EV4U Off-Grid provides the Big Picture fundamentals necessary to power any off-grid setup. Including solar power vehicles.
How-to Setup Off-Grid Power for a Trailer or Cabin. Information about battery systems, solar, general electrical (AC & DC), Trailer Conversions, and being off-grid in general. Grid down survival and much more.
Very nice build. But I wonder if Homemade Costs Were More Than Dealer-Bought. Have you ever embarked on a DIY project with the best of intentions, only to find yourself sinking more time, labor, and materials into it than you ever could have imagined? I'm willing to bet that many of you have been in this situation at some point or another. I recently found myself in this exact predicament. I had decided to build my own camper from scratch, convinced that it would be a fun and cost-effective way to travel. I spent hours researching, planning,watching youtube videos,, and designing the perfect layout. I sourced materials, tools, and equipment, and got to work. Fast forward several months, and I was still working on the project. The hours have turned into days, the days into weeks, and the weeks into months. The materials I've purchased have piled up, and the costs have added up to a staggering amount. I've lost count of the number of trips I've made to the home depot, walmart, and waiting for Amazon shipments. And then it hit me: I've spent more time, labor, and materials on this project than I would have if I had simply bought a travel trailer. The irony is not lost on me. I set out to save money and have a fun DIY project, but in the end, I've ended up breaking the bank. I'm not alone in this experience. Many DIY enthusiasts have found themselves in similar situations. We get caught up in the excitement of creating something with our own hands, and we lose sight of the costs. We convince ourselves that the end result will be worth it, that the sense of pride and accomplishment will outweigh the expenses. But the truth is, sometimes it's just not worth it. Sometimes, it's better to swallow our pride and admit that buying something built is the more cost-effective option. So, to all my fellow DIY conversion enthusiasts out there, let this be a cautionary tale. Before embarking on your next project, take a step back and do the math. Consider the costs, not just of materials, but of your time and labor as well. Ask yourself if the end result will truly be worth the investment. I built one and if the answer is no, don't be afraid to walk away. Your wallet - and your sanity - will thank you.
the RV industry is seiously lacking on quality control. I built a cargo conversion camper 15 years ago. Well I am needing a larger one at this time. On looking around TRAILERSPLUS advertised that they are the specialists in this field. They advertise one piece roofs, totally sealed floors, built to last. So I paid more than others were charging for this better quality. drove 2.5 hours to the dealer here in Florida. After getting home I notice screws missing on exterior paneling. after getting a ladder to look at the roof (7 foot walls) I see a three piece roof. I installed a RV door latch and window. Then I pulled interior plywood off to insulated walls. found all verticle seems not sealed. Day light can be seen on all of them. Front exterior wall has a 2 inch gap from the floor. All this is opposite of there advertising, Picture adds stapled to this trailer. I contact them and he said procedure is to take pictures and send them by text. Then he changed tunes and said I would have to bring back the trailer so they could evaluate. Well they replied that it was built with in there specifications!!!. So I am stuck with a trailer that needs a lot of work to make it water tight. I think people need to be aware of this false advertisement from this company. They never stated what there guid lines are for quality control are. BUT aparently if it can be hidden from the buyer it passes!!
Sad but true. Seems that there are few companies that take pride in their products. I just returned from another trip, approximately 1,500 miles and 14 days. Dealt with three good storms and everything seems to be fine. I also did an inspection of the frame this morning and so far so good. Seems you have to make up for the short comings of the manufacturer and do the best that you can. But it would be nice to be able to purchase a good quality product at a fair price. All the best on your conversion.
And they are all like that. There is low quality in RVs and even less in Cargo Trailers. Here are some common issues with cargo trailers that are often reported: • Leaks and water damage: A trailer that's not properly sealed can let in water, damaging your belongings and leaving you with a costly cleanup. • Poor construction: Flimsy materials and shoddy workmanship can lead to a trailer that's prone to breaking down or collapsing under the weight of your cargo. • Inadequate lighting: Insufficient lighting can make it difficult, especially in low-light conditions. • Lack of security: A trailer that's not properly secured can be an easy target for thieves, putting you and your valuables at risk. These issues can be not only frustrating but also costly. If you're planning to buy a cargo trailer, it's essential to do your research and choose a reputable company that prioritizes quality. Some tips for choosing a reliable cargo trailer include: • Research the company: Look for reviews and ratings from other customers to get an idea of the company's reputation. • Inspect the trailer: Before buying, inspect the trailer for any signs of damage, fit and finish or quality • Read the fine print: Make sure you understand the warranty and any liability clauses. And, buy local. It is no fun to drive to Georgia for any issues. By taking the time to choose a high-quality cargo trailer, you can ensure a safe and successful conversion.
Beautiful conversion. Is the bed lift mechanics a complete system you purchased or something you fabricated and then attached a winch? TIA. :-) (We're looking to do a conversion ourselves in the next year or so.)
Well since I live in a high heat area, recent high of 118 (Just had two weeks of 110+). Weeks of 100+ temps, I can give you that information. Please stay tuned for an up coming video that addresses this topic. Thank you for watching.
