I'm glad you mentioned airspace under the panel. For people not familiar with this, some good long term testing has shown a panel with no airflow underneath runs hotter which results in less output and a shorter lifespan.
I like the fact that you’re not an expert but you’re willing to learn from your mistakes and move forward without abandoning a project. Best wishes from Texas
Just a thought. Make sure from time to time to clean/wipe off your roof fan blades, so the accumulated dirt doesn't burn out the motor prematurely. Great install Slim.
First of all, loved the bird. Secondly, I rarely comment on ANY videos, but I wanted to compliment you. I liked the mix of providing examples of details, and referring viewers to professionals. Good job. Keep them coming.
I have to thank you sir... after about 3 years of saving and thought I've decided to buy a small camper... idk anything about these so I've been on a research binge for the last couple months and your videos have helped me greatly... truly appreciated, God speed sir.
Hi again, Slim. Just a thought .... When I build things like this through fiberglass or any roof system, I like to use a longer bolt and a double nut. The reason being I can drill the hole, use rubber inside and out, 2 washers and actually check then for any leaks. Then adding the rail followed by a second nut. This allows you to make the hole you drill and bolts more permanent. If you have to change out your panel or decide to go with something different you undo the top nuts, but the lower nut and bolt stay solidly in place. Never a leak. Also allows for any modifications you want to make in the future. Just a thought. Love the vids. Stay safe and keep 'em coming.
Noticed the roof is pretty pliable. Maybe a fairing at the front edge and blank off the sides to keep highway wind loads pulling up on the panel to help out the underside washers? Really look forward to your video's. Flagstaff, AZ was great this week!
Looking good slim putting up that solar panel is something I would leave to the professionals which just goes to show how clever & resourceful you are ,well done
30 volts at 6 amps raw from the panel - wow. You could charge two 8D deep cycle batteries in about eight hours with that amount of current. Nice install. As a retired boat builder I totally agree with your through bolt mounts and the care you took to seal them. Short-cut building methods usually turn into long term headaches - been there, done that.
I have watched all of your videos about re-doing your new trailer and I wanted to tell you that I think you have done a really great job of modifying your trailer. I like what you have done, the way you accomplished each job and the so far finished product. Some may criticize but you can count me as one who thinks you have done a very good job on each task so far.
It's nice to see tricks to doing these things by yourself. I was just telling my son how I don't know how guys do these things by themselves. It seems to be that when I try do do projects by myself I always wish that I had another person there.
Great to see you using Dicor. I was tence when you used the word "caulking" before showing the brand. My very costly Keystone Cougar 31sqb trailer...the factory, they used the cheapest caulking possible and it has been a time consuming nightmare to remove the garbage and replace it with Dicor. Always great to watch UA-camrs teaching others to do it right.
The old guy here Slam. I heve 3 hundred soler on my van and too batters. So I wanted more soler then then I was getting so upgraded to a solar boost blue sky controller. Oh and upgraded the wireing as will. Happy travel my friend
Now that's a solar panel! Good job mounting it. I was thinking VHB tape the whole time you were drilling and bolting...good thing I didn't jump the gun and comment halfway through the video. Don't be afraid to cut your own hair...I've been doing it for years. You can buy an electric razor for about the price of one haircut, and they come with snap on "combs" of various depths so you can't cut too much off. It's as easy as snapping on the comb of your choice and "combing" your hair.
This quarantine is a perfect opportunity to do all the upgrades and repairs neccesary to make your adventures go that much smoother, same thing I'm doing with my camping setup. Although I am not a trailer camper for the simple fact I cannot afford it at the moment, so I tent it but it is as close to having a trailer as possible. Like you I'll be heading out as soon as we get the word we can go, outdoors in the wilderness is where I need to be
Slim, you're new little eggshell is looking fantastic, very cozy and bright! And, as usual, your precise work and reasoning for the way you go about it are excellent. I, too, would want the panel bolted down. We've all heard the stories of "flying solar panels". And I loved the video's ending, lol!
Hey Slim - for future reference - you can also use a radial arm saw to cut aluminum like that. You just have to use a carbide tipped blade, and be slow and deliberate with your cut. It leaves a very clean edge.
Like you, I am waiting for the "go" to get out there...(Ontario is taking a little longer to recover unfortunately) and I appreciate all the sacrifices that Canadians have done for one another (and me as I'm vulnerable) through these times, so I would feel guilty jumping the cue as well...but I can't help but laugh at the fact that social distancing would be so much more effective if we were independent in the woods...LOL...crazy backward that is...stay safe and thanks for respecting the guidelines...be well.
NOTE FROM SLIM: I greatly appreciate all constructive feedback from my viewers. A little clarification may however be beneficial. This solar install is a work in progress. It is not complete, and several other phases of the build are planned based on preliminary test results. I do not recommend anyone follow this design until I have made final conclusions later in the year. Thanks! SP
Hey slim. Great video as always. Lots of people out on BLM land in AZ. Don’t know where you are but I drive a lot and see people doing some great social distancing out there.
You are a responsible (and modest) fellow Slim. From an engineer that has been using solar for years, your installs are well thought out and your engineering is solid. My next planned upgrade is LiFePO4 batteries, just waiting for the prices to come down.
MUCH respect for your approach to showing your solar system. You either need to understand what you're doing deeply and well, or leave everything about the wiring to a Pro solar installer, not just an electrician or car audio expert. There's a whole lot of power involved and many details which require careful attention, and doing it wrong can mean watching your trailer turn into ashes or worse. Just catching back up with you- I never imagined you without the A-liner but I think this is a better choice. Happy Travels!
Slim...I have been watching many of your videos and have a question that I believe you can fix for me rather quickly..I have the Renogy suitcase solar panel kit..But it only has a 10 foot cord..One side has the clamps that go on your battery's.The hookups are the same, red to red and black to black push together wires/connectors..I want to extend them by another ten feet, but no one at either rv places here in Butte have any idea how to extend them..There must be an extension you can plugin but I researched them on Renogy and can't find one..They are standard push in plugs..Do you happen to know a place where I can buy the ten foot extension where I can simply plug them all together.Thank you for your time sir and I hope you know where I can find one,..Norm Leeper
Wow - looks great. Good job. I'd use bolts instead of VHB tape too. I found that if there are many very cloudy days (I live in north west Washington state) I can get the situation where I am using more power than the solar panels can provide. Solution: I installed Renogy's DC/DC charger hooked up to my truck's alternator. Works great! Cautions - 1. I have a 135 amp alternator so there should be no problem burning out the alternator when at low RPM; 2. I set the circuit to disconnect when the engine is not running (draining your truck's battery can ruin you whole day).
Seriously considering buying a 12’-16’ trailer next year. LOVE your videos!! I’m budget minded, want the smallest trailer for 1 person, BUT want a commode & shower. Keep the videos coming!
Good choice going with nuts and bolts! I attached some very light weight led lights inside a horse trailer using VHB tape. The roof material is very similar to that of your trailer. I put enough tape to cover the entire area of the lights (about 6” X 4”). With the change in temperature they kept falling off. Can’t imagine what 100km/h wind speeds on the highway could do! Not to mention weather!!
Your videos are unequaled so no matter how long this lockdown goes on for, I will be thrilled when it comes up a Slim video has been posted. Thank you for sharing things with the rest of us!
Smart idea Slim. I wouldn't even trust that Flex Seal tape that you see on TV. What you don't need to happen is for that tape to give out, and your panel comes flying off the roof, crashing into someone's windshield. They crash, they get killed, you're liable. Having the panel bolted to the roof, means it ain't going nowhere.
My Idea for The English Pennliner’ is to have x2 solar panels, hinged at top, and simply hung over apex of the A - frame, held in place by bungee straps, when needed, and stored flat in transit, I’ll have to do a video explaining, anyway, another great video Slim.
Nice job and an excellent video, Slim! I agree with the comfort factor that comes from using bolts. Especially with the panel slightly elevated and a slight downward slope to the rear, your panel will think it is a wing and want to take off as you are pulling your trailer down the road. Thanks for sharing.
You make my hart rate og down , that's why I love you.... and as my dad always says.... nowhere where you are, ,, and is perfectly still don't look for nature.... nature will come too you... Soo .... don't be angry at the pole bird... it was nice of him stopping by... 😊
I am a nut and bolt man, can’t seem to trust just gluing something of that weight to a vehicle that travels through the air at 60 mph + . Great vlog, many thanks AJ
Alan Jackson; with the correct adhesive used you wouldn't have to worry about panels coming off. Plus any bolts through a roof is an extra chance of water ingress.
Thank you so much for all your demonstrations. They are so helpful! What I learned from this was to not be so paranoid about drilling a hole through my fiberglass shuttle bus. I do have a couple leaks and feel so unsure of myself with Dicor or any type of repair really. I can't find anyone in the state of ND who will touch wiring solar (my go-to electricians don't deal with 12V and my go-to vehicle people don't deal with solar.) I have all the pieces of a solar set up (panels, charge controller, battery, the little thing you can view the charge on, an inverter and I even have a charger that can be plugged in to assist with charging the battery - I just can't find anyone to assist with the wiring. I suspect I'll have to drive the bus down to AZ when I can get some time away from work. In the meantime I still am enjoying going out camping in my bus :)
😂 Slim gave us the bird! Had TC sitting in my lap. Now, normally she makes a point of ignoring my cellphone or tablet. That bird, however, had her attention. So... That conformed, to me, that she was deliberately ignoring the cellphone when friends try to talk to her. (Feral cat that survived 8 years before deciding to retire and move in to house cat duties. Best mouser I ever had. No dummy.)
Nice start on the solar install. It's like I say, There's more than one way to strip a wire. If you are comfortable with your install, and it's safe, go with it. We're doing a solar upgrade on our Trailmanor during this downtime along with a few other mods. Being a folding trailer installs require some creativity. The delayed shipping we've been experiencing has made the process run a bit longer than usual. Most of the loud birds we get around here have the markings of the U.S. Marines, Navy, or Air Force on them. I don't mind recording with the feathered ones around at all. Camping time will come soon. We can't wait to get out there either. Stay safe.
I have used the EPever Tracer charge controllers for a few years now and love them. I’ve never had a problem out of them and they have always performed superbly. Good choice!!
I went to a wrecking yard, took a wide plastic railed roof rack from a minivan, glued it down with urethane windshield adhesive. The crossbars latch to the rails and are screwed to the panels so the panels can be moved to the sun while I'm in the shade!
Great video. Another benefit is lightning protection in a non medal roof shelter. Before this it was a death trap in a lightning storm, would just punch through the roof and hit inside the structure and potentially hit the occupants. Much safer now. Solar has come way down in price so very doable, even for your house.
Hey slim. Still loving the videos even if you're not out travelling, I think it's a great idea your using this time to work on your new trailer and while I will miss Abner the new trailer is a much needed improvement. Better heating. Better solar power. It's going to be great to see it in action.
Again, you don't fail to deliver. I can't get out right yet... but soon! Slim, thank you for taking us along on another adventure. You didn't leave your yard, but watching sure allows us to leave ours! My deepest thanks.
We're all in the same lockdown boat all around the world, brother. I'm here in the Philippines hunkered with my wife playing scrabble again after all those decades. SCRABBLE!!! I just realized I barely even know how to use the dictionary anymore, you can tell cause I'm not even challenging "bligst"---if that's even a word. At least you are spending better quality time with your working hands than I am with my lethargic brain. In fact with this much time in your hands I wouldn't be surprised if that bloody trailer be nuclear-powered by the time you go back camping.
I want a friend like yours...the kind who gifts you massive solar panels!! We also used screws to install the panels on Honey. Tape is great, but I trust screws. Can't wait til we can get back out there too! Take care and stay safe!-Sue
Hi Slim, I ran wiring direct from my batteries in a manner that I can use alligator clips to easily attach/detach portable solar panels. Those flexible panels can be re-used as portable ones ... just wire them directly to the MPPT controller to take full advantage of how MPPT works! Cheers, Steve
I just did the same install to my tent trailer. 20amp EPever tracer and 230 watt panel. I'm pulling about 13amps as well. I also used the load part of the controller to hook up to the converter in the trailer. Now I see all power coming and going out. It's quite interesting to see how much power gets used by the trailer systems.
What an accomplishment to make all of these modifications, and a great way to make good use of these “stay at home” days. I can’t wait to see you out there enjoying your efforts. I think a lot of people will be sporting new hair styles when all of this is over. Thanks for sharing another great video!
Just a thought, but I was a little suprised you did'nt install the solar panel with the capabilty of adjusting it according to the angle of the sun, by having one end rise so the entile panel was at an angle to maximize solar gain. I think this would come in handy, especially when off-season camping in the northern latitudes.
Funny you call this still in stage 1 and I’m thinking wow he’s got it exactly like he wants it. It’s going to be interesting to see what else you do, love the trailer as it is right now I’m sure we’ll love those changes too
ALWAYS enjoy your ingenuity & creativity, Slim, and I admit to great envy of your innovative understanding of materials, tools, and physics that enables you to design & create whatever you need to implement the functionality you envision- and that with excellence, precision & panache!! As always, thanks so much for sharing the wonderfully vast range of your interests & skills (I’m amazed at the contrast between this video and your stunningly lovely, soothing & inspiring “Cup of Coffee & A View” recent video!!!). Stay healthy, be safe, and keep ‘em coming!! 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐
Really like what you have done. Have some of the same items on my little 1998 Burro. Very much like the rail idea, makes it much easier for upgrades. On your solar panel, you might try the idea of mounting some, maybe heavy door hinges on the rails so that the panels can be adjusted to match the sun movement a little. My panels at this time are sitting on the ground now, but I may mouth them later, as yours have given me food for thought, always something to do and it's fun. Love your videos and take care.
Hey Silm, I only have one UA-cam video, but you might like it. When I saw the front of your trailer, it looks like mine did before my modifications. Also I just have to say I enjoy all your videos!
200 hundred videos of Slim enjoying nature in the wild. 2 seconds of one bird in the city,singing; “where is that %#}{ bird? 🤣🤣. You have been cooped up to long. Iam glad you mentioned the haircut thing. We are all getting shaggy! I hope no plans for wind turbine.
I'm glad you mentioned airspace under the panel. For people not familiar with this, some good long term testing has shown a panel with no airflow underneath runs hotter which results in less output and a shorter lifespan.
I like the fact that you’re not an expert but you’re willing to learn from your mistakes and move forward without abandoning a project. Best wishes from Texas
Just a thought. Make sure from time to time to clean/wipe off your roof fan blades, so the accumulated dirt doesn't burn out the motor prematurely. Great install Slim.
Yes! I didn't even know they were that dirty till I was up there filming. They are clean now! SP
First of all, loved the bird.
Secondly, I rarely comment on ANY videos, but I wanted to compliment you. I liked the mix of providing examples of details, and referring viewers to professionals. Good job. Keep them coming.
Wow, thank you!
Peace… Shalom… Salam... Namaste and Thank You so much for All that you are doing for our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ❤
I have to thank you sir... after about 3 years of saving and thought I've decided to buy a small camper... idk anything about these so I've been on a research binge for the last couple months and your videos have helped me greatly... truly appreciated, God speed sir.
Hi again, Slim. Just a thought .... When I build things like this through fiberglass or any roof system, I like to use a longer bolt and a double nut. The reason being I can drill the hole, use rubber inside and out, 2 washers and actually check then for any leaks. Then adding the rail followed by a second nut. This allows you to make the hole you drill and bolts more permanent. If you have to change out your panel or decide to go with something different you undo the top nuts, but the lower nut and bolt stay solidly in place. Never a leak. Also allows for any modifications you want to make in the future. Just a thought. Love the vids. Stay safe and keep 'em coming.
Noticed the roof is pretty pliable. Maybe a fairing at the front edge and blank off the sides to keep highway wind loads pulling up on the panel to help out the underside washers?
Really look forward to your video's. Flagstaff, AZ was great this week!
You are absolutely smart to use rails and not make your panels permanent. Your reasoning was smart thinking.
Closing in on that initial UA-cam plaque !!!!! 100k subscribers, here you come !!!!
Great channel !!!
Looking good slim putting up that solar panel is something I would leave to the professionals which just goes to show how clever & resourceful you are ,well done
The new little trailer is taking shape! Thanks Slim.
30 volts at 6 amps raw from the panel - wow. You could charge two 8D deep cycle batteries in about eight hours with that amount of current. Nice install. As a retired boat builder I totally agree with your through bolt mounts and the care you took to seal them. Short-cut building methods usually turn into long term headaches - been there, done that.
Slim you are so knowledgable with everything installing that panel was easy ,I love that trailer
I have watched all of your videos about re-doing your new trailer and I wanted to tell you that I think you have done a really great job of modifying your trailer. I like what you have done, the way you accomplished each job and the so far finished product. Some may criticize but you can count me as one who thinks you have done a very good job on each task so far.
Wow, thank you! SP
You have made your new trailer truly your own. Thanks for sharing.
It's nice to see tricks to doing these things by yourself. I was just telling my son how I don't know how guys do these things by themselves. It seems to be that when I try do do projects by myself I always wish that I had another person there.
I like the way you make things that you can " Undo " if ever needed . Very smart to make things were cercumstances may change.
Great to see you using Dicor. I was tence when you used the word "caulking" before showing the brand. My very costly Keystone Cougar 31sqb trailer...the factory, they used the cheapest caulking possible and it has been a time consuming nightmare to remove the garbage and replace it with Dicor. Always great to watch UA-camrs teaching others to do it right.
I think your way of putting the panel up on the roof looked just fine.
Awesome Flicker!! You should just camp at home. Nature everywhere. Thanks for the great videos Slim!!
This trailer is going to be great. The rubber strips will help stop vibration. Good work.
The old guy here Slam. I heve 3 hundred soler on my van and too batters. So I wanted more soler then then I was getting so upgraded to a solar boost blue sky controller. Oh and upgraded the wireing as will. Happy travel my friend
I enjoy your videos living in a small trailers it just goes to show you how much space you really need living in keep them coming thanks
Good for you, long live Solar.
I starterd with one panel,now i GOT 20 .I love it
You must have a very big camper! SP
You should design trailers for a manufacturer, Slim. All of the modifications you do are so much more functional and optimized, it's crazy.
Now that's a solar panel! Good job mounting it. I was thinking VHB tape the whole time you were drilling and bolting...good thing I didn't jump the gun and comment halfway through the video.
Don't be afraid to cut your own hair...I've been doing it for years. You can buy an electric razor for about the price of one haircut, and they come with snap on "combs" of various depths so you can't cut too much off. It's as easy as snapping on the comb of your choice and "combing" your hair.
This quarantine is a perfect opportunity to do all the upgrades and repairs neccesary to make your adventures go that much smoother, same thing I'm doing with my camping setup. Although I am not a trailer camper for the simple fact I cannot afford it at the moment, so I tent it but it is as close to having a trailer as possible. Like you I'll be heading out as soon as we get the word we can go, outdoors in the wilderness is where I need to be
That gives you time to show those wheel bearings some luv 💞
Thank you from (almost) the bottom of Missouri
Now things are done !!
I personally think your better off !! Love your vids!!!
Look forward to you to be soon camping by the pines and hearing the birds singing, nice job my friend.
Slim, you're new little eggshell is looking fantastic, very cozy and bright! And, as usual, your precise work and reasoning for the way you go about it are excellent. I, too, would want the panel bolted down. We've all heard the stories of "flying solar panels".
And I loved the video's ending, lol!
Slim you are the BEST vloger...
Hey Slim - for future reference - you can also use a radial arm saw to cut aluminum like that. You just have to use a carbide tipped blade, and be slow and deliberate with your cut. It leaves a very clean edge.
Like you, I am waiting for the "go" to get out there...(Ontario is taking a little longer to recover unfortunately) and I appreciate all the sacrifices that Canadians have done for one another (and me as I'm vulnerable) through these times, so I would feel guilty jumping the cue as well...but I can't help but laugh at the fact that social distancing would be so much more effective if we were independent in the woods...LOL...crazy backward that is...stay safe and thanks for respecting the guidelines...be well.
NOTE FROM SLIM: I greatly appreciate all constructive feedback from my viewers. A little clarification may however be beneficial. This solar install is a work in progress. It is not complete, and several other phases of the build are planned based on preliminary test results. I do not recommend anyone follow this design until I have made final conclusions later in the year. Thanks! SP
Hey slim. Great video as always. Lots of people out on BLM land in AZ. Don’t know where you are but I drive a lot and see people doing some great social distancing out there.
You are a responsible (and modest) fellow Slim. From an engineer that has been using solar for years, your installs are well thought out and your engineering is solid. My next planned upgrade is LiFePO4 batteries, just waiting for the prices to come down.
MUCH respect for your approach to showing your solar system. You either need to understand what you're doing deeply and well, or leave everything about the wiring to a Pro solar installer, not just an electrician or car audio expert. There's a whole lot of power involved and many details which require careful attention, and doing it wrong can mean watching your trailer turn into ashes or worse.
Just catching back up with you- I never imagined you without the A-liner but I think this is a better choice. Happy Travels!
Slim...I have been watching many of your videos and have a question that I believe you can fix for me rather quickly..I have the Renogy suitcase solar panel kit..But it only has a 10 foot cord..One side has the clamps that go on your battery's.The hookups are the same, red to red and black to black push together wires/connectors..I want to extend them by another ten feet, but no one at either rv places here in Butte have any idea how to extend them..There must be an extension you can plugin but I researched them on Renogy and can't find one..They are standard push in plugs..Do you happen to know a place where I can buy the ten foot extension where I can simply plug them all together.Thank you for your time sir and I hope you know where I can find one,..Norm Leeper
Camping rush is right good job slim
Wow - looks great. Good job. I'd use bolts instead of VHB tape too. I found that if there are many very cloudy days (I live in north west Washington state) I can get the situation where I am using more power than the solar panels can provide. Solution: I installed Renogy's DC/DC charger hooked up to my truck's alternator. Works great! Cautions - 1. I have a 135 amp alternator so there should be no problem burning out the alternator when at low RPM; 2. I set the circuit to disconnect when the engine is not running (draining your truck's battery can ruin you whole day).
From a fellow camper in Manitoba thanks for the great videos, they are most enjoyable
Slim, your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me! Can't wait till you can get out camping and see how nice the solar panel works.
You have to have an engineering background! Just excellent skills, much better than me. THANKS Slim, love your videos.
Good job Slim. Trailer looks warm and cozy. Ready for your future adventures. Stay safe.
Looking forward to your actually putting your solar to use. Also beefing up the wires of the preinstalled factory solar wiring. Stay safe ✌️
Seriously considering buying a 12’-16’ trailer next year. LOVE your videos!! I’m budget minded, want the smallest trailer for 1 person, BUT want a commode & shower. Keep the videos coming!
Slim stay well buddy . Enjoy your new traier whenyou can start camping again . Cheers !
Another great video Slim. The trailer is sure becoming a comfy homey place. Can't wait for us all to get to be out there again. Stay safe there!
Good choice going with nuts and bolts! I attached some very light weight led lights inside a horse trailer using VHB tape. The roof material is very similar to that of your trailer. I put enough tape to cover the entire area of the lights (about 6” X 4”). With the change in temperature they kept falling off. Can’t imagine what 100km/h wind speeds on the highway could do! Not to mention weather!!
Paraphrasing "Nothing is permanent", there never have been more true and relevant words said, especially in these times.
👍
Nice that you share the pros&cons of installing method options for solar panel.
Your videos were a bright point in a rough year, thank you for your content.
Your videos are unequaled so no matter how long this lockdown goes on for, I will be thrilled when it comes up a Slim video has been posted. Thank you for sharing things with the rest of us!
Really liked your ideas, work and humor. Safe and fun travels my brother.
Well done! A real labor of love. You are fearless...
Nice weather...... nice performance.....
for bad weather .
The good thing in your life ... theirs no manager chasing you ....
For bad weather, also excellent. I was getting 3 Amps in clouds. Old rig only 1 amp in similar circumstances. SP
I think of you this weekend when I hit the hills. Another great video.
Smart idea Slim. I wouldn't even trust that Flex Seal tape that you see on TV. What you don't need to happen is for that tape to give out, and your panel comes flying off the roof, crashing into someone's windshield. They crash, they get killed, you're liable. Having the panel bolted to the roof, means it ain't going nowhere.
Wonder how many attempts Flex Seal actually did before being able to shoot the commercial??
My Idea for The English Pennliner’ is to have x2 solar panels, hinged at top, and simply hung over apex of the A - frame, held in place by bungee straps, when needed, and stored flat in transit, I’ll have to do a video explaining, anyway, another great video Slim.
Nice job and an excellent video, Slim! I agree with the comfort factor that comes from using bolts. Especially with the panel slightly elevated and a slight downward slope to the rear, your panel will think it is a wing and want to take off as you are pulling your trailer down the road. Thanks for sharing.
You make my hart rate og down , that's why I love you.... and as my dad always says.... nowhere where you are, ,, and is perfectly still don't look for nature.... nature will come too you...
Soo .... don't be angry at the pole bird... it was nice of him stopping by... 😊
I am a nut and bolt man, can’t seem to trust just gluing something of that weight to a vehicle that travels through the air at 60 mph + .
Great vlog, many thanks AJ
I'm with you on the nut and bolt .I've seen a 1/4 inch bolt hold something rather heavy up.
I agree.
Alan Jackson; with the correct adhesive used you wouldn't have to worry about panels coming off. Plus any bolts through a roof is an extra chance of water ingress.
Thank you so much for all your demonstrations. They are so helpful! What I learned from this was to not be so paranoid about drilling a hole through my fiberglass shuttle bus. I do have a couple leaks and feel so unsure of myself with Dicor or any type of repair really. I can't find anyone in the state of ND who will touch wiring solar (my go-to electricians don't deal with 12V and my go-to vehicle people don't deal with solar.) I have all the pieces of a solar set up (panels, charge controller, battery, the little thing you can view the charge on, an inverter and I even have a charger that can be plugged in to assist with charging the battery - I just can't find anyone to assist with the wiring. I suspect I'll have to drive the bus down to AZ when I can get some time away from work. In the meantime I still am enjoying going out camping in my bus :)
😂
Slim gave us the bird!
Had TC sitting in my lap.
Now, normally she makes a point of ignoring my cellphone or tablet.
That bird, however, had her attention.
So... That conformed, to me, that she was deliberately ignoring the cellphone when friends try to talk to her.
(Feral cat that survived 8 years before deciding to retire and move in to house cat duties. Best mouser I ever had. No dummy.)
Nice start on the solar install. It's like I say, There's more than one way to strip a wire. If you are comfortable with your install, and it's safe, go with it. We're doing a solar upgrade on our Trailmanor during this downtime along with a few other mods. Being a folding trailer installs require some creativity. The delayed shipping we've been experiencing has made the process run a bit longer than usual. Most of the loud birds we get around here have the markings of the U.S. Marines, Navy, or Air Force on them. I don't mind recording with the feathered ones around at all. Camping time will come soon. We can't wait to get out there either. Stay safe.
I have used the EPever Tracer charge controllers for a few years now and love them. I’ve never had a problem out of them and they have always performed superbly. Good choice!!
I went to a wrecking yard, took a wide plastic railed roof rack from a minivan, glued it down with urethane windshield adhesive. The crossbars latch to the rails and are screwed to the panels so the panels can be moved to the sun while I'm in the shade!
Great video. Another benefit is lightning protection in a non medal roof shelter. Before this it was a death trap in a lightning storm, would just punch through the roof and hit inside the structure and potentially hit the occupants. Much safer now. Solar has come way down in price so very doable, even for your house.
Hey slim. Still loving the videos even if you're not out travelling, I think it's a great idea your using this time to work on your new trailer and while I will miss Abner the new trailer is a much needed improvement. Better heating. Better solar power. It's going to be great to see it in action.
Again, you don't fail to deliver. I can't get out right yet... but soon!
Slim, thank you for taking us along on another adventure. You didn't leave your yard, but watching sure allows us to leave ours!
My deepest thanks.
We're all in the same lockdown boat all around the world, brother. I'm here in the Philippines hunkered with my wife playing scrabble again after all those decades. SCRABBLE!!! I just realized I barely even know how to use the dictionary anymore, you can tell cause I'm not even challenging "bligst"---if that's even a word. At least you are spending better quality time with your working hands than I am with my lethargic brain. In fact with this much time in your hands I wouldn't be surprised if that bloody trailer be nuclear-powered by the time you go back camping.
Hi Slim. I always find your videos very entertaining and informative. Nice new trailer!
Slim can't be just your average RV'r. His work is too good to be your average Joe's. This man knows what he is doing and is very good at it.
I want a friend like yours...the kind who gifts you massive solar panels!! We also used screws to install the panels on Honey. Tape is great, but I trust screws. Can't wait til we can get back out there too! Take care and stay safe!-Sue
Hi Slim, I ran wiring direct from my batteries in a manner that I can use alligator clips to easily attach/detach portable solar panels. Those flexible panels can be re-used as portable ones ... just wire them directly to the MPPT controller to take full advantage of how MPPT works! Cheers, Steve
Slim, you are brilliant!
Enjoyed your video, great shot of the bird at the end.
thank you so much for showing how to connect the solar panel.
I just did the same install to my tent trailer. 20amp EPever tracer and 230 watt panel. I'm pulling about 13amps as well. I also used the load part of the controller to hook up to the converter in the trailer. Now I see all power coming and going out. It's quite interesting to see how much power gets used by the trailer systems.
I love your filming style.
Another great video. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and healthy. Happy trails
What an accomplishment to make all of these modifications, and a great way to make good use of these “stay at home” days. I can’t wait to see you out there enjoying your efforts. I think a lot of people will be sporting new hair styles when all of this is over. Thanks for sharing another great video!
SP, you are fearless! You are the most inventive man in the RV world!
So nice to see you are still FIXING things up. Like you, I hope to be ready to hit the road when they trun off the fan and let us go out and play!
Carnt wait to watch your travel videos again keep safe mate
Really enjoy your Tues morning video's.....cup of coffee and Slim get's my day off to a good start. Thanks
Just a thought, but I was a little suprised you did'nt install the solar panel with the capabilty of adjusting it according to the angle of the sun, by having one end rise so the entile panel was at an angle to maximize solar gain. I think this would come in handy, especially when off-season camping in the northern latitudes.
Slim Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure with us all. Love, Prayers & Blessings for Everyone during this Pandemic! Uncle Jeff!
Funny you call this still in stage 1 and I’m thinking wow he’s got it exactly like he wants it. It’s going to be interesting to see what else you do, love the trailer as it is right now I’m sure we’ll love those changes too
Great video. Love the watts on just 1 panel.
Hi from Australia. Another great video.
Thanks for another instalment. ! Mike
Always good to see you updating and improving your trailer. My coffee was extra good this morning!
11.30 p.m. in Queensland Australia.
My coffee as well.
ALWAYS enjoy your ingenuity & creativity, Slim, and I admit to great envy of your innovative understanding of materials, tools, and physics that enables you to design & create whatever you need to implement the functionality you envision- and that with excellence, precision & panache!! As always, thanks so much for sharing the wonderfully vast range of your interests & skills (I’m amazed at the contrast between this video and your stunningly lovely, soothing & inspiring “Cup of Coffee & A View” recent video!!!). Stay healthy, be safe, and keep ‘em coming!! 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐
Thanks Slim, I hope to do something similar on my Roadtrek. AL
ENJOYED ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEYS !
Really like what you have done. Have some of the same items on my little 1998 Burro. Very much like the rail idea, makes it much easier for upgrades. On your solar panel, you might try the idea of mounting some, maybe heavy door hinges on the rails so that the panels can be adjusted to match the sun movement a little. My panels at this time are sitting on the ground now, but I may mouth them later, as yours have given me food for thought, always something to do and it's fun. Love your videos and take care.
I really like the monitor installation. So clean.
Hey Silm, I only have one UA-cam video, but you might like it. When I saw the front of your trailer, it looks like mine did before my modifications. Also I just have to say I enjoy all your videos!
200 hundred videos of Slim enjoying nature in the wild. 2 seconds of one bird in the city,singing; “where is that %#}{ bird? 🤣🤣. You have been cooped up to long. Iam glad you mentioned the haircut thing. We are all getting shaggy! I hope no plans for wind turbine.
Looks good Slim. Good work. 👍
All most at 100K Slim. Congrats in advance!