Solar Generator is working!

12 June, 2020; Vail AZ

My solar issue has been resolved!

And, of course, it was my fault.  I wired a connection incorrectly.  My only solace is that several people including the technicians at the factory looked at detail photos and video and still took awhile to twig what was wrong.  

Inergy Apex solar generator happily charging from my solar panels

I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Apex performs with the electronic needs in my van.  I think my power consumption in this Van should be pretty minimal and I'm really impressed with the number of output options!  Worst case, I might need to daisy chain in another battery to increase the total available amp-hours. This battery has 90 amp hour capacity, but, since it's lithium, I'll have access to almost all that power.

On the home front, my hummingbird is back!

While I've seen the mama and her 2 chicks visiting my feeders, the nest has been abandoned.  But, a few days ago, as I was having lunch, I happened to look up and find the mama back on the nest!  She's been there pretty consistently the last couple of days so I think she's planning on more chicks this season.  Again, the Gila Woodpeckers have been showing some interest and she's aggressively chasing them away.

Sketching

Being busy with the Van, I haven't been doing a lot of sketching lately.  I've been doing a bit more landscape sketches (using reference photos from my trip to Venice several years ago) in anticipation of being able to get out of 'lockdown' and spend some time exploring Tucson architecture.

A scene from my trip to Venice

Home made ink, twig pen, and brush

I liked the reflections in this guys sunglasses!

I have a functioning Van!

8 June, 2020; Vail, AZ

Last week I made a quick trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado

The time was right to zip up to the home of WayFarer Vans and have them install my Walt Kit (conversion kit for the ProMaster 159" high roof cargo van).  I figured that I could make the trip stopping only for gas.  I carried all my food, had hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes by the drivers door and carried several masks.

I spent a night on the floor of the van on the way up (very cold with no insulation).  My solar generator is back at the factory to figure out why it's not charging from my solar panels, so I only had my headlamp for light.  But, I had my old backpacking gear, so it felt a little like the car camping I did years ago. 

When I arrived at the WayFarer factory, I met the team that did my install - very nice guys.  After answering a few questions and meeting the dogs (like at the Escape trailer Factory, a couple of dogs wander around supervising the work), I left the guys to work undisturbed.  

Very generously, they handed me the keys to one of their ProMaster City Vans so I could go enjoy the mountains.  They even gave me a couple of suggestions for places to go.  So, while they were hard at work, I took a little hike!

I hadn't been to Colorado Springs in probably 50 years!  I'd forgotten (or never knew) about Manitou Springs and the Red Rock Canyon Open Space.  It was perfect for a short hike.  

As I hiked, I got periodic update pictures of the progress on the van.  Very thoughtful, and reminded me of the every Friday emails from Escape Trailers with the latest photos of my trailer being built!  Apparently, high quality, high customer service business people think alike!

Getting started.  They even took out my camping gear and stored it on some shelves for me!

After being in the desert for a year, the smell of pine was just intoxicating.  

The ceiling MaxFan is in; also, the framing for the ceiling and walls.

There weren't too many people on the trails and everyone donned masks as they got close.

The wool insulation is in.

Before I knew it, the Van was done!

Seriously, half a day!  Check out this You-Tube video showing them doing a complete build in about 3 hours (the video is very quick too!).

Great for lounging

I've never seen such a big sink.  We'll see how I deal with a hand pump (I've always had a 12v water pump)

Is there anything nicer than a new, sparkly clean fan?

Table for 2; perfect for planning my first real camping trip!

I'm beyond happy!!  

The heavy lifting is done; I just have a few details left to do myself

The biggest thing will be finalizing the wiring for the fridge and figuring out where to run the interior lights.  For now, I've just stuck up some Puck lights.  I think I'll camp in it a few times to see where I really want lighting.

Today I installed the fire extinguisher and a carbon monoxide alarm (I'll be heating with a Little Buddy propane heater, and I may be carrying a small propane tank inside).

The IcePro 50 12v cooler fits perfectly behind the drivers seat.  Plenty of room for air flow and I think the 12 v cord will reach to my battery location without needing an extension (won't be sure until I get the solar generator back from Inergy.