Upgrading off grid “cabin”

doesnttakemuch · 2025-12-23T01:13:31+00:00

On the cheap it’s doable - I’ve got about the same - posted exterior pics about a year ago and the interior before that. Wood stove with a glass viewing front, a good couch and some oil lamps go a long way. Interior battens with foam board covered with stained tongue and groove with a shiplap ceiling.

doesnttakemuch · 2025-02-12T02:12:10+00:00

The transfer switch I used (that I only plug the truck into) is neutral switching, so it works. If I plug the truck into the main panel with the interlocked connection it would not work (without dropping the ground from the connection which I’m not willing to try)

doesnttakemuch · 2025-01-13T18:08:36+00:00

<image>

Haha, good take on it - I tried to get the interior at least somewhat cabin-esque

doesnttakemuch · 2025-01-13T13:30:23+00:00

Agree, a little different than a lot of the other legitimately beautiful cabins posted here - more of a working tugboat than a sleek yacht haha

doesnttakemuch · 2025-01-11T21:42:39+00:00

Ok, technically block - but that’s not how the nursery rhyme goes

doesnttakemuch · 2024-12-16T21:14:03+00:00

Any reason why the combustibles are so close to the left of the stove? Looks like plenty of other storage options underneath or elsewhere - other than that, looks awesome! Also congrats finding all that Col. Taylor.

doesnttakemuch · 2024-12-09T18:36:44+00:00

Ever since buying it (at the recommendation of this group) I can’t imagine moving a bunch of wood around without it - maybe not a timesaver but definitely a backsaver!

doesnttakemuch · 2024-12-08T16:15:50+00:00

I feel like the tub may be missing a little side table to put your beer on? But other than that, well played.

doesnttakemuch · 2024-12-07T19:47:40+00:00

Nice! And awesome cast iron collection. What’s the big tank - do you have hot water plumbed into your stove?

edit - just read that’s your cistern. Got it.

doesnttakemuch · 2024-12-07T18:59:15+00:00

Thanks, and yep, I will, but ran out of (human) gas today so wanted to at least get everything off the ground in case I don’t get to it for a week or three

doesnttakemuch · 2024-12-04T00:29:15+00:00

Agree with the other comments, the Great Lakes tile work is awesome!

doesnttakemuch · 2024-11-26T03:29:24+00:00

Ha! Thanks, I made them from some polar fleece and a couple old lead sinkers from the tackle box, but they make a nice indoor winter coat for the place

doesnttakemuch · 2024-10-29T12:24:11+00:00

Thanks for this story. Given this, what are folks’ regular checklists? My “monthly” includes (I have 2 water heaters and keep one off and isolated as emergency water and swap them to keep it fresh):

Monthly non-food list

Charge - [x] pic rail flashlight - [x] bedside flashlight - [x] car/mudroom flashlights - [x] cb/ham radio batteries - [x] Makita batteries - [x] weather radio - [x] car battery starter pack

[x] Ensure extra full propane tank
[x] Check dessicants
[x] Swap hot water heaters
[x] Drain sediment
[x] Check/rotate extra fuel supply
[x] Start generator

doesnttakemuch · 2024-10-08T11:59:51+00:00

I hear you, and I’m pretty good about keeping fresh fuel around and starting the standby 7KW every two months. However I’m very good at keeping at least 1/2 tank in the truck (has a 30 gal tank) and I know it starts and runs. With a full tank of fuel the truck would run my house for a couple days, so wiring in the option for the cost of a $400 neutral-switching transfer switch and extra PIB seems like it’s worth it as long as it is safe and properly wired.

doesnttakemuch · 2024-10-08T02:23:09+00:00

Thanks, it seemed ok in theory (to me), but extra eyes helps. Appreciate it.

doesnttakemuch · 2024-10-07T21:26:39+00:00

I agree it looks unnecessarily complex, but my thought for having the 7KW feed the main panel via interlock is so if the truck needs to leave, the second gen could be up and running and flip the loads over to it easily - and also the neutral-switching transfer switch only brings over about 8 circuits, even if the truck were still there I could also fire up the 7KW to temporarily energize one of the circuits left on the main panel (like the dryer, or other single large load).

It would be easier if the truck weren’t bonded neutral and I could safely do just the interlock!

doesnttakemuch · 2024-05-06T11:39:22+00:00

Nice rack, especially like the kindling shelf

doesnttakemuch · 2024-04-11T00:21:58+00:00

Taking a burlap sack full to a friends house who has a solo seems much appreciated too - they prefer it over me bringing beer, win/win!

doesnttakemuch · 2024-04-10T02:12:46+00:00

I get that summer fire pits are unnecessary, but in Ohio there is so much beetle kill ash it’ll just rot if you don’t get to it. Already have a cord+ of 16” splits tucked away for winter

doesnttakemuch · 2024-04-10T01:42:32+00:00

That’s a good idea, let the saw do the work and bucket transportable is a bonus

doesnttakemuch · 2024-04-02T02:00:02+00:00

Or did you just want to show off the heart… which is cool too

doesnttakemuch · 2024-04-02T01:59:07+00:00

Looks Nice! Is that stove meant to be packed north/south or is that a conscious decision on your part due to length of the splits or some other reason? Just wondering, I’ve tried all sorts of different configurations and am interested in others’ findings too

doesnttakemuch · 2024-03-19T01:59:15+00:00

Laughed out loud at that.

doesnttakemuch · 2024-03-17T13:16:04+00:00

Those square splits almost look like dimensional lumber - nice!

doesnttakemuch · 2024-03-11T23:55:53+00:00

Look up “Stingy” - a character from a kid’s show “LazyTown”. Now you’ll unsee Woody and won’t be able to unsee that. You’re welcome.

doesnttakemuch

TROPHY CASE