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    USB C PORT

    I bought a USB C (PD) DC car charger for my trailer's DC plug to keep my chromebook charged. I can also use the same set up to charge my portable battery packs (the bigger ones use USB C to charge). The version I bought supports 36Ws which can charge my chromebook in sleep mode. It's nice to...
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    Beware of profesional fast food short change artists

    Apple Pay (and I assume Google Pay) work great at many of these fast food places even in the drive through. No need to jam your card into a potentially nasty card reader; it's a touchless solution. I find myself using Apple Pay much more now on my watch.
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    Sunriver is hiring housekeeping. $25/hr

    Bullfrog - I’m not sure substandard living conditions is a fair assessment but I’ve never worked these seasonal jobs. Many of these places that hire seasonal workers need to look outside of the areas because the local population can’t support hiring needs. The good news is these temp companies...
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    Sunriver is hiring housekeeping. $25/hr

    Sunriver Hiring I’m not affiliated with Sunriver; I just ran across this news article.  $25/hr is good money.  I assume they are having challenges finding people due to COVID.
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    Substitute teaching

    That's cool.  I can see subbing as my fall/spring job, working at a ski resort for my winter job, and doing something you describe (or just camp host) in the summer.
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    PBS Newshour - The real world of 'Nomadland'

    I know there are a few posts from the PBS series on nomads but I didn't see this one from about a week ago:  The real world of Nomadland  The interview and Q&A with the Nomadland author, Jessica Bruder is good.  She gives good insight on her experiences meeting nomads, their challenges and...
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    Substitute teaching

    With schools reopening, there is a need for subs. Some of the requirements have been reduced (no need to pass a basic skills test - CBEST in CA). You still need a Bachelor's degree, clean TB test and clear background test. Pay has increased dramatically (in districts in my area). $300/day...
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    Changing the solar controller on a Renogy Suitcase

    Since the 2 panels I have will do 35V staying with my existing PWM controller doesn’t seem like it is an option. Not to mention the Victron MPPT is easier to monitor and make adjustments.
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    Changing the solar controller on a Renogy Suitcase

    The PWM controller on the Renogy Eclipse suitcase supports max 26V (@ 20A) so I’d have to connect panels in parallel. The cable to connect to my trailer is like 20-25 ft. I think it is 10 gauge.
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    Changing the solar controller on a Renogy Suitcase

    Thank you for all the input. The back of the label on the 160W panel states 18.73V (@8.62A). The Renogy Eclipse datasheet states 17.6V (@5.68A). So around 1 volt difference... The challenge I’m running into is when I camped in the fall. I ended up running my generator much more than I...
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    Changing the solar controller on a Renogy Suitcase

    I have the Renogy 100W solar suitcase with the solar controller.  I want to switch out the Renogy controller with a small Victron 75/15 MPPT controller that I was going to use for a different project.  When I do this I also want to make it easy to add another panel connected in series. Is there...
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    How "cheap" are you actually living?

    If you don’t mind me asking, is your homebase a mobile home park, RV park (deeded), land with RV port, or something else. Sounds like a good option in the right area.
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    Traveling with a Pop up camper and Nissan Xterra

    I had a pop up camper for 9-10 years. Just camping, didn't live in it. Mine was light and easy to tow. I really don't think it impacted my mileage very much at all. Despite the small size of my trailer (8' box), it felt roomy since it is so wide open. I believe registration was $10 in CA...
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    Viair Compressor

    Thanks HDR. I don't see the 14.2 volt requirement. The manual cautions about draining your battery and that performance is better when engine is running. I've used it connected to my trailer batteries successfully. I'm typically I just want to top off my tires before a trip.
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    Viair Compressor

    I have a Viair Compressor that works great for filling my truck and travel trailer tires.  It connects to a battery using alligator clips.  This is no issue for topping off my truck tires, but if I need to fill my trailer tires, I can't be hitched up because the it doesn't reach. I was thinking...
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    What Are Essential Road-Life Apps For 2021?

    I really like the Campendium app for finding free and pay campsites. Works great on my ipad. It has good info on length and cell coverage.
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    How do you carry, if you carry a gun?

    I don’t think the pepper balls are legal in CA so make sure you review laws before visiting. This is also true for our archaic guns laws pertaining to magazine capacity and “assault weapons”.
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    Express/Savana is 26 years old

    I think the Astro and Express AWD versions would make a nice base to build off of, but are getting a little long in the tooth for me. Someone in my neighborhood has a well maintained Astro AWD (I think, it has actually 4x4 badge on it), with a rear bumper rack. Nice size to travel the country.
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    eBikes

    The mini's seem to be the same size as a normal mountain bike which is great. This is probably the route I'd go if I make a change.
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    Express/Savana is 26 years old

    I don't see a hightop option for Chevy. That seems like a deal breaker for many vanlifers. I know there are aftermarket options but that seems like a pain. They seem to have nice options for engines, though.
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