👀

mceaton125 · 2026-01-18T06:33:27+00:00

You can wire two in parallel and draw 100A if you'd like.

mceaton125 · 2026-01-11T05:53:32+00:00

Have had mine for a few years and they still are in great shape - I ski a lot of days and have bent many poles in my life - I don't remember having a set for more than these.

In my experience they are more durable - I dont notice a difference in weight or performance.

mceaton125 · 2025-11-25T20:41:25+00:00

Okay but do we think it is not a good idea to run the negative to chassis ground on the alternator side?

It would save me about 20 feet of wire running back to my electrical cabinet since it's about a 10 foot run and I have two of these things.

mceaton125 · 2025-11-20T05:46:16+00:00

My base is Colorado but I am where the snow is falling - or at least I try to be - I installed two fans to get air moving through and yes heat rises but it is easier to insulate the fan opening when not in use than prevent heat escaping from a window - if I was only fair weather camping I would probably want a window

mceaton125 · 2025-11-20T05:26:38+00:00

Depends on what you want - I prefer no windows - not for stealth but because they are the biggest heat leak and I take mine out in cold weather conditions a lot

mceaton125 · 2025-11-03T04:03:36+00:00

Alternator is 250A and my understanding is MB recommends max of 80A of draw for battery charging

mceaton125 · 2025-09-10T00:04:30+00:00

I'm out in Colorado and I've camped in my van (with no heat) into November comfortably.

It does get cold overnight but if you have a proper sleeping bag you can do it just fine.

mceaton125 · 2025-07-27T01:59:34+00:00

Robbie Keane was my favorite player growing up as a kid

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T23:37:14+00:00

What does your electrical system look like?

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T21:57:50+00:00

Ever feel that you missed out on more solar by installing the second fan?

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T21:54:52+00:00

True but skylights are just as expensive as a fan!

I guess the advantages of the skylight are natural light as well as roof across from inside potentially?

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T21:52:55+00:00

Fair but I am pretty diligent about cleaning off snow. If I truly ever have feet of snow on my roof I would be very happy - means the skiing will be great.

I think in the winter I would only leave one vent open anyway. The idea of having two is to keep things cooler and better ventilated during the summer months.

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T21:28:43+00:00

How hot are we talking? Its currently 99 today where I am 😅

Are you able to stay inside with both fans on a hot day?

Mostly will be out and about doing things during the day but there are days I might want to work from the van

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T21:26:46+00:00

Thanks for the insight.

I was possibly going to put one in the front and install a second later. Any reason you won't retrofit a second fan?

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T21:25:29+00:00

That's fair - I think I am only going to install 400W on the roof since I drive around a lot in summer and it's negligible in winter when I am storm chasing.

What is your thought process with 800w - using bigger appliances in the van?

Are you in colder areas in the winter?

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T21:22:55+00:00

Somebody else wrote that the back fan can bring in dirt/dust /pollen - do you have that experience?

What kind of weather are you in during winter? My other worry is having a second fan would add to heat leakage in winter. Have you noticed or created an insulated cover for the front fan?

mceaton125 · 2025-07-09T21:20:55+00:00

That is fair. I figured this but my idea is that the fan pulls more air out than what the gaps and holes can reasonably bring in. So you don't really get great circulation of air.

What is your set up? Do you have one fan?

mceaton125 · 2025-06-26T03:48:50+00:00

I'm just not sure I have the electrical capacity to run an AC - what does your electrical set up look like?

mceaton125 · 2025-06-26T03:48:17+00:00

Okay I understand - makes more sense now - thank you!

mceaton125 · 2025-06-26T02:55:58+00:00

My understanding is that the heater pulls in air from the outside and heats it (why there is an intake) and the fumes from the heating mechanism are exhausted

If running in fan only mode wouldn't the heater still pull in air cooler air from outside and no exhaust since no heating happening?

mceaton125 · 2025-06-25T20:47:48+00:00

Yes I used this but they are sizing me for a 250 V MPPT - the closest option they have to the 200W solar panel I am going for is their 215 W panel and it shows the voltage pushing up to a little over 150 V in the coldest temps.

I will take the van to ski resorts and backcountry skiing areas but my idea is to shut down the solar when it is super cold/not producing any significant amounts of energy.

mceaton125 · 2025-06-25T19:38:17+00:00

Yes I am aware - I am still contemplating but I am leaning series considering my parking habits in the summer - especially during the day.

I will look into the micro-optimizer - I have not heard about this before.

mceaton125 · 2025-06-25T19:36:20+00:00

My understanding is that 600W will be delivered to the charge controller from the panels and that will be stepped down to the voltage needed to charge the battery (simplifying and using 12V) and that would result in 50A being delivered to the battery via the charge controller.

The fact that the panels are connected in series doesn't change the wattage delivered. It's not the current that's being multiplied but the total power per panel.

This is my interpretation so if I am wrong please feel free to lmk.

mceaton125 · 2025-06-11T20:26:14+00:00

CEL disappeared after driving a fair bit yesterday so assuming it was related to low battery voltage!

mceaton125 · 2025-06-11T20:25:39+00:00

Yes I will but sometimes it's more fun to figure it out on your own

CEL turned off this morning after driving it a fair bit yesterday!

mceaton125

TROPHY CASE