Power Hungry in the Woods!

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Using solar power exclusively for my electrical needs has been a godsend for traveling in the West, but heading east has posed a few challenges. Here's what I did to keep my lust for power satisfied. Filmed while boondocking in Louisiana and Mississippi.
SIDE NOTE: This video was released several years ago. Lithium batteries are currently a lot cheaper, so my comment on their expense no longer applies.
For a list of all my videos, please use this link: ru-vid.com/show-UC5LjexFk9wZEnFsXA3TOx-gvideos
Email? Try my Webpage at www.slimpotatohead.com
My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Main Camera: Sony A7Sii: amzn.to/2J9voXk
Camcorder: Sony FRD-AX33: amzn.to/2khCRMT
4K Sports Camera: amzn.to/2Dtsygn
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2kOJqqY
Merlin 2 Steadicam: amzn.to/2X67unS
Tripod: amzn.to/2Xb3EKg
Editing: Powerdirector 17: amzn.to/2KqY8gC
Sports Chair: amzn.to/2OkN7PL
Products mentioned this video:
Renogy ETFE 100w Solar Panels: amzn.to/2XjxSL3
Y-connectors for Solar: amzn.to/2Z9HeKv
5 foot MC4 extension cables: amzn.to/2UScdv5
Tishi Hery 100W ETFE Panels: amzn.to/2IisC65
3-way solar coupler: amzn.to/2X9Nv6P
How I get around:
Trailer: 2004 Aliner with around 80,000 miles of hard use. Includes propane stove, hot shower, toilet, refrigerator, 200W solar, two 12V batteries (one AGM)
Tow Vehicle: 2007 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 230,000 km
* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using them for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!

Опубликовано:

15 апр 2019

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Комментарии : 892

@SlimPotatohead 5 лет назад

NOTE FROM SLIM: I am getting a lot of comments on this video, thanks. But I would really appreciate it if people would first read the other posts before making the same comments again and again. Three notes: 1) I am considering a new MPPT controller so thanks for those who provided useful info on them. 2) Lithium-Ion Batteries are NOT an option for me at this time as I travel on a very tight budget, plus I also travel in extreme temperatures. Glad they work for others but I will not be pursuing them until the price drops and they charge below freezing. 3) NO GENERATORS, Ever! I may block the word generator if I must explain every time why I will not use them!!!! 4) Renogy apparently changed their design to include grommets. Yay!!! 5) DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS IN YOUR POST PLEASE! They get blocked and I have no time to verify them. Thanks! SP

@grego7345 5 лет назад

We are not here to judge you, Slim, we're only here to live through you vicariously. 😁

@canesser1 5 лет назад

LOL! Almost lost my coffee there, and I think 39 more of us are doing the same as you (and counting). Made my day Greg ;)

@danperreault9966 5 лет назад

right on Greg O

@Carole.P 5 лет назад

Ditto 🌈

@ramserr1 5 лет назад

Loved the heartfelt "confession" at the beginning. Made me laugh. Oh, the horror!

@CustomFitz1 4 года назад

It's like deja'vu , watching you sit in a camper while it's raining. I feel like I'm there.... love it!

@johncampbell335 5 лет назад

Ahhh, my morning coffee and a potatohead video. A good day begins.

@voyager4328 5 лет назад

John Campbell oh ya !

@jenniferkaven7125 3 месяца назад

😂😂😂😂

@2travelingzombies 5 лет назад

My wife and I absolutely love your videos and look forward to seeing them. We binge watched all of your videos and found you to be (in our opinion) the best of all boondocking videos on RU-vid. We anxiously wait for your videos each week and hope to meet you in the future. Keep up the great work and thank you for showing us the beautiful scenery and informative tips and tricks. Love your sense of humor. 😋

@packiejoegilheany1171 5 лет назад

I’m thinking of my 90 year old aunt living in her cottage in the west of Ireland . She was given solar panels ( installed) for her hot water heater and lights. The sun comes out a few times a year ( maybe) . I was shocked that they work and work well. Someone told me that they harness uv rays and the sun isn’t really needed. Just thought about that watching your video. Cheers again for a good show

@rebekahleonard2884 5 лет назад

I've given up choosing which of your videos to store for reference...you now have your own folder! I always enJOY your practical solutions... and the humor is greatly appreciated. Journey mercies.

@donfoster5576 5 лет назад

Plugged in? RE-VOLTING!!

@toekafrank6998 5 лет назад

😂😂😂

@katcankan7129 5 лет назад

😂😂😂👍🏼

@oceanbrzzz 5 лет назад

Don Foster Hahhaaa! Good one.

@projet2907 5 лет назад

😂

@allwhowander6155 5 лет назад

AHHHH .... get it??? ..... TOoOoOo FuNnY! :D :D

@fym6058 5 лет назад

Slim, you are very funny. I enjoy each video you posted. Thank you for your time, energy, and generosity.

@hikenrv 5 лет назад

Another great video..and we like the idea of calculating amp usage on a typical day! If correct, in one of your previous videos you had suggested plugging in for winter camping (to use a ceramic heater), but that may have been before you had the small wood burning stove idea. Ingenuity, and innovation are two words that so often apply to your channel!

@lindatolliver 5 лет назад

I really enjoy your videos. They are both informative, funny and real. :)

@megeier4793 5 лет назад

I'm a huge van of "nomadic life" videos, but you are far and away THE best! Your efforts are truly appreciated. Even my husband is a huge fan! Learning a lot from you. Thanks so much!

@hackonefouryou 4 года назад

Mr. Potatohead, thanks for coming and enjoying our great weather. Usually like that for 200 days a year. You have taught me enough about these fantastic machines that I think I am ready to do this with my son this summer. I've always been the computer geek dad, but I think you have given me the confidence to get out there and live it. Great stuff my friend, thanks for making great inspirational videos.

@skippy2752 5 лет назад

Great video. You explain things where we can understand. Thanks for taking the time to show this. Thanks for taking us along.

@beckybarrett5783 5 лет назад

Part of the beauty of watching you is the education I get on a variety of pertinent subjects. Keep on camping n bringing us great content. Thx, Slim.

@adkanp 5 лет назад

Slim, I like how you take subjects like solar panels and make them easy to understand. Thank you

@MrWayout55 5 лет назад

Break down and buy lithium batteries. 1. they can draw down to 0% without hurting them. 2. they are less then half the weight of AGM's. 3. they can take high amp's to recharge them, quickly. 4. they can be recharged 3,000 to 5,000 times, unlike AGM at 500 times. Battle Born are the best. Love your video's

@ScubaSteveCanada 5 лет назад

Yup, Battle Born, Relion and Life Blue are all good brands. Renogy are a bit too new to know how well they stand up in the long term.

@lordagmar 5 лет назад

after all this time watching you im finally getting an aframe for myself, glad ive gotten to see all your informative videos so far

@scooterswig 5 лет назад

Thank you for the video. You actually did help. A few questions I have were answered but lol that only led me to a few more questions. But truly I appreciate the video it helped a lot. Have a good one and safe travels!

@judyabernathy80 5 лет назад

Good job! You make it work, no matter what problem you have. Excellent work!

@sixtieschick4622 4 года назад

Love your videos and appreciate the work you have to put in to make them. You've given me options for boondocking that I never considered. I'll be better prepared too! Thanks.👌

@samstlm 5 лет назад

I don’t even know you anymore! In all seriousness I just discovered you and your videos. They are top notch in the RU-vid world - in my opinion. Keep up the great work.

@pauls466 5 лет назад

I recently saw a Y-Tube vid of a Australian outbacker whom had the " best " panels money could buy , Than he bought the cheapest Chinese ones to compare them , To his horror the cheap ones outperformed the branded ones in every way , He did the test 3 times over as he could not believe it . Ps a MPPT is really efficient if the open voltage of your panels is higher than 17 volt ! When you use the panels in series ( higher voltage ) its a must do . Hope this helps , Paul.

@noahcount7132 5 лет назад

You're forgiven, Slim. Your 'transgression' was a temporary measure motivated by desperation, and you've taken steps to avoid having to resort to shore power in the future. Well done!

@bobl8543 5 лет назад

You are an Awesome Guy!! I watch your videos over and over.

@tomjohnsoon6857 5 лет назад

lol..... Scotty i need more Power.... I'm givin' her all she's got, captain! 😁😁😁

@BestEasyWormTea 5 лет назад

We do TRULY LOVE YOU Slim and we ALWAYS WILL!!! Thanks for sharing your unique EXPERIENCES!!! Keep On Truckin', Dude!!!

@pagewhite8177 5 лет назад

I’m givin’ her all she’s got Captain! It looks pretty wherever you are, I hope it stays sunny so you get all charged up. Enjoy your week and thanks for the video.

@gmaneis 5 лет назад

Not to worry, Slim. Everybody loves your videos! The list of electrical things you use was very helpful at the end of this video. Thanks. Oh, and I have some Canadian blood in me. Love those geese!!!!

@deeanderson5670 5 лет назад

Camping is all about doing what you want to do. Slim you are still my go to guy. Thanks again.

@MrACDude 5 лет назад

Looks great Slim! With several cloudy days all you need to do is start your tow vehicle and charge your trailer battery using a set of jumper cables. I usually only need to run that dirty hot shaky smelly thing for about 1/2 hour at idle!

@oldgeekster1 5 лет назад

ROTFL! Very much enjoyed the opening! Hope the new panels hold up well for you under limited usage plan.

@outbackeddie 4 года назад

I'm glad I watched your video. I also have 200 watts of solar on my RV and I am thinking of heading east next spring for a couple months. I have thought about adding another 200 watts just to deal with the low charging rate on bad weather days. Your video has confirmed my concerns and motivated me to do it. Thanks, and best wishes to you for safe travel.

@oceanbrzzz 5 лет назад

Hahaaa. I never realized you “never” hooked up to power and I’ve been watching you for a long time. Personally, I do what makes me comfortable. We no longer have our class A RV, but are seeking a smaller camper which we will outfit with plenty solar panels and, probably lithium batteries. One thing (among many) I have learned watching you is to reduce using the generator! Thank you for your quality advice and videos, as well as your sense of humor.

@voyager4328 5 лет назад

"I was another one of THEM" Man my sides nearly split, lol that was a great line. And thanks for another great video Slim.

@bobl8543 5 лет назад

We love your videos! You are a funny guy and show us a lot of places and you travel a lot. I want to eventually get a Aliner camper as well.

@restlesshomebody 5 лет назад

I kept thinking there has to be a way to reduce your power needs until you got to the end and detailed which things you are using that need power. Eight hours editing your videos? Wow, but I really appreciate the effort, your segments are well-planned and elegant. Thank you! BTW, I live on the Oregon coast and yes, we have "issues" with sun in the winter months, but compared to the rest of the country I'll take our averages and be glad I'm here!

@bobl8543 5 лет назад

I like how talk about different things. Your a natural at making videos!

@tumblebugspace 5 лет назад

You, sir, look like one happy camper! Thanks for posting!

@RollingRob 5 лет назад

Hey Slim, you have been all over my neck of the woods here in Texas. You are by far my favorite channel, I appreciate all your wealth of knowledge and experiences, observations. I will hopefully be in my new to me rig soon!!! I have been searching for an accessible rig I can travel in independently...most important it’s got to be light and manageable so I can just “hook it and book it” as I like to say! So teardrop is my choices ( I think I have found a great one) as I have tried others but far too many campers have way too narrow doors that I can get in and out by myself from my wheelchair. I posted some of my struggles on my channel to share my experiences... anyway hope to run into you one day! Keep them coming!

@sjTHEfirst 5 лет назад

Another great video Slim. Yup, hard to get away from the need for power.

@maryvought8495 5 лет назад

Love your sense of humor Slim. Another great video! Thank you!

@marcclarke01 5 лет назад

Innovative and highly practical solution to insufficient power. Well done. Thank you for the video. Lots to think about.

@SK22000 5 лет назад

I’m glad you show all the ups and downs of your adventures.

@dickvankoughnett2331 5 лет назад

Hi slim ,I enjoy your videos. I have a Rockwood 196 A frame It has a built in casset toilet . I would not be without it . Any way i keep telling my Wife that I think I may hold the record for most nights in one of these campers .I was averaging 140 nights a year . that is before i found your site . I on a hook up though water and electric . I smiled when i saw you using backer rod to seal around the top and the walls ,i have been doing that for 4 years now .I ordered the bearings to stop the top sections from rubbing ,great idea and thanks for that . Have safe travels and thanks for the entertainment .Richard

@thizizliz 5 лет назад

Seems like a great solution for a quick fix & knowing you, it won't be long before you make it more elegant & easy to use.

@helentrulli2586 5 лет назад

Love your posts. Informative and infused with your wonderful humour.

@JackieL7474 5 лет назад

I love all of your videos. Even if it's about repairs which I know nothing about doing. I just wish your videos were longer because I love them more than anything!

@MrBluoct 5 лет назад

Always enjoy this channel- Thanks for the efforts and approach to your content- “.... Ominous clouds of doom... “ Classic.

@ellenthivierge8004 5 лет назад

I would NEVER judge you Slim. We all have to do what we have to do at times. You had to plug in your A liner that is not a crime. I understand you want to be off grid but there are times that you might just have to plug in the camper and going on grid. Don't beat yourself up over this. We still love you no matter what. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming. :)

@kathbeth43 4 года назад

It happens to everybody sooner or later. I just love your videos. Stay safe in your travels.

@shawntims3817 5 лет назад

I love any video that has to do with trailer modifications can't wait to see the next one!

@mtss0917 5 лет назад

Great information, Slim. Always entertaining videos. Safe travels.

@MEugeneDavis 4 года назад

It might be just the old geezer in me, but I am thinking of starting the lifestyle, at 63, after having a lifetime of adventures on the road. I have about five million miles driving around the USA and am getting the call. Soon I can do it with an older RV. I lived in the cab of a big rig 28 days a month. I have been watching a lot of videos from all sorts of people online, but I enjoy your videos best. I doubt I will do a detached unit. I like having the living area and driving area together. You do good work. A craftsman in DIY, and a craftsman in producing videos too!

@beachbum9869 5 лет назад

Another shocking video. You got me all amped up after watching your vid. Hey, you gotta do whatcha gotta do. Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work, the puns, and be safe. Keep 'em comming.....don't leave us in the dark! OK I'll stop now.

@WelcomeToMyDream 5 лет назад

LOL :)

@robertburke8184 5 лет назад

Keep on A-lining, bud’! Love your videos!

@adozensparrows 5 лет назад

What a funny part!! Rain begins to fall. Slim: "It's an embarrassment . . We'll talk about it later." Ha! Ha.

@wallywal6139 5 лет назад

Hey Slim - Great video! I have those big window bubble skylights on my A-Frame popup so no room on the roof plus I like to park in shade if I can. My solution is a bit different and I have laptop, drone, tablet, etc. plus a 30qt Engel fridge. I use 2 Trojan T105 6 volt in series and Zamp portable 120 watt solar panels with a long extension so I can move them around. What saves me is an Ecoflow River 114,000 mAh lithium power bank and cheap 60 watt Suaoki folding solar panels. The River powers and charges all my electronics for days and I can move it anywhere to find the sun. It will run the fridge on it's own and keep up nicely with the 60 watt panels if I want to. I've gone several days with little or no sun and the camper batteries have never dropped below 75% because I use them sparingly. A small collection of power banks ($20.00 or so each) will power small fans, charge phones, etc. So I'm charging power banks every chance I get but never want for power. It's a math problem like you pointed out. Figure your amp draw and plan for worst case. The River is pricey and I found it on eBay for a really good price but there are other cheaper options. So far, I've never had to plug-in or use a generator. Happy travels!

@JANDLWOODWORKING 5 лет назад

Finely a video that says just the facts that you really need! Great Video!!!

@joharmon2148 5 лет назад

I'm going to look into a solar panel for my little camper shell since I don't like paying to hook up and would like to do more off grid free camping. Can always depend on you for teaching us the how to do things that most of us can understand. Loved your confession LOL

@glennbeattie6172 5 лет назад

Slim I agree with most commenters. I live in my van. An MPPT controller is so superior in low light conditions! On my set up I use an extension cord and some homemade adpators to be able to set my ground deploy panel up to 50 feet away. Out of the trees. I recommend a victron controller with blue tooth.

@tnwilliamson 5 лет назад

Slim, I have had similar issues with my aliner, not enough juice to power the meager needs of my gizmos. I tow with a Ford Escape, 2014 vintage, and it has factory installed inverter that I can plug the camper 110v line into. I can recharge the camper battery in short time by idling the escape while connected to the camper. You have found a solution with the two new panels, simple and doesn't require burning gas, which is great. The inverter is an alternate solution which has helped me out in the past.

@hotbrass2165 5 лет назад

LOL! I’m one of “them” every time I go camping and honestly not ashamed of it. To each his own. Enjoy your videos. Thanks

@cindychurch925 4 года назад

Slim. I just LOVE your videos. You keep it real and with a sense of humor

@professionaltinkerer 5 лет назад

Slim... my suggestion.. a new MPPT controller and wire those panels in series-parallel to get them to 24V (or even better series them all to 48V when all 4 are connected). You will get more useable daylight hours and better use of low light situations since the MPPT will output the desired charge voltage while the panels are pumping out way more voltage and via Ohm's law, being converted to additional current on the battery side.. Also, a good MPPT controller will allow you to "over-panel" the controller while still limiting the maximum output current, exactly for situations like you experienced, or for Summer/Winter fixed array compensation.

@WelcomeToMyDream 5 лет назад

_"over-panel" the controller_ Yes sir, that's how I do it here in the wet south east, especially with the price of panels compared to batteries.

@rhondalyn100 5 лет назад

Mr. Slim..you are sooooo funny. What a great actor! Thanks for all the great information in such an entertaining way. :-)

@faithrada 5 лет назад

Nothing to apologize for... loving your awesome creativity .. you be you!

@jodielindakeahey5214 4 года назад

Hysterical ! You’re forgiven Slim. Keep it coming.

@tractorhyatt7044 5 лет назад

Forgot to add, but please consider doing a Q&A video with your viewers. We can submit questions in the comments section. Thanks again!

@morethantheeyesees 5 лет назад

Great video Slim! Keep up the good work! Hope to meet you out there on the trail someday!

@DrJohn493 5 лет назад

Welcome to Springtime in the South! Since your this far east, you owe it to yourself to check out the Smokey Mountains during spring green up and when the dogwoods are blooming. BTW, how about a video on how you put a video together using PowerDirector? Maybe a good rainy day project ;-)

@johnhodg8400 5 лет назад

Good video, thanks again for sharing, I'm learning what not to do and what to do. !!!

@jeremycrowe234 5 лет назад

Lol you got caught. You didn’t know what you were thinking! Good editing!

@outlaw7x77 5 лет назад

Thank You for breaking down the Techno Phychobabble into an easier to understand edition. Some people (myself included) just dont get electronic stuff. But this made it much easier to digest. Hope you are enjoying Texas. I just got back frome a month in Az. I thought if you while I was there. That was my first trip out for that length of time.

@minenot4753 5 лет назад

I watch a LOT of youtube and have to say that your channel is my favorite by far. I am so happy I found your channel. I am preparing to go on an adventure next year and will be putting a lot of your techniques into my build. Unfortunately an Aliner is not something I can handle myself being 5'3 with a torn shoulder but that doesn't mean I still can't borrow your ideas.

@SlimPotatohead 5 лет назад

Finding a trailer that suits your personal needs and budget is essential to sucessfull travel. I'm sure you'll find one perfect just for you. Thanks! SP

@susanfoster4141 5 лет назад

Yep, morning coffee and unplugged with Slim! All is forgiven. Glad you didn't film it, the shock might have scarred me for life lol!! Thanks for all the fun. 🤗

@phillipmorris1334 5 лет назад

thanks for graciously taking your precious moments to enlighten how to maximize solar power!! save travels, health and joyful journeys ahead from the ozarks

@jan6293 5 лет назад

Thanks Slim! Good tips on solar 👍💕

@elisabethseeger5837 5 лет назад

You’re always great. Love it.

@fredsieber2676 5 лет назад

That storm stinks for solar power but a rainstorm in the woods is a relaxing sound. Take a nap!

@MattLesak 5 лет назад

MPPT controllers have come down in price and size. Great options out there that give you several parameters you can configure right from your phone. MPPT is great when you want higher voltages turned into amps. I've been using the Victron SmartSolar 75/15 and it's been great.

@bobshaw4063 5 лет назад

Slim OH ! NO ! you didn't ? Oh my goodness how could you do such a thing LOL !! Good for you for giving in to the pressure .

@jenniferkaven7125 3 месяца назад

😂😂😂😂😂

@lindaboyd6067 5 лет назад

Thanks again for sharing your ideas, be safe traveling, love ya

@terrymoseley168 5 лет назад

Hard stuff for this old brain to figure out. But thanks for the tips and suggestions. I will soon be learning for myself in a cargo trailer. Happy camping to ya.

@pearlburl 5 лет назад

LOL, I love the beginning! Great info, also. Thanks.

@OldManGlitch 5 лет назад

The MPPT is very well worth the investment bud. Love your videos, a lot. Thanks for sharing everything you do.

@bakupcpu 5 лет назад

Great video! I do have an advise for you and it would be using battery of the same rating and type. You can also buy deep cycle battery in 6 volts version they will be the same size and have more capacity. I have 2 6 volts 220 Ah in my camper van, yes they are heavy but they had the power to run my fridge all night on electric power. You could also equip yourself with a small 12 volts generator for extreme case. Keep on camping!! and Cheers from Canada!

@rcsproject627 5 лет назад

Awesome vid Slim thank you.

@basails45 5 лет назад

Great one Slim! Had me cracking up!

@ChristinaColoradoan 5 лет назад

LOL, you must have hated the hook up spot, most places are just so crowded. Good understandable explanation of solar usage 👍🌞🌞🌞🌞

@artieross9537 5 лет назад

Great sense of humor! LOL Love watching your Vlogs!!!

@outbackwack368 5 лет назад

Another good video, Slim! Adding solar is on my list, but a lower priority. I'll probably go with 400w for my 30' TT. Only have 1 deep cycle marine right now but will probably go with lithium when the time comes. Never been boondocking yet...finding fresh water without having to tow that extra 350 pounds far is my concern. And I have a 3000w inverter generator, which weighs 130 pounds filled. Thanks and safe travels!

@mnwyfanann4310 5 лет назад

New @ solar all your info helps! Just rec'd my suitcase 100w Reongy to start.

@mr.different7494 5 лет назад

Slim you rock. I Enjoy yer content and honesty. All is forgiven.

@merlin1477024 5 лет назад

Another great video. Thanks, Slim! Sorry that Texas drove you over the edge to paid camping. Hope Sam Houston NF made up for it little.

@vt1398 5 лет назад

Great video as always!! Thank you!!!

@JordiRamis 5 лет назад

Love the introduction, you are hillarious. Greetings from Mallorca island (Spain)

@dandrexelius5542 5 лет назад

slim, we all have done hook ups ,anyways heres and idea for you I have an aliner , ihave solar panels on the same side as you . what I did to add panels is on other side of trailer which as you know folds inside I used outdoor Velcro to attach panels and separate charge controller . you can remove them when not needed or can leave them on when trailer folds down ,I do not have a frame for these and I thought they would not produce as much but I was wrong . the trailer companies glue to skin of trailer which I didn't like so I used Velcro with separate controller works great

@dandrexelius5542 5 лет назад

slim I have same controller too. the button on the left if you push it 3 times it gives you amps coming in,also you can set the high limit by pressing this button and you will eventually get a wrench on the screen with voltage you can set these manually but they are factory set to 14 volts .when your battery gets to full charge the controller automatically reduces amount going to battery so you don't over charge, as ive said I put panels on other side ,I mounted 2nd controller inside trailer by inverter and have mp4 plugs under seat , then I made a extension cord to attach to no. 2 controller and out power plug opening to panels . no holes and is very portable with the Velcro . anyways I wish I could contact you privately but don't know how . I hope this helps you .