Solar Panels & Rafters Go Up | Shipping Container Lean-To Build

Eric works on welding the mount for our solar panels to our shipping container. After attaching the beams to the posts and conex we are ready to put the rafters up. Inclement weather puts a halt to our project and we are forced to postpone installing the roofing and siding until next time.
We appreciate you tagging along for our Alaskan adventure 😀
Thank you for watching and supporting our channel! 💙
- Eric & Arielle Illia
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[@kathrynhelm4176]

Man I could watch you guys all day! I hate to see it end. You two amaze me on what you accomplish and this project is no exception! Bandit sure loves his water hole 😂 and then there’s sweet, sweet Bo. Thank you for letting us hang around your build. 🥰❤️👍

[@smallspaceswithGloria]

I know I constantly watch for them because I don’t exactly know if my notifications are working, (senior moment’s lol) but I always love watching and Eric hast to be in construction before, he is so knowledgeable and knows everything it seems. You guys are my extended family.😊

[@smallspaceswithGloria]

I’d love to see more on the bees and garden of course can’t wait for honey production 😊

[@breehendrickson8807]

I feel the same way. They are very inspiring

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

U have bees, how much honey can a hive make in a summer for u, it has to take an enormous amount of honey to get them through the winter

[@esunday]

I have a great batch of sauerkraut, kimchi and garlic dill pickles all happily fermenting, thanks to your great directions! Thank you!

[@ritalewis9024]

Enjoy watching and I really enjoy watching you guys eating because you two make such beautiful meals together.

[@mikecronin8825]

Here in Maine we call you rugged. I really respect your work ethic. Both of you. Mike from Maine

[@ellemdee276]

We've got a hurricane down here but there are two whirlwinds up in Willow named Eric & Ariel. Seriously, yall have gotten so much stuff done this summer! Take a bow!

[@kimberlykelly7280]

Be careful in that hurricane. We are thinking of all of you in the path.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

I'm in Franklin down in st mary. How about yall

[@paulprigge1209]

A lot of us are praying for y’all down south Louisiana. Please don’t take unnecessary chances.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

@@paulprigge1209 👍

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Stay safe!

[@SJC49]

I’ve been binge watching this channel for days. Find myself frequently forgetting there is not a professional camera crew creating the episodes. You guys are really amazing!

[@karlajeffers2441]

I am totally amazed! Those beams I know are very heavy. You both are very strong. GOOD TO BE YOUNG!

[@bluebirdhomestead]

Great couple videos showing the lean to build. I’m planning to do something similar along our container. I got some ideas from this videos. Thanks for sharing. -Ryan

[@sherriekemper1828]

I love seeing how kindly you speak to each other. I think my husband and I would be racing to push the other one off the Conex by the third day.

[@northernmichiganjen2372]

Buhahah!!! Same here! You would have to check the swamp we'd bury each other in the swamp!! 🤣😤🤪

[@terrytt2932]

can you imagine in their isolation NOT being thoughtful and kind? Not many couples could do what they do so well!

[@brandonkorpi9653]

#fact 😂😂😂😂

[@heatherclayton-callaghan4270]

We also don't see the snappy bits. People with any dignity wouldn't post their unpleasant displays of irritation or negative attitude. It happens to all of us, no one is perfect these 2 do a lovely job of showing/saying just enough to let us know they were tested in the patience, without actually posting it. Often the narration reveals more than the pics. That said, I agree with the overall beauty and balance of this couple and their adventures. How amazing is it that nowadays a couple can make a living from videoing themselves living a chosen lifestyle that our forefathers and mothers hewed out a life with their bare hands and backs. To succeed , the marriage union must be 100% on solid ground. These 2 have it and model it beautifully to all who watch. Sad there are so few who have so much good to share the world. 🤗👏👍💞🙏♥️

[@kevinrowbotham545]

Yes, I agree they edit out the occasional spats.

[@lararosevelt545]

The beauty of those home milled boards is unreal.

[@CreatorInTrng]

The time lapse of the structure build at the beginning was brilliant (if only all projects went so quickly 😀).

[@veronicavanderver7270]

Lol yeah 😎

[@CreatorInTrng]

@@jeb3415 Oh yeah, did too!

[@amandabarney1667]

Bo being an excellent supervisor

[@tjava2338]

👍😁

[@angelamarie4137]

He's the foreman. Lol

[@capttrips1359]

Bandit is going to dig that pond into a lake. He loves that swamp.

[@pattibrown1809]

So cute huh? I've noticed that too!

[@sherryllynnjones7077]

Its growing!!

[@carolewarner101]

It seems to bring him SO much joy! : - D

[@atir4u]

I was just going to comment on Bandit making a nice dig around the pond lol

[@leahness3588]

Bandit is such a goofy kid and love it when Bo is wagging his tail. UGH, my back hurt just watching all the heavy lifting. It will be so nice when it's done. GREAT JOB!!!🏆🏆🏆

[@cathylewey5790]

Outside currently have a infection I'm not seeing very well. At first I thought it was Ariel moving her hips rather than Bandit wagging his tail. Boy did I feel stupid

[@alexstrylowski7864]

Next time you’re doing a vertical weld try welding up instead of down. It will result in a better puddle and help you maintain good penetration. Not trying to be critical just thought that might help you for the future.

[@silverlightx6]

Eric is a man of many talents. Definitely some good skills to have as a master DIY-er

[@suzilouden5964]

Yes, defo a keeper.......😊😊😊

[@russellprickett1652]

Eric truly is a jack of all trades, master of many!

[@bucksiouxwanan4320]

Every week's posting on your channel is productive and constructive🙄!! Your homestead is looking purposeful and it's great following journey! 👏👍🇺🇸

[@jenton70]

These videos bring me so much joy.

[@kjmorley]

I’m salivating over your beautiful 2” rough cut beetle kill spruce! I would have killed for this back when I was making tables. You can make some beautiful furniture with a mill and TIG welder.

[@charleshutchings3010]

Oh I needed this -We are in the middle of Hurricane Ida and I'm going blind watching radar and wind speed ! God bless yall for this diversion.

[@mllee2008]

Prayers that y'all stay safe and sound Charles! 🙏🙏

[@Kopelani1]

Stay safe

[@Bex-rg8pj]

🍀

[@tracievoletto9712]

Stay Safe, Prayers to y'all and everyone in harms way!!!

[@theresaluvspims6163]

Stay safe and God Bless you.

[@bobjarrard]

We weld permanent jack points using L steel on the outside of the four corners. - you can use a bolt as a driver to adjust over time with a big base pad of concrete .Bob

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Good idea.

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

Sawmills and other construction sites use this method, it works in other applications as well

[@wenom7286]

I loved watching this project!!! Thank you for sharing your lives!!!

[@joeoallen]

From the outside looking in we are watching the perfect couple. I love the teamwork. Eric, you are a lucky man. No doubt a hard working busy life, but one I am sure that 99% of your viewers wish they were living.

[@lorishealinghomestead5047]

I’m sitting here watching your video and thinking just how far you guys have come in the years. It looks amazing. I’m so happy for you guys!!!! 🥰

[@johannahobbs5781]

Seriously...jack of all trades you two. I wish I'd had your forethought 40 years ago. What a fantastic way of life.

[@cblocker3149]

Eric & Ariel thanks for inviting us to watch your progress. Wish I had your energies! Well thought out structure. Looking forward to watching Part 3 of the Lean-To Completion. 👍🙏

[@Hammertime-y9q]

You ought to block between your rafters on top of the outside beams with rafter size blocks. That will help a lot with wind load and flex horizontally and keep the rafters from ever lifting. It would also strengthen your beams that are sitting on the posts even more. That could even be done after metal roofing is installed. I framed new homes for over thirty years. Free unsolicited advice 😁.

[@robertbrewer2190]

They also will consider snow loads

[@bobjoncas2814]

coming along great, nice work, stay safe and have a good week..

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Bandit will have the whole bog tilled for you soon!

[@CP-tq3hu]

They will be able to go fishing in there soon 😃😄😁😆😅😂🤣

[@homesteadedman4784]

Hello from Maine! Wife and I love your video's. We also have a 14 year old lab named Beau... peace!

[@saskatchewanlady2723]

Oh my gosh, there is just no way to say how very amazing the two of you are. All I know is your kids are going to have examples of how to build things to last all around them. I’m so grateful to have your channel to watch as I recover from pneumonia (which we had originally thought may be civil but it wasn’t) you both work so very hard. Thankyou very much for sharing with us ❤️❤️

[@terpy7282]

Who else want to move into Alaska and live simple life like this amazing couple?

[@carolinespiteri2401]

I am sure there are some very hard things both physical and emotional but they are a great team just both of them. Your fan from Malta.

[@enerzise3161]

We purchased land 70 miles out of our city in Florida and the land is Off Grid and only gets a cell phone signal on the dirt road at the front of the property. The nearest county electrical is about 1/4 mile down the dirt road, so we will be doing Solar and Wind. We have a sailboat so we are staying in Florida for now. We plan on buying two or three more properties around the USA and travel to camp them. We will eventually sell our house in the city. There are remote places in almost every state inside the USA. Also it is not a simple life, we put in a 36 foot galvanized culvert and 15 yards of gravel by hand. We now have a tractor, but on that job we had buckets, shovels, rakes and a hand tamp. The work on some days can be grueling. Like when we cut down 1/4 acres of Saw Palmettos and it was 102 degrees outside in the shade. I wish it were a simple life. I worked for years as a Security Officer and that was a Simple Life... Donuts and Coffee any time of day and breakfast at Waffle House.... well I still have breakfast at waffle house about 3 to 5 times a month.

[@thatsalt1560]

No, I'm fine just watching. It's inspiring, but too heavy for me.

[@faithfifield7278]

You two work so well together. Supervisor Bo is on the job!❤

[@beckyumphrey2626]

My Family just loves your awesome channel.

[@TakeNoneForTheTeam]

Thank you for the window into your journey! Appreciate you sharing.

[@RedRose-gm6px]

That was awesome, what a legacy to leave behind for your future kids, a home 🏡 made by the barehands of you both with love and togetherness ❤️. One love One Heart 🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@RatdogDRB]

Bo knows ! And, Bandit's dredging the Great Lake. And... Pepper has a new cat climb play ground. He approves.

[@beeamerica5024]

There goes that Eric again jack of all trades I guess you have to be living in Alaska huh I was glad to see you putting those toe in nails in though that'll help a lot good job all around and don't forget that good paint on that metal see you next video take care and be safe 💥👍💯🐝

[@singers1990]

Eric you are awesome and Arielle you are fabulous.

[@NorthshorePreparedness]

Absolutely LOVE your intro music! Had to turn it up!!

[@stanleygallman7800]

Every video you get out to us, for me they're just so satisfying to watch. Well done! Until the next time 👍

[@janetkoball44]

You all work so hard and fast it's so hard to keep up with what is happening when. But we all love it. No boredom on this channel. I appreciate being able to watch all of these projects. See you later.

[@vdwalt4464]

Inch by inch. Looking good!

[@starlight14400]

I have your notifications on my excitement goes high every time you post a new video I enjoy your videos so much I wish you all good and happiness

[@NORMANMORRISON1940]

You 2 are so lucky to live like you do I'd give anything to live a life like that Keep it up and stay Happy take care Love your channel

[@sixtomidnight1492]

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"

[@NORMANMORRISON1940]

@@sixtomidnight1492 yes your right

[@NORMANMORRISON1940]

@@donaldmiller8629 I have worked hard all my life the dum way lol manual labor I liked working with my hands and am good at most everything I did but should of Stade on the machines lol my body would be in better shape at 59 lol

[@NORMANMORRISON1940]

@@donaldmiller8629 lol I lost my short term memory 3 years ago when I had a stroke at work then then 1 year after that came the heart attack not working anymore lol

[@NORMANMORRISON1940]

@@donaldmiller8629 I don't give up on anything like you very slow and it will be done if I remember to do it lol lol

[@vandjsecret]

You both know so much on construction is incredible!

[@kingrafa3938]

Looks like Bandit expanding his little pond out there while Bo chillin as always.

[@charlenegrady8781]

I want you to know I’m trying some of your recipes. You do need to do a cookbook. Thanks guys😄

[@johnneeb8311]

I agree about the cookbook. You could do it in your spare time. or while its raining. I have looked and looked for the pickel relish but cannot find it. Thanks for the very best channel I have found.

[@erics.786]

You two sure do put in the work! Well Done!

[@Flowergurl2000]

Yeah!!! That music is great in the opening!!!

[@DuyPham-wq3yl]

I admire you use tools very skillfully. Good job.

[@pattibrown1809]

You two are brilliant! A true story of success! Thanks for sharing✌❤

[@georgefrank8633]

Hi Patti how are you doing?

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Wow! It looks amazing! I would have closed it in too!

[@lindag4484]

Really enjoyed this whole video and watched the beginning four times...MASTERFUL!

[@ignaciaforteza7731]

Wow Eric, and lady photographer and helper. Just great and even the rooster’s approval!!! Keep safe please👍🙏🥰

[@gagorian8294]

as a carpenter I would recommend nail plates on the joint of the supporting beam on the wall to stiffen the building against wind gust and horizontal load on the building since you did not splice the beams

[@brittewater]

Can I get an ELI5?

[@a1b2c3d47432]

It is a pity that no one listens to a professional gagorian. A powerful storm and all the work can be lost!

[@imbuckshotbill]

I like when you do the stamps of the date, time, and temp at the start of days. makes for a good transition.

[@scottldavidson9186]

you two continue to amaze me

[@dougw321]

Great video loved the sawmill video also. Next is the summer kitchen.

[@sherryllynnjones7077]

Hard working couple!! Really is nice to see it coming together! Love seeing Bo, Bandit & Pepper!!! Take care. Tyfs. 🙏♥️🙏💯💥

[@georgefrank8633]

Hi how are you doing?

[@greeneyedgirlina]

I can’t wait to see the finished project, it’s going to be great. Don’t make us wait a week to see it finished, we miss y’all! Bandit, you are progressing nicely on the shore expansion of the bog.

[@debraraiche3327]

WOW...nice! a lot of work!!! need to go back in some of your older videos to figure out how this whole idea ...process started!!! Really Cool~ Stay Safe You Two~ lots of work/and FUN!!!! Pretty Exciting!

[@robertlemoine3500]

Great program Thankyou for sharing.

[@brianjohnston9822]

Kitty cat up there performing an inspection, giving the passing grade “Purrrfection”

[@russellwatters5891]

Looks like the rain showed up just in time, ya'll needed a break! That's alot of up and down, and wood hauling for 2 ppl in 2 days. It's really looking good though, it should last a long long time. Thank you

[@georgefrank8633]

Hi how are you doing

[@carolynsilvers9999]

gettin' fancy.. this should make a lot of improvement in your lives this coming winter

[@ziggy22shell]

Love the intro music🎶 it was kicking! Best yet!

[@MyHumbleNest]

Impressive! Thank you for sharing each step and helping us learn by being real with the changes and mistakes. You two seem to have a beautiful life!

[@renamaemcdonald2075]

It's looking great! That will provide so much shelter

[@jimjohnson6857]

You 2 give me hope. Thank you.

[@jeanneamato8278]

You all never cease to amaze me!

[@Alex_0Z]

can’t wait to see it finished!!!

[@franklindumas1978]

Silicone needed to be on the top side of the conex…you have a temporary fix inside, but it will leak. We have 2 - 40’ containers we are building into a home. Welding is a strong hold, 1” x1” is good for 60,000 lbs…you won’t have a problem with your solar pole. I have 14 panels on our container with L angle welded to the container as the solar brackets. Fun to watch & pretty lumber.

[@katrienvh4289]

If you still have a lot of pallets, those are very handy to use as a platform so you don't have to move your ladder so much or if you only have one.

[@greenmouseguard]

Wow You both are awesome together Wow I Just love watching you both👍🏻 Thank you & God Bless you both 🙏🙏 Linda from Ct

[@felizshaw192]

I wish my husband and I could do projects and get along we fight and argue the whole way love watching your teamwork

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

When most men are intently focused on a project, the little part of their brain that communicates politely with women gets shut down. Imagine that he's essentially battling a wild animal -- and he's simply not designed to engage in date talk during battle. My main point is that you shouldn't take it personally, because it's basically beyond his control.

[@peacefulwife5199]

@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 You described my beloved husband to a tee. Even while watching TV, it's a all consuming task. His selective hearing.....ahem.....lol....works well when I speak about food. Amazing huh?

[@hoppas77]

@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 just curious did you blindly tap the keyboard for your profile name or was it intentional? made me smile :)

[@felizshaw192]

Thanks your right

[@ivydison6]

You guys are awesome like literally you can build anything you want, so talented. Anyway, Have a good rest can't wait to see the finish project I do believe it will turn out well. Sending love and support from Sabah, Malaysia! 🥳😍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@angiebetts8900]

The fact that all the wood was cut & milled by you from your land is amazing! Great work, team

[@MissionaryInMexico]

You two are the most amazing young people I've ever seen. From buying a cabin in the middle of nowhere to hunting big game to fishing for winter food to... Lean to.

[@karengarner9839]

Wow your intro music was great, all the work you get done is amazing, and I must say I'm severely jealous of the mill and being able to produce your own lumber, great investment.

[@john3559]

said it before your a great team, good thing Eric knows who the boss is. GOD BLESS

[@DossFarm]

21:34 that last beam 💪🏻

[@ramil6219]

Hi from the Czech Republic. The video is great and everything in the building looks very good. You are the right handyman who can do everything. I really liked how you could help yourself. Your fan Milan.

[@BareBonesTX]

I am impressed with your FITFO abilities, every single time!!!!

[@nicolepouchet2479]

I sooooo admire you guys …. Can’t wait to see the finished product.😀

[@frasersgirl4383]

You two are gonna be so ready for the first snow day, relaxing in front of the fire inside with cups of coffee and the fur kids gathered round!!

[@curiousandcreativewithwand8515]

On long threads, use an empty chuck (no drill bit in) - to run washers and nuts up or down the tread. Way easy once you get the knack to it.

[@melodyhopponen7504]

Making a really strong leanto. Great watching how it's done. Looks like it will last a long time. AWESOME JOB YOU TWO

[@davidnash6429]

Wow, I cant' believe you all got this done in a couple days! Something to think about is the way the water will drain off Connex. It looks like it will drain into your new covered "dry" areas. It looks like all that water will drain down the walls of the Connex preventing you to store anything against the walls, correct? Maybe I am missing something. If it is an issue, the design you have will allow to cover the Connex by continuing the roof up to a ridge beam supported by a couple of king posts in the center which can be supported by four additional beams going from left to right attached and flush with your existing going front to back beams. Put a gable vent at each end and call it a day. You can use it as storage for really long things and you wont have to worry about shovelings snow off a flat roof. You could even pitch the roof steeper (double min.) over the Connex to "architecturally celebrate" the Connex's center as well as give even more head height to store taller things above. It is so cool watch everything evolve! I love everything about the off-grid homesteading!!

[@richdunn9774]

That sawmill was a game changer.

[@andrewbeach1685]

Garden looks awesome! Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@ArizonaKid]

Good job you two , can’t wait for more

[@Bex-rg8pj]

You kids are amazing ❤️

[@annaking9213]

I think you can built anything.wow!

[@simoneconsciousobserver3105]

It must be so satisfying building with wood from your land

[@paulbeydler3623]

Looks good! It will be interesting to see how you manage rain and snow melt off the top of the conex?!?! It does look awesome!!!😎

[@ca9603]

My thoughts exactly......!

[@avalonrichards394]

Looking good guys, just love looking at you both work so well together.

[@bandit3242]

Really dig the intro music! That would make great theme music for your channel. You guys and Vice Grip Garage are my go to channels!!! Keep it going. 😊

[@madzabinga8382]

It is so awesome to see how much wood you cut to use for this build! All those beetle kill trees being used in a smart and efficient way is really inspiring! I am sure your wheels are turning with even more plans for putting that new sawmill to work.