Mid life crisis Cali Swamper!

I like the look of those Solo stoves. I went for the Petromax Atago as it’s more compact and for me more versatile for Dutch oven cooking etc. Similar principle - double wall for a ‘smokeless’ efficient burn.
First time I see this one. Have to say, really liking the look of it, may end up with one this spring. Thanks for the tip
 
You won’t hurt anything. If you try to push it more than the inverter can handle it will shut down before any damage is done.


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Yes, that's what happened when I tried to power a tire compressor. The amp draw @12v was so great it caused the Delta 2 and the previous River Max to trigger their failsafe protection systems.
 
First time I see this one. Have to say, really liking the look of it, may end up with one this spring. Thanks for the tip
Only downside is it can't use gas power source. Charcoal, wood etc are fine if you have time but lack convenience.
 
Only downside is it can't use gas power source. Charcoal, wood etc are fine if you have time but lack convenience.
I have a Cadac for that. Mostly looking for a good solution to have a fire going. Spring/Autumn evenings can get quite chilly up in the mountains. The fact that I could also use it to cook a stake is an added (and much appreciated) bonus :D
 
I have a Cadac for that. Mostly looking for a good solution to have a fire going. Spring/Autumn evenings can get quite chilly up in the mountains. The fact that I could also use it to cook a stake is an added (and much appreciated) bonus :D

It’s a great bit of kit. Very efficient and versatile. I have a hot plate for it and a fire resistant cloth lid that folds down very flat that turns it into a convection oven. I thought it was a gimmick but it really works well.

It chucks out a surprising amount of heat at a fire pit too.


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It’s a great bit of kit. Very efficient and versatile. I have a hot plate for it and a fire resistant cloth lid that folds down very flat that turns it into a convection oven. I thought it was a gimmick but it really works well.

It chucks out a surprising amount of heat at a fire pit too.


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This is the Petromax? I have been eyeing one on eBay.
 
Well my little LoRa Meshtastic messaging devices are now fully built and functioning, with the boards having arrived today. Now the Mrs and I can send messages to one another even without signal for when the apocalypse happens and/or offgrid during more pleasant times :D

In principle - one unit can message another unit directly. Additionally though, they also act as relays, meaning that when in range of other Meshtastic device, they can all use each other as relays, bouncing messages along to the intended recipient, without reliance on a network provider etc. And they use a miniscule amount of power. Also a fun little electronic project.


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My thrifty mind (increasingly broke), is debating a few nearly new wheel options today, before the grand reveal.

There are Fuel Zephyrs, Tomahawk Katos and Oz Rally Raids.

I love the RR but having seen them in the metal on a couple of vans locally, they are more sport than swamp. Somehow not quite right in context of a van.

Zephyr vs Kato
 
Personally prefer the Zephyrs but am pretty sure I read somewhere (can't seem to find it now) that water pools at the bottom of them when the vehicle's standing still which may make corrosion a bit more likely.

My order from Rogue didn't work out either unfortunately so I am back in the market myself! Really considering the Navis Gelida-ATs, especially to wind up @CamperFam as the positioning of the Navis logo on the outer rim really affects his OCD. Will just drop casual pics here periodically to wind him up.
 
Personally prefer the Zephyrs but am pretty sure I read somewhere (can't seem to find it now) that water pools at the bottom of them when the vehicle's standing still which may make corrosion a bit more likely.

My order from Rogue didn't work out either unfortunately so I am back in the market myself! Really considering the Navis Gelida-ATs, especially to wind up @CamperFam as the positioning of the Navis logo on the outer rim really affects his OCD. Will just drop casual pics here periodically to wind him up.
What happened with Rogue?
 
Only downside is it can't use gas power source. Charcoal, wood etc are fine if you have time but lack convenience.

I think there is a US version called the Volcano which also has a gas option so super versatile. How easy it is to get one in Europe though I have no idea.

I also have a Cadac that I sometimes use and I always carry a small gas stove for speed. However whenever time allows I enjoy the ritual of making a fire. Same with coffee, there’s a meditative quality to the process for me!

Edit. Found a UK supplier and in a Swamper friendly black finish too!





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What happened with Rogue?

All very odd in the end but ultimately I ordered on the 18th of Feb and he let me know yesterday that he can't get them to me until the 7th of March at the earliest. That was after I'd waited in a couple of times for delivery already based on the comms we'd had so just decided to cut my losses and look elsewhere.
 
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OK - so the campervan pitch to Mrs V starts in earnest Friday night. Given there is a toddler involved, the van certainly won't be a rockin', so I need to sell its charms in other ways.

I've noticed that helpfully, temperatures are 0 degrees overnight this weekend.

Will this be acceptable with some thermal blinds and the heater? Or is it guaranteed to end in divorce court?
 
The heater will handle 0C just fine. Just keep the closets/cupboards closed and bring a rug for the floor.

I've been in the van when it was -17C outside overnight, the heater on 4 and we were rather toasty. Roof was down though.

The only trouble we had was trying to sleep when some local 'youfs' showed up at 1am with their Subaru to enjoy the knee deep snow covered road. They were having a blast though, those Soobies are pretty handy on the snow
 
The heater will handle 0C just fine. Just keep the closets/cupboards closed and bring a rug for the floor.

I've been in the van when it was -17C outside overnight, the heater on 4 and we were rather toasty. Roof was down though.

The only trouble we had was trying to sleep when some local 'youfs' showed up at 1am with their Subaru to enjoy the knee deep snow covered road. They were having a blast though, those Soobies are pretty handy on the snow
I cant imagine the Swiss youths are that bad - my brother lives in Basel and some of your laws and regulations would be sorely welcome over here :D
 
OK - so the campervan pitch to Mrs V starts in earnest Friday night. Given there is a toddler involved, the van certainly won't be a rockin', so I need to sell its charms in other ways.

I've noticed that helpfully, temperatures are 0 degrees overnight this weekend.

Will this be acceptable with some thermal blinds and the heater? Or is it guaranteed to end in divorce court?

Is Mrs V as cold blooded as you make out? Ms Slamm is a cold sleeper but we’ve slept upstairs down to -10 no problem. That was with a Pucer screen for the pop top and the heater ticking over at #3. I reckon you will be fine at 0° even without a pop top cover, downstairs you will be very snug.


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OK - so the campervan pitch to Mrs V starts in earnest Friday night. Given there is a toddler involved, the van certainly won't be a rockin', so I need to sell its charms in other ways.

I've noticed that helpfully, temperatures are 0 degrees overnight this weekend.

Will this be acceptable with some thermal blinds and the heater? Or is it guaranteed to end in divorce court?
Even Sauron would be proud of the Cali parking heater. No worries on that front.
 
Is Mrs V as cold blooded as you make out? Ms Slamm is a cold sleeper but we’ve slept upstairs down to -10 no problem. That was with a Pucer screen for the pop top and the heater ticking over at #3. I reckon you will be fine at 0° even without a pop top cover, downstairs you will be very snug.


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A fearsome Welshwoman. I figure we will be fine. I'm sure I used to sleep in the Splittie in freezing temps without a care. But probably wind assisted by a case of beer in those days.

Might be getting an Isotop from a seller on here.

Recommended?
 
Biggest factor is how you think you'll get on with the toddler in a relatively small space for the evening when it's dark by 5:30pm and too cold to sit in an awning. They're all different of course but the thought of spending a whole evening shut inside a small van with my three and one year olds absolutely horrifies me...am waiting for slightly warmer days first :D
 
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Biggest factor is how you think you'll get on with the toddler in a relatively small space for the evening when it's dark by 5:30pm and too cold to sit in an awning. They're all different of course but the thought of spending a whole evening shut inside a small van with my three and one year old absolutely horrifies me, am waiting for slightly warmer days first :D
That's what red wine was invented for. I'll be asleep long before her.
 
Biggest factor is how you think you'll get on with the toddler in a relatively small space for the evening when it's dark by 5:30pm and too cold to sit in an awning. They're all different of course but the thought of spending a whole evening shut inside a small van with my three and one year old absolutely horrifies me...am waiting for slightly warmer days first :D

I use a Mr Buddy propane heater in the drive away awning and this works great!


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