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opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build [2020/08/25 18:04] frater_secessus [charging] |
opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build [2020/08/25 18:46] frater_secessus [building out a camper on the cheap] |
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- | ====== building out a camper on the cheap ====== | + | a longer-form answer to [[https:// |
- | Building a functional camper on a big budget is easy; doing it on a budget requires research | + | ====== frugal camper builds ====== |
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+ | Building a functional camper on a big budget is easy - pay someone to do it. Doing it on a budget requires research, patience, and work. | ||
> > Tips and tricks to being a cheap o? | > > Tips and tricks to being a cheap o? | ||
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+ | ===== tl;dr ===== | ||
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+ | If you read nothing else: avoid flexible solar panels, AGM batteries, and solar generators. | ||
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- | ===== the van ===== | ||
- | * Consider a mommy van or minivan instead of a Sprinter. | + | ===== sourcing ===== |
- | * get a mechanic' | + | |
- | | + | Buy used from craigslist, thrift stores, etc. when possible. |
- | * drive slower | + | |
+ | Use pricewatch tools like camelcamelcamel to get alerts when prices drop on items you need. | ||
===== power ===== | ===== power ===== | ||
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+ | Reducing your power use will have far-reaching effects, simplifying the system and reducing costs for batteries, panels, and charging equipment. | ||
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+ | //Timing// your power use can also make a tremendous difference. | ||
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==== loads ==== | ==== loads ==== | ||
* avoid heating/ | * avoid heating/ | ||
- | * avoid using power-hungry PCs or laptops. | + | * avoid using power-hungry PCs or laptops. |
+ | * run discretionary loads [[electrical: | ||
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* Buy larger/ | * Buy larger/ | ||
- | * if you are using PWM controllers, | + | * if you are using PWM controllers, |
* if you are going to be deep-cycling the batteries every day((like to 50% [[electrical: | * if you are going to be deep-cycling the batteries every day((like to 50% [[electrical: | ||
* [[electrical: | * [[electrical: | ||
- | * [[electrical: | + | |
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* learn your [[electrical: | * learn your [[electrical: | ||
- | * alternator-charging only is unlikely to keep your deep cycle batteries happy. | ||
+ | ==== alternator charging ==== | ||
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+ | * //do// add an isolator to your solar charging system; it is cheap " | ||
+ | * // | ||
+ | * // | ||
==== batteries ==== | ==== batteries ==== | ||
+ | * generally speaking, use the smallest battery bank appropriate for your use and apply maximal charging to it. | ||
* avoid convenience items like " | * avoid convenience items like " | ||
* use 6v deep cycles in series rather than 12v singly or in parallel | * use 6v deep cycles in series rather than 12v singly or in parallel | ||
* use flooded rather than AGM. If you need massive current, use lithium rather than AGM. LFP lithium and 6v deep cycle have very similar costs in the long term. AGM costs 2-4x as much per lifetime kAh. | * use flooded rather than AGM. If you need massive current, use lithium rather than AGM. LFP lithium and 6v deep cycle have very similar costs in the long term. AGM costs 2-4x as much per lifetime kAh. | ||
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