Friday, October 20, 2017

Vanlife with Solar Panels and a 12000lb winch

2017 was another busy and fun-filled year!

#Vanlife
While still based out of Durango I lived out of the van while on the road. Vanlife is a blast and adding gear to the van is part of the fun. This year I installed solar panels with a 40amp MPPT controller and monocrystalline panels (one rigid and one flex). Lots to learn here: RENOGY.


I also added a Smittybuilt 12,000 lb waterproof winch with synthetic line and wireless remote control.

There is no receiver made for the front of my van but I wanted to be able to move the winch from front to back depending on how I got myself stuck. I found a hitch receiver that was close enough and ordered it to Crested Butte.

While camping alone, outside of cell (youtube) range, in the woods of Crested Butte I drilled holes into the van frame, fished nuts via welded wires, used bottle jacks to support the receiver and mounted the receiver, winch cradle and winch while being eaten alive by biting flies and mosquitoes. It looks amazing but I haven't got myself stuck since. With the wireless remote, I will be able to steer the van while controlling the winch.


Comfy home during crazy weather. DH race in Los Alamos, NM at Pajarito ski hill

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