BOONDOCKING IN EXTREME HEAT! FULL TIME RV!

[@RVUntethered]

✅Links to this video: *ALL BOONDOCK ITEMS* amzn.to/4cSM7wI *OUPES POWER STATION* bit.ly/3QXTfPr (Use our discount code for 5% off any mega 2 series products): UT5 *REDODO LITHIUM BATTERY* (Use discount code for 5% off): Untethered Redodo 12v 410Ah Battery: bit.ly/44mZXUL Redodo 12V 100Ah Low-temp Battery: bit.ly/3Uy1SCC Redodo 12V 200Ah Low-temp Battery: bit.ly/3Jvywi2 Redodo 12V 280Ah Low-temp Battery: bit.ly/3w7sZLo *GROUNDING PLUG* amzn.to/4bSKzSe *WESTINGHOUSE GENERATOR 5000w* amzn.to/4bWumLV *WESTINGHOUSE GENERATOR 2000w* amzn.to/3xVIkzO *WESTINGHOUSE POWER BOX 200w* amzn.to/3zOYRpM *PARALLEL CABLE* amzn.to/4cLkVQy *GAS CANS* amzn.to/3zNMNou *PORTABLE WATER BAG* amzn.to/4ff656E *PORTABLE WASTE TANK* amzn.to/3yfzYTu *WATER PUMP* amzn.to/4dd9scg ****************************************** ****************************************** ✅CHAPTERS 02:09 POWER 19:53 WATER 26:29 WASTE WATER 28:03 2 WK POWER UPDATE 30:09 GROUNDING PLUG DETAIL 35:33 2WK WATER UPDATE 36:23 2WK WASTE WATER UPDATE ****************************************** ****************************************** ✅OTHER METIONED VIDEOS** *OUPES VIDEO* kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6jGiJKEgs1meM0si=XXLQAC2-WEE0A6D4 *REDODO LITHIUM BATTERY INSTALLATION* kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXXWoJePnLSJoKMsi=01BWxViN1O9bAiQj *REDODO LIHTIUM BATTERY TESTING* kzbin.info/www/bejne/maXEdKFnodKaoMUsi=Sbuanpn6lMXlvc-P *WESTINGHOUSE MAINTENANCE VIDEO* kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6uaqKKNgZJgrbssi=56jHCG02_9PCM3rD ****************************************** ****************************************** ✅As an Amazon Associate and partnerships, we earn from qualifying purchases! Thank you for your support! *AMAZON* We're proud to be a part of the Amazon Influencer Program. www.amazon.com/shop/untethered *CHECK OUT OUR MERCH STORE* www.etsy.com/shop/rvuntethered *FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK* facebook.com/search/top?q=untethered

[@Steve-n-Tango]

You guys have quickly become one of my favorite RV channels! I went full-time in June while I prepare my house to sell in October. I hit the road for seven months. although I’ve been camping for years I never stop learning. Another option for pumping water is a drill water pump. They are relatively cheap and can move a lot of water quickly. The only downside is you have to hold onto the pump because of the torque or mount to a board and you use a cordless drill for Power. Just an option I don’t comment a lot, but know that I appreciate you letting all of us into your lives and adventures

[@RVUntethered]

That’s so nice! Thank you for the kind words! Thank you for putting that down here. A lot of viewers watch the comments and it’s another great option! Good luck on your continued journey!

[@Itsa_Mea]

For your water transfer pump, install it inline as close as you can to the source. Displacement pumps push better than they pull water, plus it won't partially collapse the suction side hose.

[@RVUntethered]

Great note! Thank you! I’ll try that next time, because it makes absolute sense!

[@williamarmstrong9970]

Cody; We have a PPT ( Portable Poop Tank ) and a macerator pump. I put the PPT in the back of the truck and pump to it, then drive to the dump station. Don't know how far your septic is from the rig but a good macerator will push about 100 feet and elevate 10 feet, that would be a lot quicker.

[@RVUntethered]

That’s sounds awesome! Definitely on the list!

[@bobconner422]

People do things a hundred different ways . You put some good info out no doubt ! Great Channel 👍

[@RVUntethered]

100% Thank you!

[@timf6916]

Cool video, only thing that I would suggest is, get the soft starts , and I got them on both of my ACs. I got the Bluetooth model. They are very nice. You can see what they are pulling.

[@RVUntethered]

Interesting! I didn’t know that was an option, but I think my new Watchdog surge protector (I finally got one) will do some of that now. The Soft Starts are a great option! I was hoping the plug and play option would’ve worked, so that was pretty disappointing.

[@ThoseWhoGlampTogether]

We ordered our Tandara solar and Gen prepped. Not sure which direction we wanted to go. We ended up installing solar and lithium but not enough to run AC for more than a few hours. We love boondocking especially at Harvest host so our portable generator has been essential. Y’all are brave to do this in such heat! Well done!

[@RVUntethered]

Thanks for putting this down here! I think n it’s good for people to see the varying setups, to decide what they want to do.

[@bobabooie6389]

Great video, thanks. After watching, I just bought two of those Watchdog little ground plugs for my two Yamaha generators. Thanks again👍🏻🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@RVUntethered]

Awesome! 😊

[@jaybyrne8675]

Love your videos!!! One thing you need to know is that running your gens together does not stack the wattage. They both will max out at the smaller gens max wattage. So a 4500w gen and a 2200w gen will max out at 4400w. We run two 2200w together if needed.

[@RVUntethered]

Interesting. I was thinking in this case, it would max to the higher wattage?

[@jordancook1668]

A good gas can to consider is the Eagle. They're all steel, made in the USA, and have a big spring-loaded spout that you actuate with a big grab handle. You can dump fuel out of those things as fast as gravity will allow. They've got a big funnel that snaps onto the spout, so you can really control and direct the flow of fuel wherever you need it. They even make yellow ones for diesel. Not cheap, but they are the best there is, in my opinion. Tractor Supp,y often carries them, but so does Amazon. Every shop I've ever worked in professionally has at least a few of them, and they even say "For Professional Use Only", right on them, which is cool.

[@RVUntethered]

Nice! It’s cool they even have metal gas cans as an option! That’s hard to find! Thank you for putting this in the comments, as an option.

[@AndrewJohnson149]

Nice video with some great content and ideas for boondockers. We are going to get a water bag when we are full-time since I want to do a lot of boondocking. They can save you a lot of aggevation... Stay safe and keep cool! ❤

[@RVUntethered]

Thanks for watching! I’m curious on how to keep it clean when we’re not boondocking. We put a small amount of bleach in there, thinking it may help. I’ll be curious next time we use it.

[@AndrewJohnson149]

@@RVUntethered I've always figured its just like your fresh water tank. Needs to be cleaned after being stored for a period of time. Especially in the heat. I figure I will clean it with quick bleach rinse if not used for a month or so. Also, the big thing is to get as much water out of it as possible, collapse it as tight as possible, and with as little air left in it as possible.

[@AndrewJohnson149]

​@@RVUntethered Just thought of this. You may not want to leave full strength bleach in it. It might leach into the sides and never get the smell out. A 1 to 10 bleach water solution would be good and let it set over night. Bleach will breakdown over time. Even with my 5 gallon water containers, I gave up trying to make sure they were always clean and just coated the inside walls with the 1:10 solution the night before I needed them. Then rinsed in the morning a few times and good to go. I'll probably do the same process with a water bag.

[@RVUntethered]

@@AndrewJohnson149 Makes sense to me!

[@garylange2426]

We have a small class c that uses 30 amps. We have the adapters you have shown in this video; however, in addition, we carry a 50 amp to 30 amp dog bone. We have used this adapter in the Tetons as our campsite pedestal 30 amp source wasn’t working and we tapped into the 50 amp outlet and all was good!

[@RVUntethered]

I stand corrected! It has been so long since I’ve ran 30amp, but you are 100% correct! Thank you for adding this in the comments for the viewers. 😊 I will reword that next time.

[@jshenderson]

Thanks for the complete information. Giving us the setup and info about the equipment and then also provided insight after two weeks use. Well done.

[@RVUntethered]

Thank you so much!

[@walterrafolski5662]

Great video, y’all seem to have the boon docking thing down pat. I see a lot of people spending thousands of dollars on solar systems, nice if you can afford it but you show it can be done efficiently!

[@RVUntethered]

That was definitely the goal! Thank you for the kind words!

[@paulweaver7426]

A friend at a hunting camp would bring a something like this "275 Gallon Rebottled IBC Tote Tank" He would bring it on a trailer. For your temporary site having a large water tank may help. in your case you could fill the small green one and empty into large one. Then fill RV from large one. I just saw a large one on Homestead Rescue episode.

[@RVUntethered]

That is a really great idea! We have access to get some of those, I think. We do plan to add water and electric soon, but with the infrequent visits we make at the moment, we have hated to pay for the minimum fees each month. We may do that sooner than later though.

[@vince8705]

Great video, awesome amount of info. I bought a Bluetti solar battery and like you it’s a game changer. Running a “B” van with bad AGM’s aboard. You guys doing Tampa show this year? Love to grab a coffee with you both. 😊

[@RVUntethered]

Thank you! We do plan to be in Tampa in 2025 unless something crazy happens. See you there!

[@ProgressiveBridges]

Great video! We had to laugh - y’all are a lot like us! My favorite boondocking experience is the continuous update (from hubby) on our percentage, like we are supposed to stay as close to 100% at all times. 😂 The energy is there to use and we can power it right back up with the sun or a generator! Same with tank…2/3 is plenty for one night so no need to conserve too much. Love the full time RV life!

[@RVUntethered]

🤣Hilarious!

[@djharp2676]

Thanks for this video and your tips! Very helpful for us!

[@RVUntethered]

That’s so nice, thank you!

[@twallaceii]

All good information, stay cool😎 hank you both!

[@RVUntethered]

Thanks!

[@stevenedington8882]

Great video--you are the first RVer that likes Westinghouse Generators! Very impressed with your experience. By the way, get a Soft-Start for your A/C! Takes about an hour to install and they are great!

[@sherrellmcfadden4919]

Thanks for this video! Great insight

[@RVUntethered]

😁

[@Terry-JoWhitehead]

I’m not one for boondocking in the heat that’s for sure! FYI, our 2022 RLS337 already has metal valves on our wheels. I was shocked! Although I put the old pressure sensors on and the TST70 sensors on and did not notice! Great info!

[@RVUntethered]

Ha! We avoid it when possible! The number of people saying that they get metal stems from the factory amazes me!

[@stuwardw]

Great information, thank you!

[@RVUntethered]

Thanks for watching!

[@notfromaroundhere]

I could be mistaken, but I thought the powerfill setting and the pump on does the same thing as your external pump. You mentioned winterize setting and it was slow. May be the same for powerfill and on board pump. I’m not sure.

[@RVUntethered]

That’s what we thought too. For us, the power fill/pump method doesn’t work. I had good luck with the winterize method but it’s pretty slow

[@RayLyle-kx2ks]

Great video thanks for all the info hope y’all are doing well safe travels can’t wait until the next one.

[@RVUntethered]

Thanks so much!

[@brockdavidson30]

If you have solar panels it’ll probably hold on longer than 1 hour. We just did 10 days of boondocking in this HEAT. We to picked up a similar power pack and did a lot as well and were very pleased with it. Lol I enjoyed not having to go out first thing in the morning fire the generator for the coffee maker.

[@RVUntethered]

Nice! Our panel is pretty small. I know a soft start would help that for sure! There is value in NOT buying gas! 🤣

[@gaffordsgocoastal]

Great video. We have a built in generator but I love the idea of that Oupes power station. Nicole always pops a breaker when she try’s to dry her hair in the camper. Seeing Angela drying her hair with it means I’m probably gonna have to get one of them for Nicole 🤣. We’re looking at boondocking in NM and need a water bag like that. Y’all stay safe.

[@RVUntethered]

Haha! I use it to dry and straighten my hair a lot. Or use my crockpot. Our friend had this brand, so we were able to get some first-hand knowledge of how it would hold up, before we partnered with them. It has been handy, for sure.

[@gaffordsgocoastal]

@@RVUntethered Awesome. It helps when someone has firsthand experience. Knowing how y’all have had such good luck with it we will probably go with the same one.

[@csmith9189]

Great information👍 Stay cool!🤗

[@RVUntethered]

Thank you so much!

[@redforeman-404]

The risk with powering 120VAC appliances with a floating ground is: if you get a short from hot to neutral. That will cause a hot skin risk (touch something metal and ZAP) and not trip the breaker. Neutral/ground bonding is supposed to be present in the campground post, so shouldn't be a risk when on shore power. I have had good luck with a big Harbor Freight inverter generator (8500W on a unicorn once in a lifetime factory return deal) for home backup. It's a beast, and I've run my plasma cutter and TIG welder off it. Too big for camping, but if considering smaller one I wouldn't hesitate to look at their products. I think the 3500 does have a 120V 30A you can hook directly to a camper plug. Also, Amazon has numerous listings for "replacement" fill nozzles for run of the mill gas cans, without all the unnecessary safety valves and latches. My Alliance TT has an Onan 4000 and a 30 gal gas tank, so haven't needed to haul gas in cans or tote portable generators much LOL.

[@RVUntethered]

Good info on the hot skin. Scary stuff. I’m jealous of that onboard generator. Onan makes an incredible product. I have the space for it, but it would have to be propane and I worry about how much I’d use on longer trips. I’ve heard really good things on the predator generators from harbor freight as well.

[@redforeman-404]

@@RVUntethered Funny coincidence, a storm rolled thru about 3 hours ago and the power went out for an hour. After about 10 minutes I rolled out the 8500 and... the battery was dead. It fired on the second pull so I took the win. Seems there's always One More Thing™ to keep up with, no matter if your home has wheels or not.

[@RVUntethered]

@@redforeman-404 oooh NO!!!

[@donm722]

Whenever I hook up my water I always run it thru my hose until it starts coming out the other end then I hook it to my Nautilus system and helps with the air in the lines.

[@RVUntethered]

Yes! We try to do that too and it’s a really great practice. I suspect that we just didn’t get the pump turned off in time and it sucked in quite a bit of air. There is probably a way to prevent that, if I’m willing to waste the last of my water. Ha! It’s probably a quart! 🤣

[@chadkoller7809]

I love that grounding plug. I didn’t know watchdogs sold one. I had to make my own from lowes when we where boondocking

[@RVUntethered]

Interesting! It was new to me, for sure! If you can make one, even better!

[@chadkoller7809]

@@RVUntethered we didn’t have a choice it was one of those Mcquiver moments lol.

[@RVUntethered]

@@chadkoller7809 haha

[@RichPohlman]

If you have a 30amp rig a 50 to 30 amp "dog -bone" is useful.

[@RVUntethered]

Yes! I absolutely missed that! It has been too long since I ran a 30amp, but thank you for putting this down here. 100%!

[@GregPrince-io1cb]

Have you installed the soft starts Cody? They really do work.... Takes that initial draw away on the compressor kick on.

[@RVUntethered]

Yes and no haha. We touch on this just briefly at the end of this video discussing a product we did try that didn’t pan out this time around.

[@GregPrince-io1cb]

Ahhhhaaaaa..... i see !! That good ole customer service boondoggle!! Ours is hard wired and it cost 350$ and another 150 for installation... 500 total... works good on the old 2014 Pink winnebago!!

[@dondartt684]

I used the nautilus method and it was not bad, 50 gallons 20 minutes to fill. I don’t do this often.

[@RVUntethered]

That’s not bad!

[@fdale83]

For my setup I replaced the battery in the camper with BLUETTI 200max. Which bypass a lot of extra components I didn’t have to buy. I purchased a champion 4500 duel fuel inverter generator. It hooks into the rv propane tanks and I only run it on propane to eliminate carrying a jug of fuel around with me. I have yet to purchase solar panels still researching what panels to get. Pretty sure I will go with the suitcase style. I just don’t want to put holes in the roof of my camper. The water situation on the fence still, I like the water bladder cause you can fold it up for less space. Don’t believe I would need a pump because where I fill my fresh water tank. Is right out the rv door and just about knee high. So I would think it would flow pretty easily with a short hose. I just started part time traveling last December. Still have a home but planning on selling it at some point soon( waiting on the market to turn around) started planning on new life five years ago. Pulled the plug in 2022 and started setting up the rv for adventures and so far been loving it.

[@RVUntethered]

I haven’t heard of those batteries, but that sounds like a nice setup. I definitely like the suitcase style panels. I was curious about them myself, but the couple of people that we’ve met with them, seem to love them. I am curious about the water pump need. It’s worth NOT spending the money until you think you need it for sure! It did seem to speed the process up, but all of these items add up. Good luck on your new journey!! It will come sooner than you think, my friend!

[@checkingitoutwithrich5711]

Great video! I've been watching you guys for quite a while and just noticed I never subscribed. Just subscribed. Hey 2 things. I know this has been covered in the comments but I thought Id throw it out there too. Try putting the water pump on the bladder. I think youll get better results. Get yourself a macerator pump and put the honey wagon in the bad of the truck. I actually did a video on that one.

[@RVUntethered]

Well that makes TOTAL sense! Thanks!

[@destinationfulltime]

Great tips, we arent much for boondocking more than a day.

[@RVUntethered]

Ha! Same! But it’s nice to know what you have, if you need to! 😊

[@velikijoxotnik]

Good video. I'll be retiring in a couple months and my wife and I plan to be part-timers, with our bumper-pull toy hauler. I don't know how much boon-docking we'll do (my wife wants the AC to run, even in cool weather and doesn't seem to be in favor of off-grid camping, even if just overnight). We do have a 4500 watt inverter generator that'll run our single-unit AC. I did a lot of research on bonding plugs when I bought the generator, and was a bit annoyed at the amount of conflicting info on the need (or not) for one. I ultimately made my own bonding plug by shorting the neutral and ground posts. As you and your electrician buddy said, there's really no reason not to do it (other than you give up one 110 outlet... although if a bonding plug were made from a short extension cord, or even better, if the bonding plug was plugged into a 110 splitter extension cord and the splitter plugged into the generator, it'd be possible to still use that 110 socket for power). I've been toying with getting a battery-pack inverter, but havent' yet. I probably will next year, when we start spending more time on the road, and may need to boondock for a night or two when traveling between campgrounds. I hadn't thought about getting a water bladder, but I'm really liking that idea, as one of our favorite campgrounds (in a National Forest Campground) shares a water spigot between 4 or 5 campsites; usually, I simply connect a long water hose (often two long water hoses) to the the spigot to periodically recharge our potable tank (then disconnect), but a big water bladder may come in useful if a temp water hose connection isn't possible. Oh, I liked the VP 5-gal fuel jugs and have bought a couple; I, too, hate those stupid safety triggers on portable fuel jugs.

[@RVUntethered]

I think it's smart that you're waiting to get what you need. We purchased so many things in the beginning (feeling as though we were taking it slow) and there are things you find out that you just don't need. Or maybe the cost isn't worth it..etc. You're doing it right! Test it out and see what REALLY makes a difference for you. Having at least one backup power option, does make us feel better on the road though. Good luck in your new journey! Congrats!

[@scottsteinpreis1972]

Beautiful area y'all are in, love Arkansas. Just found y'all's channel so just wanted to say hi, im in Broken bow Oklahoma so we're kinda neighbors 😂. If y'all are ever in the area and need anything feel free to holler.

[@RVUntethered]

Awesome! Yes, practically neighbors! 😁

[@lancewulfers2502]

Go to Rural king for the nice racing style fuel containers. No safety pour systems and it has a great vent.

[@RVUntethered]

Thanks! I didn’t know they carried them!

[@rickyanderson486]

Great Video Guy's!

[@RVUntethered]

Thank you!

[@HappyPlaceDiaries]

Hey guys.. another great video! We just got in with the SoftSoftUSA folks. The SoftStartUp will now work with the Coleman Mach AC units. We are installing the SoftStartRV's on our 5th Wheel this week.. Can't wait to put them to the test.. going to need them at our next two Campgrounds/ Boondock location. We have the Champion 4500 Inverter Generator.. love it, its super quiet. Anyway... Safe Travels!

[@RVUntethered]

Nice! I look forward to seeing how it does for you! We decided to hold off for a bit.

[@sellC1964]

With the battery setup, you can probably charge it from the smaller gas generator while running 1 ac through it. The battery bank will handle startup surges and allow the smaller generator to run in eco mode.

[@RVUntethered]

This is a great idea. I think we'd have a gap in wattage. The AC (with other basic items on) pulls about 2,000 watts. The power bank only charges at 1600 watts. At some point we'd be in the negative in theory but this should really extend the runway! Thank you!

[@laurakilmer8652]

good idea to have the smaller generator also. !!!

[@RVUntethered]

Yes! Or just two of the smaller.

[@reberhardt]

Isn’t the soft start also a surge protector? Also why you using a surge protector on a generator? I don’t think that’s necessary.

[@RVUntethered]

The plug and play Soft Start that we tested was not a surge protector model. We run a surge protector on the generator. It may not be common, but they can malfunction and create a dangerous situation. You are correct that a lot of people don’t use a surge protector. We had some electrical issues in the past that scared us so bad, that we are overly cautious now. It just isn’t worth it.

[@JeffG-z1q]

Good info. Could u run a frig n the small power pack going down the road? I don’t have solar or inverter in our rig n not sure if we will. The next trailer will have that stuff.

[@RVUntethered]

I would think so! Our battery runs our large 12v fridge going down the road. The Oupes has more than enough power to pull ours. What style of fridge do you have?

[@JeffG-z1q]

Electric/gas.

[@jeffpruitt963]

What do you think about using a second water bag as primary/secondary water storage inside RV? Will the bag have too much movement going down the road? great informational video. Thanks

[@RVUntethered]

Oh man, I don’t think I would do that personally. First, that’s a LOT of weight and quite possibly put us overweight. They don’t move as much as you would think, but they would move. I would be afraid it would leak/rupture or it could rub against something. I guess minus the weight issue, a small one in the shower could remedy some of that. It just sounds like a problem waiting to happen to me. 😬😬

[@bikernu]

I have a few questions that i hope that you might be able to help me with that confuses me. We have a 24 Grand Design Imagine with solar. Our trailer has a battery and solar disconnect switches in the under belly. From what i understand we are to turn both switches to on while traveling and plugged in at a rv park. When we park the trailer for a few months, or longer, not plugged into power, we are to turn both the battery and solar off. we store our trailer outside in a parking lot not hooked up to power, so wouldnt the solar keep the batteries charged? No trees to block the sun so why would we shut the solar and battery off? That is what we were told to do. some ppl say yes and some say no. I have no idea. One other thing. When we are done using the camper from October to the month of May, Should i take the battery out, bring it home and put it on a trickle charger? We live in Pennsylvania and have cold winters. My guess is yes but what do i know? lol Hi Ang.

[@RVUntethered]

As far as the shutoffs, double check with your dealer and owners manual. My opinion would be to shut the battery disconnect off, but leave the solar on. That way, you are charging in storage (this could help with your jacks when you’re ready to use it too). There’s always something pulling power, even if your disconnect is off, because there are still hardwired items, such as propane detectors or smoke alarms. I would think the solar would be enough to help keep it topped off. Concerning winter storage, if you have a place to put the battery, in warmer temps, I think that’s a great idea. I have heard that setting directly on concrete can be bad, so I have always put it on a block of wood..etc. We used to trickle charge our boat batteries once a month, when we lived in cooler temps. I hope that helps!

[@bikernu]

@@RVUntethered Thanks

[@KathrineSmith-t1v]

Soft start isn’t hard to install. Plus you need to get on your roof once in awhile to check the seals.

[@SuperSushidog]

Wow, 6 gallons of gas a day isn't bad. The 5,500w Generac in my motorhome burns .6-.7 gallons/hour - over twice as much as both of yours. Of course mine is 25 yrs. old. We only use our generator for back-up now. Even though we're full timers, who boondock almost exclusively, we haven't run our generator, other than for exercise, nor plugged into a power pedestal in over a year and a half. We have a big solar/battery system that lets us run everything in our coach, including both A/Cs and charge our batteries at the same time. We have a 12k EG-4 28.5 Seer-2 mini split heat pump in the rear that only uses about 1/3rd the power of our Micro Aire Easy Start equipped 14.5k Furrion rooftop A/C up front. If you need A/C off grid like we do, I highly recommend getting an efficient mini split heat pump as it will greatly reduce your electrical consumption vs a rooftop A/C. We run ours 24/7 powered entirely by the sun, with no noise, smell, gas, oil changes, etc. Our mini split is so quiet that I have to look at it to see if it's running, sleeping right under it. It's unbelievable. We designed and built our solar system ourselves, on a tight budget. It took us 5 years to gather the resources and finally complete the project. We started by building a 620-watt liftable solar array on the side of our motorhome. Our side array makes a nice bedroom window awning too, practically lifting itself with a couple gas struts, and it's easy to clean, standing safely on the ground. Next, we built a 12v, 560ah LiFePo-4 battery using 8, 280ah prismatic cells and a Heltec 330amp BMS, as it takes about 300 amps to start our generator. By mounting the solar array on the side of our coach, we left the roof free to rack 8, 550w Sungold Power solar panels down the length of our 35ft Class A, 15" off our roof, above our AC, vents, etc. It shades our entire roof, allowing plenty of cooling air underneath, increasing solar output and reducing the heat load on the air conditioners. We mounted a Sungold Power all-in-one 48V, 5,000W Inverter/100A charge controller/battery charger, breakers and a Lnex battery monitor on the wall in our bedroom. We chose this model because it supports our 400voc solar array. Our 48v battery uses 16, 320ah prismatic cells with a 200amp BMS. Together with our 560ah 12v bank, we have a total of 23.5 kwh of batteries onboard, charged by 5,020 watts of solar. This entire system cost us around $11,500, including the $1,500 high-efficiency heat pump. Though this may sound like a lot, the ROI is less than 2 years for us full timers compared to $500 monthly RV park rates, (if you can find them that low) and it pays for itself within a year compared to a $225 weekly RV park rate. But the biggest advantage is the flexibility it gives us, as we no longer are forced to be wedged into tight RV parks, all lined up with other campers like sardines in a can but can now stay in some of the most beautiful wilderness areas imaginable, mostly free on Forest Service and BLM lands, regardless of the season. Last year we visited 11 states, without plugging into a power pedestal the entire time. Last winter we boondocked near Yuma, AZ, but we're visiting family now in NC where boondocking places are pretty rare, so we're staying in a spacious, no-hookup site at a convenient RV park for only $100/mo., saving us $500/mo. off their normal rates. It's good to have options.

[@RVUntethered]

That’s an impressive setup! With our upgraded inverter, we could last a few days at least, even with our small panel. I just worry about cloudy days. That sounds about perfect though! You have a backup if you get in a bind and you’re set otherwise!

[@SuperSushidog]

@@RVUntethered Thanks. Our high voltage solar array increases production on cloudy and overcast days. A few days ago, we experienced a heavy rain in NC (I guess because of the tropical storm) yet the output was around 6.5 amps at around 265 volts. That's 1,720 watts or 39% of my array's rated output in the pouring rain - enough to fill our batteries even on a bad day. If we wired them in parallel, they would be more shade tolerant, from tree limbs and such, but their voltage would be too low on rainy or overcast days to fully charge my 16s battery. The generator is in reserve if we have a system component failure while deep in the wilderness, a hundred miles from nowhere. It happened once, which is why we carry a spare charge controller and a spare inverter with us, plus our 12v system is redundant too. You never know.

[@RVUntethered]

@@SuperSushidog Perfect!

[@missouritravelers]

What editing software do you recommend

[@RVUntethered]

We use iMovie because it came free on our Apple computer and we haven’t wanted to take the step to spend that money. Their music is terrible and messed up a lot, so we added a subscription to Epidemic Sound, but otherwise it has gotten the job done. With that said, a lot of creators that we know, use and like Adobe Elements. That’s what we will look in to when we’re ready. I think they do free trials sometimes.

[@mikewadams1]

Good video. We just signed on the dotted line. We have some things to buy

[@RVUntethered]

Congrats and good luck on your journey! You will figure out quickly, what you need and what you don’t. But you don’t need it all at once. ☺️

[@aljones9114]

Do you not fill the water bag from the top port on the bag? Just curious.

[@RVUntethered]

This was my first experience with a water bag, so there may one with that option. This one had the connection on the side and then the top portion was for ventilation.

[@briannagorman3119]

I just bought a 6000 yesterday from Home Depot for just over $600 including tax

[@RVUntethered]

That’s a great price! Thank you for putting that down here!

[@NelsonsRetreat]

Why do you plug in a ground plug in the oupes?

[@NelsonsRetreat]

Never mind we finished watching and you explained it haha

[@RVUntethered]

🤣

[@locopixel463]

Buy an rv water pump and use that. That gives you a spare in case yours craps out on the road and is a lot quieter and faster and last longer than the cheap amazon one.

[@RVUntethered]

I just got a second one!

[@timaz1066]

The prices of lithium batteries have come way down. I have 800 amp hours of lithium batteries in my motorhome and if you bought the same models that I bought a few years ago 800 amp hours would cost you about $2100. They charge absolutely, just as fast as your battery bank does because they’re the same type of battery and you can discharge them a lot harder than you can ever discharge an AGM or acid battery. I live full-time in my motorhome so they are working all the time.

[@RVUntethered]

Nice! That sounds like a great set up! We put our lithium battery upgrade off, way too long, but we love it!

[@timaz1066]

@@RVUntethered I did my lithium and solar over three years. 1500 watts of solar and 800 ah of batteries. I'm 95% boondocking. Anyone can make their own ground plug by taking an old heavy (12 gage wire) and connecting the common to the ground. RV's are a floating ground and will pop a GFI if you plug into them.

[@mooreroadstotravelon3]

Good boondocking video!

[@RVUntethered]

Thank you!

[@johneldridge8918]

May be long shows at the loves or road ranger travel stops for long showers price for showers 15.00 dollars giver or take and you and better half can double up these place have big showers, not all but most😊

[@RVUntethered]

We go to Planet Fitness and it never occurs to us to use the free showers, while there. I’m not sure why we don’t think about it!

[@johneldridge8918]

Pleas show how you unload and reloaded genny

[@RVUntethered]

Unfortunately, I just heave it up to the back of the truck. It has been good to us, but there is a benefit to paralleling two smaller generators.

[@donraptor6156]

Why try to camp in the Heat? Either head north or stay home under the Air Conditioner

[@KenandCarla]

Just saying…if this were my property..I would let the gray tank go into the woods with a long hose.

[@Itsa_Mea]

Same. We've stayed at private campgrounds that have even gave us that option.

[@NelsonsRetreat]

We also let our grey out, we also dig a big hole and bury our black tank stuff, legal in Minnesota

[@RVUntethered]

😉

[@johneldridge8918]

Westinghouse might need to sponsor or give a little

[@RVUntethered]

Ha! That’d be nice!

[@JuneAStaudenmayer]

Get yourself a tent and a couple of sleeping bags and then say your campers.

[@puceater2311]

There’s a lot of work on being c😊

[@rafiflo]

Try using windows ac 5000 btu, only 1 in the room or in the living room, you'll see the BIGGGG difference, TAKE CARE GUYS.

[@gnewtomorrow3014]

Dog bone style soft start. Will not yet work with your onboard EMS.

[@cadence9055]

Don’t get why you wouldn’t use those wheels (assume they are inflated) to locate in a more comfortable climate. 5 yrs on the road and that’s the thing that makes it worth it!! I’m in 60 degree weather all summer!! If you can move, then what are you trying to prove?? 😮

[@RVUntethered]

Ha! This is our property and we had personal reasons to be here for a few weeks, close to family.

[@johneldridge8918]

You need ac 24 7 available no question

[@RVUntethered]

@redodopower @OUPESofficial

[@jjones5424]

Great information, thank you.

[@RVUntethered]

😊Thanks for watching!

[@mikeweis5925]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@RVUntethered]

I’m glad that you enjoyed it! 😊