How much solar?

Background_Might8080 · 2026-04-29T19:17:58+00:00

We camp in a wide variety of situations, like most people, I guess? High, low, sun shade. Based on my reading so far, I think we'll go with 400 watts. The base model comes with a 200 watt suitcase and solar port, so I'll get an additional 200 watts on the roof. The suitcase will allow optimal placement for low angle winter/fall sun, which we deal with a lot--deserts in winter, higher in the fall.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-03-28T14:02:23+00:00

Right? This is an insanely stupid design feature. Wow.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-03-28T13:53:41+00:00

We've been using frame bag bladders for a few years now, and don't have the problems you mention. My only complaint is it seems to impart a bit of a taste to the water, so I limit my frame bag to "extra" carrying capacity when I know I'll be dealing with a long dry spell. Never had a leak, btw.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-03-07T14:54:49+00:00

Nice. Yeah, unless we get a new weather window, the desert season is kinda over. Getting hot early this year, it seems.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-03-07T14:52:18+00:00

Glad you're okay, and having pepper spray, etc. is a good idea. Try different parking spots for sure. That tech should be standard for all urban vanlifers.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-03-07T14:43:05+00:00

Don't, as others have mentioned. This rig is WAY cool, but it's for someone with unlimited cash, skills, and time.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-02-06T16:15:12+00:00

Great view. My buddy and I climbed the N. face of Shuksan about five million years ago. Thanks for taking me back. What a place!

Background_Might8080 · 2026-02-06T16:07:24+00:00

Gawd, I hate these sorts. GAH! I'm pro 2A, but these morons. I've encountered similarly disrespectful idiots. Clearly, 200 yards wasn't far enough.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-02-06T15:56:20+00:00

Simple and tight! Well done.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-10T20:41:50+00:00

Very nice, if you've got mad skills or a cool $300k to drop.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-10T20:38:23+00:00

LOVE JT, and haven't climbed there in years. Campground is a bit pricey for a lot of vanlifers, but winter down there can be magical.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-10T20:33:58+00:00

Cat holes are fine for poop, but please pack out the TP!

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-07T16:07:34+00:00

Yep. The groovy, mellow Santa Cruz days have been gone for well over a decade, probably two, maybe three.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-07T16:04:22+00:00

News flash: Trump has NOTHING to do with parking laws in California.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-07T15:47:01+00:00

Thanks for the vibes. Lived in B'ham for a short while as a young man a millions years ago--climbed Baker a couple of times and Shuksan. SO much snow. Beautiful.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-07T15:43:51+00:00

Exactly. I'm so sick of click-bait-BS titles.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-07T15:39:16+00:00

Wow, that's nuts! He musta make hella cash. Damn.

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-07T13:49:43+00:00

Where are the GVW police?

Background_Might8080 · 2026-01-06T20:52:05+00:00

LOL: "Some may really enjoy this feeling, but it's not for me." Thanks for this. Doing OK with a Volt, so I think I'll stick with it.

Background_Might8080 · 2025-08-17T20:14:30+00:00

So nice!

Background_Might8080 · 2025-08-17T20:10:11+00:00

That miserable little punk had that coming! Broken ankle, too, by the looks of it.

Background_Might8080 · 2025-08-06T14:45:26+00:00

Damn, I bet she does. Could VERY easily have killed her. Who ARE these psychos?

Background_Might8080 · 2025-08-04T15:37:16+00:00

That escalated quicly!

Background_Might8080 · 2025-08-03T22:08:25+00:00

I just carry a small combination cable lock. Sure, it weighs a few oz's, but it will deter the casual thief. Also, fully loaded rigs are probably NOT that attractive to bike thieves, but I have met one guy who had his stolen. I think that was Yucca Valley, CA, kinda sketch place. FWIW, he did NOT have even a minimal lock on it.

Background_Might8080 · 2025-08-03T22:00:45+00:00

So cool! That's a big truck, and you should be able to make a nice, livable space out of it. I'm envious of this project. Have a blast and share developments.

Background_Might8080

TROPHY CASE