The build
My three goals were a fully self-reliant trailer, using excess solar to charge our tow vehicle and cars, and being able to power our entire house from the trailer if the power goes out. You can see every part and price in my retrofit cost spreadsheet and full materials list.
Charging our Teslas from the trailer
A high-powered outlet on the trailer lets me charge our Teslas from its solar panels while the trailer is parked next to our house. Since January 2022 I've charged our Model S from the trailer whenever we're not camping.
In 2026 I set up Grok Bot to automate it, using the Tesla API through TeslaFi and the Victron VRM API to adjust the charging amps automatically every 10 minutes.
▶How I Charge My Tesla Model S From My RV Solar Panels
I finished my RV build in late 2021 and I charged my Tesla from the RV all year during 2022.
▶Little Sahara Sand Dune Day Adventure With Our Electric Ride
We went on a fun day trip to Little Sahara sand dunes in Utah in our 2015 Tesla Model S. I share how well the Model S worked for us going into a relatively remote location and also how we use our RV’s solar electricity year round for charging our Tesla.
▶We Drove 3,468 Miles on FREE Solar Power from Our RV Trailer!
I was curious how many miles I could drive my Tesla Model S while exclusively charging it from the 2,650 Watts of solar panels on my travel trailer RV.
▶Grok Bot Automated My Tesla + Victron Solar Charging in 1 Hour!
Since January 2022 I’ve charged our Tesla Model S from the 2,650W of solar on our Lance travel trailer—manually adjusting amps every day.
Our solar RV trips
Buying our trailer
We drove 738 miles to Spokane, Washington to pick up our used 2019 Lance 2185, ready to start retrofitting it with solar panels, batteries and electric appliances.
Goblin Valley shakedown
Our first test of the trailer, before any modifications.
Meadow Hot Springs
Before the retrofit: testing two drop-in Battle Born batteries with the original electrical system.
First outing after the modifications
A January test of heating with the mini-split and running it overnight on the batteries.
Arizona: our longest RV journey
14 days and 1,870 miles from Utah to Arizona and back: Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, Lake Havasu, Quartzsite, Phoenix, Sedona, the Grand Canyon and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Ranch life
6 days at the Carter Ranch living in the trailer.
HAM Radio Field Day
Two Field Day campouts where I experimented with powering as many other rigs as possible from our trailer: neighboring trailers on a short-notice trip in late June 2022, then 5 RVs and 2 radio trailers for 4 days and 3 nights in June 2023.
Oakley cabin
Camping in a very shaded mountain forest spot to test solar performance.
The Wedge, Utah
Boondocking at The Wedge and exploring the Little Grand Canyon.
Unplugged In Moab
A 10-day, 897-mile, 8-episode trip through the Moab area: Diamond Fork, Canyonlands, Arches, Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Canyon.
Boondocking Capitol Reef
A 7-day trip camped by the river in Capitol Reef National Park.
Southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah
9 days in the hottest weather we've camped in, peaking at or above 100°F. Needles District, Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, Valley of the Gods and Moab.
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
A family reunion trip, sharing how well the solar panels powered everything on board.
Oak Creek Campground, Fishlake National Forest
Camping with friends under heavy tree cover to test the 2,650 W array in extreme shade.
Payson Canyon eBike camping
4 days of fall bike riding, with a recap of the trailer's solar performance.
Hanksville desert camping
A 215-mile tow to a desert campsite between Capitol Reef and Hanksville, with the trailer charging the eBikes and Talaria.
Trip videos
Buying our trailer
Goblin Valley shakedown
▶Boondocking Goblin Valley Utah | Lance 2185 Travel Trailer Shakedown Trip
We just purchased our Lance 2185 Travel Trailer during the winter, so now in early March we took our first opportunity to test out the trailer.
▶Exploring Little Wild Horse Canyon | Lance 2185 Travel Trailer Shakedown Trip
In this video we cover the last day of our trip where we explore Little Wild Horse Canyon then pack up our things from our 3 day trip camping in the BLM land just west of Goblin Valley in our 2019 Lance 2185 Travel Trailer then we drive home.
Meadow Hot Springs
First outing after the modifications
Arizona: our longest RV journey
▶Embarking On Our Longest RV Journey Yet In Our Fully Electric Solar Powered Travel Trailer
Join our family of 6 as we embark on our first long adventure of 1,870 miles over 2 weeks in our fully electric Lance 2185 travel trailer from Utah down to Arizona.
▶Can Our RV Battery Bank Power Our Heat Pump Mini Split Heating ALL Night In Below Freezing Weather?
On the 2nd day of our Arizona Snowbirds trip we survived our first cold night on this trip then explored the Parowan Petroglyphs before heading to the Poverty Flats boondocking area outside of the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada where we camped for the night.
▶Can The Solar Array Fully Charge Our RV Batteries In One Day In February? + Valley of Fire!
On day 3 we continue testing our trailer’s electrical system as we continue living it on our trip to Arizona.
▶How I Protect My Starlink Router From Theft When RV Boondocking + My New eBike!
On the 4th day of our trip to Arizona we explore the ravine next to our boondocking spot at Poverty Flats Nevada, then we drive to our next campsite at Government Wash where we then explore the area on my new eBike pulling the girls in their bike trailer.
▶We Ditch The Trailer To Explore The Hoover Dam On Our Way To Lake Havasu Arizona
On the 5th day of our RV boondocking trip to Arizona we explore the Government Wash area some more on our bicycles before we pack up and drive to the Hoover Dam to check it out.
▶Waking Up Surrounded By RVs | Going To Sleep Next To A Giant Cactus!
On the 6th day of our RV boondocking trip to Arizona we explore our campsite at Craggy Wash before we then drive into Lake Havasu City to resupply our groceries and gas up the truck.
▶Exploring Quartzsite On Our Bicycles Before Moochdocking For Our First Time
On the 7th day of our RV boondocking trip to Arizona we explore our campsite at the Quartzsite Road Runner boondocking area on our bicycles before relocating to the metropolis that is Phoenix Arizona to moochdock in a friend’s driveway.
▶Fun in Phoenix | Canyoneering Tortilla Flat, Electric Go-Cart Racing, Hiking + Dinner With Friends
On the 8th & 9th days of our RV boondocking trip to Arizona we meet up with local friends to play.
▶We Explore A 130 Year Old Gold Mine and Ghost Town In The Superstition Mountains!
On the 10th day of our RV boondocking trip to Arizona we explore the Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine then head back to the trailer for lunch.
▶We Explore Sedona Arizona Then Drive Up A Crazy Steep And Winding Road To The Grand Canyon
On the 11th & 12th days of our RV boondocking trip to Arizona we explore our campsite on a short hike before driving an hour north to Sedona Arizona.
▶We're Awed By Sweeping Panoramic Vistas of The Grand Canyon And Horseshoe Bend
On the 13th day of our RV boondocking trip to Arizona we head north to the south side of the Grand Canyon to see the views before heading northeast to Horseshoe Bend.
▶THE Most Anticipated And Last Destination...The Coral Pink Sand Dunes! + Trip Summary & Total Cost
On the 14th day of our RV boondocking trip to Arizona we explore the Coral Pink Sand Dunes in southern Utah.
Ranch life
HAM Radio Field Day
▶That RV Trip When We Powered 4 RVs Simultaneously
In June 2022 on short notice we decided to go camping to join the HAM Radio Field Day and ended up powering a couple neighboring trailers while we were there.
▶Testing Our RV Solar Powered Electrical System TO THE MAX! At The Amateur HAM Radio Field Day
We supply solar electricity for 4 days and 3 nights for 5 RVs and 2 radio trailers! In this video I share how that worked out!
Oakley cabin
The Wedge, Utah
Unplugged In Moab
▶Unplugged In Moab Ep 1: 100% Solar Electric RV Camping & Hiking to Natural Hot Springs!
Come join us while we go camping in our all electric solar powered RV in Utah. In the first episode we camp on Diamond Fork Road and hike to the 5th Water Hot Springs also known as the Spanish Fork Hot Springs.
▶Unplugged In Moab Ep 2: Charging Up With Solar While We Drive To Lock Hart Road Near Canyonlands NP
Come join us while we go camping in our all electric solar powered RV in Utah. In this second episode we depart the Diamond Fork Road campsite of our prior video and drive for about 6 hours to south east Utah.
▶Unplugged In Moab Ep 3: Exploring The Breathtakingly Beautiful Needles District Canyonlands NP Utah
Come join us while we go camping in our all electric solar powered RV in Utah. In the third episode we explore the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and go on two kid friendly hikes.
▶Unplugged In Moab Ep 4: Our Failed Attempt At An Awesome Boondocking Site Near Moab
Come join us while we go camping in our all electric solar powered RV in Utah. In the fourth episode we relocate north 2 hours to the Moab area and we explore Wilson Arch along the way.
▶Unplugged In Moab Ep 5: Adventure in Arches National Park - Memorable Family Electric RV Camping
Come join us while we go camping in our all electric solar powered RV in Utah. In the fifth episode we head into Arches National Park to explore all day.
▶Unplugged In Moab Ep 6: Our Family Explores Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky District
Come join us while we go camping in our all electric solar powered RV in Utah. In the sixth episode of our trip we relocate our trailer to an awesome Lone Mesa camp site then we head into the Island in the Sky entrance to Canyonlands National Park and explore Mesa Arch, Grand View Point Overlook, Up
▶Unplugged In Moab Ep 7: We Relocate To Goblin Valley Utah To Dig In The Dirt
Come join us while we go camping in our all electric solar powered RV in Utah. In the seventh episode we relocate from Lone Mesa campground near Canyonlands National Park and drive 2 hours northwest to BLM land 4 miles west of Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.
▶Unplugged In Moab Ep 8: Our Family Adventure Through Little Wild Horse Canyon And Final Trip Stats!
Come join us while we go camping in our all electric solar powered RV in Utah. In the eighth and last episode of our Unplugged In Moab Trip we explore Little Wild Horse Canyon until the wind kicks up and we get out of that dust storm and head home at the conclusion of our 10 day adventure through th
Boondocking Capitol Reef
▶Silent Serenity: Boondocking in Capitol Reef with Our Solar Electric RV
We towed our solar powered travel trailer RV 207 down to Capitol Reef National Park for a week of adventure!
▶Exploring Capitol Gorge, Petroglyphs And The Old Fruita Blacksmith Shop
On the second full day of our Capitol Reef National Park adventure we explore Capitol Gorge as well as the Fruita petroglyphs and old blacksmith shop.
▶Little Explorers on Big Adventures: Cassidy Arch Trail Capitol Reef National Park Utah
For the third episode of our Capitol Reef Adventure we hike 3.4 miles round trip to see Cassidy Arch then play in the Fruita park before exploring the nearby boondocking areas for potential future campsites.
▶Morning Chill to Epic Views: Hiking Panorama, Sunset, and Goosenecks Points at Capitol Reef
For the 4th day of our Capitol Reef trip we have a relaxing morning around our campsite then when we do go out to checkout Panorama Point we discover it’s colder than we’d like so we spend some more time in the trailer.
▶A Day Off in Our RV: Sandcastles and a Cozy Movie Experience
On day 5 of our trip we took a day of relaxation to play in the sand and watch a movie in our travel trailer RV.
▶Epic Family Trek Discovering Bentonite Hills' Colorful Clay!
On the 6th day of our Capitol Reef trip we explored the Bentonite Hills about 10 miles north of our campsite.
▶Epic Hickman Bridge Trek: Packing Up Our Capitol Reef Solar Adventure
We hike to Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park, then the next and last day of our 7 day camping trip in our 100% solar powered travel trailer we pack up and drive home.
Southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah
▶No Neighbors for Miles! Epic Boondocking at Canyonlands' Headless Antelope Alcove
We begin a new RV adventure by driving to a cool rock formation near the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in Utah where we camp for the night.
▶No Crowds for Miles! Family Hike to Needles Overlook & Reunion Fun
In this second episode of our Utah/Colorado RV trip we checkout the Needles Overlook in the morning before relocating to a family reunion near Dolores Colorado.
▶Epic Mesa Verde Exploration! From Cliff Palace to Sun Temple
On day three of our family reunion trip to Dolores Colorado we explore Mesa Verde National Park!
▶102° Heat at Hovenweep Solar RV Journey to Utah's Valley of the Gods
Today we say goodbye to family and relocate to the Valley of the Gods in southeastern Utah.
▶Moki Dugway, Goosenecks & Mexican Hat Rock – Southeast Utah Day + Moab Fireworks
Today we explore the Valley of the Gods including Moki Dugway switchbacks and overlook. Then we checked out Goosenecks State Park and Mexican Hat Rock before relocating to Moab Utah to watch their Independence Day fireworks display!
▶Off-Roading Historic Willow Springs Road: The Original Entrance to Arches National Park
Today we drive into Arches National Park via the jeep trail Willow Springs Road which is the original entrance to the park.
▶Epic Canyon Overlooks at Dead Horse Point + Mill Creek Waterfall Adventure
Today we explored Dead Horse State Park then spent the hot afternoon hiking and swimming in Mill Creek.
▶Solar RV + Mini-Split Survived 100°F Desert Heat: Full Trip Performance Recap
Today we’re heading home and I share the final stats and performance of our RV technology.
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
▶Off the Grid, On the Road: All-Electric RV Family Camping in Idaho's Hot Spot
We drive up to Lava Hot Springs Idaho in our Ford F-250 and all electric Lance 2185 Travel Trailer to a family reunion where we swim in the Olympic Pool, float down the Portneuf River, check out the Soda Springs Geyser, and chill in the hot spring on the Portneuf River all while camping in our trail
▶Off the Grid, On the Road: Continued - Soda Springs, Idaho Geyser + Portneuf River Hot Springs!
On the second half of our Lava Hot Springs adventure in our all electric Lance 2185 travel trailer we drive over to Soda Springs to check out their Geyser, before chilling in the hot springs on the side of the Portneuf river for several hours.
Oak Creek Campground, Fishlake National Forest
Payson Canyon eBike camping
▶The Girls Go Electric: Unveiling Greenger Saddleback eBikes on Our Mountain Escape To Payson Canyon!
We go camping in our all electric RV up Payson Canyon in Utah and we unveil 3 new 16 inch Greenger Saddleback eBikes for our girls.
▶Golden Leaves & Electric Dreams: Our First Family eBike Ride!
For the second day of our fall camping trip in the mountains riding our eBikes we rode up the Jones Ranch Trail in Payson Canyon Utah and the girls learned how their Greenger Saddleback eBikes do riding on alpine dirt bike trails.
▶Autumn's Electric Adventure: Our Family eBiking Amidst Fall's Finest!
On the third day of our fall Payson canyon eBike trip in the mountains we continued to hone our skills on eBikes on mountain trails while enjoying the fall colors.
▶End of the Trail: Our Last eBike Ride & Recap Solar Performance Of Our Solar-Powered Home on Wheels
On our fourth and last day of our Payson canyon fall bike riding adventure we head out on a bike ride first thing in the cold morning then we evaluate the Greenger Saddleback eBikes after riding them for 3 days.
Hanksville desert camping
▶Solar Trailer Camping Near Hanksville, UT: 215-Mile Tow, River Crossing, and First Night
We tow our fully solar-powered electric travel trailer from the Salt Lake City area to a desert campsite between Capitol Reef and Hanksville, Utah — right in the neighborhood of the Mars Desert Research Station — and get set up for the first night of a new camping series.
▶Solar Trailer Powers Overnight Heat + Multiple eBikes | Desert eBike Adventures Near Hanksville UT
Day two at the desert campsite near Hanksville. After running the mini-split overnight, we wake up and put the solar trailer to work charging the Talaria Sting MX4 and the kids’ Greenger e-bikes at the same time.
Build videos
▶Walkthrough Tour Of Our 2019 Lance 2185 Travel Trailer Before We Begin Our Modifications
In this video I document the features of our 2019 Lance 2185 travel trailer before I begin modifying and adding to it.
▶Weigh Safe Hitch Unboxing | Weighing Our 2019 Lance 2185 Travel Trailer Before Modifications
When towing a trailer it's especially important to know the various weights related to that trailer from the gross vehicle weight rating to the tongue weight.
▶Electric Lance 2185 Travel Trailer Project Update And SURPRISE Addition!
We have a surprise addition who will appear in future videos! Plus I give an update on the electric Lance 2185 travel trailer and future expectations for upcoming videos.
▶Sun Powered Travel Trailer | All Modifications To Our Lance 2185
I finished all my modifications to our 2019 Lance 2185 Travel Trailer to make it run completely from the power of the sun!
▶Weighing Our Lance 2185 Travel Trailer After All The Electrification Modifications
I added 2,650 Watts of solar panels, eight (9.6 kWh) Battle Born batteries, 2 Victron Multiplus 3000 Inverters, and a host of other modifications to our 2019 Lance 2185 travel trailer.
▶Fitting A Robust Electrical System Into Our Lance 2185 Travel Trailer
In this video I review the process and details I went through installing the core electrical system components (not including the solar panels) under the couch of our Lance 2185 travel trailer.
▶How I Fit 2,650 Watts Of Solar Panels On 18 Feet Of RV Roof | Sun Powered Lance 2185
In this video I outline my process of how I mounted five 530 Watt solar panels onto the roof of my Lance 2185 travel trailer.
▶How I Mounted A Heat Pump Mini Split On My Lance 2185 Travel Trailer
We now have fully electric heating and cooling provided exclusively from solar panels and batteries!
▶Protecting Our Lance 2185 Electrical System Plus Our House and Truck With The EMP Shield
To protect our electrical equipment from over voltage power surges I installed EMP Shield devices in my Lance 2185 travel trailer, as well as our house and Ford F-250 truck.
▶How Much Money It Cost To Retrofit My Travel Trailer To Be 100% Powered By The Sun
In this video I review what it cost me to retrofit my 2019 Lance 2185 travel trailer to be fully self reliant by the power of the sun.
Solar performance and testing
▶How Much Electricity Does My RV Solar Panel Array Produce On The Shortest Day Of The Year?
I completed my RV electrical system upgrades just prior to the Winter Solstice, so I took advantage of the opportunity to do a test on the shortest days of the year to see how much solar power my 2,650 Watt solar array can produce per day.
▶How Hot Do My Victron And Other RV Electrical System Components Get On A Hot Sunny Day?
This video documents the temperatures of my electrical system components under the couch on a hot sunny day with the mini split cooling the interior of the trailer.
▶Why I Remove Snow From My RV Solar Panels All Winter
I utilize the generated solar electricity from my travel trailer year round, the majority of which goes to charge my Tesla Model S.
▶How Much Electricity Can My Travel Trailer RV's Solar Panels Produce In One Year?
Throughout 2022 I tried to keep my RV batteries from getting full so that the solar panels could continue to produce to their maximum potential.
▶How I Use My RV Heat Pump Mini Split To Protect My Lithium Ion Batteries From Extreme Temperatures
In this video I review how and why I use my heat pump mini split to protect my Battle Born LiFePo4 batteries from getting too hot or cold in my Lance 2185 Travel Trailer.
▶Can I Cover My Travel Trailer RV And Still Get Full Solar Generation?
I wanted to protect my 2019 Lance 2185 travel trailer from UV rays, but not stop my solar panels from generating electricity.
▶2023 Solar Insights: Housetop + Off-Grid RV Recap of Our Solar Adventures!
Now that we’re in 2024 I can review all the electrical production data for my 9.98 kW grid-tied rooftop solar array as well as my 2.65 kW RV solar array and how much they’ve produced as well as other insights now that we’ve had our grid-tied array for 6+ years and RV array for 2 years.
Upgrades and gear
▶Protecting Our Lance 2185 With The RVMasking 2022 Travel Trailer RV Cover
RVMasking sent me this RV cover to evaluate and in this video I unbox it to show what it comes with then I install it evaluating it's quality.
▶We Upgraded Our RV Steps! | Torklift SmartStep GlowStep Revolution Installation and Review
We upgraded our steps to the Torklift SmartStep GlowStep Revolution RV Steps which go all the way to the ground and shift weight from the ground to the RV gradually so as to eliminate RV shake as people enter the RV.
▶Toss The Keys And Use a Ristow RV Keyless Door Lock! Unboxing & Installation Review
In this video I unbox and install the Ristow RV Keyless Entry Door Lock RL003-A while evaluating it.
▶How To Significantly Simplify Leveling Your RV With The LevelMatePRO+
We primarily boondock with our travel trailer RV and the ground is never perfectly level. In the past we used the 360 degree bubble level that came on the tongue of our trailer when we purchased it.
▶An Awesome RV Amateur HAM Radio Scorpion Screwdriver Antenna Installation | Full Length Tour
Suzanne showed me her Amateur HAM Radio Scorpion Screwdriver Antenna installation on her RV where she lives full time and has for decades.