Boondocking tip

[mandolindave]

I was just on a week long trip, that started off with batts at 12.2, a split in the propane fittings, and a broken fresh water drain valve. I fixed everything but ended up low on power, water and propane. ( and only five sets of mandolin strings )
* I positioned jugs as rain barrels for flushing, washing hands, and washing pots and pans. I ended up being able to take a long shower after packing up for the return trip, and three short showers.
* I used those outdoor garden solar LEDs for interior lights. ( used no candles, or 12 volt lighting) I think that I will make bases for them
I did cheat by hooking up to a guitar players generator for two hours.

[jimmini]

Originally Posted by mandolindave

I was just on a week long trip, that started off with batts at 12.2, a split in the propane fittings, and a broken fresh water drain valve. I fixed everything but ended up low on power, water and propane. ( and only five sets of mandolin strings )
* I positioned jugs as rain barrels for flushing, washing hands, and washing pots and pans. I ended up being able to take a long shower after packing up for the return trip, and three short showers.
* I used those outdoor garden solar LEDs for interior lights. ( used no candles, or 12 volt lighting) I think that I will make bases for them
I did cheat by hooking up to a guitar players generator for two hours.

I like your idea of using the outdoor light inside.I have lot of them,will try them next time I am boondocking.
SCARS ARE COWBOY TATTOOS WITH BETTER STORES.

[mtbguy]

Great idea! I am boondocking this weekend and will hit Home Depot in the morning! After using them outside I can bring them inside trailer after dark!

[Sbb]

I boon-dock all the time for work, I use my Ipad( which I charge in car when needed, for my light at night) My phone has flashlite app, I changed to LEDS and just purchased new batteries for the AS, but find light from Ipad plenty to see with.

[triterra]

Originally Posted by mandolindave

* I used those outdoor garden solar LEDs for interior lights. ( used no candles, or 12 volt lighting) I think that I will make bases for them
I did cheat by hooking up to a guitar players generator for two hours.

Put some sand into a used water bottle and insert garden light to use as a base. Perfect for keeping the tablecloth from blowing away while the lights charge during the day.

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by mandolindave

* I used those outdoor garden solar LEDs for interior lights. ( used no candles, or 12 volt lighting)

That is a great idea!


Maggie

[mandolindave]

I liked walking into an illuminated camper, and not have to fumble for a light switch. ( and it looked so cool ) When I went to bed, I put them in the bathroom, with the bathroom door opened just a little bit. It worked well as a night light. It was also handy, as I used them as a flash light to search for things in the cabinets.
I feel like a dope for not using them inside from the get go. I do need to buy more because hundreds of ladies ( ok.... just my daughter ) like them by the steps. I also use them by the hitch, so tenters don't bang their shins.

I will most likely go overboard, like a good forum member, and get the stainless model and install a switch. It is a pain to remove the battery, to turn them off.

[Lily&Me]

I would think any bottle, weighted with rocks, shells, etc., would make a good holder for inside.

Rather than turning the couple we would use off, we would probably cover them with something for the night (like we do the blinking green mifi) and return them to the sun the next am.

Oh, the possibilities! Just sounds so fun to experiment with, and a great way to conserve battery power camped someplace like Padre Island NS.

Can't wait to try it!


Maggie

[mandolindave]

My solar lights stand up on their own, if I take them off of the stakes. I put one in the cup holder in the bathroom. I just tried out putting them on a microphone desk stand. I really liked the look of that, and I will be able to adjust the height. My other trick was to put one on the kitchen counter, because I have a stainless steel backsplash, and it seemed to give me more light.
I need to think of a cool way to hang them. Putting them on the counter didn't light the floor. I want the pups to see their food and water.
Yeah.....maybe, I should get a life ha ha

[Lily&Me]

First, not everyone has a microphone stand.

Second, your pups could find their food and water bowls in the pitch dark...with blindfolds on.

Having never used solar outdoor lights, I don't have any idea how they disassemble, but I'll take your word for it.

I light a small candle almost every night, tho, and the light reflects nicely off the aluminum/stainless steel interior. One of the many, real advantages to having an Airstream.

Can't wait to try it out, but we'll be home before that happens.


Maggie

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by doug&maggie

I light a small candle almost every night, tho, and the light reflects nicely off the aluminum/stainless steel interior. One of the many, real advantages to having an Airstream.

You might like this solar light, which is designed to look like a candle lantern (at only 1 lumen it's exactly the same brightness as one, too) and sit on a tabletop: Threshold

[Lily&Me]

Very nice, Protag, but big.


Maggie

[cwf]

Solar rocks..

[TBRich]

We have used outdoor garden LED stake lights for camping trips for some time... But because the AZ ground is usually not that welcoming to a stake, we spray-painted several medium sized tin cans silver and use gravel or sand in them with the stake lights. (When we went to the beach we fill the cans with sand and shells.) This allows us to move them around the campsite as needed, and we don't need to worry about the ground being soft enough for stakes.

One note on the lights, though...try to find lights with 2 LED bulbs and an off/on switch. Two bulbs produce much brighter light and if there's no off/on switch, they come on and run down during storage in the truck bed...

There are all sorts of LED products out there that you can use camping and in your rig...just look around at the hardware, or in houseware or garden departments

[FlashSilver]

Originally Posted by cwf

Solar rocks..



Attachment 194962

Looks like something I would forget and drive off. I guess I could put it on my check list, but I usually lose that too.

[noreen&sal]

I have one on top of the flag pole. Not that bright, but does help me find my way home. Sal

[79nTOW]

For several years I have what I call my "light bouquet." I put seven led lights in a fairly tall stainless container. I like it by the steps, on picnic table and if needed on the inside. I bought the clear acrylic dry mix at Hobby Lobby normally used for vases. Poured over pebbles it helps to support the lights.

[Hodum]

You are a very innovative group. I have grabbed some ideas and will be trying some of them soon. We are headed to Louisiana in the middle of January and if the wintery days hold enough sunshine to charge the lights I will certainly have some new toys. Thank you so much for each of your information. I wish I could have thought of it but since I was slow I am glad someone else did.

[John&Vicki]

I *really* like the JOI candle powered lantern. Small, expensive, awesome technology.

Amazon.com: JOI Lantern: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Uses one tea candle to generate the light of 18 tea candles with LEDs powered using thermo-electric technology.

Poppy

[Air deamer2]

There are also great battery(rechargeable ) operated lights that stick on the wall....found a three pack and one good to go when needed!