I grew up boondock camping off S-22 as a kid. Many beautiful places there to explore believe it or not. Fonts Point was always my favorite, some of my best memories as a child are from that entire area.
I'm a new subscriber. I like the way you show the map and then video/pics and narrate! ~ That tree on that rock is crazy! Beautiful! ~ Oh! That shot of the Borrego Valley is amazing! That sun shining off that cactus just made it an amazing shot! And the view! Wow!
Slim Potatohead Hi, also a recent discover of your channel, so doing a little catch up. You haven't come back with a reason for the panel going bad, so as someone that has been off grid with solar for over twelve years wanted to suggest a possibility. When I got started it was suggested to never mix panels, whether of different wattages or ages together on the same controller. Even two panels from the same manufacturer with the exact same specifications will have different output capacities If one has been used for a few years due to the slight amount of degradation that is inherent and cause a back feed that will kill the older panel. This especially shows up If you mix different types (thin film,mono/poly crystalline),or wattages of panels, but can also happen with older/newer panels. Through the years I ended up with a mix of panels, but each set is on its own controller feeding into the now bigger battery bank with no issues. So just a possibility of what may have happened with your panel. While with time any of them will have slightly lower output, government and independentl testing doesn't show them just quitting without another reason. Peace
Slim, I like your map descriptions. Many others on RV UA-cam just don't tell where they are at or where there going. Maybe it's because they are too lazy and they don't like to edit. I find your editing to be superb. Thanks for showing me places that I will never see.
Kind of reminds me of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. You have a strong clear voice nice diction. Which serves to hold the viewers attention. Thanks again for another enjoyable video.
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I'm glad you got your solar panels up and running again :)) Thanks Mr. Slim ... have a safe and happy adventure to find your peace and tranquility.
I just found you and have watched a couple of your videos. Great videos. I like you pragmatic style and cool setup. Today, I learned a little about solar panels and installation. You make it look easy.
Love your videos: wise, practical, creative, humorous, and the nature shots are spectacular! I always feel peaceful watching your videos. Thanks, Slim🙏✌
Slim, you have a talent for soothing conversation and relaxing settings ( minus the sand buggies ). Your down to earth no nonsense reviews are most refreshing in the UA-cam World. Keep up the videos and your narrative is so welcomed. Always, Syn Silver.
OK, I actually laffed out loud when you flipped up the wall, walked through the door, sat down inside the A-Liner and puled out your laptop. How many times have I wished desperately for an awning! If you're ever back in Anza Borrego, there are some great spots south of Scissors Crossing. No sand, no offroaders, just good boondocking.
Hello Slim, Roy again really enjoyed this video. Oh bu the way you were in my old stomping grounds. I was raised in the Imperial Valley grew up in Calexico Ca. Graduated high school, moved to the Midwest, retired and moved home. I also enjoyed the part about your solar. Wish I new more about solar as we want to go solar on our rig. Thanks for the video and look forward to more, keep up the good work Roy,
You need to put some space between your solar panels and the roof, to allow for air flow, which cools the panels down. Solar Panel optimum temperature is about 77 degrees (F). Directly contacting the roof, your panels exceed that temperature, especially out in the desert. Flexible panels attached directly to the roof will fail prematurely.
Actually, my panels have about an inch of space from the roof. The frame plus a pad underneath. have a look at my first Solar video for a better explanation of how the system was put together. Thanks!
That is totally incorrect. Both the air gap and the optimum temperature. Many flexible panels, including six of my Uni-solar brand panels are designed to adhere to a painted or bare aluminum surface. They carry a 25 year warranty in this configuration...or would have IF Uni-Solars had been able to compete with the truly terrible low quality flexible panels that flooded the market in the last decade.
Thank you for showing me the desert I went to high school in Brawley California I live west of Westmoreland out towards Slab City but not in Slab City it was an Air Force Base at the time take care
Just stumbled across this channel. As a Scoutmaster here in Southern California, my son's Troop has hiked into the Anza Borrego Desert a few times. Sheep Canyon. It's a beautiful desert. Enjoy. I'm up in Temecula if you make your way that way...
Holy smokes. Hey, i'm new to your cannel...today, in fact 6:30 pm Pacific. I've heard alot about you but have had a to dial back my subscriptions. As I've said, however, I'm a subscriber as of now. Be well and safe travels.
20 year warranty on solar panels? I lived in the Redlands and Riverside area from 2005 to 2012. Never visited Borrego Springs. Sounds like another great desert spot.
Love your video. I'm getting a small camper and the A_liner is what I want...They are a bit expensive. Looking for a used one to save a few dollars but is it worth saving a few thousand. Would like your opinion. Cely in Florida
Cecilia, I would highly recommend getting a new one, or at the very least, as new as possible. Older ones can have a lot of problems, as mine had. The convenience of a folding roof means more seal and mechanical issues over time. Thanks! SP
True slim, you could have put both sides of the a liner up, but I think it was just as much of a good idea to just leave them down, you do get a good cross breeze.
glue seams are more easily broken with a blade than a saw. If the panel is waste don't worry about breaking it. but if you want to find out what the fault was then that is a different story. But it looks as if you are having fun. Nice video. Keep it up
I didn't know that Amazon would deliver to a general delivery address, Slim. Glad you were able to get your solar repaired rrrlatively easy. Maybe add a heat gun to your tool cache. That might have helped with the glue. Of course, with your batteries not fully charged, you might not have had the power to run it. I don't know how you could listen to the off road vehicles all day. It's a sound that drives me nuts (the only thing worse is boys with their intense high-watt bass woofers turned up to max volume). How recent was this video shot? Borrego Springs looks like a beautiful area but I w o def if it's always that green.
Slim Potatohead I had a failed flexible panel too. They are simply not good with heat and even if an inch of space will still overheat. Best to buy glass panels which operate more efficiently, are cheaper to purchase, and have a much greater lifespan.
Putting a solar controller horizontally in a sealed box creates thermal problems. It should be mounted vertically to allow air to pass over the heatsink on the back. Also, putting it into a sealed air-tight box is like putting a warm blanket around it when it's really trying to get rid of heat. There's also a power-loss issue when the controller is mounted far from the battery, since the IR loss (current times resistance) in the wiring keeps you from getting the full charge into your battery. The best place to mount your controller is right up close to your battery, on a wall where there's some open airflow.
I have those flexible 100W solar panels too. This worries me. Please let me know when you find out the reason for failure. I expected them to last as long as aluminum framed panels as long as they don't get physically damaged. They would totally not be worth it if they fail after a short time.
hey, are those solar panel 100 watts (each) ? a panel usually can give up to 5.5 amp, (X2 = 11 amps) no ? your last controller was only 10 amps ? ........ good thing you've change it for a 20 amps ;) Thanks for a great video and thanks for sharing.
Hi Pat, I'm a little suspicious as to how these solar companies rate their panels. I have never measured more than 3.8 amps from a panel in full sunlight, so was never near 10 amps for a pair. That said, I was hoping new panel would be more efficient, hence the upgrade. Thanks!
Great video Slim...btw ive seen most of your videos but i dont remember if u have a gym membership(for taking showers) or if u had a generator or a furnace built into the A-Liner?...p.s....keep cool
From what I have heard (you may know better) the flexible solar panels don't really have the longevity that their rigid counterparts do. Something to consider.
Probably too late now ... but your problem is probably just a diode failure on the panel. You should find it in the little black box on the back of the panel where the wiring exits. The diodes are notorious for going bad ... especially if a Chinese panel. The diodes are easily replaced and can be repaired with a 'better' diode.
Have you considered picking up an Arctic Freeze from walmart? it's a little cube of a swamp cooler that plugs into USB or 110v. I just learned of their existence, and have not tried it, but its something to consider. Or build one in a 5 gal bucket and a small fan and fishtank water pump. Or something like that ... I love your videos.
Also search youtube for "Homemade Evap. Air Cooler" ... I'm not sure the comment about arctic freeze will survive the youtube filters, so I hope you captured it. Your Search might not show it based on your web behavior. Try using a browser you never use ... then search for it from there ... or use bing? they don't bombard you with what you are Likely to enjoy matching like google does
Hmmmm...something doesn't compute, Only get an infomercial. They claim 350 watts, but no cfm rating. A USB port cannot deliver 350W of power, only power a fan. Let me know if you purchase this so we can get an honest opinion of this device. Thanks!
Slim, I see you are towing with a Jeep Cherokee, how does that do at 4000' elevation, towing? I pull my Aliner with a Ford Escape rated at 3500# tow capacity and it tows very well but I'm not sure how it'd do at high elevation. Tom
Hi Tom, It's a Jeep Liberty actually. I just towed to over 8000' elevation and it does well. The Aliner is only 2000lbs loaded, so no issues with a good 6 cyl engine. Thanks!
How are you still able to smile, with all of the tech fails? I guess it's the beauty of Nature and the shady tree with the flowers, and that big rock that beckons for you to sit awhile and ponder how to deal with challenges. The balance of Nature...the reason for potted plants in the shopping malls.
Hi slim. I watch your video on Kansas. Thank you for the butterflies as a boy I would catch them and build shadow ( not good at spelling at76 you just forget) thank God for Google and the corrected, Any way thanks I have to leave this house no choice but I do look forward to life you have At sometime I expect I'll have to get a trailer my? why an caliber seem like a lot of work thinking about a teardrop getting tried of typing so good-by for now. B
Barney, I am but 67 but have been living on wheels for over 30 years. You can do it. A teardrop might be a bit small...a simple high-top van would be better so you can stand up. Or a 12 foot cargo trailer. Insulation is everything unless you can follow the 70 degree weather around. Get a good exhaust fan at the top...you can add other amenities after you hit the road. Carry a cell phone of some sort. I suggest mooch-docking in friends driveways if local ordinances allow it. BLM camping is great whenever possible. Buy 1 gallon jugs of water for 99 cents at first. Throw peat moss in a tall (six-gallon) bucket for a toilet, vent it if if you can. Find a twin mattress for your rig, Twin Xl if you are over 6 foot tall. You can do it. See you on the road!
Not sure this will help but shipping UPS, FedEx have option to how you can pick up packages. For instance, FedEx Offices can hold packages for 5 days. You can also have a package held for Pickup at a local station (ground / home delivery) again 5 to 10 days. They also now have the option to hold packages for pick up at Walgreens. Now size weight and other shipping restrictions can limit these services. Most of these option are available thru customer service , online and on apps. Walgreens you can drop off for shipment thru FedEx I think you need a barcode label, but it a option.
Hi Michael, thanks for the ideas. Receiving things on the road can be quite complicated, perhaps at some point I'll do a video on it. It'd hard to justify the additional expense of using FedEx, and UPS can also be complicated due to their extremely short pickup times and limited locations. It's easier when you are in a large city, but little towns (which is mostly my preference) can be a challenge. Slim
Slim, your audio always sounds really good. How do you pull that off outside? Or are you an expert at overdubbing? Either way, thank you for taking the time to make it sound good.
Hi Scott, sound can be quite a challenge, especially on the road. It's a mix of the in-camera mic when there's no wind, a lapel mic, a shotgun mic and deadening the echo in the trailer for the narration. Being partially deaf in one ear doesn't help! Glad to hear my efforts are appreciated! Thanks, Slim
Hi cyberi4a, patching things together seems to be my pastime! I managed to keep my camera charger working by using it in 110 mode and going through a cheap power converter. The tablet is toast, a new battery only started it cooking again so I now rely on my laptop and cell phone. Solar is working well though, so I can use my laptop more often. And I glued my sunglasses together, so all is good! Thanks for asking! Slim
That makes sense. I just don't see very many boondocking videos of other places compared to the number in the desert. I don't care for the bleakness of the deserts so I am thinking I need more insulation in a trailer. I am considering making my own version of an A frame so I really appreciate your fixes and additions you make to your older model. If I do make one, I will incorporate all the suggestions that seem sensible from all the videos about a frames and trailer camping in general. The video of your frame bending because of the door cutout for example, will make me weld an extra frame member on that side. Thanks again.
That tree you wondered about is a lemonade sumac
You have got to be one of the most resourceful A-liner owners ever out there. Your ideas just keep growing. Where to next? The Arizona mountains?
I grew up boondock camping off S-22 as a kid. Many beautiful places there to explore believe it or not. Fonts Point was always my favorite, some of my best memories as a child are from that entire area.
I'm a new subscriber. I like the way you show the map and then video/pics and narrate! ~ That tree on that rock is crazy! Beautiful! ~ Oh! That shot of the Borrego Valley is amazing! That sun shining off that cactus just made it an amazing shot! And the view! Wow!
Hi Jann, Thanks! Apparently the tree is a "Sugar Bush", native to California.
Slim Potatohead
Hi, also a recent discover of your channel, so doing a little catch up.
You haven't come back with a reason for the panel going bad, so as someone that has been off grid with solar for over twelve years wanted to suggest a possibility.
When I got started it was suggested to never mix panels, whether of different wattages or ages together on the same controller. Even two panels from the same manufacturer with the exact same specifications will have different output capacities If one has been used for a few years due to the slight amount of degradation that is inherent and cause a back feed that will kill the older panel. This especially shows up If you mix different types (thin film,mono/poly crystalline),or wattages of panels, but can also happen with older/newer panels.
Through the years I ended up with a mix of panels, but each set is on its own controller feeding into the now bigger battery bank with no issues.
So just a possibility of what may have happened with your panel. While with time any of them will have slightly lower output, government and independentl testing doesn't show them just quitting without another reason.
Peace
@@SlimPotatohead how can we get in touch with you? Email? Thanns!
Slim, I like your map descriptions. Many others on RV UA-cam just don't tell where they are at or where there going. Maybe it's because they are too lazy and they don't like to edit. I find your editing to be superb. Thanks for showing me places that I will never see.
Thanks Kevin! I sometimes get overwhelmed with editing as well, but as I was on the move this video I thought a map would help. Glad to hear it did!
Kind of reminds me of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. You have a strong clear voice nice diction. Which serves to hold the viewers attention. Thanks again for another enjoyable video.
I love your attitude! Safe travels!
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I'm glad you got your solar panels up and running again :)) Thanks Mr. Slim ... have a safe and happy adventure to find your peace and tranquility.
Excellent Video Slim-
You’re living the life!
Great video Slim, take care out there.
I just found you and have watched a couple of your videos. Great videos. I like you pragmatic style and cool setup. Today, I learned a little about solar panels and installation. You make it look easy.
Thanks! I will have a new video on Solar in a couple of weeks. Please stay tuned! SP
Love your videos: wise, practical, creative, humorous, and the nature shots are spectacular! I always feel peaceful watching your videos. Thanks, Slim🙏✌
Hi Slim,.... Good video, glad you were able to fix your solar and buy one low cost.
Slim, you have a talent for soothing conversation and relaxing settings ( minus the sand buggies ). Your down to earth no nonsense reviews are most refreshing in the UA-cam World. Keep up the videos and your narrative is so welcomed. Always, Syn Silver.
OK, I actually laffed out loud when you flipped up the wall, walked through the door, sat down inside the A-Liner and puled out your laptop. How many times have I wished desperately for an awning! If you're ever back in Anza Borrego, there are some great spots south of Scissors Crossing. No sand, no offroaders, just good boondocking.
Hello Slim, Roy again really enjoyed this video. Oh bu the way you were in my old stomping grounds. I was raised in the Imperial Valley grew up in Calexico Ca. Graduated high school, moved to the Midwest, retired and moved home. I also enjoyed the part about your solar. Wish I new more about solar as we want to go solar on our rig. Thanks for the video and look forward to more, keep up the good work Roy,
Slim, while I eventually plan to get a van, I always learn something from your videos.
Hello Slim my grandma introduced me to your channel love it please keep em coming
You're innovative. Enjoy your vids. Bought a 2014 Rockwood aframe hard walls. Watching what you wind up in next. Thanks.
You've sold me on the Aliner. What a great office space! There's nothing out there with that kind of flexibility. Very cool!
Great video Slim.
You need to put some space between your solar panels and the roof, to allow for air flow, which cools the panels down. Solar Panel optimum temperature is about 77 degrees (F). Directly contacting the roof, your panels exceed that temperature, especially out in the desert. Flexible panels attached directly to the roof will fail prematurely.
Actually, my panels have about an inch of space from the roof. The frame plus a pad underneath. have a look at my first Solar video for a better explanation of how the system was put together. Thanks!
Slim Potatohead is there air flow underneath the panels?
That is totally incorrect. Both the air gap and the optimum temperature. Many flexible panels, including six of my Uni-solar brand panels are designed to adhere to a painted or bare aluminum surface. They carry a 25 year warranty in this configuration...or would have IF Uni-Solars had been able to compete with the truly terrible low quality flexible panels that flooded the market in the last decade.
You do a great job with your videos.
Thank you for showing me the desert I went to high school in Brawley California I live west of Westmoreland out towards Slab City but not in Slab City it was an Air Force Base at the time take care
I like your counterweight.
Sorry about your electronics problems.
Glad the PO accepted your panel.
Just stumbled across this channel. As a Scoutmaster here in Southern California, my son's Troop has hiked into the Anza Borrego Desert a few times. Sheep Canyon. It's a beautiful desert. Enjoy. I'm up in Temecula if you make your way that way...
Holy smokes. Hey, i'm new to your cannel...today, in fact 6:30 pm Pacific. I've heard alot about you but have had a to dial back my subscriptions. As I've said, however, I'm a subscriber as of now. Be well and safe travels.
simply put i so respect your attitude about it all....btw another great video, they are fun thanks bud!
Now, I like that side down! Wouldn't help much in my eastern humidity, but I like.
Just discovered your channel! Great content! You are very talented with the camera/editing. Subscribed!
Anza Borrego is any of my more favorite spots. But you drove by Fonts Point of S2. It is really breathtaking
That's a scream with the side down. Bought an Aliner Ranger 10 today!
Great video, Slim. Safe travels!
And you are so upbeat, looks good on you.
I really like your video's..Straight to the point!
Love your videos!
Cool ! I love your versatile ideas .
We do love those Westmorland Date Shakes!
Boys with Toys. :) How funny. :) Yep, they don't care about much else but fun. Glad you got your solar fixed! Michael
Always enjoying your video's slim :)
Adventure at it best everytime.
Greetings,, Kitty.
Good attitude Slim...just found another channel on youtube I like "Steve Wallis" he also is Canadian you guys are something else.
You are so handy. I don't know what I would do if my solar panels broke.
Slim ur a.very smart man I love watching ur videos I have learned so much about aliners
I cant wait to see your new R/V bring it on Slim.
Hot... Sandy... Dry... I would hate this place if I had to go there.
20 year warranty on solar panels? I lived in the Redlands and Riverside area from 2005 to 2012. Never visited Borrego Springs. Sounds like another great desert spot.
This was really fun to watch. I have subscribed!
Love the vids man!!!! Greatings frome Sweden!!!!
Love your video. I'm getting a small camper and the A_liner is what I want...They are a bit expensive. Looking for a used one to save a few dollars but is it worth saving a few thousand. Would like your opinion. Cely in Florida
Cecilia, I would highly recommend getting a new one, or at the very least, as new as possible. Older ones can have a lot of problems, as mine had. The convenience of a folding roof means more seal and mechanical issues over time. Thanks! SP
I enjoy off-roading, but I also enjoy peace and quite. I understand why you left.
Thank you for your videos.. Binge witching
Great video editing skill.
The monocrystaline panels on my big motorhome are 22 years old and are still putting out full power . Flexible panels seem to die early deaths .
True slim, you could have put both sides of the a liner up, but I think it was just as much of a good idea to just leave them down, you do get a good cross breeze.
glue seams are more easily broken with a blade than a saw. If the panel is waste don't worry about breaking it. but if you want to find out what the fault was then that is a different story. But it looks as if you are having fun. Nice video. Keep it up
Good vid, Slim, thanks!
I didn't know that Amazon would deliver to a general delivery address, Slim. Glad you were able to get your solar repaired rrrlatively easy. Maybe add a heat gun to your tool cache. That might have helped with the glue. Of course, with your batteries not fully charged, you might not have had the power to run it.
I don't know how you could listen to the off road vehicles all day. It's a sound that drives me nuts (the only thing worse is boys with their intense high-watt bass woofers turned up to max volume).
How recent was this video shot? Borrego Springs looks like a beautiful area but I w o def if it's always that green.
I did not know they would general deliver either. Good to know...
I would like to know what glue you used.
Hard to find something that works!
Hi Dana, The Gorilla hot glue sticks work the best. Command strips started to fail. Thanks! SP
Check out the apple pie in Julian. The pie store in the alley has best apple crumble pie.
Thank you excellent videos
HAHAHA!!...over engineering sucks sometimes..🤗 Good job! Love your office...
Curious how long the flexible solar panel lasted . Also renogy is fairly close to where you were and you could have gotten everything you needed there
Hi Byron, it lasted a little over 2 years in continuous use. Need to know why it failed and will continue to research it. Thanks!
Slim Potatohead I had a failed flexible panel too. They are simply not good with heat and even if an inch of space will still overheat. Best to buy glass panels which operate more efficiently, are cheaper to purchase, and have a much greater lifespan.
Putting a solar controller horizontally in a sealed box creates thermal problems. It should be mounted vertically to allow air to pass over the heatsink on the back. Also, putting it into a sealed air-tight box is like putting a warm blanket around it when it's really trying to get rid of heat.
There's also a power-loss issue when the controller is mounted far from the battery, since the IR loss (current times resistance) in the wiring keeps you from getting the full charge into your battery. The best place to mount your controller is right up close to your battery, on a wall where there's some open airflow.
You are a fine storyteller Mr. Potatohead!
Hey Slim, how much do you average in gas per month? ? How do you determine how many places to visit in a month?
Exellent as always
I have those flexible 100W solar panels too. This worries me. Please let me know when you find out the reason for failure. I expected them to last as long as aluminum framed panels as long as they don't get physically damaged. They would totally not be worth it if they fail after a short time.
I have sent the panel to the distributor. Hope to hear the results shortly.
I do like those little A frames, a little small for my wife and I fulltime though.
hey, are those solar panel 100 watts (each) ? a panel usually can give up to 5.5 amp, (X2 = 11 amps) no ? your last controller was only 10 amps ? ........ good thing you've change it for a 20 amps ;) Thanks for a great video and thanks for sharing.
Hi Pat, I'm a little suspicious as to how these solar companies rate their panels. I have never measured more than 3.8 amps from a panel in full sunlight, so was never near 10 amps for a pair. That said, I was hoping new panel would be more efficient, hence the upgrade. Thanks!
Hey slim, love the videos. You are inspiring me to get an A Frame. I may have missed this in an earlier video, but are you retired?
Great video Slim...btw ive seen most of your videos but i dont remember if u have a gym membership(for taking showers) or if u had a generator or a furnace built into the A-Liner?...p.s....keep cool
Hi Omar, I have a built-in shower and furnace. No generator. Thanks!
Great show. Just curious Slim, how long did that flexible panel last then.
A little over two years. Not long enough!
Wow 2 yrs. No warrenty I suppose
From what I have heard (you may know better) the flexible solar panels don't really have the longevity that their rigid counterparts do. Something to consider.
Probably too late now ... but your problem is probably just a diode failure on the panel. You should find it in the little black box on the back of the panel where the wiring exits.
The diodes are notorious for going bad ... especially if a Chinese panel.
The diodes are easily replaced and can be repaired with a 'better' diode.
Thanks Arthur. Yes, It does seem to be the diodes.Where can I get a replacement? (Don't send a link as they get blocked). Thanks again. Slim
I am pretty certain Slim would have caught that were it so simple.
AllElectronics, in Van Nuys does a fairly quick internet, shipping, turn around.... but not overnight.
Keep the videos coming.
Have you considered picking up an Arctic Freeze from walmart? it's a little cube of a swamp cooler that plugs into USB or 110v. I just learned of their existence, and have not tried it, but its something to consider. Or build one in a 5 gal bucket and a small fan and fishtank water pump. Or something like that ... I love your videos.
Also search youtube for "Homemade Evap. Air Cooler" ... I'm not sure the comment about arctic freeze will survive the youtube filters, so I hope you captured it. Your Search might not show it based on your web behavior. Try using a browser you never use ... then search for it from there ... or use bing? they don't bombard you with what you are Likely to enjoy matching like google does
Sorry, my mistake, its called "arctic air" ... :)
Thanks Costa, got it. A portable air conditioner that runs on USB. Cool(!) idea. Will have to look into this. SP
Hmmmm...something doesn't compute, Only get an infomercial. They claim 350 watts, but no cfm rating. A USB port cannot deliver 350W of power, only power a fan. Let me know if you purchase this so we can get an honest opinion of this device. Thanks!
Slim, I see you are towing with a Jeep Cherokee, how does that do at 4000' elevation, towing? I pull my Aliner with a Ford Escape rated at 3500# tow capacity and it tows very well but I'm not sure how it'd do at high elevation.
Tom
Hi Tom, It's a Jeep Liberty actually. I just towed to over 8000' elevation and it does well. The Aliner is only 2000lbs loaded, so no issues with a good 6 cyl engine. Thanks!
Slim, would you know what the Liberty is rated for towing capacity?
I believe 5000lbs, but that's always a tricky question. It doesn't account for all the stuff I throw in the jeep as well!
How long did the flexible solar panels last?
I love all your imforitive vids even tho you never respond to them. I still like watching you!!
You reminds me of the guy who narrates Pennsylvania on PBS
How are you still able to smile, with all of the tech fails? I guess it's the beauty of Nature and the shady tree with the flowers, and that big rock that beckons for you to sit awhile and ponder how to deal with challenges. The balance of Nature...the reason for potted plants in the shopping malls.
Those flex panels are probably getting to hot on that aluminum and failing prematurley.
I had a panel just like yours. It failed suddenly and completely. I never did figure out why.
Hi slim. I watch your video on Kansas. Thank you for the butterflies as a boy I would catch them and build shadow ( not good at spelling at76 you just forget) thank God for Google and the corrected, Any way thanks I have to leave this house no choice but I do look forward to life you have
At sometime I expect I'll have to get a trailer my? why an caliber seem like a lot of work thinking about a teardrop getting tried of typing so good-by for now. B
Slim. The spelling watchdog messed up up my ? So I thought if I put it like this. A-liner so far so good. B
Barney, I am but 67 but have been living on wheels for over 30 years. You can do it. A teardrop might be a bit small...a simple high-top van would be better so you can stand up. Or a 12 foot cargo trailer. Insulation is everything unless you can follow the 70 degree weather around. Get a good exhaust fan at the top...you can add other amenities after you hit the road. Carry a cell phone of some sort. I suggest mooch-docking in friends driveways if local ordinances allow it. BLM camping is great whenever possible. Buy 1 gallon jugs of water for 99 cents at first. Throw peat moss in a tall (six-gallon) bucket for a toilet, vent it if if you can. Find a twin mattress for your rig, Twin Xl if you are over 6 foot tall. You can do it. See you on the road!
You camera works great!
Not sure this will help but shipping UPS, FedEx have option to how you can pick up packages. For instance, FedEx Offices can hold packages for 5 days. You can also have a package held for Pickup at a local station (ground / home delivery) again 5 to 10 days. They also now have the option to hold packages for pick up at Walgreens. Now size weight and other shipping restrictions can limit these services. Most of these option are available thru customer service , online and on apps. Walgreens you can drop off for shipment thru FedEx I think you need a barcode label, but it a option.
Hi Michael, thanks for the ideas. Receiving things on the road can be quite complicated, perhaps at some point I'll do a video on it. It'd hard to justify the additional expense of using FedEx, and UPS can also be complicated due to their extremely short pickup times and limited locations. It's easier when you are in a large city, but little towns (which is mostly my preference) can be a challenge. Slim
Slim Potatohead as a fan of your videos, I prefer you not being parked next to a Walgreens. Incidence vs quiet.
Great video!
What do you do with the toilet issues . Do you have a bathroom on board?
Yes. I have a cassette toilet. Check my "Adding Space to an Aliner" Video. SP
great video - through your travels, I'm living my dreams
Slim, your audio always sounds really good. How do you pull that off outside? Or are you an expert at overdubbing? Either way, thank you for taking the time to make it sound good.
Hi Scott, sound can be quite a challenge, especially on the road. It's a mix of the in-camera mic when there's no wind, a lapel mic, a shotgun mic and deadening the echo in the trailer for the narration. Being partially deaf in one ear doesn't help! Glad to hear my efforts are appreciated! Thanks, Slim
Search Slims channel for his recording methods, I believe there are two.
you make me smile!!
Your cool buddy.👍👍
Did you get your other equipment problems sorted out and working?
Hi cyberi4a, patching things together seems to be my pastime! I managed to keep my camera charger working by using it in 110 mode and going through a cheap power converter. The tablet is toast, a new battery only started it cooking again so I now rely on my laptop and cell phone. Solar is working well though, so I can use my laptop more often. And I glued my sunglasses together, so all is good! Thanks for asking! Slim
If you used the same glue on your sunglasses as you did your solar panels, they'll last a long time it seems. :-)
Chances are slim you would have enjoyed the Calgary weather today.
Good for you
Part of the eh team!
Cam you tell us again about the name "Slim Potatoe? Where is home when you're not Aline in?
Dirt bikes and dogs and RVs are my passionsI might have just installed the new panel right over the old one
I'm a little surprised you don't have more subs.
Do people only boondock in the desert? Are there any green places for people to boondock?
Absolutely. It's just in February they tend to be white and brown!
That makes sense. I just don't see very many boondocking videos of other places compared to the number in the desert. I don't care for the bleakness of the deserts so I am thinking I need more insulation in a trailer. I am considering making my own version of an A frame so I really appreciate your fixes and additions you make to your older model. If I do make one, I will incorporate all the suggestions that seem sensible from all the videos about a frames and trailer camping in general. The video of your frame bending because of the door cutout for example, will make me weld an extra frame member on that side. Thanks again.
Glad to be of help. The video I release tomorrow will have a little more green in it. Spring is Beautiful! SP
The charge controller housing may need air vents. The panels need air cooling under the panels.