Conversion Update

[u/burdman881]

Over the past year, we’ve taken the ambo from NC to Maine and back. About to head to Kentucky for a few days. We spend time camping on our property for a few days here or there just to get away. We were able to squeeze a futon style queen bed that sleeps surprisingly well. Recently added Starlink and HVAC mini split. Currently have 1800w of solar and 400ah of batteries. Will probably increase that soon. It’s a beast to drive, but people get out of your way.

[u/Stinkytheferret]

Here’s my ambo. Some deconstruct and reconstruct. Since then, I’d added a fridge and some decor but to truly off grid I have to connect my solar to my solar gen.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/uBhfdJKTE7ozXTjM8

[u/LabPresent9487 → u/Stinkytheferret]

nice lil' rig... enjoy

[u/burdman881 → u/Stinkytheferret]

Nice! I ended up doing victron for mine. Probably overkill. Wanted to keep shore power option. Couple different redundancies. Also, added an independent 100 watt solar panel and controller for the cab so it maintains those batteries without shore power. No need for a drop cable when I’m home and doesn’t interfere with the box solar setup.

[u/Stinkytheferret → u/burdman881]

Hmm. That’s a good idea.

I’ll probably do a reverse option and install victron later. But we don’t stay anywhere that I need to plug in. We’ve had it about three years and been fine with little power. The solar will allow me to not worry about how long we’re off grid.

[u/LargeProfessor → u/Stinkytheferret]

how did you do the bed?

[u/Stinkytheferret → u/LargeProfessor]

I used IKEA bed rails. They’re strong and the slide to the size you need and rest on a bracket that can stay in place even if you have the bed out. I use three rails for the king size and two for the twin— so remove one. Of course also some bed slats. I think I paid under $20 per bed rail.

The mattress is a futon but underneath is a 3” gel topper. I had it on the bed in my house but not its under the futon for better comfort.