As Bob Dylan sung back in 1964 “The times they are a changin” and they certainly have for us in the last few years. In a great and wonderful way with 3 beautiful grandchildren. The configuration and setup we have had in the Ute for the last 6 years has suited us great but with the addition of our crazy Labrador Jess and some little munchkins that will like to come camping with “Mama and Grandude” we needed to do some slight modifications which included putting the back seat into the Ute.
Sounds easy enough but if you recall the back seat area was where we had installed the batteries, the chargers, inverter, air compressor, air tank and all the air hoses and wiring that go with these items. As well as a set of draws on both sides.
Finding new places for the items was not an easy task. It took many weeks to find just the right spots. It was also an opportunity to change over our batteries as we weren’t happy with how the current ones were performing. Now lithium batteries would have been nice but since we haven’t won lotto yet we opted for 2 x 150amp Fullriver AGM batteries. Chris still wanted to keep them low and as forward as he could. Behind the genie proved to be the sweet spot.
With the chargers and inverter just above them on the front wall of the canopy in a little nook that wasn’t been used and well protected.
Chris also installed a new battery monitor, that gave him a lot more information and details.
Another unused little spot is under the back seat. Chris managed to fit 2 compressors, all the air hoses and wiring under the seat and the 2 fire extinguishers easily accessed on each side. The air tank will have to sit outside protected between the cabin and canopy.
A new addition is a 175w solar panel that will be installed on the Ute canopy when we are not taking the kayak. This and the current 100w solar panel on the Ute will charge the FullRivers and starter battery.
When we have the kayak the 175w solar will travel on top of the existing solar on the trailer charging the trailer batteries as we travel and of course like the other one come off and be setup when we are staying put for a while.
All up we think the new changes work very well and will suit us very well for our upcoming trip crossing the Simpson Desert.