What is inside
The whole build, in one place
- The real cost sheetEvery system the $10,000 covered, from solar to cabinetry. Bought for $3,000 at about 140,000 miles; 60,000 miles driven since.
- The 700W solar layoutTwo separate arrays on two charge controllers, feeding one 280Ah LiFePO4 bank, and why it was wired that way.
- How the bank gets chargedSolar, alternator (DC-DC charger) and shore power, in one picture.
- The parts list, linkedPanels, controllers, breakers, bus bars, cable, lugs, crimpers, the diesel heater and more. Every part is in the rig.
- Where to sleep for $0The apps and rules behind $0 a night: iOverlander, The Dyrt, FreeCampsites.net, the 14-day BLM rule, Harvest Hosts.
- Monthly running costsFuel, data and maintenance, set against $800 a month rent.
The rig
As built
- Chassis
- 2000 Ford E-450, 7.3L Powerstroke diesel, box/bus conversion
- Solar
- 700W total: 2x100W Renogy + 2x250W SanTan, two arrays, two controllers
- Battery
- 280Ah LiFePO4, 12V system
- Heat
- Diesel air heater + whole-house propane furnace
- Water
- 40-gal fresh, 27-gal gray, 27-gal black
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