BAD AIM 2003 Z71 Suburban

[Lykos]

If your not running a sub pull the panel out and build a storage box, here is a prototype I am trying and so far it's working awesome. I have tools, compressor and recovery equipment in it. I want to do a duel, battery coming up so I'm keeping a watch on the progress, keep it up.

Great minds think alike! I'm already taking measurements for where the sub would be.

I can't recommend the Bluesea 7622 enough. Installation is easy. Chevy was even nice enough to put a great spot to mount it on the PDC cover. I wanted a set it and forget it do all relay. It's middle of the road priced @$200 and marine grade.

I'm really surprised at how well the little 48 AH yellow top is doing. Granted all I'm running os an Indel tb51 fridge. But that little battery keeps up great.

 

[E.J. Webb]

Are you going to set up your system to run any solar?

 

[Lykos]

Are you going to set up your system to run any solar?

Eventually yes, I think. What I'm thinking is to move the yellow top to the starting location, install a 100ah deep cycle house battery and then run a renogy rooftop setup.
Honestly, my biggest concern is whether or not I need it or want it. As it stands today when I left camp to go watch music I hit the remote start. The truck runs for 60 minutes and shuts off. If I can do that do I really need solar?

But I REALLY want solar. ?

I don't know.

Was that as concise an answer as you needed? ?

 

[E.J. Webb]

Solar is a thing that's cool but my not be necessary for tow day trips. I just went two days in 100 degrees with standard coolers.

 

[rayra]

Lot more reasons than a weekend trip to have solar (and other alternate power) capability.

 

[Lykos]

Lot more reasons than a weekend trip to have solar (and other alternate power) capability.

Like, zombie attack? ?

 

[Lykos]

Floydfest went off without a hitch.

The Indel tb51b performed flawlessly through highs in the mid 80s and nights in the 60s. After running for 48hrs without any charge on the last two days the yellow top read 11.4 volts.

The Bluesea 7622 isolator did it's job well. At $200 it's I'd say a mid level ACR but well worth the money. It does everything you need and nothing you don't.


My takeaway from camping for five days is that I don't need but would like a solar panel. Another gang of rear 12v plugs would make life a lot easier. Some under awning lighting is on the way as is an ARB deluxe room. That'll give me the option to climb out of the bed in the morning and have a little privacy to get dressed. Doing so in the back of the burb is a bit tight. I'm about to go bat ******** on the storage solutions thread. Living out of boxes ain't gonna cut it in the future. It's ok for a week long festival but is way too cumbersome for short trips.

Love, peace and chicken grease y'all!

 

[rayra]

well, I live about 17mi from the San Andreas fault. And I already lost everything to the '94 Northridge quake, I lived then about a block west and south of where most of the people were killed in that event. My house was wrecked and off its slab. Everything in it was a tumbled mess on the floor. I was caught without much of anything in the way of gas, power, water etc. Instantly became a prepper.

So most of my vehicle mods serve multiple purposes. Having additional battery, solar and a 1000W inverter in the vehicle is part of my being able to have power available wherever I am at.
That's part of why I built all the additional power options into my vehicle. I can power or recharge just about anything, now.

I just threw my MkII roof deck on the vehicle, before making much progress on my solar panel mounting designs. But mine is a folding panel kit that can already be set up on the ground and readily plugged into my power arrangement. But I'll get the roof mount done before the year is out.

 

[Lykos]

Grrrrrrr!


I haven't bought aftermarket wheels in years. The last set were Procomp 97s for my XJ. They were cheap, of good quality and have lasted for 16 years of hard use.

The 97s I just bought for this rig are a totally different story. Every one is out of round. Every one. All four. Not two. Not three. All four. Is Procomp a forum sponsor? Can we talk?
Ever tried returning wheels you've already mounted? Argh!

I'd forgotten the first rule of building an overland rig which is leave things as stock as possible. 99 percent of the places I travel I can get to with a stock rig. But, I wanted that "look."

I'm keeping the ebay lift and the tires. The wheels are going back to the vendors and I'm painting the stock z71 snowflakes gloss black to satisfy my need attention. ?

The moral of this post?

Don't get caught up in the build thread and don't buy steel Procomp wheels.

? ✌️ And ? grease y'all.

 

[Lykos]

well, I live about 17mi from the San Andreas fault. And I already lost everything to the '94 Northridge quake, I lived then about a block west and south of where most of the people were killed in that event. My house was wrecked and off its slab. Everything in it was a tumbled mess on the floor. I was caught without much of anything in the way of gas, power, water etc. Instantly became a prepper.

So most of my vehicle mods serve multiple purposes. Having additional battery, solar and a 1000W inverter in the vehicle is part of my being able to have power available wherever I am at.
That's part of why I built all the additional power options into my vehicle. I can power or recharge just about anything, now.

I just threw my MkII roof deck on the vehicle, before making much progress on my solar panel mounting designs. But mine is a folding panel kit that can already be set up on the ground and readily plugged into my power arrangement. But I'll get the roof mount done before the year is out.

I feel you.

I was in McDowell County WV for both the 2001 and 2002 "hundred year" floods. During the latter the rain began to fall as we were laying my mother to rest in Princeton. Following the funeral we made our way home and the resulting landslides pinned us in our holler (this is starting to sound like a country song) for three and a half days and without power and electricity for far longer than that. Several people lost their lives, many lost their homes. It was only a small mention on the national news because really, who cares what happens in West Virginia unless there's a punchline?
That experience left a mark on me as your's did you. You should see my basement food storage and my gun cabinet.

My z71 pulls double duty as Expo rig and BOV. Oddly enough my BOL now that I'm in Roanoke is McDowell County WV. Go figure.

 

[stomperxj]

Every one is out of round. Every one. All four.
Don't get caught up in the build thread and don't buy steel Procomp wheels.

I had steel wheels on mine at first too. Then decided to go back to OEM alloys painted black. Good choice

 

[Lykos]

I had steel wheels on mine at first too. Then decided to back to OEM alloys painted black. Good choice

Is yours the Red Tahoe? ARB bumper?

 

[stomperxj]

No I've got the white 01 Tahoe.

 

[Lykos]

No I've got the white 01 Tahoe.

Yes! Great looking rig!

I like the hubcaps. I'm going to use chrome lug nuts on mine so as to not make it too black.

 

[E.J. Webb]

I want the Method wheels in bronze.