Great video, Dan! I am in the market to own one of these in the near future and had a lot of the same ideas as you as far as interior buildout. I like the idea of using a toy hauler as a livable space, as opposed to hauling toys. I own a '21 Bronco and I currently remote work on extended trips using Starlink in a very small teardrop. It's a fun setup, but it kind of sucks to remote work from a camp chair or from a bed all day. I would like something I can sit comfortably in. As far as power - my 100ah LiFePO4 battery + 100W solar panel can power the fan + Starlink all day and the battery won't even dip below 80%, which is awesome! However, I agree with you on having a backup generator, though. You never know what can happen and don't want to miss a day of work because of power issues. Plus it seems to be basically impossible to run heat/AC on that setup alone. I think you are on to something about the comment below about creating a dinette/workstation and a water pump underneath. I think that would be my plan to do something like that where your current black desk is. Could be fun to explore and a great, multi-use of space. I'm imagining a buildout of an Explore to be more like a Sprinter van, but towable and a hell of a lot cheaper. The ideas are circulating! Saving up and checking every day for a good deal in my area. Are you on Instagram by chance? Thanks again for the vid! - AJ
I'm looking to downsize, get rid of my class c. Upgrade my SUV to something that could pull an Explore. You've done some of the upgrades I'd do. I'd put in a dinette with a water tank and pump in the bench. Use a table that could go outside
I'm looking to buy this camper for the same reason, I'm also a remote software developer 😂. Couple of questions for you. Can the fridge or AC run off the battery, or does it have to run off the shore power? With an upgrade to a lithium battery is it possible to run everything off that? Are you just hooking the generator into the shore power plug? How big is your generator, and how long does a tank last you?
The Fridge doesn't' consume all that much energy, and runs from the battery fine. The Air Conditioner uses a lot of energy and isn't very realistic to use off battery; as you'd just need to replace all that energy. I'm using a chamption 3200 watt propane generator. Im using 20LB propane bottles and get 3 days using my internet and laptop the whole time. It really just depends on the weather and what you're doing. My power or propane usage drastically changes with the seasons.
@@dvargdamnit Awesome, thanks for the info. How well does the camper retain the cool or hot air? I’d imagine on a hot day it needs to run all the time, but how about in a hot night? Can you turn it off before bed and it’ll keep temperature?
Adding foil insulation to the tent goes a long way, But i wouldn't say it fights the temperature well, its such a small space. I dont use the AC much. it depends on your tolerance i guess. I get by with the fan mostly.
Great advice! Love the reflecting insulation and propane heater. I’ve only seen diesel heaters for the most part but I’m thinking it’s because of condensation. Is that ever an issue for you?
No, the propex heater has a heat exchanger. It pulls and vents exhaust outside; recycles inside air over a hot plate. But you're right, propane can cause a lot of condensation if you're using a little buddy heater for example.
The exact setup I've been looking for, hows the 4runner tow the trailer? Tongue weight make the rear sag a ton? Have you gone up any steep grades towing? Long term is solar the way to go or stick with gas generator? Great vid
The 4runner is just about maxed out when i've got it fully loaded for a week plus long trips. Id assume the tongue weight is about 500-600LBS. I load the generator/batteries in the rear of the trailer, and i load water/propane in the front of the 4runner. I'm in Idaho and tackle some serious hills; she struggles but we still make it. I'd prefer to have a Powerboost F150 and leave the generator at home. The 4Runner + Explore tows safely; Its just extra slow, and im careful about payload. All that to say; It works, and im thrilled to be out...
Sorry, I think the real answer is a combination of solar and generator. You cant argue with the 'free' energy on a sunny day. But an overcast day will ruin that production. I like to go out for multiple days, powering internet 12 hours/day and working off my laptop. A generator is a requirement.
Very informative and lots of good tips.. Thank you for posting. I'm in the process of configuring my Explore and require a heating system. I've considered Buddy, Wave 3 and Kovea. The Propex seems far superior and safer due no heating element inside the trailer . May I ask how yours is mounted? It appears your heat output is running through the battery compartment into the main area (nice clean install!) Is the heater body also in the battery box or kept outside the trailer? Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi ... Another question as I'm looking at this trailer to purchase. Where did you mount your propane heater ... as I'm thinking an electric heater would draw to much electricity?
Right an electric heater is great when on shore power; but not a good option off a generator or batteries. the propex hs2000 fits between the kitchen and battery.
That’s the exact setup model and such I want. So awesome to see it working! Thanks brother!
Very practical and comfy setup👍👍. Nice to see one someone actually "USES" instead of an ideal weather weekend warrior.❤
You have it figured out🤙
Perfect setup! It’s all you need to succeed.
Even with such a short video you gave me some good ideas. Thank you!
Good info thanks!
Great video, Dan! I am in the market to own one of these in the near future and had a lot of the same ideas as you as far as interior buildout. I like the idea of using a toy hauler as a livable space, as opposed to hauling toys. I own a '21 Bronco and I currently remote work on extended trips using Starlink in a very small teardrop. It's a fun setup, but it kind of sucks to remote work from a camp chair or from a bed all day. I would like something I can sit comfortably in. As far as power - my 100ah LiFePO4 battery + 100W solar panel can power the fan + Starlink all day and the battery won't even dip below 80%, which is awesome! However, I agree with you on having a backup generator, though. You never know what can happen and don't want to miss a day of work because of power issues. Plus it seems to be basically impossible to run heat/AC on that setup alone.
I think you are on to something about the comment below about creating a dinette/workstation and a water pump underneath. I think that would be my plan to do something like that where your current black desk is. Could be fun to explore and a great, multi-use of space. I'm imagining a buildout of an Explore to be more like a Sprinter van, but towable and a hell of a lot cheaper. The ideas are circulating! Saving up and checking every day for a good deal in my area. Are you on Instagram by chance? Thanks again for the vid! - AJ
I ordered a '24 Explore and I'm getting set up to work in it. Hopefully it'll be a good time!
I'm looking to downsize, get rid of my class c. Upgrade my SUV to something that could pull an Explore.
You've done some of the upgrades I'd do.
I'd put in a dinette with a water tank and pump in the bench. Use a table that could go outside
Yeah, i wonder if the ultimate setup isn’t a light and tight sprinter van, pulling the garage of an explore.
I'm looking to buy this camper for the same reason, I'm also a remote software developer 😂. Couple of questions for you. Can the fridge or AC run off the battery, or does it have to run off the shore power? With an upgrade to a lithium battery is it possible to run everything off that? Are you just hooking the generator into the shore power plug? How big is your generator, and how long does a tank last you?
The Fridge doesn't' consume all that much energy, and runs from the battery fine. The Air Conditioner uses a lot of energy and isn't very realistic to use off battery; as you'd just need to replace all that energy. I'm using a chamption 3200 watt propane generator. Im using 20LB propane bottles and get 3 days using my internet and laptop the whole time. It really just depends on the weather and what you're doing. My power or propane usage drastically changes with the seasons.
@@dvargdamnit Awesome, thanks for the info. How well does the camper retain the cool or hot air? I’d imagine on a hot day it needs to run all the time, but how about in a hot night? Can you turn it off before bed and it’ll keep temperature?
Adding foil insulation to the tent goes a long way, But i wouldn't say it fights the temperature well, its such a small space. I dont use the AC much. it depends on your tolerance i guess. I get by with the fan mostly.
@@dvargdamnit awesome. Thanks for the info. I’m picking up my 2023 explore at the end of this week :)
What is the interior height on the trailer.?
What are the lights you have hanging from your batwing awning
Look forward to more camping videos
Just purchased a 2021 explore and love it so far
Nice, my lanterns are the Fenix CL30R.
Bartlett Flats AZ? I hope to have an Explore set up there one day...
Nope, Arrowrock reservoir Idaho
Hows the internet service with starlink ? Any issues?
Nice setup!
Great advice! Love the reflecting insulation and propane heater. I’ve only seen diesel heaters for the most part but I’m thinking it’s because of condensation. Is that ever an issue for you?
No, the propex heater has a heat exchanger. It pulls and vents exhaust outside; recycles inside air over a hot plate. But you're right, propane can cause a lot of condensation if you're using a little buddy heater for example.
The exact setup I've been looking for, hows the 4runner tow the trailer? Tongue weight make the rear sag a ton? Have you gone up any steep grades towing? Long term is solar the way to go or stick with gas generator? Great vid
The 4runner is just about maxed out when i've got it fully loaded for a week plus long trips. Id assume the tongue weight is about 500-600LBS. I load the generator/batteries in the rear of the trailer, and i load water/propane in the front of the 4runner. I'm in Idaho and tackle some serious hills; she struggles but we still make it. I'd prefer to have a Powerboost F150 and leave the generator at home. The 4Runner + Explore tows safely; Its just extra slow, and im careful about payload. All that to say; It works, and im thrilled to be out...
Sorry, I think the real answer is a combination of solar and generator. You cant argue with the 'free' energy on a sunny day. But an overcast day will ruin that production. I like to go out for multiple days, powering internet 12 hours/day and working off my laptop. A generator is a requirement.
Awesome vid!! Looking at one of these and would like to work out of mine, looking into Star LINK .... Howdo you like the Start Link? Working good?
Yeah, reliable broadband internet anywhere with clear sight of the sky.
Very informative and lots of good tips.. Thank you for posting. I'm in the process of configuring my Explore and require a heating system. I've considered Buddy, Wave 3 and Kovea. The Propex seems far superior and safer due no heating element inside the trailer . May I ask how yours is mounted? It appears your heat output is running through the battery compartment into the main area (nice clean install!) Is the heater body also in the battery box or kept outside the trailer? Thanks in advance for your help.
Yeah, it is a pretty clean install.. With an explore it'll fit between the closed kitchen and battery, Bolted to the floor inside the trailer.
Hi ... Another question as I'm looking at this trailer to purchase. Where did you mount your propane heater ... as I'm thinking an electric heater would draw to much electricity?
Right an electric heater is great when on shore power; but not a good option off a generator or batteries. the propex hs2000 fits between the kitchen and battery.
@@dvargdamnit .. thanks, will check that out
wish it had water
Bathroom?? Porta potty, or cassette toilet?
I'm using this guy: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MVGBQLF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
nice liked the vid you need a intro