Being passionate dry-campers we need to be independent, or close to independent in terms of services from outside.
This year, we leave the Beaver at home, due to outrageous diesel prices. Instead, we revert to our travel trailer pulled by our Chev Express van. A little better fuel mileage and the lower price of reg. gas will be more budget-friendly, though still way more expensive tha last year. Funny enough Repubs don't complain about it.
But the trailer doesn't have much solar on the roof, so I ordered 4 extra 200W-panels. When they arrived a few days ago, one was broken. (FEDEX) I got a refund for it, and today it was time to mount the other 3. Btw. the panels came from HQST in California.
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I decided to do it the same way as I did on the motorhome using double-sided Eternabond, strut channels and slotted angle irons. This method allows mounting solar panels without drilling into the roof. Extra use of self-leveling caulking provides an even stronger bond.
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| Eternabond, strut channel and slotted cross-bars |
And while I was using the trailer roof gym area, Bea was going after her own business. For several weeks she has been a dog-walker for a neighbour lady who had a surgery. Her dog, Rory, a labradoodle of sorts, was a bit of a hand-full to begin with. So Bea put her dog-training skills to use and is already seeing great success in the change of Rory`s behavior.
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Today, Rory`s owner had a day-long errand in the big city, so Rory stayed with us. And what can I say, it was fun watching Dixie and Rory getting along with eachother.
It is pouring down right now, but tomorrow I will start connecting the panels to the new MPPT charge controller.
You spend $$$$ to save $$ great plan
ReplyDeleteWell, firstly I still haven't spent the amount it would have cost me to pay for Trump's diesel, and sesondly the amount spent is adding to the value of the trailer. :-))
DeleteTUMPS Diesel, LOL... many Americans are wanting 8 more years of Trump. He is a businessman, and America needs that, not a politician as they just hurt America and open its doors to foreigners to come and take advantage of us.
DeleteYou are always well prepared. I send all good wishes for a safe and uneventful trip to your winter destination! 😁🤗😊
DeleteMiddle Class American: Some people have learned and others, like you, haven't. That cannot be changed. But change will come, you can bet on that.
DeleteI learned something: I didn't know about double-sided Eterna-bond.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing the finished product.
ReplyDeleteDuring the Cloudy 2018-19 winter in Quartzsite, I added a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine. We never used the generator afterwards.
Stay Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Wind energy is an interesting idea, but are you saying you got by, generator-free, just on wind alone? If so, that is surprising since desert wind tends to be ON or OFF, whereas solar is most ON, everyday.
DeleteDefinitely sounds like a good idea to switch to the vehicle with lower fuel costs.
ReplyDeleteWe would like to go to solar, at least part-time here at home. At one time our provincial government offered a rebate but that time has gone the wayside. Now they're looking at nuclear reactors...what could possibly go wrong?
If I would be 20yrs. younger I'd have solar plastered all over our house roof. But now the beneficial time is too short.
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