Camping/Overlanding Thread

Built this solar battery box as a little project. Still havent used it or tried the solar because im easily distracted. It did charge a milwakee battery though. Little 10watt panel fits inside the box, has a high/low vent on opposite ends for airflow (used 1 1/2 abs unions). Wires for solar will exit via vents and there will be abs 45’s on vents to keep the weather out. There is room to double battery capacity but it gets kinda heavy.
Im into it for about $200 CAD which is reasonable i think.

 

What roof rack and bumper are on your 4runner? How do you like the bumper. My wife is looking at that style for hers.

 

Don't know if this will help or not but it's where I'm heading for my fridge set-up. I just bought a dometic DZ 75 from Amazon for 1k. We want to be able to power the fridge with solar and battery while truck is running and be able to move from my Tundra to wife's 4Runner and our teardrop. So this is the slide I'm going with https://tembotusk.myshopify.com/collections/fridge-cargo-slides They are stupid expensive (all slides seem to be) but using the docking station I will be able to remove the slide since it's my daily driver and I still use the bed for hauling stuff. we will also be able to have docking stations in all vehicles without having to buy multiple slides (financially it will be a wash) I am connecting a dometic outlet in the bed that's connected to switch pro. I am also making one of these

https://roofnest.com/diy-portable-camping-battery/


Connecting it to solar to charge battery during day. I have no idea how it will work but it seems the budget friendly way. I hope (need) to have all this done by Tepui fest in Oct

 

Looks good. These portable battery boxes are very useful to have around camp. You should put some LED lights on the outside to act as a lantern. You can pick some up cheap on eBay.

 

Looks like a future project!
Just plan to run it off my main battery at first, but if I have any problems will be quick to do this. Also, was thinking about a cheaper model fridge. Dometic and ARB seem nice but pricey. I see the iceco and costway with decent reviews and good price on Amazon. The upgraded compressors of the iceco units are appealing. Anyone running these or heard any real horror stories?

 

Iceco jp50
https://www.wayfair.com/ICECO--Port...ybcyXA5bM2_x3xo4-SrWIktkr63K1PxsaAheqEALw_wcB

 

I will definitely be copying their diy for my Utah trip. Btw, I’ll see you at TF!

 

I have access to several 2 year old lithium aviation batteries (24V not 12V). According to FAA regulations they have to be replaced after 2 years so the old ones are still good, but not really worth anything for aviation repair shops. They're about the same size as a motorcycle battery, but way lighter.

Anyone ever heard of someone using 24V deep cycle batteries on an overland camping setup?

 

Pretty common for power inverters to accept 24volts dc and turn it into 110 ac

 

Great thread and pics! Here are a few of mine. The tent in the pics is the one we got from the Toyota dealer with their new Tundra deal back in August of 2015.

 

I’m in the same exact boat right now

 

Yeah, I assumed there would be 24V inverters available since big rigs have 24V electrical systems.

I'm more concerned about an onboard system for charging them.

 

I usually use dry ice in my food cooler. It works well and wont get everything all wet.

 

How much dry ice in weight and price do you need for a yeti 50 or 65? How many days does it last?
I have definitely considered dry ice. Last time we used it was for “liquid platinum” aka breast milk.

 

Awesome pics. Grayson Highlands? Camped at the Scales?

Sure looks like it. Love the area and spend a lot of time hiking, trail running and camping in that area.

 

My wife does a nice job with my iPhone! Thanks. Yes I was inspired by Venture4wd on YouTube to visit the Scales. Stopped in Damascus, enjoyed the high clearance only trail to the top, and had a wonderful experience for two nights off the grid. That site was a little windy on night one. Hiking, views, “wildlife” all incredible and unique.

 

Walker Lake and Lake Topaz in Nevada.

 

I would say on average it should last you about 4 days. But that can widely range based on outside temperature, where you store the cooler sun or shade, how often the cooler is opened and how full your cooler is. I've even heard the color of your Yeti can affect how long it holds ice for mainly if it's sitting in the sun though. If I remember right I believe the dry ice comes in 10 x 10 x 2 inch squares. Last time I used just one block for my food cooler and it lasted about 5 days. But the cooler was kept in the shade most of the time. Also keep in mind if your cooler is airtight you might want to keep one latch unlocked this way you don't create a bomb.

 

Yes! Two long weekend planned for Pisgah NF. Working to install fridge prior to these!

 

Great views!!!

Where abouts are you?? I have property in Yerington...

 

I'm outside of Las Vegas 45 minutes in a rural community of approx 40k. ( Pahrump). I've driven through Yerington, great area. Property is way affordable !

 

Ha! I bought my piece of land a few years ago, and now it's way overpriced. But acerage wise it might still be attractive. I know an old friend that bought 20 acres in Smith, between BLM land. Very nice!! And so close to Tahoe!

 

Nice ! I grew up in San Diego, You don't know it yet but your gonna retire in Nevada ! Lol

 

Well, when I was scouting out property in and around Yerington/Smith area and going thru Reno, got some...umm, interesting looks from the locals I'd like to get a return on my investment but that's not likely.
I did get some acerage in middle/East Arizona and it's more likely I'll head over there. I wish sooner than later!!

 

Didn't know this was here...

Repost but this is where it belongs.

Big Bear, CA

 

What’s the price tag on a rig like this?

 

I got your tag buddy! I have a few things to do at home then I’ll be sending you a PM. Not that it’s private or secret, just don’t want to jack the thread.

 

My buddies been using those Gazelle tents, seem very popular lately and I can see why. Fair price, and an easy setup.

Really like what they got going there.