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opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes [2020/08/15 21:03] frater_secessus [solar generators] |
opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes [2024/04/01 12:42] frater_secessus [Mismatched panels] |
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+ | ===== Fantasy ===== | ||
- | ===== fantasy ===== | + | For whatever reason, vandwelling attracts an outsized percentage of daydreamers, |
- | For whatever reason, vandwelling attracts | + | Those who have a good chance at successful ' |
- | People who have a good chance at successful ' | + | |
- | | + | * Have good DIY skills and fix-it/ |
- | * people who are self-motivated | + | * Know basic cooking and are okay with simpler foods |
- | * people who are disciplined | + | * Are the " |
- | * people who can figure | + | * Are instinctive " |
- | * people who know basic cooking | + | * Are very organized and good at planning |
+ | * Are flexible when things | ||
+ | * Are okay with being alone for long periods of time (introverts) | ||
+ | People who are less likely to adapt to the life: | ||
- | People who are probably doomed to failure are: | + | * The "high maintenance" |
- | | + | * People who cannot tolerate being physically uncomfortable for extended periods of time. |
- | * social | + | * chronic worriers |
- | * people | + | * Social |
- | * stoners, daydreamers, | + | * Those who don't like having |
- | * people who can't or won't take care of themselves | + | * Stoners, daydreamers, |
- | * the easily bored | + | * Those that need internet access 24/7 |
- | * people | + | * The easily bored |
- | * picky eaters | + | * People |
+ | * Picky eaters | ||
- | ===== planning | + | Further reading: |
+ | |||
+ | ==== Red Flags ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Worships Christopher McCandless and 'Into The Wild' | ||
+ | * Wants to run away | ||
+ | * Thinks that Vanlife will be " | ||
+ | ===== Planning | ||
Folks often hit the road without considering how [[lifestyle: | Folks often hit the road without considering how [[lifestyle: | ||
Line 38: | Line 50: | ||
Here is [[lifestyle: | Here is [[lifestyle: | ||
- | ===== relationships | + | ===== Relationships |
It is common in the general population for one partner to want to travel and the other not to. Arguments, breakups, and divorces can all result from that difference in outlook. Be prepared. | It is common in the general population for one partner to want to travel and the other not to. Arguments, breakups, and divorces can all result from that difference in outlook. Be prepared. | ||
Line 50: | Line 62: | ||
+ | ---- | ||
- | + | ===== Van ===== | |
- | ===== van ===== | + | |
Failure to **select a good van** is the most expensive mistake beginners make. Note that //good// means | Failure to **select a good van** is the most expensive mistake beginners make. Note that //good// means | ||
//fit for your purpose// and // | //fit for your purpose// and // | ||
- | * the first van you see | + | * The first van you see |
- | * what is depicted on social media | + | * A " |
- | * what others tell you to buy | + | * What is depicted on social media |
+ | * What others tell you to buy | ||
+ | * The cheapest van you can find | ||
* etc | * etc | ||
- | The seller must have a title in hand, and it must be in their name. The van must receive a pre-sale inspection from an independent mechanic. | + | The seller must have a title in hand, and it must be in their name. The van must receive a pre-sale inspection from an independent mechanic. |
- | ==== failure | + | |
+ | **DO NOT** buy a fixer-upper or "Needs a little TLC" van as your first van, unless you have extensive mechanical abilities/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Failure | ||
+ | |||
+ | Selecting the best van for you out of two examples is unlikely to yield a winner. | ||
- | Selecting the best van for you out of two examples is unlikely | + | Admittadly, as of 2021/2022 used prices |
See [[rv: | See [[rv: | ||
- | ==== failure | + | ==== Failure |
It is common for people to **buy a van then decide there is some deal-breaker about [[rv: | It is common for people to **buy a van then decide there is some deal-breaker about [[rv: | ||
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- | ==== failure | + | ==== Failure |
Does it have enough ground clearance for your plans? | Does it have enough ground clearance for your plans? | ||
Line 93: | Line 112: | ||
- | ==== failure | + | ==== Failure |
- | The answer to the "what do I look for with a used van?" FAQ is "a mechanic" | + | The short answer to the "[[rv: |
The mechanic knows what to look for. Finding things that need repair is not necessarily a deal-breaker; | The mechanic knows what to look for. Finding things that need repair is not necessarily a deal-breaker; | ||
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Money well spent, either way. | Money well spent, either way. | ||
- | ===== power ===== | + | ==== Failures to inspect the roof of tall vans ==== |
- | ==== heating | + | The roof is where rain will enter if there are leaks. |
+ | The very tall vans (High roof [[rv: | ||
- | The biggest mistake beginners make with power is **thinking they will heat (or cool) things with power they generate off-grid**. | + | ---- |
+ | ===== Electrical Power ===== | ||
+ | ==== Thinking like an apartment-dweller ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | **A van is not an apartment**, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Power in the camper is misunderstood by most and hand-waved away by optimists. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reality check: | ||
+ | |||
+ | - [[https:// | ||
+ | - A 100w solar panel on an MPPT [[electrical: | ||
+ | * Chicago - **308**Wh/ | ||
+ | * Salt Lake City - **376**Wh/ | ||
+ | * Seattle - **292**Wh/ | ||
+ | * Phoenix | ||
+ | - all of those harvests are conspicuously less than 29, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Heating and Cooling ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The biggest mistake beginners make with power is **thinking they will heat (or cool) things with power they generate off-grid**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The usual suspects are: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * electric water kettles | ||
+ | * electric space heaters | ||
+ | * [[hvac: | ||
* electric coffee makers | * electric coffee makers | ||
* electric hair irons | * electric hair irons | ||
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* instant pots | * instant pots | ||
* rice cookers | * rice cookers | ||
- | * electric water kettles | ||
- | * electric space heaters | ||
* electric water heaters | * electric water heaters | ||
* electric stovetops | * electric stovetops | ||
- | * power-hungry gaming or desktop PCs | + | * microwaves |
- | Compressor [[food: | ||
Yes, it is possible to do these things. | Yes, it is possible to do these things. | ||
- know what they are doing | - know what they are doing | ||
- | - have typically invested thousands of dollars in battery banks and solar | + | - have typically invested thousands of dollars in battery banks and solar, or run a [[electrical: |
+ | Electric heating is such a massive power draw that it's often used as a way to [[electrical: | ||
+ | Exceptions: | ||
- | ==== thinking like an apartment-dweller ==== | + | * 12v compressor [[food: |
+ | * [[hvac: | ||
+ | * small cooking appliances ([[food: | ||
- | **A van is not an apartment**, | ||
- | Power in the camper is misunderstood by some and hand-waved away by optimists. | + | ==== Failure to consider all loads ==== |
- | ==== failure to consider | + | Posts that include "my needs are simple, all I need are lights and a fan" often develop, after questioning, |
- | Posts that include | + | |
+ | Actual examples: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "All I need is something to charge my phone, laptop, run my light and two small fans" | ||
+ | * "I don't use any of my appliances for long" (except "my small hot plate for about 2-3 hours" | ||
+ | * "What are the **most basic features** that are required to travel/live in a van in the US? I'm thinking something like a bed, **an airfryer**, and some food/ gear storage." | ||
[[rv: | [[rv: | ||
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- | ==== overbuilding | + | ==== failure to think realistically about charging ==== |
+ | |||
+ | //Using// power is the fun/easy part; //making// power is the grind that will determine how often and how long you get to do the fun part, and how often and long you will sit in the dark with dead batteries. Think of how easy it is to spend money vs earn money. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Choosing [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Underbuilding the power system ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Most people will lowball how [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Overbuilding | ||
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* [[http:// | * [[http:// | ||
- | ===== solar ===== | + | ==== Wanting to charging from EV charging stations |
+ | |||
+ | While most things are technically // | ||
+ | |||
+ | Further reading: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Solar ===== | ||
Solar power is not a cure-all and [[electrical: | Solar power is not a cure-all and [[electrical: | ||
- | ==== no solar ==== | + | ==== No solar ==== |
Having no solar at all is generally an unforced error for vandwellers. | Having no solar at all is generally an unforced error for vandwellers. | ||
- | ==== worrying ==== | + | ==== believing 100w of panel will make 100w all day long ==== |
+ | |||
+ | The 100w panel will make 100w in a lab in test conditions. | ||
+ | |||
+ | - the panel will rarely make anywhere close to 100w((under normal conditions)) | ||
+ | - the max power it //does// make will be around local solar noon. Before and after that power will be less. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Example: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ^ Time ^ Watts ^ | ||
+ | |6:02a |0w| | ||
+ | |7:02a |0w((panel voltage too low))| | ||
+ | |8:02A |32.8w| | ||
+ | |9:02A |48.7w| | ||
+ | |10:02A |62.3w| | ||
+ | |11:02A |72.8w| | ||
+ | |12:02A |79.39w| | ||
+ | |**1:02p** - local solar noon |81.7w| | ||
+ | |2:02 |79.5w| | ||
+ | |3:02p |72.9w| | ||
+ | |4:02p |62.5w| | ||
+ | |5:02p |48.9w| | ||
+ | |6:02p |33.1w| | ||
+ | |7:02p |0w((panel voltage too low))| | ||
+ | |8:02p |0w| | ||
+ | |||
+ | See the //not enough panel// section below. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== believing 100w of panel will make 100w all year ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Solar harvest is greatly affected by the position of the sun in the sky (see above) and how many hours of that sun are available. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== believing 100w of panel will make 100w in all conditions ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | 100w of panel makes 100w under lab (ie, perfect) conditions. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== believing solar makes zero watts in rain, overcast, etc ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Solar rarely makes //zero// watts. I find that at local solar noon at lower latitudes my flat-mounted panels make: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * 5%-10% of rated power in **thunderstorms and dark overcast** | ||
+ | * 20%-30% of rated power in **normal full overcast** | ||
+ | * 33%-50% of rated power in **bright overcast** | ||
+ | * 70%-90% of rated power under **full sun** | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== believing they will set out portable panels ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Mounted panels make power whenever sunlight is available. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Be realistic: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== shade ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Unforced errors include mounting the panels | ||
+ | |||
+ | * on a rack that has ladder retention uprights | ||
+ | * on a rack that has raised sides | ||
+ | * on the bottom of a roof basket | ||
+ | * below a roof basket (!!!) | ||
+ | * near taller objects like vent hoods, antennas, cargo boxes, awning mounts, etc | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== worrying | ||
Yes, [[electrical: | Yes, [[electrical: | ||
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- | === panels | + | === Panels |
- | Beginners sometimes buy panels before measuring the available roofspace. | + | Beginners sometimes buy [[electrical: |
- | === toy panels === | + | === Toy panels === |
In general, **very small panels** (less than 100w) are a terrible return on money. | In general, **very small panels** (less than 100w) are a terrible return on money. | ||
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On the other end of the extreme, larger(200w+), | On the other end of the extreme, larger(200w+), | ||
- | === flex panels | + | === panel type === |
- | After size, the most common mistakes are in **choosing the wrong panel type**. | + | After size, the most common mistakes are in **choosing the wrong [[electrical: |
+ | |||
+ | First things first: | ||
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Don't get me started on people **flat-mounting poly/mono flex panels to the roof of their van**. | Don't get me started on people **flat-mounting poly/mono flex panels to the roof of their van**. | ||
- | === panel types and controllers === | ||
+ | === Panel types and controllers === | ||
- | It's also possible to combine the **wrong panel type for the controller**. | + | |
+ | It's also possible to combine the **wrong panel type for the [[electrical: | ||
**Poly pairs well with [[electrical: | **Poly pairs well with [[electrical: | ||
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**Amorphous panels are the worst fit for MPPT** due to their low voltage; | **Amorphous panels are the worst fit for MPPT** due to their low voltage; | ||
- | === panel efficiency === | + | === Panel efficiency === |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | It is also possible to buy **panels that are too expensive** by chasing high efficiency. There are premium brands, of course, but the main reason some panels are much more expensive per watt is that they are **more efficient**.((there are exotic panels like double-sided or experimental cell chemistries, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Understand that **efficiency is a relationship between rated output and physical | ||
+ | This means **if you have limited space you will get more power out of of the same space using higher-efficiency panels**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Mismatched panels ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Mismatched panels (different voltage or current [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * running // | ||
+ | * run different-spec panels on their own controller | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you are committed to running mismatched panels on the same controller see [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | === on MPPT controllers === | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The math for mismatched series max power on MPPT((https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | (Vmp panel 1 + Vmp panel 2) x lowest Imp of either panel | ||
+ | |||
+ | In parallel, | ||
+ | (Imp panel 1 + Imp panel 2) x lowest Vmp of either panel | ||
+ | |||
+ | === on PWM controllers === | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Because PWM runs panels at ~Vbatt, the math mismatched series max power on PWM is | ||
+ | |||
+ | battery voltage x lowest Isc of either panel | ||
+ | |||
+ | In parallel, mismatched voltages won't make much difference unless one is lower than bank voltage. | ||
+ | (Isc panel 1 + Isc panel 2) x battery voltage | ||
- | It is also possible to buy **panels that are too expensive** by chasing high efficiency. There are premium brands, of course, but the main reason some panels are much expensive is that they are **more efficient**.((there are exotic panels like double-sided or experimental cell chemistries, | ||
- | This means **if you have limited space you will get more power out of higher-efficiency panels**. | ||
- | ==== not enough panel ==== | + | ==== Not enough panel ==== |
Let's address two issues: | Let's address two issues: | ||
- | Yes, there are situations where zero solar is part of a workable power plan but they are rare.(([[electrical: | + | Yes, there are [[electrical: |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | For [[electrical: | ||
The majority of ' | The majority of ' | ||
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Failure to charge lead batteries fully and regularly will have negative effects, as we will see below. | Failure to charge lead batteries fully and regularly will have negative effects, as we will see below. | ||
- | ==== too much panel ==== | + | ==== Too much panel ==== |
j/k. While it is theoretically possible to have too much panel, in practice few vandwellers ever wished they had less wattage. | j/k. While it is theoretically possible to have too much panel, in practice few vandwellers ever wished they had less wattage. | ||
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- having lots of panel means you can run a lot of daytime loads [[electrical: | - having lots of panel means you can run a lot of daytime loads [[electrical: | ||
- roof mounted panels are out of the way and not underfoot. | - roof mounted panels are out of the way and not underfoot. | ||
- | - having more panel can mean you don't need heroic measures like panel tilting or rearrangement. | + | - having more panel can mean you don't need heroic measures like [[electrical: |
Buying "more panel than you need" usually costs extra money directly (panel cost * quantity) and indirectly (may need a bigger controller). | Buying "more panel than you need" usually costs extra money directly (panel cost * quantity) and indirectly (may need a bigger controller). | ||
- | ==== relying | + | Having said all that, you can have too much [[electrical: |
+ | |||
+ | ==== Relying | ||
Tilt is good; perpendicular rays hitting the panel provide more power than those hitting the panel at an angle. | Tilt is good; perpendicular rays hitting the panel provide more power than those hitting the panel at an angle. | ||
- | * tilt advantage is reduced or nonexistent in poor weather conditions | + | * tilt advantage is reduced or nonexistent in poor weather conditions. |
- | * if you feel bad, lazy, or otherwise unwilling to get out and tilt your panels every time you will not meet your basic needs | + | * tilt only makes a difference when the sun is relatively low in the sky (in winter, and/or at higher latitudes). |
+ | * tilt advantage is greatest when the amount of power available is least, as at sundown | ||
+ | * if you feel bad, lazy, hungover | ||
* tilting is usually set up in one direction, dictating the parking orientation of your camper | * tilting is usually set up in one direction, dictating the parking orientation of your camper | ||
- | * tilted panels take time to deploy, store, and interfere with your ability to leave a given location for safety or other reasons. | + | * tilted panels take time to deploy, store, and interfere with your ability to leave a given location for safety or other reasons |
- | ==== failure | + | ==== Failure |
- | [[electrical: | + | [[electrical: |
- run more loads; and/or | - run more loads; and/or | ||
- reduce the amount of panel; and/or | - reduce the amount of panel; and/or | ||
- use the excess capacity to extend [[electrical: | - use the excess capacity to extend [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Batteries ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dear lord, those poor batteries. New folks [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Not enough charging ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | It is a costly mistake to believe reaching 12.7v means lead batteries are [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Deep-cycled lead batteries [[opinion: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== unwarranted faith in Float stage ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Being in Float does not mean the bank is fully charged. | ||
+ | ==== 50% DoD cutoff ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Belief that 50% is a magic number below which damage occurs, and above which it does not occur. DoD and cycles have an inverse relationship; | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Very broad generalization follows: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * 20% DoD - longest battery life measured in cycles, but carrying a lot of " | ||
+ | * 30% DoD - lowest overall cost in terms of $/kAh | ||
+ | * 50% DoD - common compromise between weight and cycles | ||
+ | * 80% DoD - most power from the least amount of lead. kAh is about 6% more expensive at 80% DoD than at 60%, and batteries will have to be replaced more frequently. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Rant: Someone who discharges to 75% DoD but [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
- | ===== batteries ===== | ||
- | Dear lord, those poor batteries. New folks [[electrical: | ||
- | ==== too much battery ==== | + | ==== Too much battery ==== |
Yes, you can have too much battery. | Yes, you can have too much battery. | ||
- | Most people use lead-chemistry batteries and carrying around unneeded lead is both heavy and expensive. | + | Most people use lead-chemistry batteries and carrying around unneeded lead is both heavy and expensive. |
Exotics like [[electrical: | Exotics like [[electrical: | ||
- | ==== not enough battery ==== | + | ==== Not enough battery ==== |
It's possible to have too little battery capacity, but unless the battery is comically undersized for your needs you can [[electrical: | It's possible to have too little battery capacity, but unless the battery is comically undersized for your needs you can [[electrical: | ||
At least you're more likely to get keep it happy and [[electrical: | At least you're more likely to get keep it happy and [[electrical: | ||
- | ==== wrong kind of battery ==== | + | ==== Wrong kind of battery ==== |
It seems that vanfolk are making their battery choices based on the ramblings of social media influencers. This is //no bueno//. | It seems that vanfolk are making their battery choices based on the ramblings of social media influencers. This is //no bueno//. | ||
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Third, you are unlikely to find a real deep cycle battery at a walmart or auto parts store. | Third, you are unlikely to find a real deep cycle battery at a walmart or auto parts store. | ||
- | ==== required | + | ==== Required |
All battery banks need to be inspected regularly for damage, loose connections, | All battery banks need to be inspected regularly for damage, loose connections, | ||
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* belief that AGM are lighter than flooded (they are not, as an apples-to-apples comparison of their weights shows.) | * belief that AGM are lighter than flooded (they are not, as an apples-to-apples comparison of their weights shows.) | ||
* belief that AGM have higher capacities (they actually have slightly less capacity for a given size) | * belief that AGM have higher capacities (they actually have slightly less capacity for a given size) | ||
- | * belief that AGM can be discharged to 80% instead of 50% like flooded (they both can be discharged to any given [[electrical: | + | * belief that AGM can be discharged to 80% instead of 50% like flooded (they both can be discharged to any given [[electrical: |
- | ===== solar generators ===== | + | |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Solar generators ===== | ||
There are [[http:// | There are [[http:// | ||
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As with inverters, many new folks seem to think solar generators are endless sources of power that can run huge appliances in perpetuity and do not need to be recharged. | As with inverters, many new folks seem to think solar generators are endless sources of power that can run huge appliances in perpetuity and do not need to be recharged. | ||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | ===== Battery Isolators (alternator charging) ===== | ||
- | ===== isolators (alternator charging) ===== | + | The big mistake here is believing that [[electrical: |
- | + | ||
- | The big mistake here is believing that [[electrical: | + | |
Getting the battery to 12.7v and calling it fully charged is wrong and a recipe for [[electrical: | Getting the battery to 12.7v and calling it fully charged is wrong and a recipe for [[electrical: | ||
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There is **no particular benefit to upgrading the alternator** (or adding another one) beforehand. | There is **no particular benefit to upgrading the alternator** (or adding another one) beforehand. | ||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | ===== Inverters ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
- | ===== inverters ===== | ||
Common mistakes, from most serious to least serious: | Common mistakes, from most serious to least serious: | ||
- | **Belief that an inverter is mandatory**. | + | **Belief that an inverter is mandatory**. |
> "It is cheaper and easier to //use// less power than it is to //make// more power." | > "It is cheaper and easier to //use// less power than it is to //make// more power." | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Belief that an inverter is an endless source of power unto itself. It's not. It sucks power from your battery and any charging sources. | ||
Belief that x-thousands of watts in [[electrical: | Belief that x-thousands of watts in [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Running loads off inverter that don't need it (or can be damaged by it): | ||
+ | |||
+ | * "I ran a 12v fan off my little inverter the other night..." | ||
+ | * "I plugged my maxxfan into the inverter and it burn up..." | ||
**Wasting money and power on an inverter that is larger than your forseeable needs**. | **Wasting money and power on an inverter that is larger than your forseeable needs**. | ||
- | ===== stealth ===== | + | ===== Refrigerators ===== |
+ | |||
+ | [[food: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Staying in one place ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | A common mistake is the belief (or wish) to stay in one place for free. You can't stay in one place [[camping: | ||
+ | [[camping: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Even if one has a friend who is willing to let you "live in the driveway" | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Stealth | ||
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* believing one can be 100% stealth and not be noticed; and | * believing one can be 100% stealth and not be noticed; and | ||
* believing the opposite, that one cannot tilt the balance in one's favor of not being kicked out of a spot | * believing the opposite, that one cannot tilt the balance in one's favor of not being kicked out of a spot | ||
+ | * staying in one spot for days/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Money ===== | ||
- | ===== money ===== | + | ==== Jobs ==== |
Ahem. FFS, please stop asking "what jobs do y'all do on the road????" | Ahem. FFS, please stop asking "what jobs do y'all do on the road????" | ||
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It's easy to **run out of money during the build**, either by going crazy with what you want or by underestimating what it will cost. Remember **the build needs to please you** and no one else. | It's easy to **run out of money during the build**, either by going crazy with what you want or by underestimating what it will cost. Remember **the build needs to please you** and no one else. | ||
- | It's even easier to **run out of money on the road**: | + | ==== Expenses ==== |
+ | |||
+ | Living in a vehicle can be [[lifestyle: | ||
+ | |||
+ | These mistakes can make vehicle-dwelling more expensive: | ||
* failure to have **savings for emergencies** | * failure to have **savings for emergencies** | ||
* failure to **budget for maintenance** expenses | * failure to **budget for maintenance** expenses | ||
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* **overpaying for " | * **overpaying for " | ||
- | ===== research | + | ---- |
+ | ===== Research | ||
Generally speaking, any question a beginner asks has already been asked/ | Generally speaking, any question a beginner asks has already been asked/ | ||
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Here are [[communication: | Here are [[communication: | ||
- | ===== advice | + | ===== buying random stuff ===== |
+ | |||
+ | **OP:** {buys random gear without understanding needs, specs, how it works, or anything else really} | ||
+ | **OP:** why does my system not work? It'S jUnk!!!! | ||
+ | **Onlookers: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Read and understand specs //before// buying stuff. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Actual examples: | ||
+ | |||
+ | >> I bought a Ecoflow Delta to... to fire up a Chinese diesel heater... However, the heater draws too much juice from the 12v car port to run. | ||
+ | |||
+ | . | ||
+ | |||
+ | >> I recently got a portable kettle that’s collapsable, | ||
+ | ===== Advice | ||
Good advice can save time, money, and heartbreak. But getting good advice is not simple or even natural. We have to slow down and force ourselves to think about the issues, our questions, the existing body of knowledge, the answers we receive. | Good advice can save time, money, and heartbreak. But getting good advice is not simple or even natural. We have to slow down and force ourselves to think about the issues, our questions, the existing body of knowledge, the answers we receive. | ||
The most important thing is no matter what advice you get or take, **it's your life and you have final responsibility for it**. Your decisions are your own. Make them wisely. | The most important thing is no matter what advice you get or take, **it's your life and you have final responsibility for it**. Your decisions are your own. Make them wisely. | ||
- | ==== failure to ask good questions ==== | + | |
- | The first step in getting good advice is to **ask good questions**. | + | ==== making helpers guess ==== |
- | * get a handle on what it is you want to understand | + | |
+ | If you are asking for help don't make the helpers guess what you are trying to accomplish, what gear you have, whether or not it has ever worked, etc. People across the internet cannot see what's in front of you -- all we have to go on is what you tell us. | ||
+ | |||
+ | You may want to start a text document that lists all the installed gear and significant settings so | ||
+ | |||
+ | - you have a clearer understanding; | ||
+ | - can paste it into a post when you need help | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== thrashing ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | // | ||
+ | |||
+ | Slow down. //Listen// to what people are telling you. Think about what you want to accomplish. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | >>The best thing is to slow down and actually understand what's going on, then decide where you eventually want to take the system and move deliberately in that direction. It's not a “one weird trick” situation – gertzerlla((The best thing is to slow down and actually understand what's going on, then decide where you eventually want to take the system and move deliberately in that direction. It's not a “one weird trick” situation – gertzerlla76))) | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== wanting personal attention from an internet-famous person ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | No, Bob Wells and or Will Prowse will not answer your plea in person. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== wanting premium support ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {note: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Renogy operates in the value end of the spectrum and must rely on (rather good) web and product manual documention for mass support. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Folks who want/need individual support might ultimately be happier paying 2x-3x for a higher-end product that has enough margin to provide individual support (Victron, Morningstar, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Wanting easy answers ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Easy answers are rarely //correct// or //useful// answers. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Q. What is the best [fill in the blank? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Q. How much battery/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Q. Is [fill in the blank] miles too many? \\ A. It depends. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Failure | ||
+ | The first step in getting good advice is to **ask good questions**. | ||
+ | * get a handle on what it is you [[https:// | ||
* [[opinion: | * [[opinion: | ||
* when you hit a wall //then// ask for help. No one likes leeches, princesses, helpless snowflakes, or the lazy who expect others to do the work for them. | * when you hit a wall //then// ask for help. No one likes leeches, princesses, helpless snowflakes, or the lazy who expect others to do the work for them. | ||
- | * express your request as clearly and simply as possible | + | * express your request as clearly and simply as possible, including what you intend to accomplish |
- | * indicate what you do know, [[opinion: | + | * shouldn' |
- | * use human-readable style. | + | * indicate what you do know, [[opinion: |
- | * write a concise and specific title. | + | * write a concise and specific title. |
+ | * write the post in normal, human-readable style. | ||
+ | |||
> I am always surprised to see some people demanding the time of others and meeting a most obliging response. Both sides have in view the reason for which the time is asked and neither regards the time itself — as if nothing there is being asked for and nothing given. | > I am always surprised to see some people demanding the time of others and meeting a most obliging response. Both sides have in view the reason for which the time is asked and neither regards the time itself — as if nothing there is being asked for and nothing given. | ||
- | ==== failure | + | ==== Failure |
When advice comes in, consider the source: | When advice comes in, consider the source: | ||
- | | + | |
+ | * did the responder read and address your questions? | ||
+ | * does the responder actually //live// in a vehicle? | ||
+ | * how does the responder react to other points of view? | ||
+ | | ||
+ | * does the responder spread [[https:// | ||
* is the responder willing to go for "the best!" with //your// money but not with their own? | * is the responder willing to go for "the best!" with //your// money but not with their own? | ||
* is the responder a partisan of some kind: anti-Renogy, | * is the responder a partisan of some kind: anti-Renogy, | ||
* is the responder an idiot, a druggie, a zero-experience dreamer, a poorly-informed blowhard, a black/white thinker? | * is the responder an idiot, a druggie, a zero-experience dreamer, a poorly-informed blowhard, a black/white thinker? | ||
- | * did the responder read and address your questions? | ||
* is the advice upvoted/ | * is the advice upvoted/ | ||
+ | * is the advice commented on favorably by onlookers whose opinion you value? | ||
* does the responder have experience and/or training in the area? | * does the responder have experience and/or training in the area? | ||
* does the responder expect you to believe him/her as gospel? | * does the responder expect you to believe him/her as gospel? | ||
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* does the responder seem irrationally emotional or invested in your decision? | * does the responder seem irrationally emotional or invested in your decision? | ||
* does the responder claim to know "what you want"? | * does the responder claim to know "what you want"? | ||
- | + | * Does the advice pass a sanity test? Does it seem possible and worth of follow-up research or questions? | |
- | Does the advice pass a sanity test? Does it seem possible and worth of follow-up research or questions? | + | |
None of these preclude the advice from being correct, but do take these factors into consideration. | None of these preclude the advice from being correct, but do take these factors into consideration. | ||
- | ==== failure | + | ==== Failure |
- | There are folks who come up with foolish ideas then want others to give them support and encouragement. | + | |
- | - OP posts a harebrained idea with the unhelpful title of "will this work??????????" | + | There are folks who come up with foolish ideas then want others to give them support and encouragement. |
+ | |||
+ | - OP sets down the bong just long enough to post a harebrained idea with the unhelpful title of "will this work??????????" | ||
- experienced ' | - experienced ' | ||
- OP gets mad -- they' | - OP gets mad -- they' | ||
- | - ' | + | - ' |
- | - OP is never heard from again | + | - OP retreats back to his hazy dreamworld and is never heard from again |
- | This behavior is expected from 7th grade boys who have fantasies of building the best, fastest, most epic fast/ | + | |
+ | This behavior is expected from 7th grade boys who have fantasies of building the best, fastest, most epic fast/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you want closure on the issue, [[https:// | ||