TheLongWayHome

I'm not a coffee drinker, but thought this was interesting, if you want your Espresso in the field. Also support of a veteran company.

Got to read the full thread .... SafeRide http://www.saferidemotorclub.com/products-services.aspx

Customize to whatever size and thickness you want. Shipped to your location. https://www.tochta.com/

Another one - bed in a box memory foam that you can customized to any size and various thicknesses. https://www.tochta.com/

STOF-FORD Here are some examples of RV solar installs by one of the best RV solar installer - AM Solar. They use a lot of Magnum Energy and Victron (two of the best - my opinion) inverter and solar charger equipment. They also have tips on their site and supply DIY parts. https://amsolar.com/solar-panels-for-rv/ Also click more at the bottom of the page, for more examples. They had a DRV example on there previously (but it was Victron), but I can't find. I also have a wiring diagram for a Magnum large inverter/solar system somewhere, if you are interested. Can look for it tonight.

Try to PM him directly. Will never find this needle in the massive daily haystack. Find one of his postings, click on his Profile name or icon (can also hove over it) then click on Message. He is usually fast and with great responses. Very helpful. Good luck.

Welcome to Colorado. Since you are in Northglenn (one word!) and like breakfast, you have to try First Watch on the other side of I-25/120th from Delectable Egg - https://www.google.com/maps/place/First+Watch+-+Northglenn/@39.913124,-104.9897037,17z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1s120th+%26+I-25+Northglenn,+CO!3m4!1s0x0:0x493c54d478ae1451!8m2!3d39.9131242!4d-104.9875148 Menu https://s3.amazonaws.com/cos-firstwatch/FirstWatchLOCMenu/LIVE2H-16.pdf Try the Million-dollar Bacon (special not on the menu), if they have it - may want to consult a cardiologist first

Thanks Steve, I'm going to be all over your rig's "big reveal" at Hutch . Got to see all the new toys and ideas from Marsha, Jack and David!! Also read you "Spend My Money" thread from last November, last night!!! Trying to pursue many of the same ideas in a 5th wheel. Currently in discussions with NH, but Cole in gun-shy on "new" stuff (e.g. LiFePo4, mini-splits, etc.). Have started looking a SC. We will not finalize the decision (RV, HDT) until November. Getting lots of input ideas from a lots of experienced people. Back to the HAM Shank - 8' x 8'!! Will be curious of the bonding to the roof and see how well if works. I believe you also have a whole pile of solar up there? I little jigsaw puzzle? I could argue that the Hi-Q screwdriver is a better antenna (may start a religious war here), but I do like the Tarhill tilt-up mount. Have an acquaintance that has used a Hi-Q 6-160 on his commercial big rig for 4+ years and loves it. Hopefully you will get a chance to use it before or at Hutch (and with the blessing of the solar cycle). Sounds like you have lots of antenna options thought through. I will look to see what ideas I can "appropriate". You might also consider a grounding stud on the hitch (frame attached) as another option. Will have to experiment with grounding, but maybe others here have experience with grounding their rig frame apart from the pedestal or while boondocking. I will also be looking to see what I can put on the truck - maybe on the drom box (lower, smaller one) that will stay below the other truck "obstacle feeler" antennas. Also have some off-road 2M/70 cm antennas that can take abuse (to a degree). They don't do well with garage doors - as Jack would say "Ask me how I know?" Gerry 73s AB0GF

Thanks K4RS for your feedback. Have heard good things about the Hustler, but as you said probably not on fiberglass. Do you get any hassle (or discouragements) deploying it in regular RV parks, like NA8M above? Also curious on the size of you garage and it you put any other "dirty" hobbies - bikes, ATV, etc in the garage? Have had some concern expressed about mixing clean and dirty hobbies or usages in the garage. Have you thought of using DMR, D-STAR or C4FM to reach out further, as an alternative to HF? 73s AB0GF

Ed, Thanks for you input. Will try to use a screwdriver antenna on HF. Ground planes are always a challenge on fiberglass RVs. Are there any other HAMs out there? I thought Escapees had a HAM BOF, but it does not appear to be very active. Worth joining? Gerry

So, I'm new to RVing and plan to go full-time in the Spring of 2018. Right now trying to finalize the plan on an RV. It will probably be a customer Toy Hauler. I am a HAM (Extra) and mostly use phone and digital modes (not format generally, think DMR, D-Star, Wires-X) UHF/VHF and HF, so need to have a "quiet space". What special setup have you done to operator your station and any special HAM shack recommendations? Pictures would help! Will come back to the HF antenna challenges later!

A busy day!!