First Boondocking with Super Solar

[rames14]

We just got back from a week long boondocking trip to the Snowy Range in Wyoming at 9000 feet. We had a few issues that gave us some trouble, but all in all we had a great trip. We had weather from the 80’s down to 33. Some days we had highs that didn’t leave the 40’s and we got about 3” of rain. First the good. We came home with about 50% on one propane tank and our water and holding tanks lasted the whole week. Since diagnosing our G3 satellite issue, we enjoyed watching television when we wanted. Lithium batteries are the bomb. 540 ah of usable power is great and was needed.

Now, we did have a few issues. First, one of our solar charge controllers went out, so we had to rely on our Honda’s. That worked great, until the PD transfer switch wouldn’t latch. That caused the batteries not to charge while on the generator. Where we camped, it was a 5 mile ride each way to a spot with cell service. We call it affectionately “the Phone Booth”. I was able to get ahold of Matt Wolkins at Futures Sales to walk me through the process to get the transfer switch to latch. Once we got that going, things were back to normal.

We had one odd issue with the propane system. It makes a loud belching sound occasionally. The furnace starts and stops four times before starting. Never had to do a restart, it just went through a four burner/start burner/stop sequence and then worked perfectly. Not sure what that is about. But, all in all a fun camping trip. Put 140 miles on the Polaris and got out in the Hobie for about 15 minutes before an electrical storm forced us off the water. But, that’s camping in the mountains.

[mlh]

The Snowy Range is pretty. I’d love to be out there this September. We have several friends who live in Wyoming. Sadly we’ve lost one in Laramie.
Lynwood

[rames14]

Lynwood, there were a ton of moose up there, in addition to deer and blue grouse. It wasn’t touched by the fire last year, so it was really nice. Wish we could have fished more. Got to read a few books, lots of miles in the Polaris and pre-season football. One of the most relaxing trips we’ve had.

[mlh]

Ron my favorite place in Wyoming is still Union Pass. All the game species in Wyoming are up there along with all the little creeks full of trout and the lakes to fish and no cell service or radio or TV. Heaven on earth.
Lynwood

[Creeker]

Reads like our kind of place. Glad you guys had a good time even with a couple glitches. Don't you wish everything was as reliable as your Honda Genny's?

I have Union Pass on our short list as well. Its been 2 long years since we've been out west. Work interference, Government closures and family popping out babies has to end sometime. I need a Rocky Mountain air fix!

[rames14]

It would be nice if everything was as reliable as the Honda’s. But, this solar stuff is relatively new and we expected some glitches. And, Keystone has been very proactive in finding new vendors to alleviate the issues. Jaboni and PD have been well thought of companies. Sorry to see that they have not worked out. Overall, the new Montana has been great. We get our IS installed in two weeks. At rally, we will find answers to our other questions.

The area we camped is a locals only area. It’s near Saratoga, Wyoming. CJ Box, author of the Joe Picket series hangs out down at the Wolf Hotel. Our local camping club, the High Plains Drifters, goes there once or twice a year.

[Livermore]

Hi Ron, thanks for the post. Do you think any propane issues were caused by the elevation? Sure the Hondas had to work hard. Love the Hondas.

[rames14]

I doubt it. I think we will find something simple like a bad regulator. I’m hoping at rally we have someone from the furnace manufacturer. Stayed warm, hot water and fridge worked well.

[mlh]

Like Ron I’ve camped on Union Pass at 8200 feet and never had a problem with anything gas refrigerator or water heater.
Lynwood

[Creeker]

We've dry camped several times over 10k' with no issues. Our Honda EU3000Is ran everything just fine even at this extreme elevation. Just had to pay a little more attention to power management.

Its 96 here as I type this. What I would give to be somewhere high up in the Rockies right now.

[mlh]

I just tried my 4000 watt Onan. It runs my AC for about 5 minutes and cuts itself off. Tomorrow I will make a mount for 3000 IS Honda. Then I will dig a hole and give the Onan a proper burial.
Lynwood

[rames14]

That’s a mighty big hole, Lynwood.

[M&M]

Sounds like a great trip to give the unit a good workout. Being in the south, I haven’t had a chance to use the furnace. AC is working good, but yet to need heat. One thing I found this weekend, is a section of duct on the furnace not connected to anything. It was just connected to the furnace and loose hanging down by the black tank. Do you know if that is the method used to heat the basement?

[rames14]

That would be my guess. Hoping to see the inside on a tour at rally. Hoping to get in but they want first timers first.