RV Electrical System: Batteries & Solar Panels

PREVIOUS: RV Electrical System: Design Batteries Central to the system and most visible are the batteries, which have to supply the electricity during the days when a hookup is not available. Two basic types are currently used in RV’s: Lead-Acid Batteries Types: Starting Battery – Use only to start the vehicle; its plates are too… Continue reading RV Electrical System: Batteries & Solar Panels

RV Electrical System: Design

PREVIOUS: RV Electrical System: History Two recent developments will change the future of RV living: flexible panels and Lithium batteries. Neither will benefit everybody, as the extra cost tends to favor boondockers, who receive a greater payback on their investment. Lower prices will inevitably lead to wider use and greater implementation by most, if not… Continue reading RV Electrical System: Design

Is The RV At The Forefront Of Low Voltage Home Wiring?

There are many similarities between a solar installation in an RV and a regular single-family home. OK, some differences are quite fundamental, like the total number of available PV panels and their orientation, yet with respect to the system wiring, differences are less apparent. The RV and the Marine environment have accumulated heaps of solar… Continue reading Is The RV At The Forefront Of Low Voltage Home Wiring?

Cargo Van Conversion: Safety First!

When you’re seriously considering to transform your cargo van into a full-fletched RV, you really have to pay attention to your SAFETY during and after the conversion. You know, whether you’re clumsy, impatient or don’t know how to hold a hammer. In that case, this undertaking is not for you. Go and buy a fully… Continue reading Cargo Van Conversion: Safety First!

Pressurized Solar Water Heater

A few gallons of hot water for a shower or just to clean up. It’s solar, so no electricity needed and you can pressurize it too. The tube-like structure is attached to a roof rack and features a short hose with sprayer. The sun heats the water inside during the day. From roadshower.com

8 Critical Elements Of A Modern Van Conversion

THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO HAVE A CONVERSION VAN. MOST FOLKS WILL USE IT FOR AFFORDABLE TRAVEL, AND SOME DOING THE MORE EXTREME BOONDOCKING AND EVEN LESS LIVING IN IT PERMANENTLY. Some use it as their mobile office, while traveling around the country, others have made it part of the Tiny House Movement. For me… Continue reading 8 Critical Elements Of A Modern Van Conversion

Cargo Van Conversion: How much time to invest?

TIME IS MONEY. TIME IS ENJOYMENT. TIME IS FULFILLMENT. TIME IS A WAY TO SAVE ON YOUR INVESTMENT. How long does it take and how much will it cost are the two questions most often asked. The answers are as unsatisfying as the questions. Time A full cargo van conversion can be done in a… Continue reading Cargo Van Conversion: How much time to invest?

Solar Panel Guide (2)

New approaches for small RV’s. PHOTOVOLTAIC FACTS After I introduced Semi Flexible Solar Panels in my previous post, questions remain about the performance of these new semi flexible modules. SOLAR PANEL TYPES Rigid Residential Flexible Amorphous Thin Film Semi Flexible average cost per watt 1 $ 0.80-2.00 $ 1.50 $ 2.00-7.00 low light performance average… Continue reading Solar Panel Guide (2)