Some ''I just got a Pinz, now what?'' type of questions

[blue_luke]

I should get my Pinz this week... insurance issues to solve to take possession. Aoh well These things...

Meanwhile, I am thinking of a few add-ons and mods I can do this year.
I will have more budget, and more places to go come next spring.
For the remainder of the season I intent just to go camping in fairly easy to reach places and basic 'level 101' trail as I have no experience in off-roading. Let's stay prudent here.

So what I am thinking is a 12 volts source.
Better with a battery equalizer or a voltge step-down regulator? Pros and Cons for both systems?

I have made some calculations and figured a 12V 400 watts running (800W peak) unit would be sufficient for my needs (Led lighting inside and some work lights outside, a coleman cooler, CB and maybe some radio amateur gears) Not everything running at the same time!

Then a 24Vdc/120Vac inverter, probably 200W running would be sufficient, to charge batteries for the different tools I will carry sometimes ( Drill, saw, recharcheable lamps etc) If I ever need more than 200W, I have a 3Kw genset I can bring.

I intend to sleep in the truck at night, but I am looking for some kind of quick set portable shelter to use during the day, for cooking, for protection from the sun and blackflies, to be able to stand upright ans set a small table. I am thinking 8X12 feet or so with a canopy and mesh walls Any recommendations for this item?

I have most of the camping gears to camp in the truck during winter, but I am looking at some kind of gas or LPG space heater for the truck. Any idea? No, I don't want the Eberspacher gas heater, they are always down for one reason or another and they are very costly (1000$ up!)
Speaking of winter camping, Mocki my dog is perfectly happy in -30°C temperature, so am I!

Plans for next year:
New tyres, CB and VHF amateur radios (a hobby unto itself!) replace the tail light groups and add position lamps.
Install a few 'amenities' to make the truck a bit more viable as an exped truck. I still need to have the bed space available to carry stuff around as I consider it as a pick-up truck too. (Plywood, 2 bys, drum kit and guitar rigs )

Any more ideas?

Also for next year project, I am thinking of building a roof rack. I have access to a complete metal fabrication shop with saws, mig/tig welders and all the tools. I will have some questions concerning this project this winter or next spring.
Thanks, Luc

[rmel]

Welcome to the forum Luc. What model Pinz'y do you have?

With respect to your questions, start by using the Search
function on the Site -- you will find a ton of material on 12V
systems pro's and con's.

In your case IMHO equalizer won't cut it by a long shot.
Especially if your going to add radio gear of significance;
VHF, HF. You will want conversion and aux 12V batteries.

cheers,

ron

[aclark79]

Congratulations.

The most important thing to do is take lots of pictures so we can all admire your handiwork.

Seriously though, welcome to the club.

[krick3tt]

Aux 12V battery..?, solar panel to recharge.
When I sleep inside I use a Coleman sleeping mat over an air mattress, very comfortable. Mosquito net in summer. Warm sleeping bag and you won't need a heater but a Webasto works great, uses little fuel.
Put insulation over your air tubes from the heat exchanger and you will get better heating in the cab. Use the blackout curtain in winter to only heat the cab and not the whole thing.
You have great aspirations, it may take time to perfect it all.

Good luck.