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opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build [2020/08/25 18:51] frater_secessus [tl;dr] |
opinion:frater_secessus:cheap_build [2020/10/11 19:48] |
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- | a longer-form answer to [[https:// | ||
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- | ====== 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. | ||
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- | > > Tips and tricks to being a cheap o? | ||
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- | ===== tl;dr ===== | ||
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- | If you read nothing else: | ||
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- | * avoid flexible solar panels, AGM batteries, and solar generators. | ||
- | * don't try to heat and cool stuff with solar power. | ||
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- | ===== expectations ===== | ||
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- | * It is cheap to think of the camper as a camping tent on wheels. | ||
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- | ===== 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 ==== | ||
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- | * avoid heating/ | ||
- | * avoid using power-hungry PCs or laptops. | ||
- | * run discretionary loads [[electrical: | ||
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- | ==== solar ==== | ||
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- | * Buy larger/ | ||
- | * if you are using PWM controllers, | ||
- | * if you are going to be deep-cycling the batteries every day((like to 50% [[electrical: | ||
- | * [[electrical: | ||
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- | ==== charging ==== | ||
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- | * learn your [[electrical: | ||
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- | ==== alternator charging ==== | ||
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- | * //do// add an isolator to your solar charging system; it is cheap " | ||
- | * // | ||
- | * // | ||
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- | ==== batteries ==== | ||
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- | * generally speaking, use the smallest battery bank appropriate for your use and apply maximal charging to it. | ||
- | * avoid convenience items like " | ||
- | * 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. | ||
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- | ===== sourcing ===== | ||
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- | Buy used from craigslist, thrift stores, etc. when possible. | ||
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- | Use pricewatch tools like camelcamelcamel to get alerts when prices drop on items you need. | ||