2022 NorCal Wheeling, Camping, and Fuckery Thread

1/8" 6011 is more then good enough with 2 batteries.

 

I haven't stick welded in ages but I was reading about this trail weld kit which seemed like a good idea. I know folks have a done a variety of different ways to trail weld. Never been in the situation to need one either but man, if you needed it, it would be a godsend.

 

Swamp Lake Trail Part 2

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https://youtu.be/dRwvfYIJLGA

 

That's a pretty good setup. I sure wouldn't want to need to stick weld, but like you said, if I needed it, something like that would seriously be a lifesaver.

I already run dual deep cycles. I have a bunch of 2 guage wire. I'm thinking about running to Harbor freight and picking up some pieces to make my own kit.

Not every trail really neccesarily lands it's self to carrying a welder. I'd say Dusy would be one that it's best to be prepared how ever you can be.

 

Heads up! If you're planning to , you will need to create an online profile with California State Parks reservation system. They plan on going to full on reservations here in the next little while...

 

So... I was busy replacing my leaf bushings and front leaf bolts today. Cleaning up the truck and figuring how I'm going to pack up all these spare parts in the truck. I didn't get a chance to do anything about a welding set up.

But I did have some ideas.

Here is an example of the kit @ian408 linked.




What if I made my own ground and positive to jump the batteries together and then used a heavy duty set of jumper cables for the ground and positive leads to the work area. And then make leads to use the jumper cables to the electrode holder and the ground clamp. I carry jumper cables already. So the wire whip off the electrode holder and the ground clamp would have to be super long. Just good enough, and with a good enough terminal crimped to it, to get the jumper cables to clamp on to.

Have no idea if that makes any f'n sense... but @nDub @foxrcing07 or @theesotericone could probably tell me the idea will kill me or burn down the forest.

 

To me that’s all there is in that kit. Just make sure you have some heavy duty jumpers. Definitely don’t want to melt something in the connections.

I’ll talk to my dad about his trail welder but I’m pretty sure all it does is regulate voltage/amperage to make a slightly more controllerable weld. Still stick and splatters like hell. Works ok in a pinch.

 

First off I'm not an electrical engineer and we'll just call this my opinion.

You can absolutely build something like this, the thing you need to be careful with is overheating different components,

Think about when you use an extension cord that is too light of a gauge and how hot it gets, this will have the same effect, the part that constricts the flow the most will create the most heat (not 100% true but in simple form it is.) so if you used low quality (or light gauge) battery terminals or welding cable (battery cable) or clamps they would heat up the most.

Also IMO (and most professionals) always disconnect the battery from the vehicle being welded on

I always thought this kit was pretty cool, even though I'm not crazy about the battery terminal clamps
https://www.polyperformance.com/bun-trail-welder

 

Shout out for a local business, Sue and Chao are good people! I've seen her welder used on the con many times.

 

100% agree about the need for adequate sized wire. Also, 100% would disconnect the batteries from the truck while welding.

I like that set up. They also sell an upgrade for a power controller for that kit. Down the road I think that might be a better way to go. COst and availability makes that kit problematic for a trip next week though.

I'm going to take a trip to Tractor Supply and Harbor Freight tonight, and see what they've got. I think Tractor Supply stocks 2 and 0 guage welding wire. I'll see what I can come up with.

 

Bun welder is a great cheap setup and easy to use. I ran one for a while. Local family makes them. Ive upgraded to a Karnage because it sets up in seconds so im more likely to help others.

https://buntrailwelder.com/collections/all

https://karnagewelder.com/shop-now/ols/products/karnage-welder

you can buy a shitty hood cuz you cant see shit with flux anyway and a pair of gloves and your good to go.

 

Did you sell your Bun Welder?

 

I think this very meta shot of @El Taco Diablo taking a photo of @silvertep, @Impoy47, and @Sparky 97Runner is the only one I took from last weekend's Sourgrass run.



As far as this weekend, had a hell of a good time up the coast with @silvertep, @TacoEspecial, @71tattooguy, and @530Taco.

 

nope but no plans to sell it yet.

 

His name is Martin lol

 

@TacoEspecial

 

Picked up a couple things at Harbor Freight and dug some shit out of the garage. Not done, but made progress.



Need to pick up some battery terminal connectors to jump + to - between the two batteries. And pick up some heavier duty jumper cables. (thinking 2 AWG jumper cables). Also need to figure out some kind of end for the ground, and stinger whip ends, so I can clamp to them.

 

If you store rod like that, it will absorb moisture. Might want to pickup a rod holder.

 

First Usal trip was a major success!!!

@71tattooguy @TacoEspecial @silvertep @essjay

 

Hell yeah!!!