ouR escaPOD mods

Things seem to be changing rapidly. I recently learned of another source for LiFePO batteries through Alibaba. If you're comfortable with Alibaba, these 1280 Wh batteries can be bought as samples for about $320.

Okay. This one is a modification to one of my modifications. I got the Camco dual propane tank cover for the single to dual propane tank modification. Right away, I noticed a problem. With the Stromberg-Carlson Trailer Tray, I do not have enough room to put the assembled cover on and remove it. To use it and access the tanks, I need to be able to separate the two halves and reassemble them. Rather than having to deal with separate nuts and machine screws, I decided to take an idea I read about that was used previously and use threaded rivets (AKA nutsert) in one half so that I only have to deal with the machine screws.

I purchased the tool at Harbor Freight. One issue is that it comes with 10 8-32 threaded rivets. Amazon to the rescue. I ordered a batch of 100 8-32 threaded rivets so I have plenty for other projects. These are Aluminum. I do not know if the tool would be strong enough for stainless steel or other metal rivets. Most likely, it wouldn't be.

These got inserted into the half that will be toward the trailer (also the side I modified to remove the hump so it will clear the front of the RPod). Now, I only have to deal with the machine screws. There is  still the risk of dropping one or more, but I can keep some spares on hand. Now my tanks are protected from road hazards and I can get to them to change tanks as needed.

Also, I had the center cover hinge angle break, so I drilled a hole and a wire tie now serves the purpose of the hinge there. The two sides are original, but if they break, they will get the same treatment.

Latest mod: I've gone solar. I purchased a Renogy Eclipse 100W 12V Folding Solar Panel Suitcase RV Off Grid Battery Charger. It arrived today. It has a case for protection while traveling. It did not have much padding so I added some of the thin foam sheets that protected my LiFePO4 battery while it was in shipment. I haven't tried it yet, so I will post more once I have the opportunity to test it.

Edit: I realized that the alligator clips with fuse that was supposed to be included in the order are missing. I have sent a message to Renogy so that this oversight can be remedied. In the meantime, this puts a kink in my plans to test this panel.

Edit: I contacted Renogy and the missing cable with fuse and alligator clips will be sent and should be here in about a week.

Edit: I feel stupid! The black bag containing the alligator clips fell behind another black bag so I could not see it when I looked for it. I had to move the one bag, and there is was! The ones Renogy sent are on the way back.