Portable Solar Power?

[ComeCloser]

Originally Posted by jamies

LOVE our Magic Bullet!

Right? One little luxury that can accomplish so much!

Originally Posted by jamies

Why not just use an inverter off the main engine? I have a 1000 watt inverter in my truck. And a couple small 12v panels for charging stuff.

Its an interesting idea. I just worry about it ending up draining my battery and leaving me stranded, or worse, if something shorts out. If something shorts out in the portable system, well, no Magic Bullet and hair dryer for me, lol. The vehicle is fine.

Originally Posted by jamies

I would suggest checking some of the off roading sites regarding the solar systems available and how various options are working for "overlanders." I don't know about running refrigerators off portable solar unless you have a couple of big house batteries and a larger RV size array. I have a couple of those 12V "coolers" but we've used them like twice in 15 years. If the SHTF for real I'm not sure if having a refrigerator in a car is very high priority, for me anyway. I'd probably use mine to carry more ammo!

Good idea regarding checking out an 'overlander' forum.
I think the frig's are stupid, but Im sure some people will feel carrying a large generator just to be able to use a hairdryer is stupid, so - to each his own.

I mean for a weekend of glamping, a frig is cool, but Im going with a Yeti "The Roadie" 24. It will be big enough to hold my items that need cooling, allow a carton of milk to stand upright, and can also be used to protect fresh produce in freezing temperatures. I can get it in a dark color to blend into the Subies black interior.

Im chosing a Subie, primarily for the gas mileage, the underfloor 'garage' space in the back, and the CVT. I know CVTs and any cars can have problems, but you can get 300K miles out of it if you take care of it right.

Same with the CVT, you will be told they never need flushing, but if you use common sense and flush it when its apparent it needs it (particles in the oil, burnt oil, etc.) problems should be minimal. Parts on a few models are interchangeable to use on the Forrester.

Also, if for some reason the lifestyle doesnt turn out to what I have built it up in my mind to be, or I have to settle somewhere due to health issues or something , I am left with a good car, and some great camping gear.

When I started on this journey I wasnt thinking about stealth so much, and I saw the Winnebago Revel. Nice! Except for $178K and half of what its got Im not even interested in, and for a true overland experience, I still need to invest in modifications. Besides, I know of places I can get a brick house with land for $178K, lol. Rediculous!

Anyway, an 'overlander' is appealing. There are some things I will need to learn, etc. They are certainly capable of some amazing stunts. I saw one go over boulders that were bigger than the vehicle was - amazing! I dont plan on doing that though. I think for starting out, a Subie is just fine, and the lack or space will force me to minimalize. Ive already started by weeding out my 5 closets (no lie) of clothes and trying to get them down to just one closet. By the time Im in the Subie, I hope to have that down to 3-5 days of Summer clothes, and 3-5 days of Winter clothes max.

Thanks for your input, Jamies.