Power Hungry in the Woods!

Using solar power exclusively for my electrical needs has been a godsend for traveling in the West, but heading east has posed a few challenges. Here's what I did to keep my lust for power satisfied. Filmed while boondocking in Louisiana and Mississippi.
SIDE NOTE: This video was released several years ago. Lithium batteries are currently a lot cheaper, so my comment on their expense no longer applies.

My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):

Products mentioned this video:

How I get around:
Trailer: 2004 Aliner with around 80,000 miles of hard use. Includes propane stove, hot shower, toilet, refrigerator, 200W solar, two 12V batteries (one AGM)
Tow Vehicle: 2007 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 230,000 km

* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using them for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!

[grego]

We are not here to judge you, Slim, we're only here to live through you vicariously. 😁

[SlimPotatohead]

NOTE FROM SLIM: I am getting a lot of comments on this video, thanks. But I would really appreciate it if people would first read the other posts before making the same comments again and again. Three notes: 1) I am considering a new MPPT controller so thanks for those who provided useful info on them. 2) Lithium-Ion Batteries are NOT an option for me at this time as I travel on a very tight budget, plus I also travel in extreme temperatures. Glad they work for others but I will not be pursuing them until the price drops and they charge below freezing. 3) NO GENERATORS, Ever! I may block the word generator if I must explain every time why I will not use them!!!! 4) Renogy apparently changed their design to include grommets. Yay!!! 5) DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS IN YOUR POST PLEASE! They get blocked and I have no time to verify them. Thanks! SP

[CustomFitz]

It's like deja'vu, watching you sit in a camper while it's raining. I feel like I'm there.... love it!

[ramserr]

Loved the heartfelt "confession" at the beginning. Made me laugh. Oh, the horror!

[noahcount]

You're forgiven, Slim.  Your 'transgression' was a temporary measure motivated by desperation, and you've taken steps to avoid having to resort to shore power in the future.  Well done!

[travelingzombies]

My wife and I absolutely love your videos and look forward to seeing them. We binge watched all of your videos and found you to be (in our opinion) the best of all boondocking videos on YouTube. We anxiously wait for your videos each week and hope to meet you in the future. Keep up the great work and thank you for showing us the beautiful scenery and informative tips and tricks. Love your sense of humor. 😋

[johncampbell]

Ahhh, my morning coffee and a potatohead video. A good day begins.

[fym]

Slim, you are very funny. I enjoy each video you posted. Thank you for your time, energy, and generosity.

[bobshaw]

Slim OH ! NO ! you didn't ? Oh my goodness how could you do such a thing LOL !! Good for you for giving in to the pressure .

[ellenthivierge]

I would NEVER judge you Slim. We all have to do what we have to do at times. You had to plug in your A liner that is not a crime. I understand you want to be off grid but there are times that you might just have to plug in the camper and going on grid. Don't beat yourself up over this. We still love you no matter what. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming. :) <3

[voyager]

"I was another one of THEM" Man my sides nearly split, lol that was a great line. And thanks for another great video Slim.

[deeanderson]

Camping is all about doing what you want to do. Slim you are still my go to guy. Thanks again.

[rebekahleonard]

I've given up choosing which of your videos to store for reference...you now have your own folder! I always enJOY your practical solutions... and the humor is greatly appreciated. Journey mercies.

[megeier]

I'm a huge van of "nomadic life" videos, but you are far and away THE best! Your efforts are truly appreciated. Even my husband is a huge fan! Learning a lot from you. Thanks so much!

[hackonefouryou]

Mr. Potatohead, thanks for coming and enjoying our great weather. Usually like that for 200 days a year. You have taught me enough about these fantastic machines that I think I am ready to do this with my son this summer. I've always been the computer geek dad, but I think you have given me the confidence to get out there and live it. Great stuff my friend, thanks for making great inspirational videos.

[beckybarrett]

Part of the beauty of watching you is the education I get on a variety of pertinent subjects. Keep on camping n bringing us great content. Thx, Slim.

[packiejoegilheany]

I’m thinking of my 90 year old aunt living in her cottage in the west of Ireland . She was given solar panels ( installed) for her hot water heater and lights. The sun comes out a few times a year ( maybe) . I was shocked that they work and work well. Someone told me that they harness uv rays and the sun isn’t really needed. Just thought about that watching your video.
Cheers again for a good show

[pauls]

I recently saw a Y-Tube vid of a Australian outbacker whom had the " best " panels money could buy, Than he bought the cheapest Chinese ones to compare them, To his horror the cheap ones outperformed the branded ones in every way, He did the test 3 times over as he could not believe it . Ps a MPPT is really efficient if the open voltage of your panels is higher than 17 volt ! When you use the panels in series ( higher voltage ) its a must do . Hope this helps, Paul.

[samstlm]

I don’t even know you anymore! In all seriousness I just discovered you and your videos. They are top notch in the YouTube world - in my opinion. Keep up the great work.

[hotbrass]

LOL! I’m one of “them” every time I go camping and honestly not ashamed of it. To each his own. Enjoy your videos. Thanks