[weeeee]

Indel-B Hinge Flip Mod

I wasn't satisfied with how the Indel-B fridges open up, since it's really difficult to open inside of the car on account of the lid opening. By doing this mod, I flipped the hinges so the lid opens up sideways vs. lengthwise. Now you can open the fridge from the passenger seats, and it will allow you to open the fridge with less clearance between the top of the fridge and the headliner. You should be able to do this mod with any of the fridges (ARB, National Luna, Edgestar, etc.).

You start by removing the handle. Take a screwdriver and move the spring loaded rod to the left.



Closer view of the spring loaded rod to see what you need to push against.



Next, on the left side of the hinge, take a small paperclip or something similar and push against the hole in the hinge to release it. It will need to be somewhat solid, so a smaller paperclip might not work but a larger one will. I used a gun cleaning pick.



Hinge should come off now



Marking and drilling to mount the new hinge hardware





Dremel out a small section of the handle to prevent the handle from locking the lid



Fridge now opens sideways! Don't forget to relocate the limiting strap.

[RedStripeRanger]

[QUOTE=weeeee;2308562]Electrical/Solar Setup (continued)



Ok- after seeing this really want to see the rig. I have/am going to do all that you have done but my setup does not look anywhere as clean as yours.

[weeeee]

Electrical/Solar Setup (continued)

Renogy 100W Solar Setup

So I wanted to add that I'm running a Renogy 100W solar suitcase to power my single battery setup, which in turn runs my Indel-B fridge and charges other small electronics (i.e my iPad, camera batteries, etc.). I'm getting about 6+ amps per charge in direct sunlight, which equates to about 60-70 watts. I tested this setup over the weekend on my recent Joshua Tree trip, and my battery never dipped below 12.5V the entire weekend.

Here's a link to the panel I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-M...dp/B00HR8YNK6/

The nice thing about the Renogy Solar Suitcase is that it packs down nicely into a soft protective cover which makes packing it easy. Also since the charge controller is already mounted inside the solar panel, it negates the need for additional controller. You could run a MPPT solar charge controller for better charging, but the included one works just fine for me.





Solar panel in action

[weeeee]

A few friends and I took a camping trip out to Joshua Tree NP to link up with another group from Socal that was there the same weekend. We ended up getting a nice primitive site about 30-45 minutes from the gates, and avoided most of the crowds that were there over the weekend.

Leaving San Jose.





Ran across this sweet Unimog that had literally been all over the globe. Spotted at the local Walmart.



Set up camp. I had a couple friends with me who used the ARB awning + room as their sleeping quarters, which ended up being pretty useful. Got to use the solar setup.





Night shots




Linked up with the rest of the "small" group the next morning

[weeeee]

Did a few trail runs







Someone busted a tie rod.


Went shooting on some BLM land and found some cool classic cars to shoot at.




Some shots of Alex's cool expo Tacoma build.




Group photo of the crew

[Magnetic4R]

I'm missing out, when's the next camping trip?
Hey, got my TC UCA, you still planning to raise the front?

[Dark Lord]

Originally Posted by weeeee

A few friends and I took a camping trip out to Joshua Tree NP to link up with another group from Socal that was there the same weekend. We ended up getting a nice primitive site about 30-45 minutes from the gates, and avoided most of the crowds that were there over the weekend.

Leaving San Jose.





Ran across this sweet Unimog that had literally been all over the globe. Spotted at the local Walmart.



Set up camp. I had a couple friends with me who used the ARB awning + room as their sleeping quarters, which ended up being pretty useful. Got to use the solar setup.





Night shots




Linked up with the rest of the "small" group the next morning

What do you use the solar panels for? I've noticed a lot of people have those, but not sure what their purpose is.

[carlomagne]

Nice pics! Trip looked like a lot of fun.

[weeeee]

Originally Posted by Magnetic4R

I'm missing out, when's the next camping trip?
Hey, got my TC UCA, you still planning to raise the front?

I'm planning on doing either Death Valley or Big Sur depending on the weather. If it starts getting too hot DV might have to wait until later this fall.

Still planning on raising the front, but I ended up swapping out my TC UCA because it was giving me issues. Nothing wrong with them, just the hardware the guy gave me was incorrect and wasn't aligning for me (I bought them used). Once I order a new pair I'll probably lift it again and put them on.

Originally Posted by Dark Lord

What do you use the solar panels for? I've noticed a lot of people have those, but not sure what their purpose is.

I posted about it a couple posts ahead in this link here but it's mainly to charge my battery, which in turn will be used when stationary to power my Indel-B fridge/freezer and charge electronics. Since I will be stationary for several days at a time while out the solar panel extends the time before I have to turn on the car to get a charge, and prevents me from coming back to a dead battery. I also have some other circuit protection to prevent a dead battery as well.

Originally Posted by carlomagne

Nice pics! Trip looked like a lot of fun.

Thanks! See you around on the trails!

[MTN4RNR]

Originally Posted by weeeee

I'm planning on doing either Death Valley or Big Sur depending on the weather. If it starts getting too hot DV might have to wait until later this fall.

Your trip looks awesome! I wish I could have joined!

Heading to Big Sur this weekend to camp, and scout future camp sites. I'll take some photos and mark some way-points

[Magnetic4R]

Originally Posted by MTN4RNR

Your trip looks awesome! I wish I could have joined!

Heading to Big Sur this weekend to camp, and scout future camp sites. I'll take some photos and mark some way-points

San Martin Top has a nice open view for camping

[Titanpat57]

Weaponage, camping and cocktails....does it get any better?

I think my MPPT charge controllers came in yesterday, wasn't home, stayed over at work. I was going to mount my controller on the inside of the truck, away from the weather, but seeing yours has me thinking.

[weeeee]

Originally Posted by MTN4RNR

Your trip looks awesome! I wish I could have joined!

Heading to Big Sur this weekend to camp, and scout future camp sites. I'll take some photos and mark some way-points

Sweet! Maybe we can plan something. I've got a few camping ideas in mind this summer provided it doesn't get too hot. Between Big Sur, Eagle Lakes, and Slick Rock I think we've got plenty of options.

Originally Posted by Titanpat57

Weaponage, camping and cocktails....does it get any better?

I think my MPPT charge controllers came in yesterday, wasn't home, stayed over at work. I was going to mount my controller on the inside of the truck, away from the weather, but seeing yours has me thinking.

My only regret is that I didn't bring more ammo!

The Renogy panel came with the controller mounted like that. It actually folds into the inside of the panel when stowed away, which was pretty cool. I'll probably upgrade to a MPPT controller later but right now I think it's okay. If I had a panel without the controller I'd probably mount it inside the cabin or against the firewall.

I was looking through your build and came across your Group 31 tray, and was wondering why you didn't mod the factory tray. I know the Group 31 is a lot heavier than the OEM battery, was that primarily the reason (safety)?

[mikey's2010SR5]

Originally Posted by MTN4RNR

Your trip looks awesome! I wish I could have joined!

Heading to Big Sur this weekend to camp, and scout future camp sites. I'll take some photos and mark some way-points

Originally Posted by weeeee

Sweet! Maybe we can plan something. I've got a few camping ideas in mind this summer provided it doesn't get too hot. Between Big Sur, Eagle Lakes, and Slick Rock I think we've got plenty of options.



My only regret is that I didn't bring more ammo!

The Renogy panel came with the controller mounted like that. It actually folds into the inside of the panel when stowed away, which was pretty cool. I'll probably upgrade to a MPPT controller later but right now I think it's okay. If I had a panel without the controller I'd probably mount it inside the cabin or against the firewall.

I was looking through your build and came across your Group 31 tray, and was wondering why you didn't mod the factory tray. I know the Group 31 is a lot heavier than the OEM battery, was that primarily the reason (safety)?

You two should have joined us in Mojave this weekend. I would be down to join along with other Bay Area folks I am sure.

[MTN4RNR]

Originally Posted by mikey's2010SR5

You two should have joined us in Mojave this weekend. I would be down to join along with other Bay Area folks I am sure.

Sounds good to me, I smell a Bay Area 4Runner camping trip in the making! I would definitely be willing to meet up and camp for a night or two!