Chinook RV

Honestly the solar set up sux. It’s cheap. I’m gonna replace most of it. Here’s some shots of the cheap janky crap the guy put into it. I’m looking to UPGRADE!
My cat likes it tho!

The cat.... in the Chinook, cuz I know u really wanna see my mean cat!

Congrats! So cool - you must be pumped

Thanks for the roof photo. I see two 100 watt "flexible" panels on the right, and then another rigid panel (can't tell wattage) and then... there must be a fourth one somewhere?

Just FYI, the flexible panels turned out to be a bit more fragile than initially expected. Two things can really cut down on their lifespan: One is bending them back and forth (which is why they typically no longer call them flexible, but something like "lightweight") and the other is heat. They are really vulnerable to excessive heat. Since they of course soak up heat through the black surface, it's best to have some ventilation on the backside vs. mounting them flush. That can be a challenge because you have to then support them well (see fragile above).

One thing you could consider is using them as ground panels and putting rigid panels on the roof (aluminum/glass panels are very sturdy and basically last forever). I have a set of the lightweight panels I use as ground panels and they are really handy no matter how much you have on the roof, IMO. I often put mine in the sun when I'm parked comfortably in the shade (ahhhh), and also they are super easy to tilt and align (which can be handy during times when you want to milk a sunny day during a cloudy period, or when the sun is at a low angle (winter). I keep mine standing up right behind the driver's sit where they fit pretty well.

As careful as I've been with the lightweight panels (ventilated, well supported, transported carefully), I've still managed to have two go belly up over a period of three years. One may simply have been defective as the diodes in the junction box burned up when it was only a couple months old. The other one lasted two coddled years and then evidently had a wire or connection break inside. I think it's just the nature of the beast (although they may improve in time).

Anyway, feel free to show us more. We love to see

Oh I see you posted more while I was typing.

Erm yeah... solar/electrical might benefit from a few changes But hey, those lightweight panels would make great ground panels!

Now to go back and see the mean cat and the rest...

Thanx for the stove/oven hook up. Is this the one you were talking about? Expensive! Woah!
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/force-10 ... gIsHvD_BwE

You know what had never really dawned on me until I was looking at some side door photos after you originally posted: The Concourse side entry models have the Concourse cabinet build materials and general style, they are at 90º angles like the Premier cabinets (vs. the raked doors of the typical Concourse).

I'm sure Kevin already had that sussed , but I'd never noticed it before.

Let the fun begin!

Hollis87 wrote:Thanx for the stove/oven hook up. Is this the one you were talking about? Expensive! Woah!

Yes but. While it's never going to be a cheap choice (sorry to have shown it to you ), West Marine is usually right up at "list" price. I like Sure Marine Service (have bought numerous appliances from them - they are a real service place and know their stuff) and their price would likely be closer to $1200 (sometimes you have to call and ask simply because they have minimum list prices they have to show, but even those are probably lower than West). Good folks. Still not cheap but better.

What surprised me was how much regular old RV ranges are these days. Course there are used ones to be had.

I’m gonna pimp this thing out over the upcoming months. I’ll post as I go! I’m actually losing my affordable housing here in the Bay Area and will be living in it, so I need to make it comfy. Yeeehaaa.
This is a great forum I’m glad I found you guys. I’m a grandma, just finishing raising my grandson
(since his birth) he’s off to college in late August so I’m hitting the road.
Thank you for being out there.

Sounds like a plan. I have a friend who lived aboard (boat) in the Bay Area for much the same reason. Apartments there are nuts ($$$)!

The Chinook is a great size for solo longer term usage, IMO. (I know couples enjoy it as well but I just mean it's relatively lavish for one.)

Bring on the pimpage!

Congratulations on your Chinook. Look forward to the upgrades. Always nice to see a full timer and how they live in a Chinook.