How much power do I need starting out?

[UptownSport]

I’m currently making do with what I’ve already got, a 2005

I don’t want to install a permanent solar system

I have the non-sense you don't want the on my van.

But: Easy, inexpensive and effective, my brother uses an old TROLLING MOTOR BATTERY in his fish house.
He LEANS A 100W PANEL against the fish house to charge it.*
He powers a small TV, a underwater camera and misc (cell phone, lights etc)

It woks just fine, and the battery goes back into the boat come summer.

I'm sure I'll be banned, charged with sedition and court martialed for marching outa step for suggesting such heresy, but it sounds like you and my brother have a lot (no-non-sense) in common.

* My van has 3x the power- On Paper. Since his panel is perpendicular to the power source, I'll bet he has more effective power.

 

[MA-Rider]

I have the non-sense you don't want the on my van.

But: Easy, inexpensive and effective, my brother uses an old TROLLING MOTOR BATTERY in his fish house.
He LEANS A 100W PANEL against the fish house to charge it.*
He powers a small TV, a underwater camera and misc (cell phone, lights etc)

It woks just fine, and the battery goes back into the boat come summer.

I'm sure I'll be banned, charged with sedition and court martialed for marching outa step for suggesting such heresy, but it sounds like you and my brother have a lot (no-non-sense) in common.

* My van has 3x the power- On Paper. Since his panel is perpendicular to the power source, I'll bet he has more effective power.

I also use a 35 Amp-hr Deep Cycle (Trolling Motor) battery in my Van, recharged through the cigarette lighter outlet. 35 Amp-hrs x 12 volts x 50% usage = 210 Watt-hours. The battery and case cost less than $100. Get the wiring from Harbor Freight or Amz. A low cost alternative if your handy.

 

[sithigh]

A lot depends on WHAT you really want to do..I have a Grand Caravan that I outfitted with 400 watts solar a 1500 watt Low frequency inverter (Overkill but had laying around) and 2 Lithium batteries...I still wanted to have space on top to carry Kayak and Windsurfer so installed on sliders so the panels when stationary became a awning on both sides as well...If you were to buy all of this stuff used or cheap probably about a grand or less depending on low frequency or high inverter and batteries you get it will run my tv blender and charge whatever I want phones etc etc as well as run my diesel heater...Probably over kill unless one wants to run a AC during day BUT like I said had most of the stuff laying around so..

Can I get some HD pix and notes of that slide out? I need to work out something that slides out up to 9 feet.

 

[sithigh]

Hello everyone. I’m a new commer, Chenopod, and I’ve been following the forum for a while, along with lots of other vehicle dwelling related media. I really appreciate the generous sharing of wisdom and experience that I’ve witnessed on this site In particular.

I’m currently making do with what I’ve already got, a 2005 tundra pick up with a camper shell. It’s been great for extended weekend camping trips but now Im leaving my hospital job and plan to be (mostly) living out of it.

Here’s my question that I need some advice on…

I don’t want to install a permanent solar system on this rig as I don’t see it as my long term dwelling but need to continue to work remotely 2 days / week via video counseling and need enough battery power to run a cell phone or iPad 6-7 hours / day for 2 days in a row and then some for normal (minimal ) use throughout the rest of the week. How do I calculate my energy needs in this case? I’m wondering if a small power station with some solar re-charging capability may be sufficient for now. I don’t want to overshoot what I need as I suspect I’ll be moving into a larger rig at some point and install a more capable solar system at that time to more adequately supply a host of other energy needs.

Right now I just need enough power to confidently leave the shore and push out into the nomadic current as I develop my skills while still able to make my living.

Thank you in advance for the useful guidance and encouragement that I know I will receive from forum members.

Sounds like you only need a $35 Coleman true sine wave inverter. It runs off the 12 volt lighter socket to provide 2 USB ports and a 120 volt ac. Get used to that power formula. You can't cook or just run on batteries for days on end. But it could be enough for a long while.

 

[frodo2222]

Can I get some HD pix and notes of that slide out? I need to work out something that slides out up to 9 feet.

the slides i found the most is 60 inches

 

[sithigh]

the slides i found the most is 60 inches

TTY. Still beats the 40" or so cabin doors on boats. The only other ideas are made from steel cabinet drawer slides or unistrut. I expect I'll have to reconsider and use 3 pcs per slide to fully extend. But that will depend on steel ball bearings in the weather.

 

[sithigh]

Sounds like you only need a $35 Coleman true sine wave inverter. It runs off the 12 volt lighter socket to provide 2 USB ports and a 120 volt ac. Get used to that power formula. You can't cook or just run on batteries for days on end. But it could be enough for a long while.

I bought it years ago for my car. https://uedata.amazon.com/Coleman-Powerworks-150-Watt-Inverter-CMPW150/dp/B000PF7SPA