Wow 2 years! And now part of Good Sam? Didn't see that happen but I've been super busy.
I came in today looking for a thread on my AC unit that I smashed and had to replace (which I thought I'd posted in here but I guess not??). Then I realized it's been a while.
I still do YT so have been super busy with my channel which is starting to take off so I'm working full time at it now (retired). Anyway, here are the updates and soon to be updates on my camper which after 5+ years we still love!
Installed 2 Vatrer heated LiFePo4 batteries to replace my FLA's/Marine batteries. I've gotten into solar a lot more at the cabin and have started on the camper. I also have power stations that I can plug the camper into, or use on the road but plan to install an inverter in the future but putting in those two batteries greatly increases my battery power (I just had to put in the newer DC Converter that is made for them).
I've also tested out a DC to DC charger that will give me 600w of Alternator charging once installed which is 2/3rds of what I need to run the new AC unit I plan to install and I have 200w of solar to install (Flexible panel) and a new charge controller to go with it which will get me even closer to what I'd need to run the AC full time while driving without needing the generator.
I'm thinking of installing an automatic generator start switch to back up the solar and have one in mind, just need to decide if I will or not 😉
Another project I have going is installing a 4kwh battery in the box of the pickup in front of the wheel well (so not in the way of the camper) and plumbing it into the 'solar input' of the camper (which is a direct connection). I could just parallel it there I suppose but am thinking of installing a charge controller instead (basically the controller doesn't care it's a battery and will provide any extra power needed on the road). That would give me 6.5kwh of battery backup in the camper and with the DC charger and 200w solar I should be set for most conditions.
With the addition of a 2kwh power station I can also add ass needed and two 400w foldable solar panels (which I'm testing now) I hope to greatly reduce the propane I'm running.
As for the AC unit, I've been offered a new DC Air conditioner that puts out 10,000 BTU's and may be slimmer that what I'm running now. If it works out I think it might be a game changer for us in moving away from burning too much propane in hotter weather to run the AC unit.
So that's the techy side of things.
We've not gotten out as much as we'd like but did make it out to Shaniko Oregon and Little Nache's this year and the Oregon coast last year as well as Northern BC. In 2025 we have another Northern BC trip planned (my son lives there) and more local adventures.
