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opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build [2020/08/25 18:07] frater_secessus [solar] |
opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build [2020/10/11 19:48] (current) |
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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 ====== |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | 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? | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== tl;dr ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you read nothing else: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * don't try to [[opinion: | ||
+ | * avoid flexible solar panels, AGM batteries, and solar generators. | ||
+ | |||
===== expectations ===== | ===== expectations ===== | ||
- | * It is cheap to think of the camper as a camping tent on wheels. | + | It is cheap to think of the camper as a camping tent on wheels. |
+ | |||
+ | Pre-van experiment: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
- | ===== the van ===== | ||
- | * Consider a mommy van or minivan instead of a Sprinter. | ||
- | * get a mechanic' | ||
- | * plan your moves in advance to save on fuel costs. | ||
- | * drive slower | ||
===== power ===== | ===== power ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reducing your power use will have far-reaching effects, simplifying the system and reducing costs for batteries, panels, and charging equipment. | ||
+ | |||
+ | //Timing// your power use can also make a tremendous difference. | ||
+ | |||
==== 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: | ||
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* learn your [[electrical: | * learn your [[electrical: | ||
- | * alternator-charging only is unlikely to keep your deep cycle batteries happy. | ||
+ | ==== alternator charging ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * //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 | ||
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- | ===== recurring expenses ===== | ||
- | * consider moving to a bank that does not charge ATM fees (Ally, Schwab), checking fees, etc | ||
- | * get your internet use under control and downgrade to a cheaper plan | ||
- | * avoid keeping a self-storage unit | ||
+ | ===== sourcing ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Buy used from craigslist, thrift stores, etc. when possible. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Use pricewatch tools like camelcamelcamel to get alerts when prices drop on items you need. | ||