Cabin Interior

Cabin Interior: 1: dining area 2: kitchen and water supply 3: bathroom and OD water heater 4: living area and furnace

[@solarcabin]

That's right! My folk raised nine kids and never had a house bigger than a 3 bedroom. Small homes makes you learn to get along and learn to share and the kids spent more time outdoors.

[@solarcabin]

That is right and I am not poor. I live very well and have everything I need and my retirement is secure. I just don't have the bills most people have and can afford to help my kids and travel when I want.

[@garjunlee]

now this is the sort of stuff children need to be taught at schools. self sufficiency if disaster hits whether it be economical or from weather

[@cathyortiz4111]

garjunlee I wish I could give this comment 1000 likes

[@joemomma7]

Their hands are only good for one thing, ... technology. I'm completely opposite, as it took me 6 years to pull this up and get this typed. Get I'm still watching something about building... Edit... Yet not Get. It changed by itself. Damn phone

[@Kelle0284]

I like the rough and simple look to it. So many Americans get carried away with aesthetics. The simple life is so much better.

[@carrie8541]

Love it! You have everything you need without the constant stress of debt and expenses. This is truly living. Too many people live to impress!

[@solarcabin]

I quit smoking. Enjoy life but keep yourself healthy. I hike, bike and kayak and am still in good health.

[@heavymetalgaming7145]

I respect this. I can tell you put a lot of time and energy into it. But what you have is yours and no one can say differently. If there is ever an apolocalypse, your the guy I would want to know when it comes to rebuilding. Congrats man and keep us updated with any changes or expansions in the future.

[@solarcabin]

Thanks friend!

[@solarcabin]

The cabin took two weeks to build but the interior has been an ongoing project as I have the money.

[@celiarosell4638]

Good thinking recycling drainage water for watering trees and garden. Thanks for letting us know these projects can be done.

[@psychobabes1374]

I’m only 16 and your videos are VERY inspiring. I hope I can live like this in the future. Even if it’s just for a short time, it’ll still be an interesting experience.

[@soflbchboi]

👋Hi there! I just saw you videos for the first time tonight and I "KNOW" your ideas are "Awesome"! Thank you for inspiring me! God bless you!

[@solarcabin]

Right on friend!

[@Larenzoid]

Love your cabin. I could live like that...but I'd have to have my woodshop. What a great place to play music, write songs, etc. My left hand quit on me because of some nerve damage so after 40+ years of playing I can't play anymore. It really sux, but I try not to think about it...that's where the woodshop comes in. Something creative to satisfy that need.

[@cymonebreathe]

Hello, I just want you to know how incredibly grateful I am to you for your videos and information.

[@solarcabin]

The passive roof turbine helps and shade trees around the cabin. The windows are shaded by the porch and the turbine pulls cool air in from under the porch. A small fan helps. We are having 100 degree heat here and I have no problems staying cool.

[@solarcabin]

You can make your cabin just as purty as you want!

[@solarcabin]

Thats a good idea but I like taking the water directly to the plants that need it and they are spread all over. We also have cold winters here and that setup would freeze back into pipes quickly and form an ice rink outside. we only empty the bucket every two or three days and it keeps us very conscious of our water usage.

[@solarcabin]

I lived in a small camp trailr for two years while I saved enough to build the cabin. Then i salvaged the camper appliances for the cabin.

[@ritadighent]

Up here in Ontario, you want to put your cabin door on to swing inside. Otherwise, after a big snowfall, you may find yourself trapped indoors!

[@extremeweatherhunter8032]

Although thats a mind boggling idea, He has a porch so nowhere near thats much snow to do such a thing would happen.

[@wendyvermette9095]

That's exactly what I was going to say. A few years ago we had a horrible storm. Actually it was two back to back and when I opened my front door; it opens into the house; I discovered the snow was up over my knees.

[@miken8720]

It's got windows. Doesn't look he is where snow is. But good point! Something to consider in some areas

[@merccadoosis8847]

I believe he has a canopy or overhead roof which keeps out any possible snow. Have you considered putting one into your home?

[@ellafields9424]

@@extremeweatherhunter8032 Just saw your comment -yrs late but wondering if you saw the Winter Weather that CA had (2022/23).. They never had Sooo much snow However it can (and does ) happen....these days the Abnormal is more like the New Norm.???

[@solarcabin]

@pro311031 An RV is OK and if you do not want to have a permanent base is a good choice. I lived in a camp trailer for 2 years before building the cabin. BUT RV's and camp trailers are usually not insulated well enough to handle weather extremes and a new one will cost you alot more than the cabin.

[@ninety-ninetales5909]

This is some of the best, and most useful material I've ever watched on KZbin

[@johnbell1246]

Love this type of living.good for you.I bet.the feeling of STICKING it to the MAN is the BEST part....

[@amberxoxo4303]

I am so glad there's people like you in this world. I'm only 16 and I've realized that things are just things, Having good relationships and having fun is way more important than having the biggest house. I also love this idea because it's so much better for the environment! God bless you sir! I would so pay you money to come over and help me build my house! You sure do know what you are doing! Have an amazing day!!

[@mikemcgown6362]

Another great video! Outswing doors don't get kicked in! Great seeing the water heater installed. I was looking at them but thought they were for outdoor use. Thank you for sharing!

[@solarcabin]

@tigermaples Rv's have less room and are more expensive. Most would not be insulated well enough for winter.

[@solarcabin]

You can use NG in a propane fridge but it takes a different orrifice.

[@solarcabin]

@Patriot3pcter I took some construction classes in high school and worked part time as a framer in college so I had the basic skills. Lots of good library books on shed building and voc classes help.

[@onetalentedman2822]

Great to find another person who lives & thinks like my self few people realise you do not need a large space to live comfortable. The most important thing in life is a safe warm place to sleep every thing else is a bonus. This saves a lot of money in many ways. Great videos & music, your a top man & very skilled.

[@onewomanandsomesongs]

As a lady, I think this is pretty nice. I would live in a cabin like this with my husband. I think you've fixed it up really nice. Good job. :) Janet

[@RSLtreecare]

Hi, this looks fantastic. I'll have an other check on your solar set up. With cost going through the roof. We are based in the UK...we are looking at setting up our home as off grid as we can.

[@rlmediashare]

With 200 to 300 watts of solar panels and 4 or 6 battery bank, 1500 watts puré sine inverter you could run most 120 volts appliances and your microwave and champion juicer or induction cooker with no problem. A microwave uses lots of power but needs to run 20 minutes or less. I have been using a system like this for six years.

[@CaptRon817]

Interesting video. My wife and i built a small lake cabin 512 sq. ft. We did many of the things that you did but we went with a composting toilet. This was perhaps our best idea. No septic required and all we have is gray water to deal with. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidjones8973]

You are a freakin' guru, buddy! A leader among men! I'm a single middle aged guy, no wife, kids etc, I wish someone had shown me this sort of thing years ago, I'd have hung up the 9-5 thing and thumbed my nose at society and lived like this.It's a small place but looks like plenty of room for one person.Maybe in 5 years when I get some debts paid off .. thanks for sharing, I think you're living the dream! .. No landlord, no job, no punchclock, no boss .. wow!

[@solarcabin]

I like that word free to! I barter and trade for a lot of stuff and use recycled whenever I can. No reason to buy stuff new all the time and that helps reduce waste and helps the environment.

[@eleanorkerby]

blessings to you sir, I know that many of us will follow suit-no desire to have big house and pool-give me the wilderness

[@WSPD]

You did a great job...with everything. I am single in a 3 bed, 2 bath home here in CA. I have been looking for rural property somewhere in NV. What you have done is EXACTLY what I want to do. Thank you for posting your home.

[@solarcabin]

Thanks friend!

[@Zoroaster4]

Owen Ryder you probily live in a big city

[@debra-vs]

Owen Ryder A small rural town isn't 8000 people; that's a pretty large town. A small rural town is more like 300, including the out-lying areas.

[@11guyinthechair]

for most people this would not be a house to live in. But for me this is my kind of dream house!! great work!

[@empathicchristian]

Oh my gosh! This is awesome! I cant believe some of the comments people are leaving about chemicals, washers, etc! Give a seminar, I will be first to sign up! Thanks for the priceless info!

[@solarcabin]

I ordered an Ecig and will give it a try. Solar can work anywhere and a small wind turbine is also good.

[@outdoorsbeyondnature1980]

You are very smart so many people don't even have a home because of the system, keep up the good work

[@solarcabin]

I have a bathroom exhaust vent and a whole house exhaust vent on the roof. The OD water has no pilot and is only run a few minutes a day. I have a cm detector near it that has never went off. They make these with od sensors and vent stacks if concerned.

[@solarcabin]

Most soaps biodegrade quickly in sunlight. Soap has long been used on plants like roses to stop mites and other insects There are lots of biodegradable soaps available now for people recycling gray water.

[@solarcabin]

Thanks! The shower works just like a regular house shower. Pressure supplied by a dc shurflow pump. Low flow shower head and about 2 gallons for a 5 minute shower.

[@solarcabin]

I own a small local business and I write books. It is enough to support myself.

[@solarcabin]

@howardes1955 The more rural you go the less the regulations, Montanana, Arizona,and Wyoming seem to be less regulated.

[@solarcabin]

You can take any home off-grid or have a grid tied system but that can be expensive. You can install a small emergency backup system that will run basic gadgets if the power grid goes down. You can start small and add panels as you have the money.

[@solarcabin]

@ModeraterX I don't do any building any more but the ebook is really easy to follow and has all the plans and ideas so I bet you can do it!

[@solarcabin]

They work well for small loads. Use just a small amount of soap or you will be rinsing forever. Clothes come out very wet so a wringer would be hepful or they will take a long time to dry.

[@solarcabin]

@saxmanchiro I'm trying to quit and I don't recommend anyone ever start smoking. Dirty, nasty, expensive habit!

[@Ticky21]

lol, I am pretty jealous. I would like to do something similar one day.

[@solarcabin]

Right on- I just used what I had available and there are some good storage systems that would work well in a small cabin.

[@ozzirt]

Neat, compact and no doubt quite comfortable for two people. I love the idea of minimalist living although I don't think I could be quite as minimalist as you are. I really enjoyed your videos, Thanks for sharing your dream.

[@solarcabin]

I just set the temp where I am comfortable and leave it alone. You cloud install separate hot and cold taps if you have two pumps but the unit is designed so you can adjust it with the water flow and heat control. It takes a little time to understand it but it works well for me.

[@elvispresleyliveinco]

do you think we could have a updated tour

[@solarcabin]

I have a mix and match batt bank and no sealed. As long as you keep the watered and don't drain them too low you should get 5 years and some of my batts like the trojans are 8 years old.

[@solarcabin]

@dasgemuse Propane is $2.50 a gallon here and I use about $60 a month in winter for heat, cooking and OD water heater. Much much less in warm weather.

[@solarcabin]

Thanks- the curtains slide out of the way. There is room for an OD water heater under there but I have mine on the bathroom wall next to the sink for easy access to controls.

[@chrishardeen1017]

wow, Got your system in my white Ford e350 high top cargo van. I put in the ecotemp tankless water heater. 4 100watt solar panels pasted on roof van. 500amp hour battery bank. 12 volt system , with a 1500 watt pure sine wave inverter. my shower I built completely by hand because of its small and unusual size, toilet inside as well. My cabin seems like your , only built in this white van. Will say I use my van for stealth camping as well as work and travel. It is an multi use van . like your vid

[@solarcabin]

+Big City Ready 2017 Right on man!

[@chrishardeen1017]

YOur cabin is my next project sir, it looks sweet. You seem to be a good carpenter.

[@solarcabin]

@Generalvaldez At present no because I have a free flowing well. But I recommend a rain harvesting system for any one living in a low water area.

[@solarcabin]

There are quite a few land auction websites that can help. Just be sure you check out the property and restrictions closely before you buy. Ebay also has land listings.

[@solarcabin]

@TofuInc I have a small solar batch water heater but the OD propane water heater works when the sun doesn't shine and only costs pennies to heat the water.

[@solarcabin]

@19irving I use biodegradable soaps and compost around plants filters water.

[@solarcabin]

@KesslersCross Thanks- I have used a Danby model available from Amazon. They use about a 1/2 gallon a day. presently I am using a 12 volt DC fridge which costs e nothing for power. Wonder wash is available at Amazon.

[@xxaliciajeanxx]

genius! I am a college student and have to move out when I graduate and I have no clue how I was going to afford an apartment then a house. I love your videos, keep them coming!

[@solarcabin]

The water heater is ventless but only runs about 15 minutes a day with no pilot. I installed a bathroom fan and I run that to exhaust any gasses when I shower.

[@solarcabin]

It all depends on the county and many rural counties still have few or no building codes.

[@solarcabin]

I switched to an Ecig. A buck a week and no more coughing!

[@foopibransfield]

So beautiful, I showed this to my dad and he thinks it's amazing too!

[@solarcabin]

@LOVEONEANOTHR I enjoy my peace and quiet but I have family near by and a town a short drive away. I have a social life and friends no different than most people.

[@solarcabin]

You could do that but I like the bucket method as it makes me more aware of how much water I am using.

[@brownsounddesign]

Good for you man! More power to you!

[@solarcabin]

Sure that would work. You could also do RV style booth seating with a table that becomes an extra bed. Lots of ways to gain more room if you want it.

[@solarcabin]

@19irving You could use wood heat or passive solar but propane is still relatively cheap and available and safe if you follow directions for installation.

[@solarcabin]

@RidgedSky When I first built the cabin propane was cheap but now I am reducing my propane with a small wood stove and 12 volt fridge. I could do away with the propane altogether but is is still convenient.

[@solarcabin]

OD water heaters take very little propane. I shower most every day. You don't need more than a 5-10 minute shower to get clean.

[@solarcabin]

Thanks- yes you could do a smaller cabin for cooking and dining and another one for an office bedroom. I show a dog trot cabin design in my book.

[@pstep001]

I heard a suggestion a few years ago ... And you kind of touched on it with expandable cabin idea. Where I live there are codes for anything over 12 width, height, or depth. So the suggestion for more space was multiple units with walkway between. May or may not fly. But sounds good me. GREAT job Solarcabin!

[@solarcabin]

This same cabin has been built in Alaska and is designed for cold climates. You will need a good vapor and wind barrier on the walls and roof like tar paper or Tyvec and good insulation.

[@solarcabin]

I use a solar composting toilet of my own design or you can use a septic tank and drain field.

[@solarcabin]

@FromTheTube1 There is room in the bathroom for an over/under W&D but mine are in a small shed near the cabin that also holds my batteries and solar equipment. All houses are sheds. Some sheds are just bigger and fancier than others.

[@toddstropicals]

As long as your cabin suits all your needs thats all that matters...Cool place!

[@StevieMcDougald]

cool, i really appreciate the response... we started this off-grid thing over a year ago and i still refer to a lot of your advice... we'd like to get sealed batteries, but we'd have to redo our entire battery bank and thats just a bit too expensive for us right now.... we've been using wal mart batteries, and they've been ok for a year so far, but we're about to ad another 420 watts to our system so we'll need more batteries and i heard its best not to mix two different breeds of batteries

[@hicksa1]

Pattie is one lucky lady!

[@watcheringtime]

Your an inspiration to us all. I just showed your home to my wife and we are thinking of doing this ourselves. We have 7 kids with one more on the way. They range in age from 6 months to 6 years old. Because of our family size I think I should build alittle larger !!!! maybe 20ft X 20ft . What are your thoughts?

[@solarcabin]

@stalingbg I have a CO2 detector in the house and a vent in the roof which is always open when the OD water heater is run. detector has never went off and the water heater ony runs for a few minutes when in use.

[@bushcraftboyz1]

What are your takes on a wood stove. I have also seen water heater attachments for them. I like your videos.

[@kysmik]

Great cabin and good ideas. I just have one question, what is the difference between building a small cabin such as yours or just living in an rv camper type of thinggy? Seems to me it would save a lot of back breaking work for about the same money. I see you have a couple of small ones on your property, why did you choose to build a cabin instead?

[@solarcabin]

@MrBrianc1975 Thanks- a small wood stove would work but because the cabin is small and well insulated a wood stove tends to overheat. I have asthma and the smoke and ash is not good for me so I use a very small propane stove.

[@BCBrownBooks]

You have some wonderful ideas. My domestic partner & I are looking to start our tiny home in the next cpl years. Our design's a lil larger than yours but you have great step-by-step on how to build from the ground up, layout possibilities, & off-grid installations. It has inspired us & made us see that we can build sooner than we thought (not needing as much money as we thought). Thank you. Now just to find the land... le Sigh. lol

[@ellafields9424]

BC Brown Books Finding land that you like AND that Allows a Tiny May be a challenge as well.? I got lucky 20+ yrs ago when I purchased a few acres in NM. I got what I could pay cash for and it just happened to be Unrestricted. Never gave that much thought but today Unrestricted is not easy to find and I'm thinking of making an area for a couple of pads for aTiny for relatives. Fortunately thats doable and I can have the occasional help I now need due to health issues. I'm kinda attached to my lil country place so this way I can stay in the hills..

[@dianerota]

For easier access under the kitchen sink, cut a slit in the middle of your curtains. For easy access to the lower corner of a kitchen, try a carousel cabinet. It easily holds a set of pans, dishes, utensils and dry goods. Can an on-demand hot water heater be stored beneath a kitchen sink? Thanks for always answering everyone's questions.

[@solarcabin]

@cymonebreathe thanks, glad they have helped!

[@solarcabin]

@bonzaibb12 Any house on wheels has to be less than 10 feet wide but there are many plans for homes on wheels that would work and I include some in my book.

[@solarcabin]

@SuperOffgrid My solar composting toilet works different by evaporating off the excess moisture. 6 years in operation and only a few inches of compost in the tank. It does not freeze in winter because of the solar factor. Plans are in my ebook.

[@MsOrionsmom]

Hello-I just adore what you have done,very creative.I was wondering about the area you live in,most places want you to put in a septic system and Ive never seen any place that wont let you live on your property with out one.But it depends I guess. I had an idea like yours at one point ,the land isnt the question the septic system and building codes and permits are.Whats your take on this?

[@solarcabin]

@pedroalvesmkt Depends on the county. Always check county codes before building.

[@sargetech]

There is one thing about your videos that I really like!! The word FREE!! Thanks for being such a cool off the grid Sensei! My head is exploding with ideas thanks to you! :)

[@dapsapsrp]

Impressive way to save money and resources. If all people lived even somewhat close to this efficient the resource savings would be astounding.

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

Your cabin is gorgeous. I love your John Deer tractor fabric in the kitchen. :)

[@stephaniepersin4145]

You are living a nice simple life and enjoying it. Wish I were that inventive.

[@computervoyeur]

I love your thought process man, you give a lot of people hope as it relates to achieving freedom. BTW, I love your songwriting abilities as well. God bless from Iowa.

[@solarcabin]

You could do that but it would be more expensive. We get 3-4 days at a time with very low sun so the generator is a fast way to recharge the batts on those days and that is it.s main function. In the summer I can run the microwave off the batts no problem.