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  1. DaveM

    Lithium Ion jump pack failed today during a jump, looking for ideas on what happened?

    I have (had) a Micro Start XP-3 jump pack that I keep in my Outback as backup in case I ever over drain the main battery on a camping trip. Have never had to use it for myself but have used it to jump others many times. Excellent product, never had any issues in the maybe 7 or 8 years I've had...
  2. DaveM

    Need help designing awning supports for my camp trailer.

    I recently bought the Ironman 6.5' awning with the plan to install it on metal risers on the side of my small camp gear trailer. Purchased some 80/20 extrusions to rig up a mounting system (see pics) that has the awning on one side of trailer with ability to slide it down for highway driving...
  3. DaveM

    Refilling 5lb propane tank from 20lb?

    Does anyone refill 5lb or 10lb propane tanks from a standard 20lb tank? I have a 5lb tank that is in excellent condition but is just couple years too old to be filled at the station here. I think you get max 5 years before needing re certify them in CA. Can I refill this from a 20lb tank? I see...
  4. DaveM

    Need help with best practices for charging up and monitoring my deep cycle battery

    Been having charging issues with my Interstate SRM-24 deep cycle batt that I thought meant the batt was bad (battery seems to discharge quickly even when not in use). Had Interstate load test it overnight and it seems ok. Now I'm thinking the issue is a combination of my charging and monitoring...
  5. DaveM

    Need recommendations for new tough rain shell

    I need a new rain shell, looking for recommendations for brands I may not know about. Current shell is the Fjallraven Skogso, which I love! The fabric is a tough poly cotton blend or something. Lots of pockets, good fit, excellent hood etc. My only gripe is that its a waxed shell and while it...
  6. DaveM

    Is it safe to charge an aux deep cycle battery from the cars 12v supply on a long drive?

    Is it safe to charge an aux deep cycle battery from the cars 12v supply on a long drive? I have a 12v group 24 deep cycle batt in my small tag-along gear trailer. The battery runs my fridge in camp but only lasts about 3 days on average. Looking for an easy way to top it off as we drive between...
  7. DaveM

    DIY camp kitchen kit from Pelican 1560 (pics and a question)

    Building a new camp kitchen storage kit from a used Pelican 1560. Old kit was a Frontrunner Wolfpack. The small amount of extra room in the Pelican allows me to add some DIY dividers to keep things better organized. For small items I plan to velcro in a few of these zipper pouches from Blue...
  8. DaveM

    Need help validating my simple 12v trailer power setup?

    Need a little help vetting my very simple 12v power set up for my little Venter trailer: I've installed a small battery box with 12v deep cycle battery (Interstate SRM-24). The batt is connected to a Renology Wanderer solar charge controller which feeds power (when connected) from a portable...
  9. DaveM

    Running solar charger cables through trailer walls to outside??

    Need some help with wiring my solar charge controller from a closed trailer compartment to the outside, so I can plug in my solar panel without having to open the hatch. For ref picture son the trailer in question see this thread...
  10. DaveM

    OzTent purchase through Target or Walmart?

    Anyone here have any experience with ordering an OzTent through Target or Walmart online? I'm looking around at different options and I keep seeing the lowest prices from either Target or Walmart, but through partner companies. Not sure how reliable this is, but could save a decent amount for...
  11. DaveM

    Subaru Outback DIY rear camper setup - video

    Stumbled across this video on YouTube yesterday. Posted by a guy named Chase Christopher, who I think is a firefighter in Idaho. He travels around for backcountry camping and mountain biking in his mostly stock Subaru OB 2016 and has created a really clean and functional camper install in the...
  12. DaveM

    Preferred OZ Tent re sellers?

    Getting ready to trade in our OZ Tent RV-3 for the RX-4 Deluxe with enclosed screen room. Does anyone have a preferred vendor they like? Current retail is around $1300 on OZ Tent US site, but I know I've seen it for less in the past few months. Thanks. David
  13. DaveM

    Other fast deploy ground tents besides Oztent and Gazelle?

    Looking for some new ideas around fast setup ground tents. We are a family of 4 (two boys, 7 and 11). We currently have the Oztent RV3, which I love, but is too small for all four of us (my boys are pretty codependent, not quite ready to set up their own space). I've been looking at both the...
  14. DaveM

    Basic bare bones solar power controller?

    I have a very basic solar system set up I'm trying to build. A single 100w Rockpals foldable panel (18v 5.5 amp) charging a single 12v dc deep cycle marine battery. The battery will run to a BlueSea fuse box that connects to a couple of LED light strips in my trailer and a 12v socket to run a...
  15. DaveM

    Finally found a Venter trailer in the US!

    Success! My obsessive nature paid off for once and I actually managed to find a US dealer for Kace Trailers in Half Moon Bay, CA, just 18 miles from my house! She had two trailers left including the one I was looking for. Kace trailers are just rebranded Venter trailers out of South Africa, if...
  16. DaveM

    Any Venter / Savuti trailer owners here?

    Looking at Venter trailers right now, but hard to find practical info or reviews from owners in North America. Any past or present owners on the forum? Would love to read some first hand opinions on quality and value.
  17. DaveM

    Space Trailer dimensions?

    Anyone here got a standard Space Trailer they can take a measurement off? I need to know the max width at the tires, at ground level or up to 6" off ground. The max track width will determine if I can get one of these into my back yard, the only place I can store it. Tried emailing the company...
  18. DaveM

    Small lightweight camp gear trailers in US?

    I'm still casting around for a small camp gear trailer and not having much luck. There seems to be hole in the US market for lightweight, enclosed trailers in the $2k and under range. Overseas I'm seeing things like the Aussie Pod trailer, Banderup, Thule Adventure Trailer, Anssems Camping...
  19. DaveM

    Are DIY tire repair kits ok for permanent repairs on small punctures?

    Found what looks like a roofing nail in my rear tire this morning. Haven't removed yet as it seems well sealed (or not fully punctured). Assuming there is a full puncture here, is there any reason not to repair this myself? Is there any practical difference between DIY emergency tire plug kits...
  20. DaveM

    14' traditionally built wooden power skiff

    Note: this may be a bit of stretch, I'm squeezing this in under the idea that if a kayak is ok to post here then maybe a skiff is as well. If that's not the case please feel free to pull this ad or notify me and I will. FOR SALE: small wooden power skiff Location: Redwood City, CA, USA...
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