Installing Renogy Eclipse Solar Panels On Our DIY Truck Camper

We explore Winter Park, see our first moose and install solar panels in a friend's driveway!
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[@skruface]

As a Canadian, a spray bottle filled with Ethyl Alcohol will keep your locks from freezing. Also works great on frozen windshield wipers, or to defrost your windshield. Spray some on your key and insert into the locks after washing the truck in cold weather, or when you get freezing rain or melt-and-freeze day/night cycles. You can also get an extension nozzle (like the little red tube that comes with a can of WD40) and spray some directly into the lock - it will melt the ice, evaporate, but take any water with it.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

That is an excellent tip, thanks for sharing! We haven't had the issue since but I think we will need to add that our arsenal for next time!

[@ORSkie]

🇨🇦 here. I concur. And use heat tape on the exterior water pipes.

[@petervanags]

Heat gun is essential for single digit weather! Everything freezes. I almost couldn’t fill up our diesel in Oregon because the fuel cap was completely encased in ice! Also an infrared thermometer is handy for finding your cold spots and getting them fixed.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We've used my blow dryer a few times and it works great. The thermometer is a great idea for diagnosing where exactly something is freezing!

[@cmpphilip]

I agree about using hairdryer instead of heat gun, like the thermostat that prevents burning stuff. Once used a Promax hairdryer to start a Mercedes diesel car at -20. Really enjoying your videos. Cheers Phil

[@loucinci3922]

Let there be light! Nice job on the solar panel mounts. I like it. Thanks for sharing

[@alphamontoto2047]

❤️ Valentine breakfast with your perfect match.👍👍👍 Awesome memories forever.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It was certainly our best valentines day... (yes 😉)

[@azpete6436]

a little RV antifreeze in the "P" trap will keep it flowing (1/2 C or so), just re apply after every use. Great channel.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Great tip! Someone else recommended low temp washer fluid so we are going to give that a try as it is less toxic!

[@davidpiper3652]

@@AmbitionStrikes Salt water also works, easy if you are by the sea.

[@azpete6436]

the RV antifreeze (for winterizing the plumbing) should be very safe, it is formulated for drinking water systems...Its not the same stuff used in the truck radiator

[@kevinf3861]

@@AmbitionStrikes RV pink antifreeze is non-toxic food grade polypropylene glycol. It's environmentally friendly.

[@thetravellingpicker5096]

Genius install on the panels. Unistrut? Very nice!

[@richardbissett177]

Cover your fuel pump with some old cut up pieces of heater hose to quite it down. And by the way just love watching your adventures

[@AmbitionStrikes]

That is a great idea, thanks for the tip Richard!

[@sunnydaysoff]

You guys are super inspiring. This camper you build is awesome.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thank you so much for following along!

[@uowebfoot]

Certainly learning a lot on this trip. Seems to me if you're going to boondock most of the time a generator is probably a smart thing to get. Solar panels will only get you so much in low light and clouds.

[@timburk6097]

I was happily grinding away on my camper project with the cordless grinder when I ran out of charged batteries. Switched to the corded one and was surprised how much more power it had. Much prefer. We are making our own power at home but will now use the 110v grinder much more.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

The cordless grinder is great for quick jobs but certainly can’t be replaced by a corded one. The same goes for the Skillsaw!

[@ryanchristie5349]

Superstrut is fantastic stuff! Most of the stuff in my rig is held together with the stuff.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It made the installation so quick and easy! We will definitely be adding it to our arsenal of fabrication supplies.

[@bradmitchell1774]

I'm interested to see what your engineering department comes up with to handle your freezing drain issues (heat tracer line, automotive battery heater, additional insulation, forced air tie-in etc). As a cold weather truck camper vet (Canada), I will sometimes just flush my drain traps with a bit of eco/septic friendly rv antifreeze after use to purge the trapped water from the system and keep the drains clear until the next use. Black tanks usually aren't too much of an issue if you keep a few poops in there to keep the temps up (lol).

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Great tip Brad! We have started using a little bit of cold temp washer fluid and I think it is helping. I think it is going to be pretty rare that we are taking showers in -5 weather, and luckily our louver mod to the bike box is preventing the sink drain from freezing in all temps!

[@197008]

I was thinking heat tracing the piping and tanks as well. (I am also from Canada.)

[@thechappie]

What, no Thin Mints... not watching another video!!!!! (Kidding) love the build videos, inspiring!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Riley has plans to stop at many more cookies stands... 😂

[@thechappie]

@@AmbitionStrikes Fine... I’ll watch them more, excited for the suspension and bumper/ winch set up!!!

[@JohnHMoore]

Way cheaper in Colorado! What’s up Girl Scouts? That’s not cool. Meanwhile, fill your camper with cheap Colorado Girl Scout cookies, drive them back to CA and make a killing!! :-)

[@AmbitionStrikes]

@@JohnHMoore You sir just figured out how we are finding our trip! Now the question is how do we get all is the boxes back to CA unopened... 😉

[@ftkinsella]

That looks real nice. Can’t wait to see how the panels work in the winter. Stay warm guys. ❤️🇨🇦❤️ Cheers!!!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

The connector finally arrived so we should have them working by the end of the week!

[@Buck1954]

In the old fashioned days, the grey water went straight onto the ground. It didn't freeze in a pipe. Then we capped off the hole.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Unfortunately that is illegal in many states. 😬

[@TheMortells]

Another great video! They always make us laugh and that vday breakfast looked amazing.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks guys! If we don't laugh about it then we just have a frozen camper covered in food... 😂

[@JourneyMage]

It was great meeting you two and your pups! Safe travels! Give me a shout if you ever come back out this way! - Wizard

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It was great to meet you and Onyx! Thanks for tiring Boone out and hopefully we'll run into each other on the road again!

[@rudyfisher7660]

On that fuel pump heater put a little bit more rubber between it and wherever you mounted it and it might help that from going through the body and making it louder

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thats a great idea!

[@trevorose8267]

Helloo moose! 🙂 Boone seriously giving me some good laughs this round. Nice play putting the cut of him with his paw over his face right after the instant pot episode, lol. I saw where another person recommended a larger alternator. I agree. Because you have so much charging of the house battery, the stock alternator will die sooner than otherwise. I've gone thru that a couple times in my desert rigs. Bonus of the larger alternator is the faster charging. The panels are a great tie-in. Also, depending on your charge controller, it ought to be able to do float charges from solar, which is necessary for long term battery life. Can't do that just off the alternator! Lengthening spring sun in snow country is one of the best places to be! 🤗❄👌⛷

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Boone is a character that's fur sure! We have a 50a DC DC charger (necessary with LiFePO4 batteries for correct charge profile) which limits the current draw from the alternator to 50a and should keep the stock alternator happy. Bonus of the Renogy 50a DC DC is that it will float charge with solar and once the house batteries are topped off it will also float charge the truck battery! If we continue to have not have enough juice a second alternator and bigger DC DC may be the solution! Thanks for the input!

[@trevorose8267]

I didn't know that about the LiFePO4 batteries! Good to know!

[@albeenamelast6620]

You'll get uses to the ticking and after a while you won't even hear it. we have a clock that chimes on the 1/4 hour and on the hour it chimes the number that the hour is and another chime never hear it anymore! OK we have had for 35 years so good luck. If you happen in to Boulder you have to go to McGuckin Hardware, they have everything there you can spend hours there! I know it is out of ski country but a good goof just the same.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I think the silencer has helped, or I've just gotten used to it because just like you said I don't hear it anymore! Thanks for the tip on McGuckin we will have to check it out next time we are there!

[@albeenamelast6620]

@@AmbitionStrikes If you are heading south on 40 you have to show us some of the drive over Berthoud Pass and below.

[@lostdodge2497]

Good Stuff! Love It

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We really appreciate you following along on the build and travels with us!

[@mentalneil]

Keep enjoying your trip guy's, and the best thing to make are the great memories, stay safe

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks so much Neil, we are having a blast!

[@cj2467]

2 words....natural release😁 Love your vids! Keep em coming.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

That requires patience... 😂

[@ORSkie]

​@@AmbitionStrikes We always place a tea towel over our instapot to prevent splatter when releasing under pressure.

[@landbarron1420]

You guys should have 10x your subscribers. Great stuff.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks so much Land! We are completely blown away by how many people are following along on this adventure with us!

[@chrisdaniel1339]

In the marine world there are tiny sump pumps that get mounted just under the shower pan to lift grey water from showering into a grey tank mounted inside the insulated envelope and with a solenoid empty valve also inside your freezing problems are a thing of the past.

[@homerun217]

Instant Pot is a fickle mistress. Depending on what you cook or how full it is, it'll spit liquid food out! I think I saw you venting it outside in another video, definitely the way to go LOL

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I think it’s one part fickle, one part user error on our side 😂

[@mrPGnehm]

That's awesome you made it to Winter Park! Seeing you guys at that Safeway buying cookies brought back memories, my wife and I lived right behind there in Fraser for years.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We loved Fraser and definitely have plans to return!

[@henrikm4657]

I second Riley’s comment on the angle grinder/welder combo! I have two angle grinders, one with a flap disk, and one with a cut-off wheel, that way I don’t have to waste time changing the disks all the time. Did you put loc-tite on the unistrut bolts? If not, it would be a good idea. I imagine that the nuts could vibrate loose on those bumpy dirt roads.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We actually have three grinders at home, one with a flapper, one with a cut off and one with a wire wheel. Definitely a game changer for saving time! I will need to confirm with Riley but I imagine he used nylon lock nuts to prevent that issue.

[@hardlyworkin3603]

Beautiful installation. Got to be a way around the freezing drains. Noticed you have a Yeti mug Did you know....... as of now they all come stock with Mag Slider tops. Keeps the coffee hotter EVEN longer than before. I've been wanting one of those for some time. Happy Birthday young lady !!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I think our solution is just to not shower in -5 degree weather, and also someone recommend a little bit of low temp washer fluid in the p trap.

[@anne_n_nimity]

@@AmbitionStrikes haha me again. RV antifreeze is ok in a drain waste system but washer fluid is not. Only potable/edible things (or at least formerly so) belong in sewer systems.

[@guylongley1573]

Cookies!! Poor dogs didn't get any.🐶🐶 Moose on the loose. They can ruin your day fast. Funny though!😂😂

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Nope only people food our dogs are allowed to have is whipped cream! I was very glad we were in the truck when we encountered that thing!

[@guylongley1573]

@@AmbitionStrikes my dogs too. My wife gave it to them and it's like crack to them. 😂😂

[@yahurd4]

Great trip! Haven't reached out since you were heading to PC. Love all the skiing you are doing. I have also been to Granby/Fraser. Great summer area also! Not sure what your next project should be. It seems you could do anything with the skills you each have. Maybe some kind of toy trailer for the truck to tow. You know, so you are summer ready for four-wheeling and off-roading.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We loved Fraser so I think we will have to plan a return trip this summer! Riley has his eyes set on a UTV so a dedicated small toy trailer may be in our future!

[@ShaneGulley]

Awesome video as always! May not be an issue for you guys but I had a tv rip off because it whipped out on a hard stop. Mine needed to be secured while moving.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We'll definitely keep an eye on it, thanks for the warning!

[@srqsup]

On our last truck we had a second alternator that put out 200amps per hour. Even in the winter we used less than 200 amps a day which could be replaced with an hour drive to a brewery (1/2hour each way.). As for the drain freezing we aimed our heater exhaust at the bathroom/kitchen sink drain and that kept it from freezing at -35°.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks for the input. A second alternator would be nice! With LiFePO4 batteries a DC DC charger is required for correct charging so we would also need a much larger DC DC charger to use the second alternator. We currently use about 120ah per day and I think the solar panels will really help keep us charged up in between travel days. We don't stick to one spot for long! Good thinking! We currently have our heater exhaust aimed at the grey water tank. Winter camping sure is an adventure!

[@srqsup]

Enjoy your travels. After a 6x6 truck and a ram 5500 build I am designing a new adventure vehicle. By using a Mastervolt system and a 400 amp second alternator I’ll be able to charge the batteries at 400-amps per hour while idling. So in the worst conditions 20 minute idle will give me a days electric charge. And like you we normally move every couple of days or at least get pizza and beer.

[@양마루-b8v]

정말 즐겁게 보고 있습니다. 언제나 행복하세요 ^^

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@charliemagne9457]

“Kainan na?” (Let’s eat?) 👍

[@AmbitionStrikes]

☺️

[@David_11111]

yay

[@AmbitionStrikes]

😎

[@Costa..]

Hei im sri lanka boy. Very beautiful vehicle

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thank you!

[@dakat1726]

Wait- you can create an Expedition camper from scratch, but can't use an Instapot without explosion?

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Sometimes I swear he does this stuff on purpose for the comedic relief... 😂

[@RobertBrown-vm9gu]

I agree!

[@gbsbill]

Awsome looking breakfast can I join you. looks delicious.

[@getfreethenrv815]

Used to live in Fraser. Loved seeing it again on your vid!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Fraser was such a cool town! We would love to come back in summer and explore more.

[@getfreethenrv815]

@@AmbitionStrikes yeeeessss hiking galore and mule deer everywhere. Lots of moose at the national park out of granby. Y’all have fun!!!

[@JamesPhieffer]

Great video. I think you'll enjoy a tv for those days when the weather is sloppy. Given the areas where you like to park, and the wildlife therein, have you considered 360° lighting and cameras? You could send the feed to the tv, and potentially avoid having the dogs (or you) have a potentially nasty surprise from a skunk or porcupine. As well, it might allow you to quietly observe some animals that usually avoid humans, but will wander into a quiet campsite overnight, like deer. It would also be helpful for backing if you attached it to a screen, or your head unit, in the cab. And if you mount one on the grill of the truck, it could help with both parking and seeing where you're driving in rough country. And it can be useful for security, if you end up parked in a sketchy area. Looking forward to seeing more on the truck build. Keep up the great work.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Yes we have discussed a camera system and it is definitely something we plan to add, especially now that the truck has dedicated internet! We are going to remove the rear view mirror and add an apple car play display in that location that will tie into the camera system!

[@johnknudsen3230]

Build a killer wheeler and hauler trailer that you can travel to ohv parks across the country.

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

We definitely think the cooking with Riley show is out. Maybe there's a future at a breakfast joint instead. Why hard case solar panels and not flexible? Besides price... Courtney we laughed at the glue it then put holes in it comment. We've been busy just drilling holes then drill holes then let's add some more metal and drilling holes. Ok now put the screw and bullet lights back in. LOL. Our expedtion overland flatbed build is starting to look like a DeLorean. Mark (& Teresa)

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We can call it "Reckless Riley Takes On The Kitchen"... 😂 I think you know when the camper is done where there aren't any holes left, because hopefully it means you have mounted everything!

[@frits1954X2]

Thaw locks and spray with WD40 = Water Dispenser Best regards Frits

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Excellent tip! Thanks Frits.

[@Dekn33s]

Yay! Another great video

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks so much!

[@Llamadosalvaje]

I love your beautiful red hair. You look amazing girl!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thank you so much!

[@Defender110SLO]

Hm I think its time to take some brake and simply enjoy life on the road. 👍🍺🍷

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We have been having SO much fun exploring in the camper!

[@himhim3344]

Foresty Forest would die frome cringe watching you use the insta-pot😂

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Sounds like we need to meet up for a cook off!

[@leomossn]

At first I thought it was Santa's deer, but after a second thought it was elk! :)

[@AmbitionStrikes]

No Santa was spotted on our trip!

[@ironjohn36]

The fuel pump need to be ''suspended'' with ziptie so it dosnt pass vibration and become almost 100% quiet. It needs to be floating in the air...no screw to the frame. i do this on all vehicle install. 3 zip tie to mount it at 45degres. But even with using different isolator, if you have it screw direct to the frame, you will hear it and there is no way around it.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It is mounted with a rubber isolator, but the zip tie idea is very creative. We may explore that if we decide it is still too noisy!

[@Twisted07]

Agreed, I did that with ours and also wrap some 2in foam around it. The pump is at the foot of our bed and I don't hear it much at all now.. however we sleep with a fan, but before we could hear it on low over the fan.. cannot hear it at all on high after doing this.

[@marcelsilva30]

Oi Amigos, quanta Neve 😃!!!! Os cães estão adorando muito a Neve. Ótimo investimento os painéis fotovoltaicos, assim que estiverem operando, serão ótimos para aumentar a autonomia do Camper. Sucesso no canal😀🇧🇷!!!!!!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

The dogs are having so much fun, they are never going to let us return home! We should have the solar functional this week!

[@shawnsevern8429]

Another great video. Speaking from experience (we have 400watts of solar), the solar will help but I think you will find that you will still need that long drive to refill the batteries.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We aren't very good at staying idle so we still plan to quite a bit of driving. The hope is to just be able to hold out one more day before needing that long drive!

[@Dingocreek]

We do not watch tv, but we do bintchwatch channels like yours. I guess we will need a monitor for that. We love your channel.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We watch more KZbin on our TV than anything else! Thanks for watching and following along on this journey with us!

[@KYRO1072]

Hi new subscriber here from philippines🥰

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thank you so much! 🙌🏻

[@matt3195]

That big empty parking lot for the night looks pretty darn good to me!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It was a great spot!!

[@dlg5485]

I think you guys should try building out a van next. I know van builds are a dime a dozen on youtube and you already have an awesome rig, but I'd love to see how you guys would approach a van build.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We've done a pretty basic build out of both a Sprinter and Transit, so it might be hard to convince us to do another one. The reason we didn't choose another van for this build was the storage limitations that the shape of the van walls creates.

[@dlg5485]

@@AmbitionStrikes I get it. I'm leaning toward a truck camper myself, as opposed to a van. The cost can be significantly lower and trucks are more off road capable than vans. That said, I do prefer having the cab and living space connected, which is typically not possible with a truck camper. You guys managed to make a small pass-thru, but that's pretty atypical for 'off the shelf' truck campers.

[@alankita1059]

To connect the camper to the truck as some van campers do the truck would need to be a chassis with a cutaway cab.

[@DuddiesAdventure]

Riley overland cooking strikes again!! Hahaha great episode yall, look like a awesome adventure! One of my favorite parts now is seen your dogs pop their heads through the pass through hahaha. I can't wait to see how well the solar panels work.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I think we need to start having him cook outside! 😂 The connectors we needed arrived this week so we should have operational panels by the end of the week!

[@cocochanel9291]

Awesome work as always. Glad you guys are having an amazing time ! (ps pass over that rig)

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We're not ready to give it up yet! 😂

[@rbstuff3914]

use unistrut all the time but rarely from the slot side

[@christoffer1973]

You should consider to insulate your drain.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

That would take all of the fun out of playing with a bowl and spoon! 😂

[@stephengutsch6366]

OMG, I love the champagne plop,, sorry🤣🤣

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Apparently the only thing that explodes around here is the Instant Pot... 😂

[@Neoscae]

guys Guys GUYYYYYSSS!!! do not scare me like that, minute 12:31 there is some bass noise on the back I thought it was an earthquake or something on my end, I watch your videos with 5.1 very loud so I don't get distracted ... uufff ... I am going to change my underwear, I'll be back soon to watch more videos, love them !!!

[@danpoczynek]

I recommend you folks get some heat trace on your water pipes so it will never freeze

[@AmbitionStrikes]

That is a great tip! Unfortunately it didn't freeze along a pipe, but instead at the fitting that goes into the gray water tank. We added some low temp washer fluid to the p trap and that seems to be working!

[@bt6770]

Great job and I really enjoyed the videos. I am curious as to how well the truck handles on the road. I have had several truck campers over the years and they do add a lot of weight that makes the truck pretty top heavy.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We have owned a gaggle of campers and I typically get car sick from the swaying they cause. However, this thing handles and drives like a dream. Getting our COG so low made a HUGE difference and we honestly can't even tell it's there (we've driven through wind advisories that would have made Riley white knuckled in previous set ups).

[@martinmiller1087]

I vote for fabricating a tiny dumpster to throw away the instapot from hell.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I think there is more user error involved than Riley will admit... 😂

[@csgodenver]

Ahhhhh, you all were in WP ,and I didn't know it! I missed the chance to meet you all and see the Camper.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Darn! We loved WP and will definitely be back!

[@noworries.8601]

@@AmbitionStrikes I am disappointed I missed meeting you all especially boon and bailey during your time at WP. WP has gotten dumped with 4 ft of snow in February! Where did you park your camper while at WP? Both while skiing and overnight.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

@@noworries.8601 We found a few stealth snow mobile parking lots outside town that made for amazing camping and then while skiing WP we were able to park in their G lot overnight and the Mary Jane lot during the day!

[@noworries.8601]

@@AmbitionStrikes Thank you! Safe travels!

[@aprilsteel9466]

How about you put anti freeze neat from the radiator squeezed carefully into the lock barrels should stop cold freezing shouldnt it?

[@mikeolmsted328]

Try some antifreeze in those drains.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We added some low temp washer fluid and it seems to be helping!

[@MsSpider75]

wd40 in frozen locks works real well!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks for the tip, we will have to try that out!

[@theyeetus1428]

I think the reason the Instant pot is shooting stuff out when you vent it is because it's too full. And if that's not the reason, then just let it naturally depressurize for a bit by letting it cool off, and also try controlling how much pressure comes out when venting.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It was definitely too full! The recipe he followed was for a larger instant pot and he didn't size down quite enough for our mini!

[@seancalcote6634]

Maybe some heat tape and insulation wrap for plumbing stuff. This is 2nd vid w/things frozen.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It's all about working the kinks out! We were easily able to solve the first freezing issue with the louver in the bike box. For this one we are just going to try our viewers tip of adding some low temp washer fluid to the p trap (we don't shower inside that often, and as long as it isn't -5 we haven't had any freezing issues with the drain).

[@pcyingling]

Where should you go next?? Hmmm.... here is a spot near Breckenridge 39.386008, -106.093656

[@naturenuggets4613]

When in doubt read the instructions 🤣

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Riley refers to instructions as "another man's opinion"... 😂

[@papaloo2000]

Guess you might need 2 more panels or 500 Watts in total, this 300 watt might be close to just right for your daily usage. If you are camping more than one night and did not start or drive in between, this might run short.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We will keep you all posted!

[@csgodenver]

You drove past my house on your way up to that parking lot! Dang

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Ah what a small world!

[@jpmeyers4476]

I am super inspired by this truck camper build. I have been wanting to build my own truck camper for some time now and feel like you guys have perfected the process. Do you guys have a ballpark of how much someone would need to budget for materials to build something of this quality? Thanks

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks so much for following along! We are going to do a follow up video soon that discusses what we would do differently and how much we spent!

[@jpmeyers4476]

@@AmbitionStrikes Sweet, I cant wait. You guys are awesome!

[@jamesray3920]

Should have bought a propane gas heater turma is what bought super quite or a proper is another brand sleep like a baby no ticks clicks cost to me is well worth it Truman offers heat and water heater combo small but packs a punch plus propane cheap and you are already using just another added component

[@d-arts7139]

weve got moose here too! lots of em. i used the unistrut system too. i think i could fit 4 compact panels up there. only have one but will add 2 more panels. i also havent done any water plumbing. i live at 9k' and often camp at 11k'. im just figuring too many problems!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It was so cool seeing my first moose! Especially since I was in the safety of the car. We are curious to see how 3 panels performs, and whether or not we need to add more!

[@d-arts7139]

@@AmbitionStrikes yea i might just add up wattage and contact renogy for rewcommendation. im just guessing 300w and one 100ah batt. ill have a small dorm fridge, fan, tv, bluray, and usb for cell phone. and a light or two. so much sun in colorado. and if im getting low on power just turn off tv an such. well see

[@vikingtraveler2655]

Build off grid, and road Travel Trailer. Most Travel Trailers are over priced junk. Their are a few decent ones on the market, but very expensive. Built it so my Ram Truck can tow it and I'll buy it.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Did you consult with Riley before commenting? It's like you read his mind... 😂

[@vikingtraveler2655]

@@AmbitionStrikes Well, maybe I knew Riley when I lived in Santa Maria. Now live in Southern Utah. One of the best Travel Trailers out there, in my opinion, is Oliver Travel Trailers. It has all the features I want, besides the price. Check it out, might give you some ideas. I look forward to your next build.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

@@vikingtraveler2655 I'll have to check them out, thanks for the tip! We really enjoy southern Utah and would love to meet up next time we are there!

[@vikingtraveler2655]

@@AmbitionStrikes Absolutely let's meet up. Brian Head ski resort is only 40 minutes from Cedar City.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

@@vikingtraveler2655 Shoot me an email with your info! [e-mail]

[@juanpinto5743]

Do you have room for a predator generator? If you’re not driving, or it’s cloudy, a small generator is a good third option I could see a cargo trailer conversion in your future. You’ve done a diy camper instead of a $500k earthroamer. Maybe now it’s time for a diy trailer instead of a $500k living vehicle.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I don't really foresee us needing a generator but that is definitely an option should we need more power!

[@ScottHampshire]

I can't remember, but did you install a high output alternator in the truck?

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We have discussed doing that, but at the moment are just running the stock alternator!

[@ScottHampshire]

@@AmbitionStrikes that would help out with topping your batteries. Foresty Forest swapped his unit out and can do full 60A charging while at idle.

[@jenniferharris7633]

Ok, this has happened twice that you've shown us, and maybe more that you haven't, so Riley, I'm gonna suggest that you take a remedial pressure cooker class before you end up hurting someone or your dogs. I mean.....did you even read the directions that came with it? Food clogged your shower drain.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Luckily this one was the result of deactivating the safety switch, instead he overfilled the pot. Hopefully he learned his lesson and the rest of my camper is safe from food explosions... 😂

[@jenniferharris7633]

@@AmbitionStrikes 😄😄😄

[@TRISCOOTERRU]

I really want to make the same house. I need help. I need drawings and specification))

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We do not offer those at the moment but might in the future!

[@TRISCOOTERRU]

@@AmbitionStrikes, could this future start this month in March?

[@jfletc3000]

Got a question when I got my solar panels they told me that you need from renogy that you need 200 watts panels for every 100 amp hour battery if I'm correctly you have 300 ah batteries so wouldn't you need 600 W of solar to charge them

[@AmbitionStrikes]

There isn’t really a rule of thumb for how much solar you need for the size of the batteries. You just need to be able to charge as much as you consume. We have a dc-dc charger so that the trucks alternator is also charging the batteries as we drive, and that charges at 675W. The combination we have has been working very well for us!

[@ProjectFaceOff]

Build next? Want to help me finish my Willys Wagon family daily driver/overland vehicle? I've promised two kids I'll be picking them up from school on their last day and I'm WAY behind schedule!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Don't tempt Riley.. we were actually shopping for a Willy's Wagon when we ended up with our first Wagoneer!

[@vfdchauffer3606]

Instant Pop Hell, try another device, LOL

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I find it slightly entertaining... 😉

[@J297WFD]

So what happened in the shower? Did the drain freeze?

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Yes the drain froze right at the grey water tank inlet fitting!

[@J297WFD]

@@AmbitionStrikes is there any way to prevent it?

[@rogerparsons5148]

I think Insta Pot has a training video...... :-)

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Riley refers to directions as "another mans opinion"... 😂

[@JamesPhieffer]

@@AmbitionStrikes I think you need to keep him away from the Instant Pot altogether. My wife loves ours, and I've used it, and no issues. Riley, on the other hand, seems to turn pressure cooking into an adventure... 😃

[@AmbitionStrikes]

@@JamesPhieffer He turns everything into an adventure, some are just messier than others! 😉

[@thereefaholic]

You know you can buy fiberglass unistrut….

[@mattolsson8816]

Quieting the fuel pump can be done by using a zip tie to suspend it and then attach to the frame.. Saw it on youtube so not sure how well it works but I think that eliminating the reg rubber attachment to anything solid will solve the sound transferring.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6HYd2SKmraSnsU

[@AmbitionStrikes]

That is a great tip! Thanks for linking the video, we will have to check it out!

[@ryanaaker1013]

Pressure cookers can burn your face off FYI!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Sounds like Riley should be wearing more ppe...

[@lagmonger]

If you started with a good truck that had two alternators and 7.3 liters of displacement, it would charge your batteries with only 15 minutes of driving. It couldn't make it up the mountains you're on, but still...

[@AmbitionStrikes]

At least we wouldn't starve! 😂

[@kevincrawford8881]

Are you planning on selling or renting

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I'm sure we'll sell it eventually to fund the next big project, but for now we're just having some fun!

[@dlg5485]

Honestly, I'm tired of people who shame campers who like to watch TV form time to time. Watching a little TV isn't a sin people, get over it. Geez!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

I think it's all about finding a balance, and a little unwinding at the end of the night (TV, book, etc) is very important!

[@dlg5485]

@@AmbitionStrikes Agreed.

[@jamescooke3803]

Can you built me a truck camper please ?

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We're already planning the next big thing. We enjoy the problem solving, creativity and design but don't have much interested in building the same thing twice!