Well, it just so happens . . .
Little did I know when I backed my Casita into site #31 at Quail Run Campground that I was making my home next to two people who would become my friends. Bill and Kathy are Elephant Butte residents who are camping at the state park to get away from the remodeling mess at their house.
Kathy comes over to my site and gives me a sample of her Chicken and Green Chilies dish. The next day I invite her over to see the inside of my trailer. I show her my recently installed Wave 3 catalytic heater.
“I don’t usually decorate with Walmart plastic bags,” I tell her, pointing to the bag taped to the front of the heater. “I ordered a white cover for it, but I got a black one. I’m going to send it back.”
Well, it just so happens . . .
Kathy is a master at sewing upholstery for boats and rvs! She has an industrial sewing machine in her garage along with several pieces of vinyl remnants. Kathy doesn’t hesitate. “I’ll make you a nice cover for it.”
Kathy introduces me to her husband, Bill. The three of us sit at the picnic table. The conversation rolls along. I mention that I exchange emails with Mick, an engineer in Tennessee, who’s researching and planning a solar set-up for me, and we’re thinking of putting the panel on top of my van.
Well, it just so happens . . .
Bill is an electrical engineer! The project intrigues him. I show him my Perfect Tow Vehicle, including the 3000 watt inverter that came with it. I also show him the schematics and CAD (Computer-aided design) models that Mick has created.
He wants to get involved.
I tell Bill that Mick located the needed parts online, including a great buy on a 200-watt solar panel. We need to find a battery box. Mick found a great one, but shipping makes it too costly.
Well, it just so happens . . .
Bill has a friend who has a woodshop! This friend makes a custom battery box for me. Bill and Kathy bring it over to my picnic table for me to paint.
The box has vent holes in the lid (on the table).
Don’t my new, sealed, AGM batteries look pretty in their custom box?
We couldn't wait to put in the batteries!
Well, it just so happens . . .
Bill and Kathy have foam to use for underlayment and trunk fabric for upholstering the box! My new custom battery box matches the upholstery of the PTV.
Isn't this a perfect-looking battery box suitable for the Perfect Tow Vehicle?
The solar charge controller and other components that Mick found for me on the internet have arrived at Baker’s RV Service. I drive over there and pick up the parts. While there, I see my solar panel for the first time. It’s a beauty!
Mick finished the fabrication of the tilt mechanism and shipped it today, and the roof rack is also in transit. They should arrive early next week. Chip will put the panel on the PTV’s roof, and Bill will take care of the electrical part of the project. So maybe by Thanksgiving Day the PTV will become a solar energy powerhouse!
Well, it just so happens . . .
I am truly blessed!
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 