Zam15's Adventure Build

Finally got the old girl out, you know, had to test the new mud flaps...

 

Solar is up and running! Let the boondocking begin!

 

Awesome!

 

Just hope I never have to remove them at least I didn't have to drill into my roof/bed... also can't get more flush than this! Only thing visible is the wires coming down.

 

Hahahaha, I’ve installed too much stuff that when I’m done I think that this thing is just going to have to die with that on it because it’s not coming back off.

 

I'm on that same level, especially after installing it in this heat! lol

 

What panels did you use? After this weekends outing I realized I need to come up with something.

 

Just some generic 100w panels off Amazon, testing and getting 200+ Watts in full sun. Think the new ones ones out there have a better low profile connection.

Previously had some first gen panels that were heavy as F and only put out 60w

 

Needed something quick, cheap and easy for a near term shade solution.

With a heatwave coming, a handful of brain-cells, and $19 at Walmart I came up with this. Not an original idea but works great! Have some actual awnings on my wishlist but this will work for now. Heck I could toss a few more on in other locations, and you can take it with you!

If it's stupid but it works, it's not stupid! No setup time and packs down easy, shovel mount is paying off.

 

So... I found that one worked really well. Decided to blow through my budget and pick up another! $40 in the hole.

So cheap! Goes up or packs down in seconds, in the bag less space than a camp chair, almost zero weight, no vehicle drag, also portable...

Seriously I should have done this as soon as I got the swing-out, they also make it slightly adjustable along with the tilt itself.

 

Figured out a mount for my drivers side umbrella. Had these brackets laying around, modified them a little bit and it turned out perfect! Have zero worries about wind now! Also usable for a flagpole, telescoping mount or anything similar.

One other update, not truck related but finally upgraded my camp cookware. Caught it on sale for for the lowest its been since release!

Hope to keep it for many years, everything nests in the big pot. Its the Stanley Even Heat Camp Pro Cookset, now I have to get used to cooking with stainless.

 

Got a chance to test everything out, overall great shade solution, for the solar everything folded over fine when I deployed the camper, oddly enough still got some charge off them.

 

Getting dialed in! New aux changing, shower room and/or outhouse. Goes up in second and I don't even need to fold it up as it stows away on the top of the flippac saves having everyone climb up into the camper to change.

 

Happy 4th! Hope everyone got some good BBQ!

 

Just out doing some exploring

 

What tape did you use on the solar panels? Hows it been holding up? Ive seen a few guys tape down the flat panels, I like how low profile that comes out.

 

I used this stuff, it is VERY sticky and it conforms well for great coverage.

$40 EternaBond RSW-2-50 RoofSeal Sealant Tape, White - 2" x 50'

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GOM2I8?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

Added some juice to my solar setup. Picked up a hood solar panel that puts our around 70watts (under the advertised 85w..), also snagged a 100w fold-able panel in case I'm camped in the shade or for an extended length. In total running about 370w, less when in camper is deployed.

 

Such a sweet build man! Just realized you're in SD as well.

 

Thanks! Yup! An SD local!

With the more frequent fire restrictions every year I decided to pick up a portable gas fire pit, already had a propane tank to match it with.

Unboxed it for a quick test and everything seems to work great!