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big_buford's avatar
big_buford
Explorer
Apr 10, 2013

Free ice in the desert

The cost of a weekend trip out to the desert keeps going up.

Only 2 things have gone down, the price of solar panels and my paycheck :B

Just installed solar/inverter/ice maker on my rig to help lower fuel and ice costs. Cost was 2k and I am saving $50-$70 bucks on an average weekend trip.

Did a little write-up about it on Toy Hauler Adventures site. Very pleased the way everything is working!

Article
Toy Haulers

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  • high_desert's avatar
    high_desert
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2013
    Nice article bb. Gives me a good plan for our solar system so I can finally get my ice maker up and running. :)
    Thanks !
  • CincyGus's avatar
    CincyGus
    Explorer II
    Apr 10, 2013
    A lot of other costs saved by your solution. Cost of gas to go and get ice being one, especially camping out in the desert. Gas savings from running the genny also being significant. Add up all the savings along with the return on investment you will likely receive upon selling the unit, I think it's a no brainer investment.
  • BobWanderer's avatar
    BobWanderer
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2013
    dedmiston wrote:
    I loved your ice setup. It's genius. I couldn't believe how quickly it cranked out the cubes.

    That's a nice looking group of folks in line there too.



    Are the dogs waiting in line for some ice ??
    Our 2 dogs wait near the fridge just in case you drop a cube or 2 :B
  • big_buford's avatar
    big_buford
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2013
    Blackdiamond wrote:
    Wow, big investment to save $50-70 a trip, you will have that paid for in 28-40 trips. That would take me 5-8 years, so not for me. Great write up!


    panel- had those been available when I bought i would have saved another $300.

    I go out about 15 trips a year so works for me. Most of the people I camp with run a 2k honda, so if that 1k investment is taken out, it makes more sense too. And thank you :)
  • kalynzoo's avatar
    kalynzoo
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2013
    Cost of solar panel + cost of inverter + cost of battery + cost of ice maker / Number of ice cubes made per year = cost of a free ice cube.
    But it is a great idea and I'm sure you have made a bunch of new friends.
    Happy Trail.
  • Blackdiamond's avatar
    Blackdiamond
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2013
    Wow, big investment to save $50-70 a trip, you will have that paid for in 28-40 trips. That would take me 5-8 years, so not for me. Great write up!
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Apr 10, 2013
    I loved your ice setup. It's genius. I couldn't believe how quickly it cranked out the cubes.

    That's a nice looking group of folks in line there too.

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