The shelf is made of lightweight, black powder-coated aluminium. Thanks to the ribbed aluminium sheet, objects can be fastened to it with lashing straps.

There is room on the shelf for shoes, clothes or technical items, for example. In our case, we fastened our Powerstation to the shelf with a lashing strap. We use the remaining space on the shelf to store electrical appliances during the charging process.

The shelf is mounted on the threads to which the textile load compartment cover is normally screwed. In the centre of the tray, it has a distance of 65cm to the load compartment floor. The rack has a distance of 29cm to the roof lining.

Raised Boot Storage Rack for Land Rover Defender 2020

Follow this link to buy this storage unit at Aliexpress.com. This is an affiliate link and we will receive a percentage of your subsequent purchases.

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In 2020, the idea of off-road travel came to us. In our previous trips with the motorhome, the insulin was easy to keep cool at all times because the fridge ran on either 12 V, gas, or 230 V with “shore power” connected.

But what about power supply in our Land Rover Defender? When it comes to warmer climes, such as Greece? The good news is that anything is possible – even desert trips.

Energy-efficient and reliable cooler

Our outfitter “Offroad-Manufaktur” in Hamburg explained to us what is important for a good cooler in the vehicle:

• A cool box must be well insulated and lose little cold
• A cool box in the car should consume little energy
• The temperature should be finely and accurately adjustable
• When transporting medicines to be cooled, the cooler should be reliable

When it comes to these three disciplines, there is really no way around Engel compressor coolers. Enthusiasts rely on these units even in the most remote and warmest spots on earth. Their integrated oscillating compressors ensure that the units still cool reliably even at inclinations of 60°. Many a box has probably already passed the age of 30 years and continues to function perfectly; if defects do occur, the manufacturer promises spare parts for life. Of course, this has its price – but only the best for our insulin.

We chose the Engel MT35G-P compressor cooler with 32l capacity * because of its cooling properties and dimensions. 

Depending on the available power source, it can be operated with 12 volts, 24 volts or 230 volts. At the campsite, it can be operated with regular “shore power” and while driving with 12 V from the alternator. 

Engel SAWMT35F-G3-S Kühlbox MT35F-S 12/24/230 V mit Digitalthermometer*

• Spannung: 12/24/230 Volt
• Inhalt: 32 Liter

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Tip for saving energy: Do not operate your cooler empty. Fill the empty areas of your cooler with water bottles, beer cans or cold packs. This saves energy and the cold is retained for longer without the compressor having to work hard. By the way, this also applies to the fridge at home: a full fridge reduces the air volume and thus saves electricity.

So far so good. But what happens when we are off the grid for a longer period of time? An extraordinarily large power bank in the car and a solar panel connected to it can help.

Battery storage for electricity also “off-grid”

With a power station in the car, energy can be stored like in a large power bank. Such a station can, for example, charge while driving and simultaneously supply devices such as our cooler, batteries or smartphones with energy during the charging process.

We opted for a model with 720 watt-hour capacity: the EcoFlow RIVER Pro Power Station 720Wh *.

Explanation of the unit watt-hour (Wh) and the capacity of our system: With a capacity of 100Wh, I can operate a device that draws 100W of power for one hour. Our cooler draws a maximum of 32 W. With a capacity of 720 Wh, I can operate the cooler for 22.5 hours (720 Wh / 32 W). In reality, however, even longer, because once the cooler has cooled down at a temperature of +5°C, it may only run for 15 minutes (quarter of an hour) per hour to maintain the temperature. Of the 32 W consumption, only 8 W power consumption will then remain. At 8 W consumption, the cooler could therefore be operated for a full 90 hours. However, we have never tested this because we have never been without power for 90 hours. Of course, this all depends on the contents of the box and the ambient temperature. For us, 48 hours is enough.

This power station has more than enough output connections that can theoretically all be used simultaneously:

• 3 x USB-A (2 x 12 W (5 V; 2.4 A), 1 x 18 W (fast charging))
• 1x USB-C (100 W (5-20 V; 5 A)) 
• 3 x DC DC voltage (1x 13.6 V / 10 A / voltage regulated, 2 x DC5521 13.6 V / 3 A)
• 2x AC clean sine wave (230 V / 50 Hz (110 V / 60 Hz) | voltage regulated)

With regard to our cool box, however, only the 12V output is important. This is where we connect our cool box. No matter what we use to charge our Powerstation, whether with 12V or 230V, the Powerstation transforms the energy source and always delivers the required 12V to the cooler. So this solution is also something for lazy people like us, because we only have to take care of the power station, the cooler just stays connected.

Before we decided on our EcoFlow RIVER PRO Powerstation with 720 Wh * for reasons of price/performance and a good offer, we also had other alternatives on our minds. We have the feeling that the devices all serve their purpose, depending on the requirement. One user needs more connections or capacity, the next needs something completely different. If you are currently on the lookout, also take a look at the PowerDude 500 from Wattstunde * and the Jackery Explorer 1000 *.

Now, however, we don’t just want to supply our cool box with battery storage while on the road, but also need to charge smartphones, MacBooks or camera batteries from time to time. Thanks to the integrated inverter, this is no problem. The device produces a clean sine wave and thus also enables the charging and operation of particularly demanding and sensitive devices. However, with every connected consumer, the energy consumption also increases. So that our storage nevertheless does not empty so quickly, we can support with a foldable solar panel.

Self-sufficient power supply thanks to foldable solar panel

Our EcoFlow RIVER PRO Powerstation * can be charged with up to 200W of solar power. In full sunlight, the Powerstation should take 4 hours to charge, but we have not yet been able to test this. When choosing the solar panels, we opted for a space-saving folding system. This is not only easy to stow away, but can also be flexibly oriented towards the sun. Much better than a solar panel permanently installed on the roof, which we had initially preferred.

Special offer

ECOFLOW 160W Solarpanels Faltbar Solarmodul für Delta & RIVER Serie Tragbare Powerstation, Photovoltaik Modul Solaranlage für...*

• Hocheffizientes Solarpanel: Mit dem Einsatz der Typ-N-Solartechnologie bei tragbaren Solarpanels haben wir die Messlatte mit einer...
• Einstellbar und vielseitig: Das EcoFlow NextGen 160 W Solarpanel ist mit einer von 30-60° einstellbaren Winkelhalterung und...

−160,00 EUR 169,00 EUR

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Again, there were several products to choose from. Ultimately, the devices differ in the number of integrated modules, the IP class for waterproofness and the connection to the power station.

The Jackery SolarSaga 100 * solar panel then lost out to the Ecoflow 160W panel * because the latter offers IP67 protection instead of IP65, delivers 60 W more power due to more panel and comes directly with the MC4 connectors we need.

* All links marked with an asterisk are Amazon affiliate links. We receive a percentage of the purchases made through them. Our recommendations are nevertheless honest and sincere.

Der Beitrag Cooling insulin while travelling with camper vans and off-road vehicles – Diabetes goes Offroad erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

When we are travelling, we need electricity for various devices. Our cool box needs the most electricity, because it usually cools around the clock. We also charge the batteries of our devices in the evening: Our drone, cameras and other equipment also need electricity.

During the day, the alternator provides enough power for the cool box and also enough power for the smartphone and various batteries. But what happens if we stay somewhere for a longer period of time without the engine running?

There is not only one solution – it’s the mix that counts!

In order to always be somewhat self-sufficient, we want to be able to use the following energy sources:

• 12V from the vehicle’s alternator when the engine is running.
• Solar power when we are “off-grid” somewhere.
• 220V “shore power” where available
• Buffered energy from our lithium-ion battery storage system

This is the only way to ensure that our energy supply is always guaranteed, whether we are driving, standing, whether the sun is shining or not.

In addition, we wanted to use a system that allows simultaneous charging of the storage unit and delivery of electricity to other consumers. In technical jargon, this is called “through-charging”.

Powerstation with solar input and 230V sine converter

At the heart of all our considerations was the EcoFlow RIVER PRO Powerstation with 720 Wh *.
This box stores the energy generated by the vehicle as 12 V current, accepts charging current from solar panels or can also be charged at a normal 230 V socket at the campsite or somewhere in the restaurant. While the box is charging, you can simultaneously power other consumers such as camera batteries, smartphones or even the MacBook – and above all our cool box.

Our Engel M35GP cooler * consumes a maximum of 32 W. During daytime operation, once the box and its contents have cooled down, the energy consumption should be much lower, as the box does not run continuously, but only intermittently. With a storage capacity of 720 Wh and a consumption of 32 W, our cooler should last at least 22.5 hours – in reality even longer.

Keine Produkte gefunden.

The box has two normal 230 V sockets, as we know them from home. The device produces a “clean sine wave”, which means that even sensitive consumers such as laptops can cope with it. Each of the two sockets can supply a device with a maximum consumption of 600 W. This is easily enough for a MacBook. That’s easily enough for a MacBook, iPad, drone and camera batteries. There are enough sockets for them:

• 3 x USB-A (2 x 12 W (5 V; 2.4 A), 1 x 18 W (fast charging))
• 1x USB-C (100 W (5-20 V; 5 A))
• 3 x DC voltage (1x 13.6 V / 10 A / voltage regulated, 2 x DC5521 13.6 V / 3 A)
• 2x AC clean sine wave (230 V / 50 Hz (110 V / 60 Hz) | voltage regulated)

Theoretically, I can use all outputs of the box at the same time to operate or charge devices.

Before we decided on our EcoFlow RIVER PRO Powerstation with 720 Wh * for reasons of price/performance and a good offer, we also had other alternatives on our minds. We have the feeling that the devices all serve their purpose, depending on the requirement. One user needs more connections or capacity, the next needs something completely different. If you are currently on the lookout, also take a look at the PowerDude 500 from Wattstunde * and the Jackery Explorer 1000 *.

Fill up with sun – charging with solar power

Our EcoFlow RIVER PRO Powerstation * can be charged with up to 200W of solar power. In full sunlight, the Powerstation should take 4 hours to charge, but we have not yet been able to test this. When choosing the solar panels, we opted for a space-saving folding system. This is not only easy to stow away, but can also be flexibly oriented towards the sun. Much better than a solar panel permanently installed on the roof, which we had initially preferred.

Special offer

ECOFLOW 160W Solarpanels Faltbar Solarmodul für Delta & RIVER Serie Tragbare Powerstation, Photovoltaik Modul Solaranlage für...*

• Hocheffizientes Solarpanel: Mit dem Einsatz der Typ-N-Solartechnologie bei tragbaren Solarpanels haben wir die Messlatte mit einer...
• Einstellbar und vielseitig: Das EcoFlow NextGen 160 W Solarpanel ist mit einer von 30-60° einstellbaren Winkelhalterung und...

−160,00 EUR 169,00 EUR

Amazon

Again, there were several products to choose from. Ultimately, the devices differ in the number of integrated modules, the IP class for waterproofness and the connection to the power station.

The Jackery SolarSaga 100 * solar panel then lost out to the Ecoflow 160W panel * because the latter offers IP67 protection instead of IP65, delivers 60 W more power due to more panel and comes directly with the MC4 connectors we need.

Ihre Daten werden erst beim Abspielen des Youtube-Videos an den Dienst übermittelt. Your data will only be transmitted to the service when you play the Youtube video.

* Bei allen Links, die mit dem Sternchen markiert sind, handelt es sich um Amazon Affiliate Links. Wir werden prozentual an den darüber getätigten Einkäufen beteiligt. Unsere Empfehlungen sind trotzdem ehrlich und aufrichtig.

Der Beitrag Off-road self-sufficient with solar power and battery storage erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

Quick Pitch Roof Tent

Aluminium hard-shell roof tent. Resistant to external forces, sheets can remain in the tent, fast pitching and folding, accessories can be attached to the tent frame.

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Quick 270° Awning

In just 20 seconds, this awning folds 270° around the car to provide shade in the sun and keep you dry when it rains.

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Tire repair set

A good tip: Practice beforehand

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Gardena Roll Fix water hose

Never use publicly accessible water hoses! Chances are good that someone else has already held it in a faeces tank.

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MAXTRAX MKII Mudboard

Sand not as load-bearing as you thought? Put the board in, drive out, done.

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Handheld radio unit

A real-time radio connection is useful. For example, when the co-driver keeps an eye on the ground clearance from outside.

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Engel Fridge MT35

What’s important when it comes to a cooling box? It should consume very low energy, should hold the temperature for a long time, should have temperature selection, should be able to use 12V/24V in the car or 220V landline. Here it is.

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EcoFlow RIVER Pro portable Power Station 720Wh

This device is a large lithium-ion battery with an inbuild 230V transformer and solar charge controller. It can power the cooler and our electronics, while or after charging via solar panel or the 12V generated by the car’s motor.

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ECOFLOW 160W portable Solar Panel

Connects with our powerstation and provides us with free energy, when staying off-grid.

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Double sleeping bag

Usable from temperatures around 5°C. Large enough for two persons and two small dogs. Fits perfectly into our Quick Pitch roof tent.

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Melamine camping tableware

We like the tablewares from “Moritz”. Light and indestructable, but fancy.

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Sofirn SP33 V3.0 LED 3500 Lumen flashlight

It’s light, small and bright as f***, but brightness can be adjusted to your needs. Can be charged via USB-C.

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TP-Link M7200 mobile network router

This little friend helps us to keep our connection to the internet everywhere in the world. We just insert a SIM-card, enter the cards pin and our M7200 spans its WiFi for all our devices, providing us with internetconnection even in the most remote albanian mountain areas.

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Der Beitrag Our Offroad-Travel gear: Roof tent, Defender and more erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

How does one get the idea?

At the beginning of the Corona pandemic, we were longing for a way to travel flexibly and without much effort. Spontaneously pack a few things, go to a nice place, for example somewhere on the banks of the Weser, and then spend the evening there.

Land Rover was offering a test drive of the new Land Rover Defender at that time. You could rent it with a roof tent for a weekend. We were hooked – until we saw the price for this short adventure. Nevertheless, the idea remained in our minds. We liked the new Defender anyway, we had seen it rather by chance at a Jaguar dealer and were thrilled by the design. In our eyes, a contemporary successor to the original Defender had been designed.

In 2021, we were then on the road in Slovenia with the motorhome. Narrow mountain passes and hour-long descents are only little fun with 4.5 tonnes and 7m in length. Often the dimensions mean that you can’t visit some remote regions at all. Thus, large parts of the Triglav National Park remained hidden from us and we were also denied access to large parts of the Bohinj area. Some passages near Kobarid or in the vineyards in the north were possible – but with big sweat stains under our arms. Once again, we remembered our romantic idea of the 4×4 off-road vehicle with roof tent.

By the way, you can watch our travel report about Slovenia here on Youtube.

In Kobarid, at Camp Lazar, we met a couple from Munich one evening who were visiting Slovenia with a roof tent and Landi. We exchanged ideas and were now a bit more sure that we would like this kind of adventure. With the right vehicle, Albania tours, Greece road trips or an autumn in the French Maritime Alps seemed more real than with our RV. Someday we would fulfil this dream, we told ourselves. Sometime in a few years.

On 13 November 2021, my father Ralf died at the age of 65. He spent the first and last month of his retirement in the hospice. He used to say “life, that’s what happens while you are busily making other plans”. In the last weeks together, I talked a lot with him. Among other things, about the time when he drove off-road vehicles himself: Isuzu Trooper, Nissan Terrano. We exchanged ideas about the right tyres and equipment, technical features and some anecdotes that were nothing but fragments and nebulous memories from my childhood for me.

Aware that life can be short and some plans should not be postponed for too long, moreover in a kind of “quarter-life crisis” in which I emulated my father out of a search for comfort in various attitudes and interests, we ordered our Defender 110 in mid-January. On 4 February the time had come and we brought our white “Ralfi” home from Schwerin.

The right off-road and camping equipment – compromise vs. compromise

Our cherished motorhome cannot replace an off-road vehicle and neither can the Hymer be replaced by the Defender. We cannot expect the comfort of the motorhome in the off-road vehicle. We suddenly have to deal with things that are taken for granted in the motorhome: Fresh water, hot water, heating, cooling, sleeping arrangements. All these points can only be considered much more rudimentary, one could also say more purist, due to lack of space and weight. And that is fun. Compared to a motorhome, these are simply always compromises. But it is precisely this weighing up of compromises against each other to find the optimum compromise that is so much fun – and, unfortunately, also quickly hits the wallet.

Sleeping in the roof tent

A roof tent is needed. But a huge choice does not make the decision process any easier. Normal roof tents are the lightest, cheapest and take up less space on the vehicle roof. Hard-shell roof tents are expensive, quicker to erect and dismantle, often more fuel-efficient but above all more resistant to stripped branches and moisture.

Hybrid tents combine the advantages (and disadvantages) of both concepts. In the end, a certain laziness also led to the decision in favour of the hard-shell roof tent. The bedding can stay in the tent, you don’t have to move it around, you save space in the car and the set-up times are simply faster. At first we favoured the “Airlander Plus” or the “Alu-Cab 3.1” and then finally came to the “Quickpitch” aluminium hard-shell tent.

A big advantage here is the possibility of attaching equipment such as awnings, headlamps or sand boards directly to the tent frame. Even the attachment of solar panels is possible. The Quickpitch tent has one (!) continuous hinge for opening and is slightly cheaper than similar tents.

Keyword awning: With the 270° awning, Quickpitch offers an awning that can be attached to the tent and folded out 270° around the car. It doesn’t get any more convenient than this.

Tyres for off-road use

The smaller the rim, the more “rubber” the tyre may have. And the more rubber there is between the rim and the tyre, the tougher the tyre is. The standard 19″ rims have to go, instead we need off-road all-terrain tyres with winter properties (Alpine symbol). Already my father was a big fan of General tyres, reason enough for me to put my trust in this brand. Of course, the original Land Rover 18″ rims would be ideal, but at 320€ for a simple, no-frills steel rim (!) the fun stops for me. I’d rather go for the Dotz Kalahari for around 250€ and invest the money in good tyres instead.

Sitting, eating, drinking, living

There are great concepts where tables and chairs can be inserted into the roof rack when driving. Sounds great at first, if you can save cargo space in the vehicle. However, if you have to clean the furniture of brake dust and road dirt before each use, you quickly abandon this plan.

Space-saving aluminium chairs and a rollable aluminium tables are more practical – above all, we already have both in our RV-motorhome.

Water canisters on the roof look cool. In winter in the Alps, however, not a good idea. Much more practical is a water tank that can be installed between the front seats and the folded-down rear seat. The water is then at room temperature and does not unnecessarily increase the vehicle’s centre of gravity.

This is just the beginning

As you can see, there are endless questions to deal with as a newcomer and many more questions will follow. One thing is certain: we will embark on this adventure, this new way of travelling. We are looking forward to many travel stories on our blog, which were only made possible by our “Ralfi”. Stay tuned!

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