that you can make your own 'fuel'...no propane, or stinky diesel needed. For a small space (van) along with adequate solar + battery this might work well for boon docking...IF you can keep a flexible schedule. For cloudy/low sun days, plan a trip...
  9. J

    Heating AND cooling...in one 'box'?

    Obviously one would need a large solar+battery setup, but this mini heat-pump idea might work for some vandwellers. Also, I believe heat-pumps offer a 3/1 advantage for heating...put in 1 unit of power and get 3 units out as heat. YMMV
  10. J

    Campfire Cooking & Safety

    Mini "oven": https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/89937/ I stumbled onto this a few years ago...and made one of these. Works pretty well and stores easily. YMMV
  11. J

    How soon will electric or hybrid vans/RVs be common?

    Ah but they can be: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2022/07/07/solar-trailer-for-range-extension-from-tesla/ Can't make your own "fuel" with an ICE. Moderator: Embrace the future...and let-go of your conspiracy theories. :-)
  12. J

    More Practical EV Vans

    EV charging is always cheaper than buying gas--about 99% of the time. And you totally missed the point of this post--making your own "fuel".
  13. J

    More Practical EV Vans

    This might be an even better option....or for those wanting to get rid of their propane appliances. https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2022/07/07/solar-trailer-for-range-extension-from-tesla/ Probably lighter weight (?) as well.
  14. J

    More Practical EV Vans

    Now that is a clever idea! Some of the newer EV's are equipped with V2X (Vehicle-to-vehicle/Load/home/grid/etc)...thus your vehicle is dual-purpose (EV & storage battery). Personnaly I wouldn't buy an EV...UNLESS it has this feature--great for emergencies. I believe the vehicle software...
  15. J

    More Practical EV Vans

    Like it or not, someday soon this will happen. A 'slimmed down' version of this would certainly help: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2022/07/01/retractable-solar-trailer-from-spain/ Combine this with a PV roof & PV awnings and your "fuel" production (when parked) could be greatly increased...
  16. J

    Removing the front passenger seat and utilizing it's space (example pics please)

    Well here's one I don't recommend: :o
  17. J

    PV Solar Panel+Heat (?)

    Interesting video on a simpler way to cool PV panels--(to increase panel efficiency/lifespan) plus the potential to use the removed heat: For those van builders with fixed panels (+air gap) above their roof, this might be an interesting option. A clever tie-in with a max air roof fan...
  18. J

    Veggie Oil powered Cook Stove

    Very true...but you can't eat diesel. :o
  19. J

    Veggie Oil powered Cook Stove

    Interesting video on a pressurized kerosene stove...modified to run on vegetable oil. It looks like you first have to preheat the base of the burner with alcohol--to get it up to temperature. Might be a cool project for someone who wishes to get dual-use out of their cooking oil.
  20. J

    RV Solar Awning

    From the linked article: Xponent said it designed the Xpanse so it doesn't cause problems when the wind picks up. For one thing, the solar panels are separated from each other to let air pass through and thus stay stable "even at relatively high wind speeds," the company said in a statement...
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