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Jorn, utilizing the thinner wire as it can handle the lower amps produced in winter is a cost savings, but what about summer amperages? Doesn’t the loss associated with thinner wires generate heat? Any idea at what levels this becomes a fire hazard? I’ve no experience with this. I just know that putting too much load on a inadequate extension cord is dangerous, so my question is an extrapolation from that.
Richard
I, like Mike, am researching solar towards a future system. I am beginning to realize that there is no “one” way to go solar. Systems range from relatively inexpensive proven technology with limitations, all the way to bleeding edge where you are discovering how far new technology can be pushed.
I find some of the most interesting stuff (to me) are the systems incorporating lithium batteries, hybrid inverters and networked solar converters. The cutting edge. Technomadia.com and Wheelinit.us are two blogs that have sections outlining their solar systems. Technomadia has been running lithium for 4 years now and have been rewriting the rules on charging. Wheeingit has taken some of this learning and built upon it. Their new system can even run their AC.
Lithium is not for everyone. They are expensive and somewhat unproven. But it’s other benefits mean that even if you can’t afford the leap today, you can still enjoy reading how others are pioneering new tech in the meantime.
I recommend their blogs in addition to the Handybob site Mike spoke of to anyone who’s interested in solar for boondocking. Another resource is the Jackdanmayer.com site.
Richard
Pippi and Mike/Umbilical, I too was reading HandyBob’s stuff a few weeks ago and came across his blog post titled “Inverter Issues – Spring 2013”. Here’s the link…
Is this the info Mike was referring to? Xantrex is covered in the second big paragraph. It’s dated material being 3 years old, but does outline some key issues that Bob looks for that I’ve added to my personal research questions in the future.
Hi Pippi, thanks for getting back.
I expect that I will be one of those “take 15 weeks to get anywhere” types. Drive for a few hours then settle in for the week, repeat, until you get to Oregon for summer, then Florida for winter, then Maine for summer… etc.
I enjoy poking around with maintenance, improvements, and the like. Your videos on roof insulation/your new floor/wall insulation, etc. and other peoples’ on solar are right up my alley in terms of interest. I’ve always enjoyed camping and with the larger RV’s matching/exceeding the size of my apartment, it looks like the ideal blend of living, traveling, tinkering and seeing the country from a “retirement pace”. Combined with my wood carving in a garage space & deck, it feels about right.
Regarding your friends Toy Hauler setup and not being ideal for travel… would it be ok if your traveling was say 150 miles followed by a week stay as you moseyed your way north or south for 3 months. Then a couple of months in that locale until it was time to follow the sun again? Or were you thinking more one place for a year at a time?
I could see the benefit of a motorhome for frequent setups and teardowns to travel. And I could always find a “Pippi” solution to having my wood carving table swing out from one of the basement bays for outside carving. I’m picturing one of those swing out and up things that some folks mount a mixer or such in a kitchen cabinet. It’s pretty heavy (150 lbs) but I’m sure there’s a creative solution to be found. They have swing out grills too (another of my passions).
Anyway, I’m enjoying thinking about it while I wait for my long anticipated retirement.
Not sure if you all catch new entries into an older thread like this one, but here goes…
My name’s Richard, currently in San Angelo TX.
It was good to read how Jimbo thought through the issues and came up with his solution, the TT. I’d be interested how he feels about it, now about a year later.
Rusty’s tortoise looks great! Nice pics.
There was talk in the early posts about Class A vs 5th Wheel and also of toy haulers. That’s the stage that I’m at now. Thinking about the future and getting into full-timing when I pull the plug and officially retire.
So far my thinking has gone along the following lines:
1) Originally, I was leaning towards a diesel pusher, probably about 15 or more years old, to keep the cost down to about $30K. Another $10K for a toad. Diesel because they tend to be pretty bullet proof long term relative to gas engines. I liked the idea of having the extra storage space, and the quick setup afforded by a motorhome.
2) Recently, I have thought about a 5th wheel toy hauler instead. Not so much for toys, but to have the garage/back deck for woodworking and carving. I’m figuring that the same $40K could split $20K for the used 5th wheel, and $20K for a used 1ton diesel truck. The 5th wheel takes a bit longer to set up and has a lot less storage space… but the hobby space would be a plus.
My main concern between these two options is which would be suitably reliable? The $30K used diesel pusher, or the $20K 1ton truck?
I’m in no hurry to decide as I don’t retire for 5 years. But I’m enjoying pre-planning my new life as a full-timer.
I would be eager to hear all your thoughts on these broad issues that I’m working through.
Richard
