Hello All

[WanderlustVagabond]

How is everyone doing? First off, my name is Nick. I first logged on here about a year ago when i had just bought my van. I was planning to get her up and running and on the road by this past spring, but some family health problems arose (all have which ended amazingly) and I got sucked back into the normal everyday grind. I am here for the camaraderie, inspiration and knowledge that is so plentiful in this forum. I have a 92 Dodge B-250 with the 318. She definetly needs a tune-up and some body work. I am hoping to get her ready quick so I can do some campground hosting in the mountains of Colorado this upcoming year. looking to possibly add some solar. SO any information or threads I should look at would be greatly appreciated. So to all of you on the road I am terribly envious, and the rest still planning good luck lets get this done.

Keep your head up
Nick

 

[AltTransBikes]

Hey Nick, even though you've been around longer than I have, i'll say welcome.
Best of luck with your project!

 

[papas34]

Welcome.....
Colorado campgrounds often have lots of shade.
When you do your solar you might consider setting them up in a way that allows you to booth mount on the van and to be able to set them up on the ground with an extension cord.
I have seen this used by many of the fiberglass egg trailer owners. It allows you to move the panels into the sun and to aim them throughout the day while parking in the sun.
A simple folding stand could be made up that is always mounted to the panel and that could easily go from roof rack to the ground. All you need is a few extra plugs and a good exterior cord.

---

If you go check out my posts from Sept. 2013 "solar system gets some control" you can see what I did. If you use one long angle iron where I used 2 short pieces to mount to the roof of my 5th wheel it would be easy to use both on your van and on the ground.......just be sure to make sure your panels can not be tipped over....my first panels were destroyed when the wind blew then over.

 

[WanderlustVagabond]

thanks Papa. I was thinking that myself. I lived in Colorado for about 2 years and the shade was a concern. I was planning on a way that they could be dismounted from the roof and placed on a wheeled cart. I had not taking into consideration the wind so gracias for the food for thought.

 

[signman]

Welcome from north Florida Nick. Sounds like you'r on the way, Don't be afraid to ask questions, plenty of experience in this crowd. Good luck in your camp hosting, that seems to be an enjoyable way to live. My family owned a campground in the north Georgia foothills on a lake. We weren't very successful as a business, the property was a great investment otherwise. But is was a lot of fun meeting new people. Everyone is in a good mood when they are on vacation. I think you'll really enjoy it. Duane

 

[WanderlustVagabond]

Signman, Thanks first and foremost. It's amazng the wealth of lknowledge you can find with good people who are willing to share. Just a few questions. For some reason northern georgia, has always been a draw for me even though I've never been. my long term goal is to find some land there and get off grid and homestead there. Since it seems you are familiar with the area would you be willing to share some knowledge about the area?? Land cost, soil condition for growing, good areas to settle down etc etc?? Thanks


Keep your head up
Nick

 

[Patrick46]

Where are you at now, Nick??

I think Georgia is a georgeous state! Lotsa fun and interesting things to do in that part of the country.

Welcome to the asylum!!
Pics man....we need pics of your van!!

 

[blkjak]

welcome from s.w. florida .... blkjak

 

[WanderlustVagabond]

hey guys and thanks... Currently in Ohio. About halfway through the state on the eastern side hour and half from cleveland.


I treid just now to attach a pic or 2 but the file is too big.any help??

 

[VanTrekker]

Welcome from cold and snowy Iowa! I'm running a solar panel on my van but it's a struggle to keep the ice and snow off of it right now. During the winter, it doesn't do much - from about February on, it's picks up steam and by summer it is often pushing 15 amps back into the batteries.

You've joined a really fun group of people with lots of experience. Welcome aboard!

 

[batool100]

Hello my name is Batool Ali, I am new here i hope we enjoy our stay here and share good and helpful information with each other.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Hi Batool Ali, welcome!