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Favorite Pricey Not-from-ci-accessory

dustinp said:
It doesn't have an alligator clip. It has eyelet connections meant to be permanently attached to the vehicles battery & ground. They could maybe be replaced with alligator clips as long as you had a good connection. I leave mine permanently attached to the battery & ground,(which took about 5 minutes) but leave the cable that attaches to the charger coiled up under the hood, then when I charge the sogen, I get the charger from the trunk, attach it to the cable, and then the sogen to the charger. If you wanted to change TV's it would be about another 5 minute job to take it out, and put it in another TV. This is a pretty simple installation, but the downside of using it that way is that you can only use it when stationary. If you want to use it while driving / traveling, you would need to have the cable installed so it goes into the TV's interior where there is room for the sogen to be stored while traveling.


I'll attach the schematic from the install manual, and a link to the entire manual here: https://manuals.ecoflow.com/us/product/alternator-charger-800w?lang=en_US

View attachment 11171
Click to expand...
Well, they had a special today so I bought the Delta 3 with the alternator charger for $836. I don't know when it will ship but I decided to give it a go. Pretty sure I can make the wiring work with a permanent battery connection and not mounting the charger at all. Hopefully I can replace my medium and large sogens with this one.
 
JohnC said:
For travel purposes I'd be fine with 50GB. I just wish it were a little cheaper for the unlimited home install. I'd love to ditch my internet provider.
Click to expand...

I gave up on the big carriers and moved to a smaller company that resells the same service -- this is how Cricket and some of the other companies work --- you're getting the same network just at a discount and possibly being "Deprioritized" a bit - but its never been a problem. I use 'Red Pocket' for both my phone service, as well as a hotspot plan. Its like $20 month for the phone, and $40 a month for the hotspot. 20 gigs of data for $40 isn't bad. They'v been really good so far, and aren't doing anything jenky like Nomad Internet or ConnecTEN are doing -- both fo which I have used.

The Data speeds are about 3-4 megabit, but I've seen much faster. This is enough for YouTube (not 4k, but HD), remote desktop, and video calling. I was able to work remotely using this a couple of times. Even with my wife doing the same -- the video did 'pixelate' a bit at that point but it was still usable. I mean, really, 9 times out of 10 on video calls I would turn off my camera anyway in which case audio was fine.

This might not be ideal in congested areas where the cellular networks aren't built up - but int he past 5 years, I've seen a marked improvement in coverage.

All that said...Starlink is faster than that, and theoretically has coverage everywhere. The only down side is that it doesn't fit in my pocket, needs a lot more power (7 amps) Stricly for the "RV" -- The Starlink value proposition is really good.

While in Texas last week, I saw a couple of mini's in front of the parked RVs. The "antenna" is really shrunk!!! I didn't see any people to ask if they liked it, but I assume it worked -- it was there. The trees were dense with exposed sky basically above the 'camp-ground loops. I'm not sure how being farther south impacted this...its got me thinking

The only downside is that you effectively need 110 volts --- the Starlink is 60 watts, which will suck a Group 24 battery dead in short order. 6 amps is a chunk of power. Even a LI battery would only give you about 10 hours if my arithmetic is right. Which is always questionable this early in the day :)
 
Sweeney said:
I gave up on the big carriers and moved to a smaller company that resells the same service -- this is how Cricket and some of the other companies work --- you're getting the same network just at a discount and possibly being "Deprioritized" a bit - but its never been a problem. I use 'Red Pocket' for both my phone service, as well as a hotspot plan. Its like $20 month for the phone, and $40 a month for the hotspot. 20 gigs of data for $40 isn't bad. They'v been really good so far, and aren't doing anything jenky like Nomad Internet or ConnecTEN are doing -- both fo which I have used.

The Data speeds are about 3-4 megabit, but I've seen much faster. This is enough for YouTube (not 4k, but HD), remote desktop, and video calling. I was able to work remotely using this a couple of times. Even with my wife doing the same -- the video did 'pixelate' a bit at that point but it was still usable. I mean, really, 9 times out of 10 on video calls I would turn off my camera anyway in which case audio was fine.

This might not be ideal in congested areas where the cellular networks aren't built up - but int he past 5 years, I've seen a marked improvement in coverage.

All that said...Starlink is faster than that, and theoretically has coverage everywhere. The only down side is that it doesn't fit in my pocket, needs a lot more power (7 amps) Stricly for the "RV" -- The Starlink value proposition is really good.

While in Texas last week, I saw a couple of mini's in front of the parked RVs. The "antenna" is really shrunk!!! I didn't see any people to ask if they liked it, but I assume it worked -- it was there. The trees were dense with exposed sky basically above the 'camp-ground loops. I'm not sure how being farther south impacted this...its got me thinking

The only downside is that you effectively need 110 volts --- the Starlink is 60 watts, which will suck a Group 24 battery dead in short order. 6 amps is a chunk of power. Even a LI battery would only give you about 10 hours if my arithmetic is right. Which is always questionable this early in the day :)
Click to expand...
I was actually referring to the internet service I get to the house from my cable provider. I cut the cord years ago but still need internet and only have two current options I'm aware of, both of which I've had and I don't like.

For my phone I still use Verizon but with a prepaid plan which is cheaper than post paid. My bill went from $58 to $35 a month and my data went from 3GB to 15GB. Go figure. I mainly stay with them because of my travels. As a Verizon customer I get access to some roaming areas that a reseller doesn't always get. I drive through some very desolate areas on my trips. Much of it probably has no service but where there is service it's usually towers that Verizon has access to but third party resellers who buy from Verizon don't. At least that's my understanding.
 
JohnC said:
I was actually referring to the internet service I get to the house from my cable provider. I cut the cord years ago but still need internet and only have two current options I'm aware of, both of which I've had and I don't like.

For my phone I still use Verizon but with a prepaid plan which is cheaper than post paid. My bill went from $58 to $35 a month and my data went from 3GB to 15GB. Go figure. I mainly stay with them because of my travels. As a Verizon customer I get access to some roaming areas that a reseller doesn't always get. I drive through some very desolate areas on my trips. Much of it probably has no service but where there is service it's usually towers that Verizon has access to but third party resellers who buy from Verizon don't. At least that's my understanding.
Click to expand...

My brother in law switched to starlink some time ago -- he loves it. He lives in the middle of nowhere digitally speaking.

I'm lucky --- I've got a really good COOP that gives me internet, years ago they invested heavily in Fiber optics. I went from 5 megabit DSL to 200 meg fibre, then now to 1 gigabit --- now we're talking.

A couple weeks ago I resynced my offline backup of somewhere between 5 and 6 terrabytes to my cloud provider backup. I started it around 8 at night, and it was finished the next morning...that was amazing. I'm not sure how Starlink would deal with that even with the unlimited plan....
 
JohnC said:
Well, they had a special today so I bought the Delta 3 with the alternator charger for $836. I don't know when it will ship but I decided to give it a go. Pretty sure I can make the wiring work with a permanent battery connection and not mounting the charger at all. Hopefully I can replace my medium and large sogens with this one.
Click to expand...
Heck of a good deal!
I was in Home Depot and notice they sell both Jackery and Ecoflow. The Delta3 is $899 off the shelf there, alone.
 
GlampingOn said:
Heck of a good deal!
I was in Home Depot and notice they sell both Jackery and Ecoflow. The Delta3 is $899 off the shelf there, alone.
Click to expand...
You have to be careful of the ones in Home Depot and Walmart. For some reason they often are a lesser capacity than the units sold direct by the manufacturer.

They are still on sale direct from Ecoflow for $650 alone or $850 with the alternator charger.
 
And walked out and saw this in the REI parking lot while buckling in...
View attachment 1735067369180.jpeg

looks like with my style on the CI skin..."elegant aged haze patina"...(Aka known as "too lazy to polish to mirror shine...")

I've recently seen here in uber wannabe affluent socal a couple of cybertrucks painted -one in what looks like black rhinoliner...not MY choice for the desert but hey whatever floats your boat, amiright?

Gotta say, I feel patriotically inclined to support Elon and my preferences may be shifting...
open.substack.com

Did Musk Derangement Syndrome Inspire Me to Buy a Tesla?

AOC is not amused
open.substack.com open.substack.com

View attachment IMG_7152.jpeg
 
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Of course...as nice as an EV SpaceMarsRover thingey might be for suburban mallcrawling and soybunmanly mulch hauling from HomeCheapo...

I'd have to add the towed behind generator option to the CampInn to assuage my range anxiety, but
Unfortunately that rear bumper tow hitch on my CI is already reserved on my future christmas wish list with the rare but unique CI hot tub option...

Maybe when REI sells them and I can get one on the used gear for members sale...;)
 
Last edited:
GlampingOn said:
Of course...as nice as an EV SpaceMarsRover thingey might be for suburban mallcrawling and soybunmanly mulch hauling from HomeCheapo...

I'd have to add the towed behind generator option to the CampInn to assuage my range anxiety, but
Unfortunately that rear bumper tow hitch on my CI is already reserved on my future christmas wish list with the rare but unique CI hot tub option...

Maybe when REI sells them and I can get one on the used gear for members sale...;)
Click to expand...
Ahhh...two comments to share since last:
1. Talking with a dog guy
(meet the most interesting people at dog parks...maybe we need a dog topic here?)
...he said it not paint or rhinoliner, its a wrap...

Which revives my interest in Sweeneys thread awhile ago on paint on aluminum vs wraps...
Thread 'Wrapping'
Wrapping

So, I'm looking for rabbit holes:

@Cary Winch - what is the cognoscemti say about wraps on the aluminum used in CI's?

Is it comparable to CyberTrucks (iirc they are stainless steel...?)
And if not, has anyone tried a wrap, and what surface prep is needed?

I'm weird, I know, but here is my idea...CI as rolling hunting blind...plus cut the heat soak in desert with an FJ like roof...

@Sweeney thos would be kewl on the Cherokee, dude! Or as a way to advertise your biz on the Transit tow vehicle/workshop?

(Looks like Grok needs more data...CI images?
 

Attachments

Last edited:
GlampingOn said:
Ahhh...two comments to share since last:
1. Talking with a dog guy
(meet the most interesting people at dog parks...maybe we need a dog topic here?)
...he said it not paint or rhinoliner, its a wrap...

Which revives my interest in Sweeneys thread awhile ago on paint on aluminum vs wraps...
Thread 'Wrapping'
Wrapping

So, I'm looking for rabbit holes:

@Cary Winch - what is the cognoscemti say about wraps on the aluminum used in CI's?

Is it comparable to CyberTrucks (iirc they are stainless steel...?)
And if not, has anyone tried a wrap, and what surface prep is needed?

I'm weird, I know, but here is my idea...CI as rolling hunting blind...plus cut the heat soak in desert with an FJ like roof...

@Sweeney thos would be kewl on the Cherokee, dude! Or as a way to advertise your biz on the Transit tow vehicle/workshop?

(Looks like Grok needs more data...CI images?
Click to expand...
Rustic Trail Teardrops used to utilize wraps but the sun wasn’t kind to them.
 
Van_and_Terri said:
Rustic Trail Teardrops used to utilize wraps but the sun wasn’t kind to them.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I searched and found this:

Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers – Teardrop Campers built and for sale in North Carolina Affordable Teardrop Trailers

www.rustictrail.com www.rustictrail.com

Same as you mentioned?
This is the only hit there on "wrap"...

New 2024 Black Bear – Military Green Wrap – Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers

www.rustictrail.com www.rustictrail.com
Still looking but at first glance its useful as to durability of the wrap material...point well taken, ty!
What a PITA to peel and remove faded plastic would be...

Less so as the underlying material is not aluminum as on the CampInn.
Cary once suggested the lazy mans friend is the big semi truck shops where they polish aluminum fuel tanks, etc...

Now I am re-reading tech specs on how to paint aluminum,
Whilst reminding myself "why a genteel haze gray is so labor saving" with a relatively easy marine wax coating once a year...;)
And looking for a semi truck shop...
 
JohnC said:
I was actually referring to the internet service I get to the house from my cable provider. I cut the cord years ago but still need internet and only have two current options I'm aware of, both of which I've had and I don't like.

For my phone I still use Verizon but with a prepaid plan which is cheaper than post paid. My bill went from $58 to $35 a month and my data went from 3GB to 15GB. Go figure. I mainly stay with them because of my travels. As a Verizon customer I get access to some roaming areas that a reseller doesn't always get. I drive through some very desolate areas on my trips. Much of it probably has no service but where there is service it's usually towers that Verizon has access to but third party resellers who buy from Verizon don't. At least that's my understanding.
Click to expand...
Thanks @JohnC
That was my experience with Verizon vs ATT in years past...sometimes one would cover an area the other (inexplicably) didnt;

like east of SLC until about Casper...me once trying to activate a new ATT phone while searching for a signal off a ranch road access, hiking to the top of the hill, only to be surrounded by a grow of newly shorn and "fixed" (judging by the bloody butts) and traumatized sheep bleating "who's your daaaaadyy" ...
While trying to shout over them to tech support in the PI...

Roadwarrior tales...got the t-shirt.
 
PS: Some might find these folks annoying but a once a year review of latest and greatest usually gives best phone plans...which can be helpful. They cover StarLink too. They are more into fancy routers etc in big rigs and boats now, but drilling down to user comments can be helpful...me, I'm waiting to see how Tmobile text on Starlink works out. Can replace something fancier/ more expensive to stay in touch as a high country wanderer going solo...and still work as a phone plus browser, mapping software on iphone. I use GAIA for hikes and saving a couple photos on routes, and ONx for property lines when hunting, plus the AllStays and other RV apps to find campgrounds...I tend to wander vs plan ahead...now. And I'm ok with being out of touch as long as I know where to go to make a call, as long as it doesn't involve sheep. I swear I was expecting to get shot or bit in the azz by someones Avkaz Shepherd, at any moment, so you if .can imagine talking to tech support on a nice winter day in the Red Desert with a stiff wind doing 360's...lol.

www.rvmobileinternet.com

Mobile Internet for RV & Boats - Unbiased News, Guidance & Education

Helping you find your BEST mobile internet solution for RV and boat travels. Unbiased member supported content on cellular, satellite and Wi-Fi options.
www.rvmobileinternet.com www.rvmobileinternet.com
 
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GlampingOn said:
Thanks! I searched and found this:

Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers – Teardrop Campers built and for sale in North Carolina Affordable Teardrop Trailers

www.rustictrail.com www.rustictrail.com

Same as you mentioned?
This is the only hit there on "wrap"...

New 2024 Black Bear – Military Green Wrap – Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers

www.rustictrail.com www.rustictrail.com
Still looking but at first glance its useful as to durability of the wrap material...point well taken, ty!
What a PITA to peel and remove faded plastic would be...

Less so as the underlying material is not aluminum as on the CampInn.
Cary once suggested the lazy mans friend is the big semi truck shops where they polish aluminum fuel tanks, etc...

Now I am re-reading tech specs on how to paint aluminum,
Whilst reminding myself "why a genteel haze gray is so labor saving" with a relatively easy marine wax coating once a year...;)
And looking for a semi truck shop...
Click to expand...
Yes, the same company under new ownership. Previous ownership stopped doing wraps beyond a stripe due to problems. There is Facebook group for Rustric Trails administrated by Jim Cook which is a good source of information for owners. Other brands of teardrops are welcomed in the group also.
 
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