Gladiator Expedition Rigs

[Mules]

I still say look at eBay. Renogy has a store on there. 2 of these nets you a little more power for cheaper. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2037676140...2YFwPORTJu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I just purchased my 40Li charge controller off there. 126$ which I believe you'll need one. Not as big as one but one of for sure

Thanks, the ebay Renogy store has a lot of deals right now. Definitely will try it when ready to buy.

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[Mules]

Here's a nice package deal, American made. Flexible solar panel, but a bit more expensive.

 

[Mules]

Mules check out the Cascadia solar panels for hoods, the Toyota Land crusier big square one is 100watts, glues onto your top…..Jack

Pretty sweet hood mounted solar panels!

 

[Jaxmax]

Do you really need an inverter, what are you going to run on it, staying just 12VDC, saves money and weight.

 

[Mules]

Do you really need an inverter, what are you going to run on it, staying just 12VDC, saves money and weight.

Good point, I get carried away sometimes. The only reason I'd need an inverter is because I'm considering using either a 700 watt microwave or a small induction cooktop. A 1500 watt inverter would do the trick, and I wouldn't need to bring along propane for cooking. Do I really need a microwave? Of course not! I need to stop watching those Youtube videos on expensive expedition rigs. This is after all a pretty small rig. Next thing you know, I'll put in that washing machine

 

[mog]

or an induction cooktop. A 1500 watt inverter would do the trick,

Note that most induction cooktops need a pure sine wave, and those inverters are much more expensive than modified sine wave inverters.

 

[Mules]

Note that most induction cooktops need a pure sine wave, and those inverters are much more expensive than modified sine wave inverters.

I didn't know that one!

 

[Jaxmax]

I would drop the coin on a propane partner cook stove, and one of those little fireplace heaters from Dickenson. Your camping, the microwave I can almost see if you get a tiny one but a cook top, oh boy! But as we have all said before, how can we question you ,when you keep amazing us, hot tub on a trailer behind your glady would not surprise me!….Jack

 

[Free2roam]

Cook partner 9" that folds out and separates two burner and a Southwest disk. Both propane. Coffee in the morning inside and breakfast depending on the weather. Outdoor cooking on disk at it's finest. IMO.

 

[TexasOverlander]

Speaking of 110v vs 12v, there are so many options. I have what I need to prepare about anything, and can easily spend several days without ever cranking up the old butane stove.

Here is the 12v/110v equipment I carry along to eliminate the wind issue if it is blowing.



I can hook either to my 12v in cab, outlet in RLD Canopy run directly from vehicle battery, or to Jackery.



Still carry a butane single burner, a kettle, frying pan, etc. Only for calm, wind sheltered days.

*****************************************************************************************

COFFEE... the most important:

For coffee on windy days, I have a single cup, drip brew, coffee maker (110v). It takes just a few minutes when hooked into the Jackery 110 plugs. Have had it for over 10 years and have used at campground outlets and with a 3500 watt inverter. Bought it at camper world, but I am sure some of the one's on Amazon are as good or better.

*****************************************************************************************

For windy days or late arrival at camp, here are my other two cooking options:

Both can be purchased/checked out at some Love's or Pilot Stations if you like to touch before you buy! ?

I bought the 12v oven at a Pilot Truck Stop in NM after Redruby clued me into how easy this is to use. Have to say I really like it.

Mine was 24.99 after $5 off. Works really good. to reheat and/or thaw. Plug it in about 1 hour before get back to camp and dinner is ready. Use the pans ( about $0.35 each on Amazon) and cleanup is done!! It also does the job on frozen sausage biscuits, just takes a while... but hey, I am not out there to be in a rush!!

Inflation appears to have doubled price since I bought in mid 2021?

Roadpro Portable 12 Volt Cooking and Warming Oven Bundle with 6 Aluminum Foils

Roadpro Portable 12 Volt Cooking and Warming Oven Bundle with 6 Aluminum Foils
Visit the RoadPro Store
4.6 out of 5 stars 6 ratings
$59.99
& FREE Returns

https://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Portable-Cooking-Warming-Aluminum/

*********************************************************************

Last winter I bought the sauce pan from Amazon. Have used it on 3 trips, and ok so far.

Makes hot cereal, soup, warms my wife's frozen chili and spaghetti ! Have not yet tried cooking an egg in it, but plan to do that in next week or two on an upcoming trip

Same deal as oven, plug it in, set up camp, have a couple glasses of wine and " ta da" a reasonably hot meal that drew off my 12v plug in the gladiator bed. This is not as efficient as the oven, cooks slower and I would not drive on trails while it is in use. But it does the job and sure beats trying block wind on a breezy day. Easy non-stick clean up if you stir occasionally.

Price has not gone up on this one.? It is a little more bulky? Maybe slower warming.?

Do not let the photo mislead you, think it would take a long time to heat if full! I normally put one or two servings in it.


Roadpro RPSP225NS 12-Volt Portable Saucepan with Non-Stick Surface,Black
Visit the RoadPro Store
4.2 out of 5 stars 447 ratings

Price: $38.69 & FREE Returns

Heat Soups, Stews, Steams Hot Dogs and More
Plugs Directly Into a 12-Volt Power Port
2 Quart (1.9L) Pan with Stay Cool Handle
Non-Stick Inside Surface and Vented Tempered Glass Lid
Non-Slip Feet Helps Keep Pan Secure when Cooking
Pan does NOT Separate from the Base
Made Primarily for Reheating, not Cooking
4.5 Foot Power Cord with In-Line Fused Plug
Bundle includes 12 volt oven plus 6 disposable pans

https://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-RPSP225NS-Portable-Saucepan-Non-Stick/




Glad I could add to confusing decisions !!! I am on version 4 of my sleeping platform.... using old materials till i decide to have something fabricated.
????



Actually, good luck making your choices.


As a note, not mentioned in earlier posts, I bought the Jackery so I can transfer it between my JT and my TJ, as well as set it on a table away from the vehicle. Really handy for me, but most prefer a built in system, and I completely understand.

 

[Mules]

Speaking of 110v vs 12v, there are so many options. I have what I need to prepare about anything, and can easily spend several days without ever cranking up the old butane stove.

Here is the 12v/110v equipment I carry along to eliminate the wind issue if it is blowing.



I can hook either to my 12v in cab, outlet in RLD Canopy run directly from vehicle battery, or to Jackery.



Still carry a butane single burner, a kettle, frying pan, etc. Only for calm, wind sheltered days.

*****************************************************************************************

COFFEE... the most important:

For coffee on windy days, I have a single cup, drip brew, coffee maker (110v). It takes just a few minutes when hooked into the Jackery 110 plugs. Have had it for over 10 years and have used at campground outlets and with a 3500 watt inverter. Bought it at camper world, but I am sure some of the one's on Amazon are as good or better.

*****************************************************************************************

For windy days or late arrival at camp, here are my other two cooking options:

Both can be purchased/checked out at some Love's or Pilot Stations if you like to touch before you buy! ?

I bought the 12v oven at a Pilot Truck Stop in NM after Redruby clued me into how easy this is to use. Have to say I really like it.

Mine was 24.99 after $5 off. Works really good. to reheat and/or thaw. Plug it in about 1 hour before get back to camp and dinner is ready. Use the pans ( about $0.35 each on Amazon) and cleanup is done!! It also does the job on frozen sausage biscuits, just takes a while... but hey, I am not out there to be in a rush!!

Inflation appears to have doubled price since I bought in mid 2021?

Roadpro Portable 12 Volt Cooking and Warming Oven Bundle with 6 Aluminum Foils

Roadpro Portable 12 Volt Cooking and Warming Oven Bundle with 6 Aluminum Foils
Visit the RoadPro Store
4.6 out of 5 stars 6 ratings
$59.99
& FREE Returns

https://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Portable-Cooking-Warming-Aluminum/

*********************************************************************

Last winter I bought the sauce pan from Amazon. Have used it on 3 trips, and ok so far.

Makes hot cereal, soup, warms my wife's frozen chili and spaghetti ! Have not yet tried cooking an egg in it, but plan to do that in next week or two on an upcoming trip

Same deal as oven, plug it in, set up camp, have a couple glasses of wine and " ta da" a reasonably hot meal that drew off my 12v plug in the gladiator bed. This is not as efficient as the oven, cooks slower and I would not drive on trails while it is in use. But it does the job and sure beats trying block wind on a breezy day. Easy non-stick clean up if you stir occasionally.

Price has not gone up on this one.? It is a little more bulky? Maybe slower warming.?

Do not let the photo mislead you, think it would take a long time to heat if full! I normally put one or two servings in it.


Roadpro RPSP225NS 12-Volt Portable Saucepan with Non-Stick Surface,Black
Visit the RoadPro Store
4.2 out of 5 stars 447 ratings

Price: $38.69 & FREE Returns

Heat Soups, Stews, Steams Hot Dogs and More
Plugs Directly Into a 12-Volt Power Port
2 Quart (1.9L) Pan with Stay Cool Handle
Non-Stick Inside Surface and Vented Tempered Glass Lid
Non-Slip Feet Helps Keep Pan Secure when Cooking
Pan does NOT Separate from the Base
Made Primarily for Reheating, not Cooking
4.5 Foot Power Cord with In-Line Fused Plug
Bundle includes 12 volt oven plus 6 disposable pans

https://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-RPSP225NS-Portable-Saucepan-Non-Stick/




Glad I could add to confusing decisions !!! I am on version 4 of my sleeping platform.... using old materials till i decide to have something fabricated.
????



Actually, good luck making your choices.


As a note, not mentioned in earlier posts, I bought the Jackery so I can transfer it between my JT and my TJ, as well as set it on a table away from the vehicle. Really handy for me, but most prefer a built in system, and I completely understand.

Thanks, I love looking at all the options, and my electric vs. propane discussion is far from over. I'm trying my best to pick which and how many appliances before I finalize the layout. Feels like I'm trying to fit 10 pounds of "sh--" in a 5 pound bag! Do I go simple camping, or all out? Here's my list in priority order.

Fridge - Iceco JP42 (cold beer does take priority)
Electric Power Supply - portable or built in? Size dependent on items below
Toilet - Thetford Porti Potty 565 or my simple Luggable Loo bucket (nice to just throw away bio bag)
Cooking - Single/Double burner Induction or propane, or microwave, or 12v oven, or disk, or ?
Water Supply - Jerry Can style or build in 15 gallon with pump
Sink or outside hose - I'm running out of room, but the Land Rovers fit them in somehow
Chairs - Front Runner foldable

Heat - I haven't touched this one yet, but diesel or propane seem the most practical. Electric blanket might suffice, and run my truck heater in the morning, to warm up.

And I thought I was close to finished with this build!

 

[Blade1668]

Mules check out the Cascadia solar panels for hoods, the Toyota Land crusier big square one is 100watts, glues onto your top…..Jack

That's the system I have as my "secondary" charging the starting batteries. Expensive but has been working great, I'm thinking about getting second one for my LJ.

Mules
This is the 100amp battery I got in screen shot Pic.

I agree 100% on using heavy gauge wiring a lot of the HD wire I've used is welding grade.
TexasOverlander
on the Road Pro I've used mine for over 15 years on road trips, chicken and rice is one favorite of mine. Just make sure you keep a "eye or nose" on one to prevent burning of the food. I've had a few of the 12v water heaters over the years, not tried the sauce pan that I remember.

 

[Blade1668]

Mules
I'll throw in another one at you. 10 gal water tank. I'll try to snap a photo for you. It sets on the right side of JT bed, water tank then fridge freezer. I've got a 12v water pump to connect still but it's gravity flow right now. The hose feeds out under fridge with simple hose fittings.

 

[Mules]

Another thought about electric vs. propane.

Southern rigs, (Australian African, Texas and Baja) have plenty of sun making solar/electric a great option. Northern rigs (Rocky Mountains, Canadian) are pretty concerned about heating, making propane or diesel a great option. This leaves this Midwestern boy confused. ?

 

[FitfulGoat]

Another thought about electric vs. propane.

Southern rigs, (Australian African, Texas and Baja) have plenty of sun making solar/electric a great option. Northern rigs (Rocky Mountains, Canadian) are pretty concerned about heating, making propane or diesel a great option. This leaves this Midwestern boy confused. ?

More evidence of the fact that the use case of each overlanding vehicle is not only unique to the owner/operator but unique to the intended environment or expedition/trip.

I’m planning to go solar for my build. Despite spending most of my time in Colorado for off-roading and overlanding the areas where heating is almost necessary aren’t accessible during winter months (Alpine loop) and anywhere that is is typically low enough elevation and still a viable solar environment.

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