Starting from scratch - Episode 1 - Off Grid Ranch Arizona

In northwestern Arizona, a family is building an off-grid ranch. The challenges are steep but the benefits are great. Gate building, water system, solar power, wildlife, tractor work, and more.
Episode 1 - • Starting from scratch ...
Episode 2 - • Solar Power Well Water...
Episode 3 - • Cactus, Work Trailer -...
Episode 4 - • Wildlife - Episode 4 -...
Episode 5 - • DIY Ranch Repairs - Ep...
© 2024 Eric Mooneyham

[@fromcitytowild]

New subscriber from the California High Desert! We're also on the journey of building an off-grid property!

[@paleogeology9554]

Your my kind people which is exactly why im building a ranch near the golden valley az. Thank God things are still normal in this part of the country.

[@arizonaeric9598]

Amen to that.

[@Peaceful-resistance1]

This comment was 1 year ago before the last 100 k from Cali got here...

[@arizonaeric9598]

Glad we got our property when we did. The area is crawling with people wanting to buy us out

[@DrLee-Noz]

I am glad KZbin suggested your channel, Eric! I have subscribed and look forward to watching your homestead progression. I am guessing you are somewhere near Kingman. I wish you Godspeed.

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thank you and welcome. Yes, near Kingman. There are more coming. Episode 2 is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rojFoZaBfphkh9U

[@adventurereadyoffgrid]

Good stuff Eric! Just came across your channel while updating ours. We are 8 days away from full time relocation to our northern AZ property we bought last year. We’re documenting our build and lifestyle out there, and we will definitely check back in to see your progress and builds... stay safe

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thank you. In the process of getting a bunch of working solar panels that have some glass damage at a fraction of cost. I have an idea of how to repair the glass.

[@williamv680]

We just bought 40 acres and you have inspired me to get something done!

[@arizonaeric9598]

You made me smile!

[@scrapandsalvage]

Cool! Like the "Hillbilly" septic system :D Looking forward to more.

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thanks. There are more coming soon.

[@timcisneros1351]

My wife and I are building a Timber Frame cabin from lumber I milled myself in Williams. After watching your video I can totally relate! The first 3 years was dirt work. Driveway, septic system and then the foundation for the cabin. I bought a 40 year old Massey Ferguson. Hydraulic leaks, new tires but it runs good! My son is a Master mechanic at a Drilling Company which helps. Beautiful property you have there. Awesome there are so many like minded people in Arizona. We are neighbors. Our neighbors welcomed us after they found out I was a Blacksmith and Timber Framer. It is a lot more work than I anticipated but so rewarding. Living "debt-free" is a thing especially now. Get out of the "matrix". I don't like the matrix they have created so decided to create my own. We'll all make it by helping each other. Good luck. Subscribed.

[@arizonaeric9598]

Excellent! Very encouraging.

[@shawnedward]

Are you having a well dug? Only thing holding me mack from Williams

[@arizonaeric9598]

Wells were already there at about 370 ft 12 to 15 GPM. I pulled the 240 volt pump from one well and replaced with a pump that will run solar. 30 to 300 volts AC or DC. Two panels runs it full until the float switch turns it off. Nice not having to run the generator, one less thing to do. That will be in the next episode, coming soon I hope.

[@VampireCatLegacy]

Gonna be buying land out there once taxes come in, your doing a great job, keep up the awesome work and remember its okay to take breaks don't burn yourself out.

[@arizonaeric9598]

I think you nailed it.

[@BuckJones1909]

Just found your channel! Your one man construction team is inspiring! Look forward to watch other videos! Thank you!

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thanks! Next one will be about converting well to solar. Stay tuned.

[@HyperJoe]

Nice score on the Kubota, that Gate really turned out nice! 👍🤠

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thank you!

[@unknown_tanker7294]

Wow, my wife and I are off grid in Golden Valley and we just love it. It’s hard sometimes but it’s worth it.

[@arizonaeric9598]

I agree with both of those statements.

[@johnmeier270]

Yeah, that's why it was such a good deal.... great work fixing it though. Love the new gate too. Eager to see what you do next

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thanks! There are more episodes listed in the comments section should you care to see them.

[@bakerwannabe4435]

I just found your channel and enjoyed this episode and look forward to watching more.

[@arizonaeric9598]

Glad you liked it! A video on solar powered well pump coming soon.

[@40acrehomesteadingoff-grid26]

Happy for you. Our land is in Apache County.

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thanks and happy for you.

[@GratefulOverlander]

How deep is your well? I'm looking at several areas in Northern Az, and I know I want a well but some areas are over 1000' from what I've been told. Thanks, looking forward to seeing more videos and what the future holds for you. Take care

[@arizonaeric9598]

Well depth was 320 feet and pump set at 240. 12 - 15 GPM

[@arizonaurbanfarms]

Ours is 550 deep. Installing a pump this year in Navajo County 6400 elevation.

[@g-man2045]

Cool It's not camping on the Colorado south of Bullhead but it looks great

[@arizonaeric9598]

Been there and done that. Bullhead is very hot compared. Even on our hottest days, at 5000 ft elevation, as soon as the sun goes behind the mountain peak it cools off like an Alpine climate. Thanks for watching!

[@g-man2045]

@@arizonaeric9598 I was trying to give you a clue who I was from ACCD

[@arizonaeric9598]

Now that would be a short list, but now my head hurts from waking up this old brain. On the river from ACCD? Ok, I'll bite. George Mayer?

[@davidmcpherson7451]

Sure wish I had a water well! Not possible in my location.

[@arizonaeric9598]

It is the primary reason we bought the 2 properties with wells already installed on both. Water will be a big issue soon.

[@jaredroper3618]

If you don’t mind me asking who sells those 3000 water tanks for 1200$ we have piece of land in seligman we are working on also

[@arizonaeric9598]

When I bought mine Home Depot in Kingman had them for $1299. Now they are $2499.

[@davidmcpherson7451]

Try loomis tanks. In Mayer or Dewey I think.

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thanks!

[@cutiepietute]

Where are you located were looking at a place in ash fork this weekend no utilities available

[@arizonaeric9598]

Between Kingman and Wikieup

[@greghunter5627]

Price has gone up with Biden.

[@barrypierce9100]

Never put any septic around the well.

[@arizonaeric9598]

How far should it be away?

[@barrypierce9100]

Far as possible down hill from the well location

[@arizonaeric9598]

Since you have chosen to give me advice, can you answer these two questions that might boost your credibility ? How far is my septic away from my well and what distance is required in my county?

[@absolutedevin]

Great video.... Any Big brother issues with your septic system?

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thanks. No issues, Very popular in the area though as it is so remote and private. There are 50 year old ranch homes running that same system today. Mine all fixed now concrete tank in the ground.. I'll have to keep up better with my videos. When I built one of my other homes, 30 years ago, I literally drew a plot plan with property dimensions, 4k sq ft house, set backs and location of septic on a greasy napkin and paid a $75 fee. No inspections. They said to call when done. Took me 7 years but I called and they mailed me Certificate of Occupancy. Those days are gone forever LOL.

[@67jjohn]

Bought land close to Meadview. Been out twice to access it and Monsoons apparently knew I was coming soooo, didnt quite get there and almost got got caught up in more than 1 "wash".. Moving out there in the next few years when I retire. Hopefully access will be better by then. BTW....I work in Industrial Maintenence and Engineering for Kubota. That tractor you have is a good one. Sorry you had issues but long term I think you will be glad you bought it. If you want to buy new, let me know and I may let you get my Company discount! Great video and keep posting your progress out there!

[@arizonaeric9598]

Many thanks. Yes, monsoon rains have washed out much of Meadview recently. I retired and will not afford a new tractor. I have learned a lot repairing leaking hydraulics seals and control cables by myself, a new skill I never imagined having to learn. My son has been doing local tractor work and he has done really well helping many local people with washed out driveways, many who need to get to Kingman for medical appointments but do not have 4 wheel drive vehicles.. Please forward any local tractor work for him you may know of to help folks out. 626-826-5308 Walker Mooneyham

[@frankfitz3421]

I love Meadville, i live in kingman

[@Quantrills.Raiders]

sir hillbilly is derogatory, we prefer the term hill williams

[@arizonaeric9598]

Hind sight is always 20/20. I agree.

[@bakerwannabe4435]

😂

[@drillsergeant623]

Wait, there’s no high desert anywhere near LAFB. 🤔

[@arizonaeric9598]

I guess "near" might depend on if you were walking or flying a high speed jet.

[@drillsergeant623]

@@arizonaeric9598 🤣🤣🤣ok ok good point.

[@Morningdovecamp]

Unbelievable!!! Fantastic video and Superpower skills!! Best of Luck!! 👍🇺🇸

[@arizonaeric9598]

Thanks a bunch!