2021 RAM 3500 Tradesman | AEV Prospector | FWC Grandby

[ramblinChet]

This report presents the system validation and verification results for my solar power system and battery bank after 30 days of off-grid travel. The sole power source consisted of two 250-watt solar panels (Rich Solar) connected to a solar charge controller (SmartSolar MPPT 100/30) and a 200 Ah battery bank (two LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 Deep Cycle LiFePO4 batteries). Neither the AC-DC charger (Blue Smart IP22 Charger 12V-30A) nor the DC-DC charger (Orion XS 12/12-50A) was used during this period. The objective was to evaluate the adequacy of the solar system and battery bank capacity to support off-grid travel demands.

System validation and verification for a vehicle’s solar-based electrical system involves confirming that the setup meets design specifications and performs reliably under anticipated operating conditions. Validation ensures the system addresses the intended purpose (e.g., providing consistent power for off-grid requirements), while verification confirms proper integration and functionality of components. This process is critical for my setup, where approximately 65% of operation occurs under forest canopy (reducing solar input) and 35% in semi-open areas with partial sunlight, enabling early identification of inefficiencies.

The histogram below illustrates the maximum state-of-charge (SOC) achieved by the battery bank during each 24-hour cycle. Over the 30-day period, the maximum SOC ranged from 64% to 100%, with 18 days recording values between 96% and 100%. Although I did not log the specific times when SOC reached 100%, this value was frequently attained around midday. These results indicate that the system has sufficient solar capacity for most of September’s operating conditions. It will be valuable to assess performance during December and January, when solar input is typically lower. Overall, I am satisfied with these initial findings, as the system exceeded the design goal of providing sufficient power for seven days using solar energy alone, successfully delivering power for the entire 30-day period.


The histogram below illustrates the minimum SOC achieved by the battery bank during each 24-hour cycle. Over the 30-day period, the minimum SOC ranged from 49% to 92%, with 12 days recording values between 79% and 89%. The minimum SOC was typically reached early in the morning, just before sunrise. During the system design, my goal was to ensure the SOC rarely dropped to 25%. The fact that the lowest recorded SOC over the 30-day period was 49%, with all other values higher, demonstrates the system’s robust performance.


The screenshot below, captured from the Victron Energy solar charge controller, displays the energy collected by the system over the past 30 days. The white portion of each column represents the percentage of time spent in Bulk charge mode, while light blue indicates the Absorption phase and medium blue denotes the Float phase. The data shows that the system reached the Float phase on over half of the days, with a few days only reaching the Absorption phase. This indicates that the system was fully or nearly fully charged for approximately two-thirds of the time. On September 23–25, rainy conditions limited solar input, while on September 26–28, the system operated primarily under forest canopy, absorbing as much energy as possible. By September 29, the system fully recovered and reached the Float phase.


This data is associated with the chart above - note I changed Absorption from 120 minutes to 60 minutes on 18-Sep-25. I attempted to attach the CSV file to this post for further review but the uploaded file does not have an allowed extension.


I will periodically measure system performance and publish updates similar to this report. Evaluating the system’s behavior over the coming years will provide valuable insights into its long-term performance and alignment with design expectations. There's no sensation to compare with this - suspended animation, a state of bliss...

 

[redthies]

Nice rig. I’m curious how you make (made?) your living. Your thread detail makes me think some sort of scientist? My build threads are usually about 15 pages. This one reads like a shop manual with the level of detail!

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I think he mentioned aerospace engineer, or something in that realm.

 

[Mekcanix]

Also military

 

[ramblinChet]

Nice rig. I’m curious how you make (made?) your living. Your thread detail makes me think some sort of scientist? My build threads are usually about 15 pages. This one reads like a shop manual with the level of detail!

Thank you for your kind words. I admire your exceptional work in restoring classic Airstreams. As @Mekcanix noted, I am a retired military veteran, having served as an Aviation Warfare Operator and Aviation Rescue Swimmer. This role provided a strong foundation, combining the technical aspects of Naval Aviation with the tactical demands of Naval Special Operations. In high school, I struggled academically, graduating last in my class and finding math particularly challenging. However, my military service instilled purpose and a clear set of goals. After nearly two years of rigorous training, during which many peers dropped-on-request, I recognized that perseverance and inner drive are critical to success.

Over the past few decades, I have held roles as a technician, technologist, engineer, and technical project manager at American, German, and Swiss companies. Additionally, as @Pacific Northwest yetti mentioned, I worked at NASA Langley Research Center and completed all coursework for an MS in Aeronautics. In engineering and technical fields, providing accurate information is critical to ensuring the safety, reliability, and success of an integrated system. Inaccurate data or assumptions can lead to design flaws, operational failures, or costly rework. Despite my professional background, I consider myself an ordinary individual with a passion for designing, building, and testing complex systems. Below is a summary of key insights for all men:

• mind
  • continuous learning and intellectual curiosity
  • mental toughness and resilience
  • discipline and prudence
• body
  • physical exercise as stewardship
  • nutritious diet and hydration
  • adequate rest and recovery
• soul
  • pursuing sanctity through the Sacraments
  • charity and family leadership
  • moral integrity and spiritual combat

Despite my flaws and imperfections, I strive daily to improve in each of the areas mentioned above.

I will never quit.

 

[ramblinChet]

PA Wilds Pennsylvania BDR-X

Part One of Two​

After completing the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route and sharing campfires with old friends in the Pennsylvania woods, I was drawn deeper into the Keystone State’s wild heart. Months had passed since I’d tackled a forested loop like this, swapping the open High Plains and Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota for Pennsylvania’s dense woodlands and rolling ridges. The PA Wilds, spanning over two million acres of public land in north-central Pennsylvania, is a rugged expanse of deep valleys, high plateaus, and pristine streams. Daytime temperatures linger in the crisp 40s to 50s, dipping into the 30s at night as autumn’s chill settles in. Occasional rain showers slicken the trails, creating the perfect conditions for a reflective, immersive ride. The PA Wilds Pennsylvania BDR-X, crafted by the Backcountry Discovery Routes team, stretches roughly 470 miles, offering ample dispersed camping opportunities. While ambitious riders could complete it in three days, I recommend four or five to savor the scenery and side trips.


One standout feature of the BDR-X loops is their flexibility - you can start the trail anywhere. Having just completed the Mid-Atlantic BDR, I opted for a "zero day" of rest at an Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) campground in the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Recreation Area. The ACE manages approximately 4,000 recreation sites across 423 projects, often near dams and reservoirs. Camping in these quiet, scenic spots by the water offers profound health benefits, blending adventure with tangible recovery. Lakeside serenity and stunning views reduce stress and anxiety, while the natural silence enhances sleep quality - the view out my backdoor says it all. It’s a chance to reconnect with how our ancestors lived, rejuvenating both body and mind.


A highlight of full-time travel is enjoying home-cooked meals at local restaurants, a weekly treat I cherish over corporate chain eateries. Chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Wendy’s have traded vibrant reds and yellows for drab gray and black minimalist designs, resulting in forgettable, boxy urban facades. If you’re in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, make a stop at Eddie’s Restaurant for a warm, hearty meal. After dining, I spent an hour captivated by stories from a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper in his late 80s, savoring every moment of our conversation.


With a full tank of gas and ample water, food, and drinks, I joined the trail in Rexford at the 12 o’clock position, heading anticlockwise. Within minutes, I was immersed in Susquehannock State Forest, followed by Hammersley Wild Area and Elk State Forest - all on the first day. If you’re aiming to spend a week in the forest without retracing your steps, this route is your perfect match.


Late one afternoon, I encountered a group of ten wild turkey hens strutting along a quiet trail section. Their glossy feathers shimmered in the early fall light as they moved in a loose, synchronized flock. For nearly a minute, they trotted ahead, their spindly legs kicking up small puffs of dust, seemingly unfazed by my presence. Then, as if on cue, they scattered swiftly into the dense underbrush, vanishing with a rustle of leaves and faint clucks, leaving me alone on the silent trail.


One joy of overlanding is pulling into a primitive campsite after dark and falling asleep imagining the sunrise view. You’d think years of this lifestyle would sharpen my mental picture, but I’m still awestruck by the natural beauty I wake to - sometimes even shocked. No human could craft something so intricate and breathtaking, a landscape that shifts with every minute of every day, endlessly.


The Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, Pennsylvania, is a must-visit, showcasing the largest wild elk herd in the northeastern United States. It features interactive exhibits, a theater, educational wildlife displays, a hands-on discovery room for kids, panoramic viewing areas, and accessible trails for year-round elk observation in their natural habitat. This prime stop along the PA Wilds BDR-X offers a perfect pause for elk sightings amid stunning forests and trails.


What I loved about this trail was how each day felt uniquely special, despite following a single-state loop. Exploring the Quehanna Wild Area, followed by Moshannon State Forest, felt like living a dream, driving through pristine forests, wetlands, and streams. Though the trails were smooth enough for 25 mph, I slowed to 15–20 mph, windows down, smiling the whole way. Traveling solo let me set my own pace, free to linger without affecting others.


My truck hit 100,000 miles on the trail, and the stats look solid: 14.3% idle (476/3,334 hours) and 85.7% drive time (2,858/3,334 hours). My total engine hours are about average for 100,000 miles, with lower-than-typical idle time and higher drive time. The moving average of 35 mph (100,000 miles/2,858 hours) impressed me, aligning perfectly with my mixed trail (15–20 mph) and backroad (50–55 mph) driving habits.


Here’s an adventure secret: when I spot a vehicle approaching on a trail, I slow down, find a spot to pull over, and roll down my window. As we pass, I hang my arm out, smile, and at least say hello. In today’s world, it’s common to keep windows up and eyes forward, avoiding contact - I’ve been guilty of this too. But in small towns or deep in the forest, that open window and smile often lead to stopping, shutting off engines, and sharing a conversation with a fellow traveler.

In this case, despite traveling in opposite directions, the gentleman shared a tip about a private club an hour ahead, just off the trail. He assured me that if I walked in, sat down, and chatted with a member, someone would gladly sign me in. I took his advice and spent the evening swapping stories with hunters and fishermen over a hot, scratch-made meal.

As I drove back into the dark forest alone I though about old friends - and we have just one world, but we live in different ones...

 

[ramblinChet]

PA Wilds Pennsylvania BDR-X

Part Two of Two​

Exploring forest service roads or trails through national forests and state wildlife management areas requires preparation for unexpected challenges, such as locked gates, which I recently encountered. These routes face seasonal closures during winter or spring for snow or mud, and temporary summer or fall shutdowns for maintenance, fire risks, or post-hurricane repairs, as seen in North Carolina’s forests. Hunting seasons further complicate access: gates often open in fall for archery and deer hunts but close post-season to protect nesting wildlife or support habitat recovery. Some areas restrict vehicle entry to permit holders or allow only foot access behind yellow gates. Washed-out bridges, avalanche-prone stretches, or quota restrictions may also force detours. To navigate these challenges, consult local ranger districts for real-time updates and equip your vehicle with the latest offline maps. Above all, maintain a flexible mindset - resolving unexpected navigation issues is part of the overlanding adventure!


Pennsylvania’s elk, descendants of Rocky Mountain elk reintroduced from the West a century ago after the native eastern subspecies was hunted to extinction by the 1870s, have thrived through decades of conservation. From a low of 14 animals in 1936, the herd now numbers approximately 1,400 and is the largest free-roaming population on the East Coast spanning north-central counties like Elk, Cameron, Clinton, Clearfield, and Centre. This photo captures a cow elk pausing in the woods to glance back at me, a testament to their quiet integration into Pennsylvania’s forested trails. Elk, larger and more robust than deer, tend to be calmer and less skittish but may startle or bolt if approached too closely, especially cows protecting calves or bulls during rutting season.


Most of my trail time under the cover of darkness is spent alone, likely for two reasons: (1) most travelers drive during the day and sleep at night, and (2) dust kicked up on trails at night lingers longer due to reduced wind, with powerful lights illuminating suspended particles, causing “dust-outs.” Personally, I relish being alone in the forest at night, embracing the primal unease tied to limited visibility, unfamiliar sounds, predators, or the risk of getting lost or injured without help. Darkness heightens amygdala activity - triggering fear, anxiety, or aggression. Combined with isolation and an unpredictable forest setting, it’s no surprise adrenaline kicks in. Evolutionary psychology suggests men, historically hunters or warriors, may be wired to seek such high-stakes challenges.


As mentioned in a previous post, properly mounted and aimed off-road lights are invaluable for night riding, casting powerful beams to reveal the trail’s texture and obstacles. The PA Wilds BDR-X includes seven optional “hard” routes that slow your pace to 5–10 mph but are not technically demanding. Some of these routes are overgrown or less maintained than primary roads, breaking up the steady 15–20 mph travel. I encourage you to explore a few of these options for a richer experience.


This vista is one of many along the PA Wilds BDR-X. I love driving through a tunnel of trees and emerging to a breathtaking view like this. Late in the day, I pulled over, fired up my diesel cooktop, and prepared a hearty meal with plenty of meat as the sun sank below the horizon. As night fell, the forest came alive with clicks, chirps, hoots, and howls. Smiling, I decided to spend the night at this overlook. I was only a day or two from completing the trail, but I wasn’t ready for it to end just yet.


The eastern segment of this trail loop was notably distinct despite its proximity to familiar routes, such as the Trans-Pennsylvania Adventure Trail and sections seven through nine of the Mid-Atlantic BDR. Overlap with these trails was minimal, approximately 10-20%, which is remarkable given their close alignment. While navigating Rothrock or Bald Eagle State Forest, I initially expected familiar terrain, yet the trail revealed previously unexplored paths, showcasing impressive route diversity. The accompanying image captures a 10.5-mile, challenging section south of Poe Paddy State Park.


Many forests I explore are working forests, where I occasionally encounter company-specific signs like the one shown. These signs often indicate weight restrictions, typically signaling bridge limitations ahead. In this instance, I proceeded confidently, as my fully loaded truck and camper combination weighed 8,960 pounds on a certified scale, well below the posted limit. In areas with active logging, bridges are commonly rated for 15–20 tons (or 40–80 tons with a permit). However, in remote sections, single-lane bridges with ratings as low as 4–5 tons, or even 3 tons, are frequent. When designing an adventure vehicle for a specific region, consult the local ranger’s office to verify bridge weight ratings. For a versatile, go-anywhere rig, I recommend a maximum weight of 10,000 pounds. Beyond this, many bridges become inaccessible due to weight restrictions.


On dirt or gravel trails in state and national forests, particularly in dry seasons with low humidity and minimal traffic, a thin layer of fine silt and clay particles accumulates on the surface creating a powdery crust that's easily disturbed by vehicle tires; when driven over, this leads to dust being kicked up through tire shear and turbulent wake eddies, with the worst speeds being 15-25 mph, as this range generates optimal turbulence to loft particles upward without rapidly dispersing the cloud. The dust, can hang in the air for several minutes - typically 2-10 minutes for clouds rising 10-20 feet high - governed by Stokes' Law, where tiny particles settle slowly in still air. Aggravating factors include forest canopies that shelter the trail from wind shear, creating calm micro-climates with low air movement, thermal updrafts from daytime heating that counteract settling, and dry conditions turning the plume into a lingering "dust fog" that reduces visibility and poses safety risks.


In wrapping up my adventure on the PA Wilds Pennsylvania BDR-X, I can confidently say it's one of the very best overland trips east of the Mississippi, offering an immersive 500-mile loop that plunged me deep into the heart of Pennsylvania's vast forests, with about 90% of the journey unfolding on rugged dirt and gravel roads that tested my truck while rewarding me with serene, untamed beauty. Plan for spring, summer, or fall to avoid winter's challenges, and set aside 5-7 days to fully savor the route without rushing - plenty of time to detour to nearby attractions like the breathtaking Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, the elk viewing areas in Benezette, the stunning vistas of Pine Creek Gorge (Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon), or the dark-sky stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park. Camping opportunities abound right along or near the trail, from dispersed sites in state forests to established campgrounds making it easy to pitch a tent under the canopy and wake to the sounds of nature after a dusty day on the trail.


Third boxcar, midnight train. Destination, Bangor, Maine...