Full Time Motorcycle Living - SOLAR FAILURE! -

[@benjaminpettibone4254]

Just a thought - pick up a quiet running Honda 1000 watt inverter generator that weighs only 26 pounds and is fairly small. Get rid of your non working battery system (they all tend to fail too much - have my own to know) and instead use a small inverter generator. A little amount of gas goes a long way and will for sure charge everything in little time.

[@kathymurphy7217]

Really like your videos and commentary. The good and bad .. makes it real. Love ruby too! 🇦🇺

[@bobberguy1]

Life mirrors the weather. We must experience the bad to fully appreciate the good. Safe travels.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

So true!

[@GBeWinginIt]

Love your positivity and overall energy 👍🏿

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@marcicummings9417]

Love the video today!!! Hope you outvrun the snow!!! Great music too!

[@bluewendytube]

That wet weather looked so British, horrible! Great that you can see the funny side to adverse situations, unless you edit out the snapping! 😆 Love it when you unpack your home for the night after a hard day’s ride. Always entertaining.

[@susancates9544]

Enjoyin' your travelin' musica accompanying your rides.

[@skycrapsglider]

Army Corps campgrounds on the Mississippi Rock !! Mosquitos and or floods are the norm. The Mississippi takes days to move in to flood stage , plenty of time to move on. Rode the same area in Aug.

[@roadglide]

100% living the dream! Ride safe and ride often. Peace

[@charliedobihal3136]

60 miles SW of Dubuque is National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA. Highly recommend next time you're in the area. Thanks for all the great posts!

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Yes another good stop but I think they are much farther south by now.( I hope)

[@thomassanders7540]

I love watching your shows great job thank you

[@Handirifle]

On a 3400 mile round trip to Montana and back, I used those small batteries, your back up to the back up, during the night to charge my phone and power my ipad. During the day, I recharged it from my bike.

[@mikelevsen9878]

Poopys is about an hour from our home. We just looked at a bunk house camper like yours and may end up with it so, we can start our own adventures! Thank you for Making Iowa look so good!! We watch your videos together every Sunday so keep them coming.

[@sharileeengle5204]

I wish you guys would mention the date so we know what time of year you’re out there.

[@pauls466]

That six pack fits in one "can" from the Stella Artois brewery.

[@jefflink4671]

I love motorcycling but there is some days four wheels is a big life. Stay safe. Keep enjoying the less than perfect times.

[@rhondalyn100]

What a nice video! I especially loved the motorcycle ride with the lovely music...so pleasant to watch this cold dreary night here in middle Tennessee. Thank you!

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thank You we are glad you enjoyed. Cheers

[@chipset2900]

It's probably too late, but there's the Natl Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA, which is a fun stop.

[@Handirifle]

One more comment. I have to applaud both of you for your honesty, and candor with your mistakes and adventures. Have fun, ride safe.

[@mrwhite2628]

The only time I've ever had a issue pulling my Aspen. Was coming home from a Moab & Yellowstone trip a few years ago. It was raining all day. We left the Deadwood KOA, heading South down 385. On a Nebraska backroad, I was making a slow Right turn. Traffic in front and behind me. Half way through the curve. My back tire broke loose and I went down. There was a groove all the way through the curve that couldn't be seen since it was full of water. I was lucky, the damage to my Goldwing was significant. Although I was able to make it home after a few roadside repairs. Not a scratch on me thought. As a result. I won't tow in the hard rain anymore. And I have towed a lot in the rain. Be careful out there. Great channel!

[@johnstewart3393]

Jeez how many slick surfaces in one day....... Butt puckering!!

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

True. It was crazy

[@patmitskey839]

Partner... Love watching you guys!!!! We have a Qwick Camp Camper.. Pulled it, all up and down the east coast... Love solar, Big Time... Something, you guys need to understand... 12 volts, is zero!!! Anything less than that, is degrating any 12 volt battery Setting up your, charge controller Will be the best thing you guys will ever do. Happy trails to you guys.. Thanks, for taking all of us, to places, we can no longer, travel!!! God Bless....

[@mnbikeradventures]

Poopy's is unique. Some say it it like a mini Full Throttle Saloon. I have been there a few times and it is always an experience. Living in MN I have been able to ride the river road on both sides of the river and it has never disappointed.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

It's a super cool road

[@shelancarey4243]

I was actually stranded at this campground back in July on my way to the Sturgis MC Rally!! Rained for days and was confined to the Gypsy Rose 1978 Itasca motorhome. God sent me a mechanic named Joe who lives in Dakota MN. Thanks for sharing and safe travels ❤️

[@jimsnider3971]

Just realized I had my notification button set to Personal.....which I obviously don't know how to set up since I haven't seen any reminders about your postings. Now set to All and I should be good to go. Really enjoying catching up on all your travels, and looking forward to this new adventure down the Mississippi! Safe Travels!!!

[@craiggoodwin9704]

I always said "You can ride in the rain BUT it's not much fun". Despite the rain you still were able to have some fun. Thanks for Sharing!

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Consider the kitchen kissed. Great video. Thanks

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

😊 thank you

[@shakubob]

I loved my Aspen. Towed it with a Goldwing with upgraded suspension. No troubles. I admire you all though cause I wussed out a lot and stayed in motels. You’re doing great.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Great thanks for watching. Our budget kept us out of hotels. When we did it was points used from a previous road warrior life.

[@ericbennett1872]

You too are so cool thanks for bringing us along happy trails. Be well.

[@lindsaycourtis3050]

hello chris my susuki burgman 650 maxi scooter is 30 kg heavier than your 1250 gs.But i love riding it here in way out new zealand. Just love what you guys have done.keep posting. MY wife says where are they now.isay heaven. as long as it dosent snow.

[@earlgolding5845]

I really appreciate all that you go through to get the episodes that we all love to watch! I can’t imagine how much time & effort you have to put into making each episode. Thank you, thank you & thank you again! Carpe Diem!

[@danadiggins793]

Loved this long content! Great vid guys!

[@Sixbears]

You just reminded me to pack my spare charge controller before I go camping next month. Thanks!

[@avenabell4]

I ride around that area all the time, it's so beautiful, I wish I had seen you in one of my rides, I live in Rock Island Illinois, not far from there.

[@mikedanaher2409]

Definitely spray anything that was once waterproof or resistant with scotch guard. I do it with my duck hunting coat. Duck hunting is only done on the wettest and nastiest days. Scotch guard keeps me dry all season long. Hopefully you get a new solar charger controller and get everything up and running.

[@Tryke_Ryder]

Awesome sound track! As always! Never ask what’s next, it becomes a challenge!!!!

[@rosendocavazos4566]

Love you guys! Do you ever just get a hotel room for those icky days? Refresh and regroup and a warm shower and charge up all your stuff? Being from the Pacific Northwest, camping in the rain can be miserable. Glad things worked out.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes we do. Sometimes we just have to when it gets too hot or cold. Thanks

[@jimeckenrode1271]

You two are such a trip to watch. Even with the troubles you encounter and the wet weather & fog you both get smiles on your face and I just have to laugh.

[@susancates9544]

Found another roadside restaurant with a strange name in Wakefield, N.H. Not as awful sounding as 'Poopies'. This one's called 'Poor Peoples Pub'. Decent food, catered to by all the locals & travelers along the less well traveled narrow roads. Pizza, sandwiches, bar food, filling. Oh did I forget to include Beer. Of course, it's a pub. Not exactly 'health food' but good tasting none- the- less. It's New England, if you're up this way in the warmer climates.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Comfort food. Yum.

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

McGrath HD in quad cities is outstanding if you should need anything, also Poopys is in Savanah, Illinois, just across the river from Clinton. if you continue south,the Iowa side is much prettier than Illinois side, until you get into Southern Illinois, then it's very pretty. Of course Missouri is beautiful too. Safe travels 🙏

[@CB-xj4jr]

The function of a solar controller is only to prevent the battery from overcharging. You can bypass it and let your solar panels charge your batteries directly. Keep your multimeter connected to the batteries and do not forget to monitor the voltage so that it does not exceed 14.8 volts. When it get close to that, disconnect the solar panels. And voila, you have become a manual human solar controller. Another way to not use a controller is to use a Zener diode. The diode shunt the current to "ground" and keep the voltage in line with its rating. (12volts) You have so few solar panels (less than 200 watts) that a 20 amps diode would be ample. You are impressing me on many levels with your videos. It looks like you have taken a course on how to keep the viewers attention 100% of the times. You are using all the tricks in the book. Congratulation.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes we did do that. I connected the small panel directly to the battery’s to get a start change and pump up the beds. We stayed at camps with Electricity until we got a new controller.

[@mikeparkerson6492]

I rode for many years before retirement. Crossed many of those bridges '''paved' with metal grates. You commented it was a bit squirrelly. I found the queasiness factor dimished if you weaved across those plates so your tires wire. hitting the squares on a slight diagonal. Reduces the shaky factor enormously.

[@juliebowers550]

Your not too far from me in Illinios!! Enjoy following your jouney!

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks Julie

[@GwenMotoGirl]

I waterproofed a fabric bag with scotch guard and it worked. I’m probably a terrible person for not washing my waterproof and water-resistant and Kevlar gear very much.

[@robertdalen8174]

I love your videos. I am retired now (73 years old) ride a 2019 Softail heritage classic on nice days only ( cause I can). If I were to go down on a wet road, it would hurt so bad at my age. Please be careful and ride safe.

[@clydewfranklin4388]

Love your videos and attitude. I have been most of the places you rode on the Great River Road. I toured in my younger days on bicycle. I have ridden across the US four times. Twice Pacific to Atlantic and twice Canada to Mexico. Watching your videos sparks that wanderlust again. Thanks for posting!

[@emerybarg6424]

That six pack used to say G Heileman Brewery OLD STYLE when I was a kid. Sad when they sold out and moved.

[@skyrider7527]

One of your best Vids. Very nice.

[@michaelcook184]

Keep tire side down have a good day when I pull trailer I never have tires at max pressure doesn't bounce near as bad

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes for sure it did calm it down.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes, we're still working out what's the best tire pressure.

[@johnvaleriewelbers2995]

🤓😎 sorry for your solar troubles,but big thanks for sharing the vid. Beautiful area by the Mississippi River. 🥂🏍💨💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦

[@haroldpetersen5584]

I've run 4.80 / 12 trailers tires down to 45 psi, on boat trailer boat weighs 900 lb, made 5 trips to florida from UP Mi, about 25,000 miles same tires and bearings. Love your adventures!

[@brianclarke1695]

Greetings from Western Australia, I have been enjoying your vids, very interesting, you might like to consider some sort of self inflating matress, no electric pump required or one with a pump sack such as sea to summit, thier pillows are also very good and pack into a tiny stuff bag

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks for the tips!

[@peterwest267]

Hi from Australia. When I get caught in the rain I try and find a laundrette and spend a couple of hours there washing and drying out. Well done taking the Harley on unsealed roads as I do. Though I’m on a Kwaka these days.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks

[@mikegudenkauf6125]

Great to see you go through my area. I live just west of Dubuque. Wish I could have came to your camp in Dubuque to meet you. Enjoy your videos.

[@03ssrider]

I love your blogs and am envious of you guys living your dream. Please stay safe and enjoy every moment.

[@cuttycorrigan4122]

Good-Day: Guys; Just curious what is you gas mileage towing your trailer, What is your gas mileage not towing the trailer. Thanks Cutty C. Have a Bless-day.

[@everettcalhoun8197]

Grew up in Wisconsin. Never realized until I moved to the high desert in Arizona that the sun shines everyday and doesn't disappear for months at a time like it does there. Enjoy your videos and the lessons you share about just living your life. May God bless you both and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Fossil fuels ain't quite as bad as some folks would have you believe. Especially if you want/expect your power to be dependable. I've been expecting someone to come up with (I should patent this idea, but I'll let someone else do it) a wind generator for moto camping that attaches to the bike. Need some power, set the cruise control at 80 for a few hours and watch that little prop spin...POWER UP! Loved the music in this...

[@thierrybonnefoybonno]

hello je vous regarde de françe un grand bravo pour ses images de road trip thank you

[@davepressly9586]

Thanks guys for showing the real side of motorcycles camping….. the trials and tribulations! Stay safe

[@FeedScrn]

That was some rain-ride. I saw your white knuckles when you pulled up to the campsite. You guys look much better in dryer weather.

[@teresapress368]

Love that you're heading down the Mississippi River. We know y'all don't dine out much, however, when you get to Natchez, MS, try to have lunch at Mammy's Cupboard. You will not regret it. They are only open for lunch, and it's all home cooked meals and desserts. If available, try the blueberry lemonade. We're in FL and can hardly wait to return just to dine at Mammy's! Ride safe y'all!

[@i4get75]

Road this same stretch on a 5,500 mile, 21 state, 12 day cross country to with my dad. We had far better weather. That stretch was absolutely gorgeous!

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

So true.

[@carollyngillespie3860]

And it's still the time of your lives. I love these vids.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes it is.

[@ImHarrisB]

The skill you two have in the rain is excellent. One benefit of living in Dubai is the almost complete lack of rain. Of course, in the summer the ambient temperature gets to 130+, burn it’s easier to ride in that than in the rain. Hopes and prayers that you ride in the dry!!

[@garrysceppa7508]

I just bought my first Harley yesterday and I’ve learned so much from you both I really enjoy your channel I’m the proud owner of a road glide special.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

I love my ms Alice

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Congratulations!!!!! How awesome is that. Here's hoping you enjoy the heck out of your new bike. Keep the shiny side up.

[@ProbablyStonedComments]

Nice

[@ProbablyStonedComments]

Congratulations on the the new bike. I bought a limited in late July, it’s got 7000 miles on already. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

[@nomadthetraveler5782]

Congrats on your new ride. If you're interested I can give you a list of things to make sure you stay ahead of the curve in maintenance. Harley won't even consider engineering these problems out of their bike because they make so much money by not telling you about it because they want everyone to PAY to replace and repair... it would take a huge amount out of their koffers if they told you about it or if they engineered it out of their bikes. Trust me, I've learned a lot with my `04 Ultra Classic.

[@willieebarb]

Maybe you had issues but No time clock No property taxes No noisy neighbors No lookin at same place every day No boss No job So you guys are still living life to the max. You guys are my heroes and I do look forward to these videos. I have a shady big back yard if ever in north east Texas. You can camp for free and even have electricity to boot. Ride save. Love your channel!

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks Willie. Awesomeness

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks, Willie!! Love all those 'No's", well except "no job'. Contrary to what people thinking running a YT channel can be like a FT job, but at least we're riding motorcycles. Thanks for the invite! Appreciate it.

[@georgesmith6785]

Glad to se the not so glamorous riding. Bern there done it not fun but part of the adventure

[@zeesoutdoors65]

Another great vlog thank u for taking us along.

[@gbhokie]

Have you guys thought about publishing your list of campgrounds? That would be a wonderful guide for travelers. ( or should I say two wheel travelers!)

[@TicsMcgee]

I don't think they have but that's a great suggestion!

[@gdroege44]

Just finished watching all your videos yesterday from the beginning. You two are special and I hope you live this dream to your heart’s desire. We have traveled on two wheels all over the country but are now reaching the age where it’s not possible for my wife who has health issues. Enjoy it while you can and we will follow your adventures. 💕

[@bradboustead1682]

I live in Iowa. Sorry it rained on you up around Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak. That area has some scenic hilly touring as it was not affected by glaciers like the rest of the state. I almost fainted when you said you were going to take a quick side trip from Dubuque to Winterset. Wondering if you could get an enhanced tourist experience if there was a way to communicate with your viewers at the time you are in an area.

[@Steve-ec6ed]

With as much as you guys are outdoors you should have a small thermacell for the campsite to help keep the bugs away

[@clay1883]

I laughed at the "bean lunch". Not laugh at you, but because I have had beans for lunch...or a can of potted meat...or just an apple! Eat what you have. AND brings to mind an old saying I know you've heard. "Beans, beans, so good for your heart. The more you eat, the more you want". Not sure that's real accurate wording. Enjoyed the video! oh, and a riddle. What's worse than riding in the rain? Putting on wet cloths the next morning. I really don't like that.

[@steveallen5087]

Aerostich sells a protectant that seals the material and encourages water resistance.

[@robertogarbanzo5550]

Hi. Saludos de Costa Rica.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Cheers

[@joshrandall5297]

The older I get the more I realize that nothing is easy. At least you have each other to help ease the pain. I use my DC outlet on my Road Glide for my mattress air pump. Works great. Ride on!

[@candiwoxland7520]

What air mattresses? Ruby has a mattress. We watch y'all every Sunday nite and re watch all the time.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Hey there Candi. It’s just the cheep Walmart brand 2 singles fix get side by side. Tell John we said hey 👋

[@rubberhead3520]

Wow, Winterset is quite a detour! You have to go 3/4 of the way to Nebraska. Definely not quick.

[@vtrack1963]

I started with an HWK jacket and it was ok but lost its waterproof capability. While expensive, consider looking at a Klim waterproof jacket. The Carlsbad has been fantastic and it is very durable with excellent protection. Goretex works… I’m sure they have women’s styles that would be good as well. Another option is to just wear a Goretex jacket over your HWK for staying dry.

[@two-wheels7397]

As a rider of a HD Street Glide, that muddy road puckered me up! You guys have skills to be admired!

[@paullangridgewiltshireride9691]

Just love the way you two get along bugs and all. Great watching your journey and certainly different from the way we can ride in UK. Ride safe and stay warm with winter coming on.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks 👍

[@SimplyFishing]

Loved it. Good job guys.

[@jamesp1045]

Very enjoyable video you guys. I love your sense of adventure. Be well, be safe.

[@robertligas250]

Thanks guys , sorry for your troubles,Hope you Have a Blessed Thanksgiving , Praying for your continued safety 🙏 I Love how you two roll with the punches.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks so much! Here's hoping you have most blessed Thanksgiving too.

[@dadburn1737]

I am 68 all long time riders have had days like that. In future time they make the best stories. And if not for days like you went through the Blue Bird Days would not be as special. Stay safe where ever you are now.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thank you

[@richardvalitalo3670]

The easy trips are not as well remembered but nice trips allow focus more on the sites! Keep on rollin'

[@rhausele]

Love you guys! Be careful with how much air you put in your tires. You can’t go by the tire ratings alone. You should stay close to the motorcycle manufacturers’ recommended pressures. If your run down the Mississippi brings you near Baton Rouge, I’d love to meet up with you and buy you lunch.

[@boscodog4358]

I have ridden the Great River Rd. It is awesome. And I have also two days on it in torrential rain.

[@boscodog4358]

If I do it I would send you a recipe for a homemade bug spray. It is very good. Can't seem to on utube

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I've made up an adapter for my MC battery trickle charger (1.5 amp output) that I use during the winter with the trailer in the garage to keep my solar system batteries charged. Would work as a backup in case of a charge control failure. I think your reason for the failure is accurate.

[@not-fishing4730]

Consider getting a bigger 12v charger, not a trickle charger, so that you can plug into 120v and charge your big battery at a campground restroom. Just a thought. I hate dense fog worse than rain. I'm blind in the fog riding with glasses. Please remember to bail out if it gets to bad to ride. No riverboat ride??? I could stand to miss a few meals, Chris should not miss any meals. I made mosquito head nets long ago for backpacking. Please consider them.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

The big batteries are build into the camper

[@joeharley87]

Looked like a great meal. Hope the solar gets fixed.

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸

[@corinaashley4804]

Love going to poopys. Fun place. Hope you enjoy...

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

It’s was fun and pretty good bar food.

[@corinaashley4804]

@@TwoWheelsBigLife I go every summer 😊

[@givinghope2361]

As always, great video guys.

[@kevingrimbeek2106]

Oh Wow, a trailer full of wet gear could be double the weight, especially tricky on the dirt roads!😯

[@fabiopunk1661]

one of those days when rain is your companion from morning to evening. it's bad. packing up the camp in the wet I find it horrible. Then having rain during the day and not enjoying the places one goes through, it's frustrating. But that's the way it is, one cannot have 20c and sun every day. At least you are well equipped and that is essential. Once I rode from Italy to Belgium in the pouring rain in a day ...

[@stevepolk1039]

Still good times to be able to do this w a partner. Y’all have collected so many memories. So awesome.

[@magicworldbyjorg]

...a cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you…

[@almikelipscomb]

Love you guys. Your videos make me want to go somewhere.

[@Scootphoria]

Good episode. Sorry about the troubles, BUT, that what makes an adventure. Seems like it's getting to Chris sometimes. How'd that work out deflating the trailer tires to smooth out the road? You never said. Glad you finally got some sun.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Thanks again Willa. Awesome

[@scooterbernieamputeeharleyride]

Thanks a bunch!!! Sometimes when it rains it pour’s…….life on life’s terms. ✌🏻❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

You got that right!