Running a Fridge on Portable Power - Full Time Off Grid RV Living

[@garegardner6782]

I'm impressed by how you've set up all those options for power. I'm a big supporter of "back-ups", I have several sources for cooking, warmth and hot water, no wood stove (yet) but that would be cool to have. Your ingenuity has so many facets, you're such a good problem solver. I always look forward to your videos ( I steal a LOT of ideas from you!), It's sweet how kind hearted you are to animals, your cats, your squirrel, even that crazy "woods- chicken" that chases you around the yard.

[@gypsyjenna]

Awee thank you so much

[@Lilyellowbus]

If it works … go with it.

[@Greystone1]

I would suggest dedicating the Ecoflow to essential loads, which I define as things I would need in a dire emergency, such as fridge, a few LED lights, cellphone, laptop, etc. If this drains the Ecoflow overnight, then it's too much and something needs to be unplugged. When you get the essential loads right, you have the essentials covered. Also, if the sun is up and the Ecoflow is at or near 90-100% you have excess energy coming from the panel that is not being used. Time to plug in some luxury loads.

[@LynnMille-g6c]

I love mr. squireel. Everything needs a home. Please never hurt mr.squirrel. He now trusts you

[@imRosco69]

Squirrels are very adaptive. I'm sure they appreciated your kindness. I do as well. You are a very good person & I greatly admire your fortitude & perseverance. Best wishes, dear lady & kittens. 💞

[@tedrichards683]

Happy for your kitty getting the all clear from the Vet. The Squirrel is also a Happy Camper until wants to set up house on your next wood pile. It won't be long! lol. Glad the solar panel is giving a good charge to your power station. Excellent all the way around!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you 🙂

[@jamespeters920]

Love how you're making the most out of what you've got on hand. The panels look great, it says there's a smart person living here. I'll bet the kitties would've loved tearing into that steak. Cheers!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks, and Ramsay got some little scrap fatty pieces, haha. Rory only likes sour cream and yogurt for human food lol

[@jeffroberts532]

Glad that Rory is all healed up. You are such a trooper & I wait all week to see what you’ll be into, crawling over, wiring, plumbing, remodeling, excavating, chopping, and/or cooking next! 😂

[@gypsyjenna]

Awe thank you 😊

[@stevenbarnes8238]

Love your videos I follow many off gridders and their adventures. My wife and I live in the northern Arizona mountains we've been to Halifax and even went to a graveyard that had titanic victims 😧 . You do lots of things most women wouldn't do imo so i am impressed keep up the good work. I also watch a custom car builder from your neck of the woods on badchad so that makes two people from your neck of the woods.

[@jaythewildman]

Hey Jenna!! I really enjoy each video. I like to see how you observe, adapt, improvise and overcome without getting mad or upset. You always find a way to get the job done. Can't wait for the next video. Until then, stay safe.

[@EdwardVanNatta]

It will work at Powers so it don't matter and it does work that's all matters to you

[@MaritimeUnprepared]

Something I find funny is that I moved off grid in February and I've spent all of my spare time watching other people doing the same thing on the KZbin 😅. You've got quite a bit more time in than me, I like your setup 👍🐶🐶🤠

[@3rubberboats]

Yep! You are one fantastic young lady. You have the motivation, knowledge and skills to figure out just about anything to fix just about anything. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day.🤣👍

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks Moses, have a great weekend!

[@kellilangley3875]

So happy Rory’s ok! As for the “esthics” of the panels, you gotta do what you gotta do! And it looks like Mr. Squirrel has found a home, he’s your pet, whether you asked for him or not. Keep putting up the videos, appreciate you!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you 🙂

[@markthomas2436]

You're really pro active, handling new things and making changes. Good job on multiple projects.

[@robintaylor1084]

Who cares what people think. IT WORKS!!!

[@sebastienkenney5362]

the temporary setup is the best for thought for later! I know what i speak .. i have check 1 million DIY solar setup on youtube for make a setup with my needs. I have started solar setup in 12v the 2 first year in my cabin and now i got 24v setup with 12v box converter and 1x 24v 500w inverter and 1x 12v 150w inverter and 12v fuse box for more durability and autonomy and my generator run only for big use or tools now.. thank you for sharing your adventure with us all have a nice day!!!🐿

[@russsherratt6919]

Glad to hear that you got your refrigerator situation sorted out. Good job. Russ

[@nightwolf1963]

You do what you gotta do to make things work girl.Iam one person thats VERY PROUD of you for what your doing ALL BY YOURSELF.😊

[@angelahampson391]

Love to watch your content and be massively impressed with your skills and tenacity and your wonderful cats of course ❤

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you 🙂

[@maint1616]

Jenna you had me laughing out loud at 11:20 of the video. Happy to see the solar panel is helping as much as it is. Great video, looking forward to the next.

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

Hanging the solar panels. Looks good. You you want the panels more straight, you can put a 2x1 behind it and fasten the grommets with a washer and screw. For the top too, makes it more sturdy in the wind. I had a 160 watt EcoFlow folding panel and destroyed it when I moved my van a couple hundred feet. I’m more careful now.

[@keithl6249]

I'm sure you can rebuild your door, Just have to do a lot of careful measurements and keep it square. Compared to installing your bathtub, should be easy. Seems like the new fridge is working out.

[@sahoyte]

Thanks Jenna. I like the way you solve problems. Common sense usually works the best.

[@danieltporter959]

Your just so sweet to think about that Animal's welfare. Great job on getting your Kitten well.

[@jasonmeche8600]

Jenna. Re level your floor. Near the front door. And it will close the door. A two foot level and a bottle jack will do it

[@gsibbald2597]

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your videos. You have a great dry sense of humour and your dedication to living off grid and hard work to do so is wonderful to watch. Being from Australia our winters are mild compared to what you experience but we still whinge when it is cold. I admire how well you cope with the extreme cold. Also, I love your cats and resident tent squirrel. Can you build a little box home in the tent for him so he doesn't chew through your home? We have possum tree boxes for the ringtails so they don't make their home in our roof.

[@jerrytalley802]

The roof over the trailer is a great idea. Hindsight, make it taller so you can work up there, lol. Love your sense of humor.

[@kristinlueb5606]

i just love Ramsey and his smile!!

[@norm5785]

Thank you for sharing. The squirrel is pretty friendly. Great choice on the solar mount temporarily. Many more options now. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@xlamontx]

You got the foldable panels in a good location, and doing the job of charging the power station. Well done. I also like the idea to add DC outlets using the old fridge connections.

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks Lamont, I hope you're doing well!

[@db.mc2]

Hi Jenna, Rory and Ramsey 🐾 Great news on Rory's vet visit 👍🏻 Always great to hear from you my friends 🙏🏻 God Bless Appreciate you 🙂

[@williamsuttle3645]

Congrats on being crystal free!!!! Also good job on setting that panel up. When you get a new ladder you could hook your panel to the old ladder, the angel might be better for summer.

[@lorettaandjasonoffgrid]

So happy to hear Rory is better! 💕

[@lifequest7453]

That little corner of shade on the solar panel, yes it COULD drop the power of that one panel. Id move the smaller solar panel to get full access to the sun. OK on the power station your 120v charge and solar charge is much much faster to charge. Using the cig lighter to charge, is very very slow and prob wont be useful.... look in your owners manual for the info.

[@gypsyjenna]

Yeah I believe that one is a 4 hour charge

[@lifequest7453]

@@gypsyjennaI believe you can multiply that by at least 4

[@lifequest7453]

@@gypsyjennaI am thinking you are getting about a 12 amp charge from the panels. Thats not bad. It may or may not keep up with the frig use, we have to see how that goes. but good system you are developing Gypsy....

[@demitaylor8873]

Way too go girl!! I'm glad to see you improve your world.. leave the panel there if you're happy 🎉

[@jerrytalley802]

Jenna, just watch some of Mobiltec videos and rebuild your door. He teaches “Disassembly, discovery, documentation. Document with measurements, photos, notes, as you take it apart, then reverse the process to put back together. Jenna, I keep seeing my predictions come true on your wood pile. We love the creatures but they love to chew on things. Squirrels were eating the treated stringers on my back steps, chewing the cypress siding, etc. I just live trap and relocate them, can’t hurt a critter, lol

[@littlegriffoffgridalberta6837]

Yes Jenna you get the job done ! Yes March now & my solar does great another couple weeks then genny get a good long rest :)) I have no squirrel friends here ! they chew wires & make a big mess, when the weather is nice my Ernie & Bert keep the yard rodent free, That little fridge is actually pretty Efficient "

[@TheCLAWCollective]

Happy to hear Rory is feeling better! 🥰🐈‍⬛

[@CombatDoc54]

Lady McGyver. So damn ingenious. Never fails to impress . Great idea from subscriber too!!

[@janetbolinger1663]

You never stop impressing me with your creativity.

[@mary1494]

Jenna, your skills and abilities are very impressive..smart. It's touching how attentive you are to your cats and the critters. Love your sence of humor too. Look forward to your next video. 😊

[@KarenHoweKnopsnyder]

Love the soundtrack you chose for hanging the solar panel.😂😂😂 reminds me of laurel and hardy ……

[@davem7847]

If you are going to hook up more than the 220 watt solar panel to the River Pro, you might want to determine what maximum voltage and current you can put into it, so you don't damage the internal circuitry. Check with Ecoflow for the best hookup.

[@MuskokaLocal]

Great job, great idea. My fridge went on me years ago...had to shop around for what I wanted. (In the winter) I temporarily used two large coolers I had, with a bit of snow from outside. Things won't freeze...but they will stay cool. ;). Just an idea...just incase. Cheap too.

[@justamom789]

I really love your videos. I admire your ingenuity and self reliance and you have a great personality to boot. Best wishes from sunny Florida.

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you, enjoy the sunshine in sunny FL! 🌞

[@williammeek7218]

Like how you got several options for power. Always ready for anything. Ramsey and Rory on the catio. A very comfortable home place there Gypsy. Maybe you are secretly a Druid using “Speak to animals “ I wonder.

[@Greystone1]

I would mount the panel below the windows. This being a bifacial panel, the sun will reflect off the side of the trailer onto the back of the panel.

[@Greystone1]

Not sure I said that clearly. The panel should be mounted on the upright posts. It needs to come down about 2 feet from where it is now and to the right about 1 foot, so the sunlight can reflect off the trailer onto the back of the panel.

[@beezo2560]

Well done on the solar panel. Money well spent 'cause diesel ain't cheap. Glad the kitty is doing better too.

[@beckypennington79]

So many people have said so many things I just checked agree with on them but I just wanted to say thank you for videos and keep on going girl

[@michaelmack1966]

That shaded corner is dropping your power quite a bit. Please consider switching over to an inverter generator. I have a 2000 watt inverter generator and it powers everything I need. The best thing about an inverter generator is that it’s very quiet and runs about 12 hours on a gallon of gas. I’m set up about like you. I did build an addition on the front of my rv and called it a covered porch for permitting purposes but it doubled my square footage and I gained a nice sized living room. Great videos! I’ve been going back and watching them all and enjoying your progress.

[@colin8532]

The addition to the front of the trailer is exactly what I plan on doing to my trailer when I get it setup this summer. I'm planning on putting all my services in it. My wood stove, my solar, my water. It will be better insulated than the trailer, so it will have less heat loss issues in the winter.

[@robertbrown9927]

Hi Jenna, I read everybody's comments and there were some good ones, but I got nothing. Just a useless waste of flesh and bone. Lol! We did have a great idea for grillin' out. I cooked a T-bone and you cooked a sirloin? Rib-eye? I couldn't tell. Layla and I are both stuffed. We watched your video and when it came around to the grill, I was so full I didn't want to look at food. I couldn't even eat half my salad but the green beans and red potatoes were the delicious side dish that pushed me over the edge. Not even room for dessert! I hope you had something saved for dessert. A very entertaining video! I had been looking for one, and like in fishing, patience pays off. Kudos to Rory for another clean visit to the Vet. I know you are relieved! When does fishing season begin? Let's get to it!!!!!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks Rob, I am glad you and Layla enjoyed the steak!! Fishing season is less than one month away, wooo hoooooo! 😁🎣🎣🎣

[@robertbrown9927]

The countdown begins!@@gypsyjenna

[@billb945]

How much shading on a panel affects output depends on how they are wired /constructed internally. Maybe there are some specs in the manual they may or may not have come with ?

[@Dinsdale2020]

Put the panels below the windows for the view. 👍 👍👍

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from oakville Ontario thanks for the update on the situation of the fridge, both doors should be used especially in an emergency what if there's a gas leak or fire usually most people reaction time is not too quick

[@miriamharty5761]

Sweet Jezzzzz I think the squirrel is having an effect on you. Crawling into small spaces, dining with him and that was so funny him on top of wood pile. Glad Rory is Well, and Ramsey looks good. Oh the 17 March is coming close wood pile still there.

[@gypsyjenna]

It's still there but diminishing quickly!

[@Greystone1]

Some viewers seem concerned with the tilt of the panels. It isn't just about power output, it is about power output over a period of time. If most or even some of the time the panels have leaves and/or snow on them, you may be way ahead with vertical panels. Also note that you are getting near full power with the portable panels vertical... all day long... and you don't have to climb a rickety stepladder to clean them.

[@Greystone1]

I should add a little more to this: If you have the wrong tilt, you may lose anywhere from 2-10% over the course of the day. Not earth shaking. Orienting the panel east or west instead of the usual south will lose about 15%. Again not earth shaking. Worst case is facing it north which will lose about 30%. I would worry more about the leaves and the snow... and I might be tempted to chop/top a few trees.

[@roycew8218]

yep! you have the same problem with your trailer door as I do. worn hinge and the door needs rebuilt, but that's a late spring-summer project.

[@rosemarybrennan442]

I'm glad Rory is doing good. I hope Mr.Squirrel is OK he seems to part of the family. Glad Mr.Squirrel is fine hopefully he won't chew the wires

[@gypsyjenna]

Hope not! 🤞🤞

[@randymiller1604]

It’s in the sun it’s done good job 👍

[@johnkenny2210]

Jenna another great show as always 👍 Thanks for sharing always something to do 🍺 Johno Darwin NT 🍺

[@tamarashiels570]

Happy your Rory is ok one of mine Sasha had to be put to sleep.😢😢💔 I love that you chat with your kitties and other creatures. You are a good soul.

[@gypsyjenna]

Very sorry for your loss 🌹

[@acidreign8551]

So happy for Rory that he is healed up. I love my doggies and i know how it is when one of them has an issue, and i know some day my big dog wont be around anymore. He is a rescue and i am not sure exactly how old he is, the vet thought he was about 8 or so, but don't really know for sure. I treasure every moment i have with them both, and i am sure you feel the same way with Rory and Ramsey. Good on your solar adjustments, you are generating more power then your burning on a sunny day. Yeah it is a temp thing, but it works. That's the whole point. Pretty sure you were not expecting better homes and gardens to roll up for a photo shoot anytime soon, so if people want to knock it, oh well!! Guess they are gonna have to get over it! 😃 Steak looked yummy. I love that sweet baby ray's too, best stuff ever!!. Mr. Squirrel. He wont do steak but they love sweets, pretty sure he would love him some sweet baby ray's too just by itself. Give him a shot glass if it, he will love you for it. My pet squirrel years ago Mr. Biggles loved M&M's and vanilla coke. I would love to BBQ today but we have 40 to 60 MPH wind gusts this weekend here, so just no to the hell on that thought for me. It is NASCAR race weekend here in Vegas, and i love my NASCAR, so i don't know just whats for dinner tonight, but i think it is really feeling like a pizza night here, maybe with a side of hot wings. I think that's my plan today. As always, be safe up there and good Juju your way!! 🥰🙏

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you 😃

[@janajeffries9989]

I’m with you. I would be worried about Nr. squirrel too.

[@randymccormack4259]

What ever it takes to get the job done Jenna.

[@classicdude-mike8174]

fun fact! whatever the latitude is where you live makes a decent rule of thumb for the degree your solar panel should be positioned to

[@suzyfoster623]

Good for you !! Always fun watching your video's..❤

[@free2binnh]

As far as your solar panels go, the best performance is placing the panels perpendicular to the sun. You can use the latitude where you are located, which I would guess would be about 45° N Latitude. So placing your panels at a 45° angle would be just right. 💖

[@gypsyjenna]

Awesome, I have been getting some good solar on the sunny days! 220 watt panels and yesterday I watched it hit 212 watts coming in 👌

[@racebanning6390]

SQUIRRELS, SOLAR WIRE BIRDSNESTS, BUNGYSPORTS...LOLOL ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE WITH JENNA, ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS. GLAD ITS ALL WORKING AS PLANNED NOW😂🤣😂😋🙏🙏🙏👍🤙🤙YOU ARE THE BEST OFFGRID LADY FOR IMPROVISING. GOOD FOR YOU. YOU ROCK AND HAVE SUCH A FUNNY WAY OF TELLIN THE STORY. BE BLESSED YOO.

[@scooter6334]

I have been building a solar system. I just for the first time have credit on my elec. bill. Yea! Looks Great, if those panels are wired in series “more than likely are” yes any “spot” of shade on the panels will affect the power output :-(. In parallel only the one with the shade will be affected :-). Sending blessings your way 🙏.

[@stevie-pea]

Lol ... Quick / first glimpse of the squirrel . I thought he was playing some air guitar . Hello from Mb.

[@gypsyjenna]

Hahaha that made me laugh thanks

[@davem7847]

Don't have your situation, but to keep critters from chewing your wire panel cables, encase them in PVC pipe if possible.

[@thomasbennettjr1188]

Hi Jenna you did a good job dear gotta do what you have to do and the squirrels here in Jersey aren't afraid of people here had a screen house outback they tore it to pieces so stay safe always and summer is coming can't wait so I can do some work in my shed on lawnmowers

[@Brownmahfun]

The way you talk to the animals, cracks me up.😄

[@ricktoole9991]

Portable cold is better than no cold. Best of luck

[@renaldopalmer7871]

i liked how the little critter talk back too you lol nice video.

[@karenquick8737]

Girl, you are so amazing!!!!

[@stevegunn3823]

some scrap wood between the 4x4's would get it solid for now few screws and washers that way won't flap in the wind

[@jorazor5172]

I think it looks fine.

[@johnhbuiltnotbought4924]

Hi Jenna, good work looking good see you in the next ones stay safe👍🇬🇧

[@jasonbabila6006]

Ever thought about a 12V wind generator for low sunlight and windy days and most comes with a charge controller or can be hooked up to an existing charge controller.

[@jyrbr9292]

Awesome video. Happy to see Rory doing good!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you 🙂

[@jyrbr9292]

@@gypsyjenna Your welcome

[@oldminer5387]

Good video Jenna. You came up with a good solution to add more power. This temp fix may let you know how to size a system for long term use. If solar works for the space station why not you. Take care.

[@troytaylor19]

Very informative, thank you for posting, i've learned alot

[@ernestkooistra1559]

Thanks ✌

[@teyoung2000]

Just put a 2 qty 2x4's Horizontals, across your lateral roof posts. and then attach your solar to them , no bungies. just put some eye hooks so you can take your panel down when ever. !!

[@Greystone1]

My thoughts exactly.

[@greagior]

Power stations on solar are a force multiplier

[@harlanmclain1719]

It's fine & as long as it's not in ur way like u said as long as it works & the corner will make a difference it's just a matter of how much lol good luck & god bless oh & u can hook all ur panels together

[@appalachianunderground8474]

I really dig the bbq steak, a well deserved meal after a day of hard work!!! Take care 🤙🏻

[@jimsears2434]

The doors not gonna be a problem to rebuild. You just have to make sure to replicate the measurements with good strong straight wood and seal all the wood and reinforce the corners and joints....keep it square. Nothing you can't do! Any shade on a panel affects it depending on how many circuits it has before output box. Just my opinion...but I would make every panel hinge right at the edge of the roof facia and make em adjustable and allow to hang straight down for summer cleaning and winter snow removal. That way you can adjust and make optimal direction for every time of year for optimum output into batterys. Ya made me laugh with the "not big chested comment"...but just know it's a blessing to not have to worry about getting "long chested"..lol Show your heart and put ROCKYS house back up somewhere out of the way ...he's part of the family..👍

[@gypsyjenna]

🤣😂thanks!

[@jimsears2434]

Imma gonna be waiting to see Rockys new sleeping arrangement or location on the next video....😂

[@PlanetaryThoughts9861]

@@jimsears2434 Now she needs a moose, eh?

[@jimsears2434]

Just in case ya might be wondering.....Nope...I haven't forgot!..lmao..😂😂😂😂😂 Hope I didn't cause an .."Oh Shit" moment...lol

[@MISCIFMAKER]

Looks great 🎉 as do you....your such an enjoyment ty.

[@pepperwatson7784]

Love your life My plans were to buy a houseboat and do the same thing. I’m gonna go ahead and haven’t done it yet. My wife won’t let me but we’ll see you in a long time.

[@eparker1001]

Love Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. You do an awesome job. I'm inspired by your DIY skills.

[@garynewton2016]

i am always impressed with your take charge attitude. Very enjoyable . Maybe later mount a roof top panel for the ecoflow. Hope you are well and need more vids 😸

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you 🙂

[@garynewton2016]

anytime@@gypsyjenna

[@ericwitt4586]

I’m gonna put a portable solar at my cabin to help my existing solar system too !! Lol

[@gypsyjenna]

Awesome! 👌

[@cherylmoser6383]

I recently discovered you and love watching your videos. I’m currently looking for my own camper. I will be in a RV park at least at first but my goal is to purchase land and be off grid. Even staying at the park I can save a ton of money to put towards my debts ❤

[@gypsyjenna]

Absolutely! Best of luck to you!

[@rodvaughan8628]

Just think of it is drying the wet laundry❤

[@nickmelland9621]

If you use the car charging cord from ecoflow they usually fail after 3 weeks of daily use I think they fail because they overly complicate it with a chip of some kind in 12v plug that plugs in to the car side been through 4 from them I ended up buying a different simpler version off Amazon this been working daily for almost a year

[@barfass]

Have you given thought to insulating the area where the fridge is, so that you can keep that area as a "cold" area for the winter where you can keep the area temp low so that the fridge does not have to come on so much, or even at all if you do it well. This will help with the low sun in the winter and the draw on the batteries. I have wanted to do something like this at my camp, but I am not there as much as I would like throughout the winter. I found myself thinking of you today and wondering about a video. That doesn't happen often! hahaha. I really like your vids and yourself and your kiddos. Cheers. I vacation in PEI every summer in Souris. I want to hop over to Nova Scotia soon. Can't wait to get there.

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks, I haven't thought about it yet, I'm swamped in projects it feels like, haha. Maybe someday I can insulate 🤷‍♀️🙂

[@barfass]

​@@gypsyjenna - I hear ya. Way too much to do and not enough time!

[@rodgerankarenhowell2952]

Great job!

[@jimhurley714]

Snow is going fast