7'*18' V-Nose Cargo Trailer Toy Hauler Conversion

[flboy]

Thanks Hank. Leak wasn't bad and I found it early, but the panel got swollen from the moisture and looks bad to me now. I will probably replace that panel at some point.

Roof does need to be cleaned. That is not Patina (if I understand what that is correctly) ... just green mold growing.. Have to stay after things here in Fl. if you want to keep them looking decent. It grows on everything! I will probably wash it down good up there over the Holidays when I have some time to do it.

Take care!

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[pirijodonny]

flboy, the solar array looks great!

Do you still have the battery bank the same, 450Ah, with 225 usable or did you add more batteries as well? We have the same mini fridge as you do, and would like to run our fridge, toaster and microwave (very short times 3-6 min each) as well on the solar setup. From my calculations I should be OK with the 450Ah bank and 500-600 Watt solar array and 2k inverter. I saw on several posts of yours that (your system before the addition of 300Watts) you had the AC, fridge and a couple of other things running. From what I understand your system handled the load well. You only added the extra solar panels to keep from using the batteries during the day, correct? We don't plan on running our AC on solar. If you weren't wanting to run AC on solar would you have been completely happy with your initial system before added 300 more Watts?

I love the L bracket attachment for the solar mounts. Did you only use them on one side? Was that because of the awning?

[flboy]

flboy, the solar array looks great!

Do you still have the battery bank the same, 450Ah, with 225 usable or did you add more batteries as well? We have the same mini fridge as you do, and would like to run our fridge, toaster and microwave (very short times 3-6 min each) as well on the solar setup. From my calculations I should be OK with the 450Ah bank and 500-600 Watt solar array and 2k inverter. I saw on several posts of yours that (your system before the addition of 300Watts) you had the AC, fridge and a couple of other things running. From what I understand your system handled the load well. You only added the extra solar panels to keep from using the batteries during the day, correct? We don't plan on running our AC on solar. If you weren't wanting to run AC on solar would you have been completely happy with your initial system before added 300 more Watts?

I love the L bracket attachment for the solar mounts. Did you only use them on one side? Was that because of the awning?

Hi... Yes, still have the same battery bank. I did not expand it. The system as is worked fine and did everything it needed to do. I added the 300W of extra panels mainly for two reasons... but really because I could. 1) I wanted a faster recovery when I do get sun. I found a lot a places I camp are with trees and as the sun moves around during the day, I may only get a few solid hours of sun, so I wanted to take full advantage. 2) The other reason is to be able to run the AC straight up with no battery discharge when in full sun. I plan on getting another dog soon and as I travel, there may be times when I go in stores, restaurants, or out in the dessert and I leave the dog in the trailer. I want to be able to run the AC and not run down the battery bank for extended periods of time during the day. Will also be good for roadside naps when traveling. Side benefit is redundancy with separate charge controllers.

Your 2000K inverter and setup will work great for you I believe. As was, it was really adequate... but I have a disease!

I did use only 3 of the 4 L brackets. You are very observant. I could not use one because of the Awning rail. I screwed that side directly into top of frame. Really no issue as I used Dicor Tape under the rail where it engages the roof and Dicor self leveling sealer over the screw. I drilled a larger hole on top of the rail to get access to drive the screw in from the top and only engaging the inside bottom of the rail. That also left access for the sealer on top of screw.


Good luck with your system. I am heading out camping in the AM, so I will have a chance to field test the new additions.

[flboy]

A little too long, but I am just learning how to use a gimbal and video editing software so I made a video of the campsite and CTC this weekend. There was a Tommy sighting and his CTC is in the video also. We got in 3 outstanding days of camping along with some good dual sport riding. Just so relaxing to be out in the forest for a few days enjoying what I like. Very thankful!!




https://youtu.be/dGzmigMd3VY





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[hankaye]

flboy, Howdy;

Yup, a bit long but, nice overall. Tommy must be camera shy but that's ok.
I'm not to fond of havin' my mug on "film" either. Looks like a fun place.

hank

[McDave]

Nice! It must have cooled off a little for you, I didn't hear any A/Cs or gennys running. Looks very relaxing. Good for you guys.

McDave

[flboy]

Nice! It must have cooled off a little for you, I didn't hear any A/Cs or gennys running. Looks very relaxing. Good for you guys.

McDave

I was cooler. No need for Air Conditioning, but heat was not needed either. Mid to high 70's in day and mid 50's at night. I did run the Generator for about an hour or so one day to top off batteries. They were at 90% and did not really need it, but I had not run the Honda for a while so I figured I'd exercise it a bit.

Trip was nice. Have another planned for Jan. 1 to Jan 5. Looking forward to that already!

[McDave]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Don.
So I hear you will be in the market for a new dog to travel west with you. I'm fond of the working breeds myself. Mostly Blue Heelers and shepards. But I saw this and you came to mind. I know these guys make great friends as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a2FgEx ... e=emb_logo

McDave

[flboy]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Don.
So I hear you will be in the market for a new dog to travel west with you. I'm fond of the working breeds myself. Mostly Blue Heelers and shepards. But I saw this and you came to mind. I know these guys make great friends as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a2FgEx ... e=emb_logo

McDave

Thanks McDave... I am not a big fan of pit bulls, but if I could get one to ride on a motorcycle with me.. sold.. I think the actual jumping in the video was with a stuffed animal taped down.. but the live dog still jumped in there and rode on the dirtbike.

I am indeed looking for a new fur friend and travel companion. Probably will make the commitment this Spring. My old boy Benz died late summer after being a loyal companion, confidant :-) , and guard of the house for 11 years. Taking me a while to get over it. I'd really like another German Shepherd Dog. I just prefer the GSD breed the most although I like all dogs in general except for the little "yippy ones" . Going to get a pup, bond early, and train it up for riding in my truck and camping adventures. I'll avoid the motorcycle training. I get hurt enough myself. Don't want to injure the dog goofing off. Seriously considering a female dog this time since they are about 1/3 smaller and will be a better fit in the truck. Benz was 115 lbs and did not ride well as he just could not fit on a seat. My recent dogs (Mercedes and Benz) took car names. Going to go with Lexus (Lex for short) this time around assuming a female GSD. The name Lex has a ring to it!

Best wishes to you for a great Thanksgiving with your family! Take care and stay warm! My better half went to visit our son, daughter in law, and grandchildren in Nebraska for Thanksgiving. I did not go as I have to work and travel too much already. So tired of airports. I am in good hands with my two daughters in any case. First Thanksgiving my wife an I have been apart for 36 years... but we have to divide and conquer now with our kids scattered, I suppose. :-) I have two great daughters local to look after me. Very blessed indeed. I don't deserve it.

[McDave]

Hey Don,
Sorry to hear about Benz. They give us their best for as long as they can, but they just were not made to be here forever. God made us a beautiful world, and I'm sure he has a reason, but I don't understand why their lives have to be so short. I've been through it many times and it never gets any easier. Time and faith that a new friend will find you someday are the only things that can help that kind of hurt. We just have to be thankful for the love and joy they gave us. As you said, you are indeed very blessed and have much to thankful for. There can be no doubt that good things happen to good people and you are a perfect example of this.

Happy Thanksgiving,

McDave

[flboy]

Today was my last day of work for the year and I have off until Jan 6. Since my wife has to work a few days in a row here, I am going to chill in the woods for a few days until just before Christmas. I am in one of the use it or loose it situations with vacation hours so I took a few days to bridge the holiday. So looking forward to Christmas! I have been working way too hard at work and in my side business.


Food is in fridge, bike loaded, ready to haul in the AM. Will get some pics. Taking the GoPro for riding footage and the gimbal for the campground.

God Bless all!








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[McDave]

That a boy!
Have fun, be careful, and Merry Christmas, Don.

McDave

[kirkupnorth]

Way to go, Don! You make a southern climate sound a bit tempting. We had 18 below zero two nights ago, and a high of 5 the next day. Not much fun here right now.

Have a great trip, be safe.

Merry Christmas!!

[flboy]

Way to go, Don! You make a southern climate sound a bit tempting. We had 18 below zero two nights ago, and a high of 5 the next day. Not much fun here right now.

Have a great trip, be safe.

Merry Christmas!!

Thanks and same for you. This is the time of year that makes dodging hurricanes seem worh it. Excellent camping this time of year. 75f today with a low of 56f. Beautiful camping tucked in an oak hammock.



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[flboy]

Happy New Year all. I hope you had a blessed Christmas! I installed some scissor jack stands that Santa brought me yesterday. They are plenty long for uneven terrain (like the slope in my driveway), they tuck up underneath well, and I can run them up and down with a battery powered drill. Going to be nice to have these to make the CTC super stable.






There you go. All tucked away.







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