We installed 800 watts of solar but did it work? Tiny House Adventures Rendezvous 2022 update.

[@billanddeb]

Marvin's email,,,,,[e-mail]

[@terrybrown5883]

Has Marvin changed the email address . I sent a email and it now showing that that email is not working

[@billanddeb]

@terrybrown5883 email us [e-mail] We will try and help with questions

[@dianak2348]

Now I understand how you can power everything you do. I watched Will Prowse for my small 12 volt system but I must have done something wrong because I’m not getting enough amps to the 12v plug for refrigerator. I will email Marvin see if he has any idea how I screwed up such a simple system HAHA.

[@ivanwesley8182]

That vintage fridge is very cool 👍

[@chuckmccaslin9239]

Great video. I’m so glad I came across your channel. I have been catching up.

[@billanddeb]

And we appreciate that soooooo much.😃

[@cwshumate914]

Marvin has been a good friend to you both. He is also being so kind allowing others to ask questions. Kudos to you all for sharing your adventures and knowledge you've gained in your experiences.

[@billanddeb]

Yes Marvin and Mary are awesome!

[@kristennone785]

You can add reflective film to the inside of your windows. It will allow you to still see out but nobody can see in. Its on Amazon.

[@billanddeb]

Thanks

[@ilovelucy7073]

So happy for you both. It looks so nice up there.

[@MrAgustos]

Your build has come along very nicely folks. My fiancé and I love what you have done. We plan after the wedding and into next year to start our own build saga! Keep having all that fun folks!

[@stevenbutler5142]

The panels look great and solid. By making your wires and plumbing accessible it is not only easy and practical; but, it also makes it easier for those following along to see what you did. Marvin is a fountain of knowledge as well.

[@billanddeb]

We don't know what we'd do without Marvin and Mary. We definitely would not have the cool stuff we have without them.

[@stuartkorte1642]

Oh man, you were in the Tallahassee area and didn’t invite me for a visit. Looks like you were in Wah-kool-la. 😁 Hope your time in Florida is enjoyable.

[@MarkKenady]

Fantastic build, from top to bottom. Thanks for showing the build all along the way. On a side note, just like with auto repair, always disconnect the negative side first, and install cut off switches on the negative side. Even on non-grounded systems, there are several advantages to doing this. Electrons (current) flow from negative to positive.

[@billanddeb]

That's good information and something I'd forgotten about. We'll address that.

[@squatchnindiana3419]

So I watched this episode and got a AWESOME answer to a ongoing question. I also watch Will Prose, but man he's too far genius for me!! I guess that's why I bought a Bluetti AC200P solar generator.. But is that enough?! Following...

[@KO4L_Lloyd]

Jim and Deb, I've been following you for years now. I was looking to build a unit for my hobby and decided to just go with a building instead BUT you have given me a lot of ideas for useful things not just for the Tiny House but my Radio Shack also. I built a 12v 100ah LiPO4 battery using Will Prowse's ideas and its been great. I have not done the solar panel yet BUT its coming. I wanted to thank you both for sharing your builds and re-builds over the years. Merry Christmas!!!!

[@brucebjornson9135]

It is great to see you too again and thank you for this video I learned so much from you that I will be starting to build mine in about a month when I get my trailer you’re the one that got me into this and I am going to thank you for that I should say thank you to both of you for that. I live in North Fort Myers but I can’t wait to get my trailer built so I could do what you’re doing we live on about $1800 a month so that is not much in this will be able for us to afford other things so thank you very much

[@billanddeb]

Hope to see you on the road.

[@rubygreen158]

Trailer sure looks good and the curtains are looking really nice Deb . All y'all have a blessed Christmas .

[@FixLife119]

Hey Bill, when you and Marvin were building that battery did you have to do any balancing on the cells or did you parallel them all first to let them equalize?

[@mobiletinyhousetravels]

I have a bench charger which allows me to charge each cell to an exact voltage. I charged each cell to 3.5 volts, connected the cells and changed the pack to 28.4 volts. Then I discharged the pack slowly to test for capacity. It tested about 2% above rated capacity. The cells remained in balance. When I charged the pack back up to 28.4 volts, I tested each cell for balance. They were all spot on.

[@Jim.D]

If I were you, I'd grab a spare 24v to 12v converter, they tend to die without notice. Nice system.

[@billanddeb]

Good information.

[@williamhudson4938]

You guys are so much fun to watch. I need to go back and learn how Marvin cobbled your system together. I want to use it for my van conversion.

[@microhouse3000]

Hello awesome 😎 job.. looks great 👍. When and where is meet up? Lantis

[@billanddeb]

February 21st thru 28th at Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins Ft White Florida. If you'd like to attend, you need to call the campground and see if anything is available. They have a website.

[@microhouse3000]

@@billanddeb thank you for the information 😁

[@pmcalister6884]

Just now getting to view the video...we have been missing you guys and Delilah...lol. It ALL looks FANTASTIC!! WE ARE So happy y'all got your solar in and are going boondocking with Marvin and Mary. I'm sure you guys had fun catchin up. 😁 Marvin is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING RESOURCE!!! He has been assisting us with so much helpful advice in our CTC! We are VERY greatful...hope to meet you all someday soon and thank you all in person! Be safe and have a VERY BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS 😊❤🙏

[@mrmichaeltscott]

I added 2awg input. Anderson 2awg quick connectors. 2 2awg jumper cables also Anderson quick connectors. Then a 200w portable solar panel. When I get a shady spot. I put the extra panel in the sun and AIM it for efficiency and boom! Topped off. This has saved me more than once. Note Will Prowse never really traveled much. I would loop cable connecting all my panels in case one comes loose it won't fly away. I boondock like really really really deep woods. So I drop my trailer and take the sxs with a motorcycle camper deeper into wilderness to camp there and shoot wildlife. So my panels are bolted through the metal truss only come off from inside. Tens of 1000s of miles. Looks great! Got me wanting to rebuild when we get a new leader 🤣🤣🤣

[@mrmichaeltscott]

Nomadic Fanatic had video of a panel flying off. So does Hobotech.

[@billanddeb]

I saw the video from Nomadic Fanatic. I will add more eternabond tape on all of the mounts and keep a close eye on things, and add security if needed.

[@vagari889]

It looks like you do not have a BMS on your DIY battery bank. I thought in your older video you had a BMS. A Victron battery protect will protect the bank but not the cells. A BMS protects the cells and the bank. I would have a BMS and not a battery protect.

[@billanddeb]

So far we've had 2 BMSs and both of them failed in short order. We're searching for a new one that won't fail (if there is such a thing). In the meantime, we are double checking cell balance with a meter periodically. So far, everything is working as it should. A new BMS is coming. For now, we'll continue monitoring the old fashioned way, until we find a BMS that we hope won't fail. It kinda gets expensive.

[@vagari889]

@@billanddeb I've had bad luck with Daly but good luck with JBD. I hear JK BMS are good per the Off-Grid Garage youtube channel.

[@billanddeb]

Both BMSs that failed were Daly, each a different model. Thanks for the input. We'll look into it.

[@limitlesscoker6669]

You really don’t need a step down. You just need to know how to wire the batteries correctly. Wish I could talk to you guys in person. I live in Florida if you get this way I’ll keep an eye on your post maybe we can meet.

[@cynicalrabbit915]

And the panels stayed on! 👍👍👍😂😂😂 Stay safe 😷!

[@johnduke9894]

Keep on, folks are gonna start thinking you do this for a living!!! Good job! Can't wait to see it! ❤️

[@seancrumby3241]

I'm impressed with the neat and open electric system

[@terrymathis4213]

Love the red. It's been some time since I been on. You no longer have the red cargo trailer.

[@billanddeb]

Sold the red trailer last year. Been building this one since May 1.

[@terrymathis4213]

@@billanddeb love the retro look in the kitchen. Glad to have found u on utube again.

[@duanemcalister1789]

Good job can't wait to get to my electrical work

[@rj16481]

Love the channel !!! Robert from Ohio !!

[@limitlesscoker6669]

Looks like you’re in the middle of the state. I’m in Stuart Florida would love to talk to you.

[@dinabutler5797]

Closet doors and curtains look really nice.👍

[@cheddar2848]

Now your house is complete, safe travels hopefully see you on the next one.

[@billanddeb]

We are not complete but getting closer. Still have fake wall around utility area, trim, hook up fresh water tank, and pump. Finish wrapping the shower.

[@Rook-1956]

Good to see yall !

[@tedjones112]

Way Too Warm for Christmas............... how you gonna wear a Santa suit ?

[@lauratibbles6598]

Well it sounds like things are moving right along excited for you having the additional solar panels the best part is you are in a place that is dry and warm be safe have fun sending love and prayers your way ❤️❤️🌈🌈🙏🏾🙏🏾🎄🎄🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@desertschooner769]

Bill, how is it getting liability insurance coverage policies? I am giving thought to starting my own project. Does cost compare to regular rvs? Very impressed with the work both of you have done on your rig!

[@billanddeb]

Each state is different (and insurance companies too). Rather than try and register ours as an "RV" we registered it as a cargo trailer. It's insured as a cargo trailer with "improvements". Our auto insurance covers us in the event of an accident, and the trailer insurance covers theft, damage etc. We don't have it insured enough, but our experience has taught us (we had a Motor Home that caught fire) insurance companies are gonna (well, you know) anyway.

[@howardwatts4238]

As always you system and the closet doors look great.

[@Chefsantatravels]

Good afternoon folks just watched your video Bill please don't change the way you explain stuff getting too technical of common folk don't understand it I can actually say I now understand about solar systems More than I did before and I thought I knew it your explanation today cleared up a lot of questions I had thank you. So don't get techy on us LOL I'm gonna say it again every time I see your trailer I'm thinking more on getting one instead of doing a van or a short bus wow. Merry Christmas🎄✌✌💖💪👨‍🍳🎅🚌👍🌻

[@billanddeb]

Thanks for that encouraging comment. My biggest concern is saying something wrong or misleading. I definitely do not want to confuse any of our followers.

[@campnut5351]

Congrats on getting the solar added. It is getting closer every day to being finished. Safe travels.

[@CarlFiocca]

Wago for the win. Love, Love, Love, those. Looking great guys.

[@eduardojimenez8314]

Hi ! This trailer is much larger than your previous red one . What are the dimensions on this new one ? How much does it weigh ?

[@billanddeb]

8 1/2×20. We haven't weighed it yet, but we're estimating 6,000 to 7,000 pounds.

[@eduardojimenez8314]

@@billanddeb JUST BEAUTIFUL , A HOME !

[@billanddeb]

@@eduardojimenez8314 thank you.

[@dinabutler5797]

That tape is amazing!

[@billanddeb]

Yes it is

[@Cuernavacachica02]

I love the look! And love that you have so much solar! I’m in the middle so I’m hoping it all works lol! Just wanted to ask, what kind of tape is that you used on the roof? It’s hard to get off you said, rig he?

[@billanddeb]

We used VHB double sided tape (3M) on the bottom flange of each mounting bracket which in turn stuck the panels down to the roof (after throughly cleaning with denatured alcohol) then 4 inch wide eternabond tape over the top of the flange on the front of each panel for added insurance. We intend to order more eternabond tape to cover every flange on every panel.

[@secretlocketsparks8092]

Shes got good taste.

[@roam2beborn323]

Great job

[@tinymission7821]

Congratulations on going solar. 800 watts is probably perfect for you two. And the solar panels stayed on! Cool! Lol. Now you’ll be monitoring the solar on your phone all the time. It seems to be addictive. Let us know how it goes and what 800 watts really does to make boondocking more comfortable.

[@doingitwithnothing]

Looking great 👍

[@janetmaschek3001]

Awesome work. Nice job!!

[@tedjones112]

when you bought the grey trailer was there 2 roof options? lighter gauge 1 piece vs heavier gauge sectioned roof ?

[@terryreed788]

Hi I have been watching your channel for a while now and i have a question, why don't you want anyone knowing where you are? just wondering. I really enjoy the channel !!

[@billanddeb]

It doesn't happen often, but, although we're a "small" channel, we've had to deal with a stalker or 2 in the last year. We are truly flattered by the limited notoriety, but Deb and I also appreciate a certain degree of privacy as well.

[@roam2beborn323]

Do you have Breaker for the power coming to the mppt charge controller

[@billanddeb]

Yes