|
| AZCactus | | Taranis |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 24 Oct 2020 - 15:34 Post title : AZ Goes Boonie | | | I'm building a 24V solar system for RV boondocking; 640 watt array, LiFePO4 280AH battery bank, 3000 watt inverter/charger, 60 amp charge controller and 24-12V step down converter. The power plant is slightly oversized and expandable. It'll power the Jayco travel trailer (including air conditioning, refrigerator and microwave). ...independent of shore power and generator.
As of now the array is secured to the roof...lots more to do!
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 24 Oct 2020 - 17:36 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | Picture is like a desert post card. It that just a get away spot? That is nice array of equipment, hope none of the belts chirp? so do you have a plot of land? Or is it like a boomtown. I ask because you need water.
| | Post edited by rayglo on 24 Oct 2020 - 20:48 |
|
|
|
| Leethal | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
|
| | Posted : 25 Oct 2020 - 00:55 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | I've docked in marinas, wharves, jetties, pontoons etc but how do you dock in a boon? Don't even know what a boon is.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it 
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 25 Oct 2020 - 01:54 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: Leethal) | | | 
At this rate, I may be Mr. Thunderbird in 2030! 
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 25 Oct 2020 - 09:44 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: Leethal) | | | Lee I googled boondocking, it's a way to live off the grid and not at a rv site with amenities. But my question is where's the water come from in the dessert, a well? How do you get rid of waste? Maybe Rich will tell us when he gets his electric 2030 t bird
|
|
|
|
| Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
|
| | Posted : 25 Oct 2020 - 11:22 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | Fair enough, we just call it free camping or self contained.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 25 Oct 2020 - 14:58 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: Leethal) | | | I get the camping thing, crap out in the wood. but if you use your bathroom or wash dishes will you have to discharge and reload at another site with water. Tell us Rich.
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 25 Oct 2020 - 16:39 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | As for food, water and waste dump...nearby towns offer services and supplies. My RV has tanks for fresh, grey and black water...probably service every 3 weeks. If I use propane to space heat and cook, may go a month before refueling. But a toasty electric blanket at night and campfire/microwave will do ;) The real necessities are food and water.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camp sites are very popular for independent RVers, usually free and park rangers provide a host of services for visitors.
Quartzsite, AZ. A popular BLM winter-site has mild temps.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 25 Oct 2020 - 20:48 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | Sunsets are spectacular in AZ. Would you get an out building for the bird or due to the lack of rain will you not need one? Also is it going to be a full-time residence or a winter get away?
I hear scorpions are tasty
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 26 Oct 2020 - 11:33 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | Thunderbird will be in storage and I'm boondocking full time through next year. ...send me a postcard. Boonie Ave, AZ 00000
Another necessity for boondocking is trailer clearance. I raised the RV by installing a Baja kit; axle flip, new leaf springs, extended front and rear stabilizing jacks, 15" wheels and new steps.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 26 Oct 2020 - 13:44 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | How will you get your mail? PO box? Reading all the diescrptions and the work you did I can understand why you don't have time. How close will your nearest neighbor be, 30 cactus down, or you see nobody. The reason I ask all these questions is because I help take care of my 90 year old mom I will be in Jersey. Taxes are high here and I retired at 61. I am sure I could swing something like you are doing but I have to have some knowledge. I assume you own the property and pay little taxes. And don't worry about me moving to 2 Boonie Ave 00000 I would probably live in NM.
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 29 Oct 2020 - 18:39 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | Guess you have no internet connection out there
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 30 Oct 2020 - 13:36 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | I haven't decided on a PO Box, most likely. And the smart phone will pretty much do everything, provided a connection. It'd be nice to tether the iPad for internet. After converting the Jayco to a Baja model, applied Baja decals...it's official
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
| | Post edited by AZCactus on 30 Oct 2020 - 14:10 |
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 30 Oct 2020 - 14:14 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | Just the other day I saw a Jay Flight camper and would have never noticed it unless I saw yours. Decals look great. My laptop got compromised by some ass and I rarely use it. I have a on going issue with the internet here so if I have to access my laptop I turn the phone into a hot spot. You probably already new that. Unlimited data for me I like playing with the phone. Getting a dirt bike?
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 31 Oct 2020 - 13:53 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | I'm not familiar with hotspots (or technologies) to gain internet access in remote areas, any info is appreciated. I'll contact my phone service provider too.
No dirt bike just tow the Jayco, keep it simple.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 31 Oct 2020 - 17:02 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | If you have internet on your phone out in the boonies than you can go under settings on your phone and create a hot spot. You can't miss it. Turn on your device and look for the signal and connect. It uses data, something you have to think about.
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 08 Nov 2020 - 18:31 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: RodneyClark) | | | RodneyClark wrote:
how much power are they generating? And how long does it sustain |
|
640 watt solar array, 6.72 kWh battery bank...enough power to light 67 100 watt incandescent lightbulbs for an hour. The Lithium batteries may last 10 years.
Installed 24" scissor jacks to compensate for the Baja suspension lift.
Ceramic tinted windows stop 99% of UV rays and 95% of heat (without compromising visibility)...great for privacy and solar powered air conditioning.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
| | Post edited by AZCactus on 08 Nov 2020 - 18:41 |
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 14 Jan 2021 - 18:34 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie | | | trailer trash
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 15 Jan 2021 - 15:16 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | Sorry to hear that your dog feels that way about you. I give you alot of credit getting of the grid. My only concern would be Loneliness at some point, maybe you have neighbors I don't know. But living out in nature has its own benefits. 
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 16 Jan 2021 - 13:00 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | Loneliness is a state of mind, I guess it depends on one's interaction with Nature. Things like prospecting, ant watching, bear feeding, star gazing and GS will keep me busy I have CB and SW radios to stay in touch.
And I'm sure there'll be campers in the area but not next door.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 16 Jan 2021 - 13:35 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | I see you have a good plan. You have your best friend with you also
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 16 Jan 2021 - 15:53 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | And bring along a few books and music.
Simon & Garfunkel-America Link
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 16 Jan 2021 - 17:00 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | I imagine that there is very little light pollution out there for star gazing. I have an app on my phone called star gazing, lite version. Just point your phone up to the sky. It will outline all the constellations, name stars and satellites. Most interesting.
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 17 Jan 2021 - 09:20 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | That is interesting. What's the name of the app?
Happy Sunday
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 17 Jan 2021 - 12:02 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | Rich the app is skyview lite. Lite meaning free version. I am sure you will find it interesting. I think I might be able to get a ride in today, so Happy Sunday it will be
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 25 Jan 2021 - 01:11 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | Thnx Ray.
Today solar panels buried in snow
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 25 Jan 2021 - 11:30 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | Looks like 6+ inches of snow, didn't think it you could get that much. You probably could use the water in AZ. Are the panels delicate for a snow shovel or do you have a quick melt ?
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 25 Jan 2021 - 13:38 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: rayglo) | | | Yes it can snow in Northern Arizona (a couple years ago as much as 1.5 ft./45 cm). A good test for the solar install, the roof is watertight And simply brush off the snow, one thing to keep in mind because of weight. Anyway the Jayco can handle four seasons but once I'm on the road, it'll be mild climate.
An example of federal land in AZ (BLM)
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
|
| | Posted : 01 Feb 2021 - 11:51 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie | | | Prep for the journey- exhaust fan installed and solar lithium batteries shipped from overseas, eta late February.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
|
|
|
|
| rayglo | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
|
| | Posted : 06 Feb 2021 - 14:10 Post title : Re: AZ Goes Boonie (Re: AZCactus) | | | Hey Rich, not much happening on the forum so I figured I would change it up. Are you doing all the installations yourself? Also how long do you plan to live off the grid per year, or is it a retirement idea? Is it possible that you go for a Ebike also? The fan is a great idea but will you need AC also. I imagine that the solar panels will reduce temperature rise in the camper. Send a long answer because I can't ride in these snowy conditions. Thanks
|
|
|