The odd couple. 83' Palomino Mini L and 04' Ram 1500

[GI Pirate]

New inverter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RWKILU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

New Transfer Switch:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001535826/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All of these were necessary to run what we all know is essential in the bush. Yes, a hairdryer. After overland east my (now) fiancee required to be able to look presentable at the Biltmore restaurants and vineyard.
That being said, wow, a hairdryer. Even a low watt hairdryer will zap a small electrical system. My inverter and my converter both melted down. So I ordered another converter,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5MPFW4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That one melted AGAIN while in the shop being replaced... Parrallax was real cool and not only replaced it. But paid my guy for his labor. That is pretty incredible.

So, now I am on to batteries. It was recommended that I purchase two 6v AGM batteries to replace my current, puny 12v deep cycle.

For those that don't know. These produce the most amp hour you can get from my research. And I need them to be AGM because they will be located inside the cabin. However, these things are expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BISE6MG/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AI0SLB84S6Y19

These are almost $70 dollars cheaper a piece than from a brick and mortar. Plus $30 shipping with no core.

 

[GI Pirate]

Got a few weekend trips in:
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These were in Portsmouth, NC in AUG 16'

 

[GI Pirate]

Trap Hill, NC.
View attachment 388566

 

[GI Pirate]

Stress Test:

 

[GI Pirate]

One of the reasons my post have been so sporadic, is that I can not seem to diagnose my photo upload problems.
Some will upload no problem, others not at all. Then later, the same ones that wouldn't upload, will.
I am mostly remote and using wifi, I assume signal strength is an issue.

 

[GI Pirate]

I also ordered new helper springs.





https://www.amazon.com/Hellwig-6190...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CGTPRFVNNYNX2X06X0BQ

As shown in the pictures, the exhaust on the passenger side was in the way. This forced me to move the spring forward. I will have to move the exhaust hanger for a more permanent solution.

I will also have to trim the U-bolts.

They do exactly what I was hoping they would. No "noise" as a lot of reviews indicate. I did some off camber driving as well. No issues even with the camper on.
I still need new shocks. But I am pleased with my 200 mile shake down on rural mountain roads and a few hours of Interstate driving.

 

[unkamonkey]

Interesting as my family started out in a Holiday Rambler in 1964 and we have had many campers and pop up tents in our group. More seem to show up every year. WTH 4 0f us used to sleep in a 1962 Suburban. I'm not sure how 4 of us slept in a 1955 Pontiac with a dog.

 

[GI Pirate]

Interesting as my family started out in a Holiday Rambler in 1964 and we have had many campers and pop up tents in our group. More seem to show up every year. WTH 4 0f us used to sleep in a 1962 Suburban. I'm not sure how 4 of us slept in a 1955 Pontiac with a dog.

Yeah, that's tight. Eventually I would like a Sportsmobile type van with a penthouse and a lower bed. Much more roomy than any other setup with the same wheelbase, curb weight etc...

 

[GI Pirate]

Finally!

I have finally done it. I have batteries. I ended up ordering 2 6v Golf Cart batteries off of Amazon. I purchased them off of Amazon for two reasons.
1. I had a gift card
2. Even with out the gift card, and additional shipping, they were still cheaper or close to what any brick-and-mortar could do price wise.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BISE6MG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now, the reason i went 6v.
Simple: 210ah
That means for an off the shelf 12v to compare with my 2 6v in series I would have to have 4+ 12v in parallel.

The 6v are expensive at $240 each, and weigh a ton at 70lbs.

But look at the cost per amp hour and weight comparison to 4 12v and it all kinda evens out.

I am unsure of what my long term results will be. But I will keep this updated with trip/long term reports.





Up next, 12v water pump with external shower head. And I need a 120 outlet on the outside.

And just like that, this ugly girl will be fully functional.