JAG1

So what about the less expensive panel called Amorphous type? they tend to be less wattage but better in shade since they won't disconnect sections of the panel with some shade cast on it? I like the lower cost and the flexible panel.

Next, I would like to know what sized solar roof panels do I need for my 2 group 31 batteries was thinking looking on Craigslist for some.

Those are nice ARs, but if you fill game with that much Ammo don't you break your teeth on bullets a lot?

yep its the wire size then. Think I'll just hook it all back up again and get what I can out of it. I do have a manual switch to control the charging. Letting the grids do their thing first, charge the truck battery up awhile then switch it to the on position of charging. Yes I have no. 8 grounding as well. I think it all grounds thru the camper tie downs but I ran a ground wire anyway.

I have number 8 wire to charge my camper batteries but still only get 13.6 when the trucks' at 14 volts. Is that the fuses limiting the current? Like I said, it's not hooked up right now cause it seemed to take forever... just charge with the generator because even all days driving would not do a whole lot.

So what if you run big cables? Or is there any situation in which the Amp draw would be hard on the trucks electrical system? I ask since I had an alternator go out on me. I was charging up two dead batteries on my camper running down the highway and it kicked the bucket.

If camper batteries are way down is it hard on the Alternator?

If it ever gets too hot down there in Texas I have a first gen (Oregon) that could use some of that TLC. Nice work.

I'm pretty sure an alternator can test out as good when in reality it's hurting/ confusing your electronics with too much A/C voltage noise. Kinda like you trying to figure out a complex job and the kid next door won't turn down the Boom Boom music.

You know the hackers will figure out a way to shut your car down the same way police will get control. I know it's in the planning right now. And what would I do if I couldn't put 2 stroke in my truck anymore?

Log homes should have good size overhangs so the finish lasts longer than on a flat deck out in the rain. I am experimenting a mixture of non toxic antifreeze and Borax soap for the wood treatment. I'm hearing Borates are available that will mix better than the Borax soap though. Then I need to come up with a finish over the top that still lets the wood breath and not stay wet when there's driving rain against the log walls. Otherwise mold develops and that is the beginnings of rot.

Nick Im glad for my old stuff. It seems to be less problematic. Think of this new stuff... automated emergency braking and Cops can stop your rig from running in a chase. Yes some come with a bad diode right out of the box and then if you accidently cross wires or jump start someone the wrong way, but, I think the Alt builders are at fault too for building less quality inside them.

Mines been doing that ever since I bought it almost new. I noticed some days it does it a touch more than other days.

No fair counting that fried chicken oil you put in there.

All the fun times growing up I have a strong affinity for the 50s Chevys. They were 'old' when I was in high school in the 60s. that's what we could afford as teens were 50s cars.

Thanks a lot Dave, now I know to hide the sawzall from Moparman from now on

Yep any kind of wood finish tends to seal in moisture speeding up the rot process. Poderosa pine is a more rot prone wood than doug fir but if you are in a very dry climate, it may last 20 years anyhow.

That's how Dave gets the whole fire crew to refinish the deck instead of him stuck with it . I'm on the fence about any kind of deck finish stain wood preservative. I've seen everything used from a-z and to tell you the truth... never seen anything last unless it is under a roof. Instead I let nature weather my wood decks and just clean them with a pressure washer is all. They are lasting as long as any other deck that we tore out and longer even. There is one item that works if you don't mind the cracking warping and shrinkage. It's the use of pressure treated lumber. That stuff lasts but have seen some of it fail. Still you have to p/w it every once in awhile. Linseed oil is actually a good medium for mold to start growing I learned that the hard way a long time ago after Bob Villa stopped recommending it.

There are a lot of sellers just hoping to take advantage of buyers. Seen some real garbage for way too much. I would look at comparables that are selling on Craigslist and go from there to make a slightly more attractive deal than the rest out there.

I've always had a real affinity for these older smaller Class C's. On a last note I bought my slide in new and during the first 3-4 years I had more leaks and more problems with it than you can imagine. Wish I bought a good fixer upper instead. Not a project rv but a fixer.

It looks good. I think you've started a trend with that

It is a great asset to owning the right RV though. Mine has given us the chance to really go places and have a ton of fun. It's been just great traveling everywhere sleeping on a good mattress and having a clean bathroom. The memories and places we've been well.... it doesn't get better than that. I think the key to the right one is that small is beautiful as long as it is enough. Once I went for RV parts at a dealership. I saw a guy pull in with the longest 5th wheel I ever saw. I mean this thing was a behemoth. I could tell he just bought it new but for some reason was very unhappy and the wife looked like one of those kind of wives used to getting everything and acted like she was concerned about only staying away from her crabby husband at the moment. Poor guy I thought look what he got roped into. The thing would take all day to wash the outside.

When we take the camper it is usually the wife and I, but she has lost interest in recent years. Doesn't like the open road like I do... would rather stay home and read rather than read sitting in a truck. It does get the cramped feeling after about 9 days that's about it for us and love to come home at that point. Made a couple scary mistakes loading and unloading a couple times. Like they say the older you get the more you forget. I won't go into details, but they could have spelled disaster while jacked so high the thing looks like a killer you have to get to close to once in awhile.. I had one experience were one jack went down and the camper could have crushed me, rolled onto me while trying to relock it fast enough. I would sell the one you have now.... wait for the current bubble to burst and be standing on the sidelines with money when it gets tight again. This gives you time to hoard some of it while others out spending themselves.

A camper does haul heavy. Even if you have a dually you will need some suspension upgrades. Airbags will save the rear springs from eventually wearing down but the thing I want you to know is a camper is higher and harder to go inside sitting high on the bed of the truck. The cab over bed is high also and the wife now has a harder time climbing in and out of bed. She complains about the small bathroom also. A trailer is the least expensive option as truck campers are expensive for the square footage you receive. I do like the smaller rv to wash and take care of and I can go places in the wild and not worry about turning around. I also like the ability to stealth camp at times. The view out the windows is nice sitting up so high and feel a bit safer camping in problem bear country being up that high. I don't like the difficulty of dropping off the rv and reloading on the truck like a trailer would be. I got older so staying in one place for a base camp going on day trips would be better with a trailer. A truck camper can be considered a bit more for traveling and camping more places but, like I said vacations are more restful staying in one place and going for day trips. That's the best I can explain my experience with my truck camper for the last 13 years.

That's cool. Now I'll recognize you at camp. That's what I thought too is to raise it up a bit.