weeeee's build thread

[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]

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]

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.

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.

Nice pics! Trip looked like a lot of fun.

Thanks! See you around on the trails!

 

[MTN4RNR]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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.



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]

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!

 

[MTN4RNR]

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.

PLENTY of options out there! Let's set a date and location and get after it!

 

[Titanpat57]

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)?

Definitely safety, because of the sheer weight of that little treasure.

Found both controllers, ...one a 10 amp one a 20 amp. Will post the sizes for you, but the picture tells the story. I was originally planning to put the controller inside...will get a little more detailed once I start my solar build on the rack.

Glad to see you're having fun and getting out.

 

[RedStripeRanger]

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!

down

 

[weeeee]

PLENTY of options out there! Let's set a date and location and get after it!

down

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.

down

It sounds like we're going camping [MENTION=49966]mikey's2010SR5[/MENTION] [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION] [MENTION=115782]RedStripeRanger[/MENTION] [MENTION=107460]Magnetic4R[/MENTION]. I think [MENTION=89878]Monsterbait[/MENTION] and [MENTION=136976]elusive01[/MENTION] will join in?

Definitely safety, because of the sheer weight of that little treasure.

Found both controllers, ...one a 10 amp one a 20 amp. Will post the sizes for you, but the picture tells the story. I was originally planning to put the controller inside...will get a little more detailed once I start my solar build on the rack.

Glad to see you're having fun and getting out.

Ah- that makes sense. I might look into upgrading trays at some point in the future then. The controllers look great- pretty compact. I'll look forward to seeing more about them when you start the solar build underway.

 

[elusive01]

Down for camping if I can get guys to man the shop. If my rig ever gets done. Down either way, I'll overland my FX35 if I have to, you guys got my back right?

 

[weeeee]

Down for camping if I can get guys to man the shop. If my rig ever gets done. Down either way, I'll overland my FX35 if I have to, you guys got my back right?

Just get a good front recovery strap and you're golden. We'll drag you over the hill if we have to hahaha

 

[Titanpat57]

The difference between a 10 amp and 20 amp MPPT controller

I'm following this thread pretty intently over at ExPo...
How many watts of solar panels? - Expedition Portal

 

[weeeee]

The difference between a 10 amp and 20 amp MPPT controller

I'm following this thread pretty intently over at ExPo...
How many watts of solar panels? - Expedition Portal

Thanks for the link. I found this snippet particularly interesting and it's making me rethink my setup, particular since I only have a single battery and a 100w panel

A way to increase efficiency of your solar system is to eliminate battery losses. Instead of charging the battery first and from there run the load, you have an option to connect the load to the DC output of the solar regulator. This feeds DC from the panel directly to the load. Any surplus charges the battery. If there is not enough current from the PV, the balance will be supplied from the battery. At sunset and sunrise the regulator automatically switches between PV and battery. By simply wiring the DC load to the solar regulator eliminates 15% wastage of solar power in the battery.

What solar panel are you planning on running

 

[Titanpat57]

Thanks for the link. I found this snippet particularly interesting and it's making me rethink my setup, particular since I only have a single battery and a 100w panel



What solar panel are you planning on running

I'll be running the new Renogy 100w panel. 100 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel | Renogy Solar ....and although I should be probably running 250 watts, I'm not going to fill the rack with panels. I already have a portable folding 100 w set like yours, and that alone topped the trailer batteries off last summer. That was water pump, Engel 45, led lights at night, and charging phones up all day.

Home Depot also sells a Grape panel pretty reasonably priced.

 

[MTN4RNR]

It sounds like we're going camping [MENTION=49966]mikey's2010SR5[/MENTION] [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION] [MENTION=115782]RedStripeRanger[/MENTION] [MENTION=107460]Magnetic4R[/MENTION]. I think [MENTION=89878]Monsterbait[/MENTION] and [MENTION=136976]elusive01[/MENTION] will join in?

Let's do it! Mid-April?