discovering the world… and thyself

[RVtrek]

First, there are some things that I know I want to carry, such as maybe a ladder or a kayak.

I'd like to have both of those items as well, and here's my solutions for not needing a roof rack for them:

Folding ladder: https://www.amazon.com/Ollieroo-Tel...36024&sr=1-2&keywords=Telescoping+Ladder&th=1

Inflatable kayak: https://www.amazon.com/Explorer-2-P...d=1482359025&sr=1-2&keywords=inflatable+kayak

Second is the just in case category. I can envision needing to carry something sometime that I don't have room for some place else, or something long. More than anything else, I think I want the capability.

That's where having the bed of the truck comes in handy.  Very few things won't either fit in it, or at least hang out the back that I would need to carry.  And if I really needed to haul something bigger, I can disconnect my trailer, hook up some other trailer, and go nuts.  Or, if there's really an occasion I need to haul something specific that won't work with my setup, I could always rent a U-haul for that event.

I spent a lot of time considering what kind of rig to get.  I settled on the truck/trailer combination because of it's modular nature.  The ability to disconnect and have more options was very appealing.  For instance: I just got my muffler replaced for $163, and it was quick and easy because I have a normal-sized truck with normal parts.  My trailer is somewhere else and didn't need to get involved.  If I need parts to build out the trailer, I don't have to drag the trailer with me when I get them.  I just liked the idea.

 

[rvpopeye]

There are a lot of posts in threads about solar systems here already .
(And some system builds already done on members rigs)
We have some very knowledgeable people here on this subject.
You'll probably get more attention on this subject if you start a separate thread on your solar build.

 

[RVtrek]

You'll probably get more attention on this subject if you start a separate thread on your solar build.

Oh I have no doubt.  It's going to be at least 6 months, if not more, before I seriously get into buying the solar equipment.

In the time I've been planning my setup, I've seen the price of the solar panels I'm interested in go down by maybe 10 or 20%.  That was nice to see!  I'm hoping they'll continue to get cheaper in the future, and even more efficient.  But for now, I'm going "cheap" (hey, that's the name of this place, right?), and just getting what I minimally need to get by for minimal power consumption.

 

[jimindenver]

I run 750w on the trailer and another panel on the truck for over 1K. 675 Ah of Lifeline 8-D's that barely loose their overcharge at night and the rig uses as little propane as possible. We cook on a hot plate, heat the water with a hotrod, run a small window A/C or use low wattage heaters. It is my rolling power station.

It is also not the largest system here.

 

[rvpopeye]

Yup, that's the word !
That trailer is a biggun , you'll have plenty of room for EVERYTHING!
Well,,,,,,, most everything. It'll be a nice home..
And you'll have plenty of time to ask all the questions that come up !

 

[GotSmart]

1,700 watts of panels.  Buy them through Bobs Amazon page.  It is cheaper than factory pricing, and helps support the board.  

When you are ready, there are a few solar and battery experts here that will only cost you a beer or two at RTR.