Starting at the Top:  The Roof

Topside

So many steps and so much analysis paralysis reasoning through the best approach and sequence. The goal is to mount three small 100w panels and two large 450w panels among the fan vent, skylight exit, and air conditioner with as little air resistance as possible and everything securely forever in its place too. 1200w of solar power flowing in and feeding the two 12v batteries wired in series, making a 24v battery system.

Ceiling Work, The Scary Stuff Done with Confidence. MaxxFan & Nomadic X3 24v A/C

Measuring every time you think of measuring, then measuring again in order to cut and commit with confidence. The fear of a wrong move in the 2.5" walls and ceilings keeps even the most peaceful soul awake at night. Thanks for Lonnie Wominack for the support, emotional and mechanical for the installation. The only snag was with the Nomadic A/C. John had to machine a plate to adapt the cover to mount. It may be because they are designed for vans, but the vents did not line up. Using a sheet of 14ga aluminum, he sheered it to size and milled the inside to make it fit.

Framing it Out 80-20 for Miles

Power Play: Battery Install and Programming. No power struggle here.

Two Epoch Pro 460 amp hour 12v batteries wired in series for a 24v effect managed by Victron System. Thanks to Explorists Life for schematics wiring diagrams, installation plan, recommendations for the whole system from components to tools, cables and lugs.

Developing the Diner Table Talk & Counters

Excited to create a living space, we commissioned a local woodworker Alex Bristol at Spirit Woodworking to make us a beautiful mesquite table, with an extention, to make our dining room with plenty of room for board games. Our trip to Flagstaff for Art in the Park in July 2025 made a table an immediate need, even if there is nothing else in the box. Unfortunately the table mount from does not work with something so solid, even with a plate of steel mounted inside the garage on the back wall. Wobbly, moving back and forth, etc. the intention that we would be able to push the table out of the way or slide it along to wall like the mount claims, fell short and John had to do significant modifications and add a leg. Luckily Catalina the dog still fits easily underneath.

Backend Shift and embracing Rivet Nuts

Needing more space for the Uru Oragami kayaks, fishing poles, and whatever else is better not kept in the Garage Cave. 

RC Industries created and powdercoated this box to John's tight-tolerance specifications to just fit the kayak bags. To get it on there and allow for future adjustments or additions, John used the existing RivNut from the tire carrier, and then added a bunch more. The rivnuts

Tire Rotation Time. Formidable challenge for the one wolf wolf pack. Using every tool in the arsenal, including winches and the patience to remove 16 lugnuts per tire on the Hutchinson Rims for the X Force ZH Tires. Time determines the rotation, not miles on the road. ~ March 2025