Posted: 9/26/2025 10:55:05 AM EDT
[Last Edit: blackduck769][Edited]
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Purchasing a camper to put on the property in the spring. Its on the east side by the coast guard chapel. A good place to test my preps as there is no electricity or water. I'll have solar panels with power banks for power. I contacted a company that will empty the black water tank on the camper when needed. Bois Blanc island in Michigan.... |
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We upgraded the solar in our Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB (2020 model with the outfitter and off-grid packages). It came with one 100w panel, a crappy charge controller, and we had two lead acid batteries. We now have 4 100w panels in series (100v) and a Renogy 40A MPPT controller and two 100Ah LifePo4 batteries. As long as someone doesn't put out the sun, those panels will fully charge the batteries every day, even in October. When running the propane furnace at night, even with the blower motor using quite a bit of power, it never dropped below 13v. The key to solar, is running multiple panels in series to get a higher voltage, while keeping the current lower so you don't need to go bigger than 10ga wire. At least, that's our experience. More battery is always good, but we were tight for space and weight (single axle) so these worked. It's super easy to install the solar connectors, we bought the BougeRV brand. Top quality on those. The panels have been on the camper for 2 years, no damage. We do cover the camper in the winter, which we need to do soon. Batteries and other things are already out of it, just have to blow out the water lines and pour some antifreeze down the drains and toilet. |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
"Dealing with Congress is like trying to have an adult conversation about the credit card with your alcoholic bi-polar Ukranian import wife."
"Dealing with Congress is like trying to have an adult conversation about the credit card with your alcoholic bi-polar Ukranian import wife."
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Originally Posted By Dopple: We upgraded the solar in our Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB (2020 model with the outfitter and off-grid packages). It came with one 100w panel, a crappy charge controller, and we had two lead acid batteries. We now have 4 100w panels in series (100v) and a Renogy 40A MPPT controller and two 100Ah LifePo4 batteries. As long as someone doesn't put out the sun, those panels will fully charge the batteries every day, even in October. When running the propane furnace at night, even with the blower motor using quite a bit of power, it never dropped below 13v. The key to solar, is running multiple panels in series to get a higher voltage, while keeping the current lower so you don't need to go bigger than 10ga wire. At least, that's our experience. More battery is always good, but we were tight for space and weight (single axle) so these worked. It's super easy to install the solar connectors, we bought the BougeRV brand. Top quality on those. The panels have been on the camper for 2 years, no damage. We do cover the camper in the winter, which we need to do soon. Batteries and other things are already out of it, just have to blow out the water lines and pour some antifreeze down the drains and toilet. Are you able to sustain lights/fridge/personal electronics/etc with that 400w solar indefinitely? |
per aspera ad astra
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I suggest you give thorough consideration to an all fiberglass camper like a Bigfoot, Oliver or Escape. Winters will be harsh and a membrane roof may not be up to the task long term. You may not want roof top AC either. If you choose to use LiFePO batteries, you will want to keep them someplace warm through the winter as well. |
" I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations." James Madison
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Purchased a small lot on the island today with a deer stand on it, surrounded by state land. Now I have a campsite and a small lot that we can build a permanent deer stand on, nice little setup on the island. Both lots go into an irrevocable trust for my daughters soon. Hopefully they marry outdoors men that will use the properties. |
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Originally Posted By blackduck769: Purchased a small lot on the island today with a deer stand on it, surrounded by state land. Now I have a campsite and a small lot that we can build a permanent deer stand on, nice little setup on the island. Both lots go into an irrevocable trust for my daughters soon. Hopefully they marry outdoors men that will use the properties. I was looking on Trulia.com last evening & saw that $5k parcel. This morning it's gone! On your next trip over, take a chainsaw & loppers to clear out a parking spot. Congrats.  My wife & I are making plans to camp in her Broncos for a few days & explore the island. Eta: Restless Viking vid from 5yrs ago.  Bois Blanc Island - Dillinger's Hideout | Restless Viking |
" I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations." James Madison
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Originally Posted By SouthHoof: DOH! I was looking on Trulia.com last evening & saw that $5k parcel. This morning it's gone! On your next trip over, take a chainsaw & loppers to clear out a parking spot. Congrats. My wife & I are making plans to camp in her Broncos for a few days & explore the island. Eta: Restless Viking vid from 5yrs ago.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8ytDfPvfG4 that was me, I purchased it  $4300 for the lot, $250 to the realtor, cheap. It was online for 37 minutes and I snagged it, comes with the deer stand. Already signed the contract. The strip of deer hunting land is surrounded by state land, dumb luck. |
