2021 Ford Ranger FX4 TRS-3 Project Build

[Jim Oaks]

Mine's a 2021 so I'm expecting to replace it in the spring.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Mine's a 2021 so I'm expecting to replace it in the spring.

Just think if you were still up here... you could be doing it in a dark parking lot around Januaryish.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

I got 4 years out of my first battery. I replaced it last Spring. I figured with all the extra accessories I run, that was pretty good.

 

[Uncle Gump]

@Jim Oaks

Been meaning to ask you your thoughts on that Explorer Bear fridge? Maybe you already said it and i missed it?

I saw you were considering an awning too. I struggled with buying one and passed on a couple really really good deals. My issue was that I wanted one not two and the price of fancy 270 degree ones were a no go for me personally. I say one because I just wanted the tailgate and swing out tire carrier covered. The 4 1/2 wide ones would do that... it would protect myself and "camping" area in a rain... but for shade requirements I feared would suck. Well it would suck without a side wall... or two.

I had it down to a slumberjack roadhouse tarp or this one

This durable, weatherproof tent provides expansive coverage to comfortably accommodate 4-6 people for all your outdoor activities. You don't want to miss it! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1CLZPB3?tag=959media-20

I landed on the Vevor unit. The support structure to help with single man set up and basically built in side walls for added rain/sun protection sold me. Also a bonus is no wind drag and can be set up free standing or whatever position on the truck it needs to be. I got it pre Colorado trip for that week. When that went south... I just haven't been inspired to even fool with it since.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I like the Explorer Bear. It's worked out really well for me. I also ordered the insulating cover for it. I like that it helps keep most of the dust off of it.

I don't know what I want yet for an awning. It doesn't have to wrap around. I just want something to sit under for shade or to shield the rain. I had looked at this one and liked that it was under 6-feet to fit the length of the bed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WF3HVRF?tag=959media-20

Hey @sgtsandman which awning did you get?

 

[sgtsandman]

I like the Explorer Bear. It's worked out really well for me. I also ordered the insulating cover for it. I like that it helps keep most of the dust off of it.

I don't know what I want yet for an awning. It doesn't have to wrap around. I just want something to sit under for shade or to shield the rain. I had looked at this one and liked that it was under 6-feet to fit the length of the bed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WF3HVRF?tag=959media-20

Hey @sgtsandman which awning did you get?

I bought the HD Nomadic 270 LTE Awning by Overland Vehicle Systems. I bought because it was the lightest I could find and it was on sale. It looks like it is on sale now as well. This is the driver's side model: https://overlandvehiclesystems.com/...-dark-gray-with-black-travel-cover-universal/ They also sell a passenger side one.

Since you like to travel light, perhaps the Slumberjack Roadhouse Tarp might be more your speed. It will require staking the end down and using a pole or two to support the one end but it should work well enough using your basket as an anchor for the other end. https://slumberjack.com/roadhouse-tarp/ I have one for the 2011 and like it. It just isn't as fast as the 270 LTE is but it does cover more area and does provide more side coverage.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I have no experience with this awning... but it looks interesting and the price is pretty good too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDQ34ZG9?tag=959media-20

 

[Jim Oaks]

That's really cheap. And it comes in Blue.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That's really cheap. And it comes in Blue.

That is a bummer for sure.

It would look much better in green.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I guess.... if you're into Army surplus.

 

[sgtsandman]

I guess.... if you're into Army surplus.

Then it needs to be treated olive drab canvas for the full experience.

 

[Jim Oaks]

It’s going to depend in what you use it for. For example; my refrigerator is rated at 84 watts maximum load, if I recall. 84 watts, divided by 12volts = 7 amps. 7 amps continuous for 1 hour = 7 amp-hours (7ah). So, a 100ah battery source will operate the refrigerator for around 14hours. That’s roughly how you figure it out and plan your system. The refrigerator, if it’s already at setpoint and you don't open the door a lot, will not need that whole 84 watts. It will probably operate the compressor on and iff less than 50% of the time and many models have an economy mode that runs the compressor at a lower power when it dies run. So now our 100ah battery source should last at least 28 hours, maybe a bit more. Figuring out how many amp-hours you need and comparing it to how many amp-hours your source can supply is the key. Every device you want to run has voltage and amp or watt ratings. So you can calculate how many amp-hours it will use.

If you run an inverter to supply 120volt loads, there are losses within that. So, if you run an inverter and plug your refrigerator into that at 120volts, you will use more power than running the refrigerator in 12 volts directly because you will have the amp-hour load of the refrigerator PLUS the overhead internal inefficiencies of the inverter converting 12volts to 120volts AC. Some with charging tool batteries. If I want to charge the Milwaukee batteries for my flashlight and chainsaw, my Milwaukee charger runs on 120volts. So, charging a 2ah battery will require more than 2ah from my house batteries source.

Always figure in some extra capacity. These numbers are “ideal” but there will be losses in the system - wire resistances and losses within the electronics and control devices. That’s just part of life. Always help the system in any way you can. Make sure food is cold or frozen before you load the refrigerator. Pre-cool the refrigerator down to its setpoint before loading it and taking it on the trip. Keep it full. The cold food helps regulate the temperature and keep it from fluctuating as much every time you open the door. Minimize how much you have it open. Keep it in the shade as much as possible.

When does the tech article come out??

 

[Curious Hound]

When does the tech article come out??

Ok. I'll write one. Let's say "end of the year". But I'll try to finish earlier.

I'm deep into my Colorado video series right now.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Ok. I'll write one. Let's say "end of the year". But I'll try to finish earlier.

Any idea which year?

 

[Uncle Gump]