John Cox

Blogs · @wyome

Tagged solar · everything

expeditionportal.com

Airstream Expands Rangeline Lineup with New 21PL Touring Coach

Airstream has expanded its compact adventure-van range with the new [[Rangeline 21PL Touring Coach]], a Class B motorhome built on the [[Ram ProMaster]] chassis that adds adaptable sleeping and storage for up to four occupants. Central is an integrated power‑lift bed and modular [[Smartbench]] on an L‑track floor that converts between bunk, primary bed, lounge and cargo configurations, while removable seating and a pull‑out drawer create a garage-like load bay for bikes and gear. The split galley, exterior-facing table, skylights that improve standing room and upgraded suspension emphasize day-to-day usability. Off-grid capability combines a 3.5 kWh [[lithium‑ion battery pack]], 3,000 W inverter, 200 W roof solar and a 2.8 kW onboard generator fed from the vehicle fuel tank. Airstream positions the model as a versatile, family-friendly touring coach, priced from $173,400.

Permalink campingsolarroad tripsrv

www.gearpatrol.com

This Camper Is a True Home on Wheels But Still Fits in a Garage

The new [[Exodus Capax]] from [[Exodus Rigs]] compresses full-RV amenities into a trailer that still fits inside a [[single-car garage]] thanks to an electronically operated collapsible roof and convertible interior layout. At 72 inches when collapsed the unit is easy to store and tow, and when raised to 112 inches it reveals a living area with 14 panoramic windows, a pop-up TV, sectional seating and a telescoping dining table that converts into a full-size bed. A separate work area converts into bunk beds, and the camper includes a full indoor bathroom, interior and slide-out exterior kitchens, multiple comms systems, four solar panels with a 3000W inverter, and off-road-ready underpinnings. Available in three trims and shown at the [[Los Angeles Auto Show]], the Capax starts at $120,000.

Permalink campinggeardesignsolar

kk.org

RVs – Cool Tools

This roundup pairs two vintage guides to living untethered from fixed housing: a boondocking manual covering off-grid RV logistics (batteries, solar, water, mail-forwarding via Escapees) for full-timers who camp in Walmart lots and casinos rather than paid RV parks, and a Cheap RV Living website documenting shoestring van-dwelling, from stealth-parking a beat-up van behind your workplace to gear hacks like a dedicated "pee bottle" and DIY kitchens. Together they're a practical field manual for nomadic, low-cost living outside conventional housing, worth keeping for anyone curious about the mechanics of that lifestyle rather than the romance of it.

Permalink campingsolaroff-gridrv

gearjunkie.com

Building a Lightweight Modular Campervan: Less Is More

A GearJunkie writer explains why his new Ford Transit campervan build rejects the industry-standard approach of packing in every amenity, after realizing his bone-stock rental drove better than his heavily modded, feature-laden previous vans. His philosophy: build only for the 90% use case (fixed platform bed, front seats only, robust battery/solar system) while leaving occasional-use items like hot showers and hydraulic beds at home as portable add-ons, since excess weight—not suspension—was actually killing handling, fuel economy, and reliability. It's a practical framework for anyone designing a van build around weight discipline and modularity rather than showroom appeal.

Permalink modulardiysolarlightweight

us.sunpower.com

The Christian Science Monitor

Home solar gets $280 million boost from Google - CSMonitor.com

Google is investing $280 million with solar installer SolarCity to finance rooftop solar systems for homeowners who can't afford the $25,000–$30,000 upfront cost, allowing customers to pay a fixed rate for the power generated instead. Google profits through federal tax credits (30% of costs), accelerated depreciation benefits, state and local tax credits, and interest payments from SolarCity, with analysts estimating returns exceeding 10 percent and potentially reaching 20 percent. The deal is expected to finance 10,000 solar installations over 18 months and signals Google's broader commitment to clean energy investments, which now total $680 million across wind and solar projects nationwide.

Permalink sustainabilitysolargooglehome