Staying Warm in even the coldest (warm) places.

Although it's my intention to avoid cold at (almost) any cost, sometimes it gets cold even in the generally warm locals. Of course we have the factory installed propane furnace, but those are notoriously in-efficient. Here is my solution. I ordered it today:

The Empire Heating Systems Vent-Free Radiant Heater Hr15tl Lp 15000 Btu - Thermostatic Control.

This little beauty is:

Radiant Heat:

Think

cat on a windowsill!

Our radiant heaters

project warmth into the room like sunlight

through a window. Ideal for any supplemental

heat application.

• 99.9% efficiency – turns more gas into heat 

• Available in LP or Natural gas

• Pushbutton piezo ignition and standing pilot

• Heats even when electric power fails

• Oxygen Depletion Sensor shuts off heater before

oxygen drops to unsafe levels

• Every heater is test-fired at the factory to check

• Wall-mount or floor stand

• Three-year limited warranty on parts and labor

This Empire brand comes highly recommended by Handy Bob's Solar, someone I believe knows what he's talking about. He's been using one similar to this for 10 years now.
 https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/january-2013-propane-heating-off-grid-by-handybob/

The last piece of the solar power setup.

4 new Trojan T-105 6-volt batteries. Just what I needed to complete the solar project. Check that one off the list.

I've been a busy boy.

New LP Gas detector. Installed at the low point of interior.

New Carbon Monoxide Detector.

New 12 volt outlet for bedroom TV.

New courtesy light in the bedroom.

Modified courtesy light with 12 volt outlet for 12 volt electric blanket.

Supplies for the road. You always need a screw, bolt or fuse.

The Great Trailer Tire Debate, ST or LT.

After many weeks of researching tire sizes, load ranges, speed ranges,  durability, etc. I have decided to replace my ST225/75R15 D Carlisle trailer tires with  LT225/75R16 E Firestone Transforce Light Truck tires.
I've read tons of reports of problems with the 15 inch ST tires being instantly remedied by upgrading to the 16 inch wheel & 10 ply truck tires. You simply can't buy ST tires anymore made in America & I just don't want to skimp on something as critical for long distance traveling.

With the ST tires you are limited to 65 MPH. Speeds over that will result in the tire heating up and the belts shifting. The LT tires are rated for a much higher speed so the occasional 70-75 MPH will not cause excessive heating.

Tons of information on the various forums about this topic. It is a large investment, but a blowout on a super highway is never fun & can cause substantial damage.

I also bought a Porter Cable portable air compressor to keep those tire pressures in check.

Sat getting some sun.

Watching the Nascar race in the rig. Courtesy of the Sun.  Sweet free power.

Another step closer to the goal.

The remnants of what hopefully will soon be my former life.  The house is emptied.  Now I just need a buyer.

The final step, but it's the biggest one.

Worked all week & weekend getting everything out of the house. I just have my minimal necessities still inside. Ordering a dumpster next week to dispose of the years of no longer wanted accumulation.
I hope it does not take too long to sell. Ready to move on.

Two steps closer to the goal!

My car sold last week and I sold my boat last night. House is being shown this Sunday. If it sells, the adventure will begin this fall. Hopefully, this will be my LAST Michigan winter!

Dear Winter

Dear Winter, I am breaking up with you. I think it is time I started seeing other seasons, BTW, Summer is WAY hotter than you.