View Full Version : Anyone living off-grid ouutdoors or want to learn how ?
LaMar
03-10-2010, 10:06 AM
I am an off-grid outdoorsman and live in a small solar cabin I designed and built myself.
I have no house payments and no monthly utility bills so I can spend my time enjoying nature and enjoying my hobbies.
If anyone wants to learn how to live this life I am always glad to share ideas and answer questions!
Here is a free video showing cabin construction and some songs I wrote:
Yes I do sell a $5 ebook on my website but no one is twisting your arm to buy it and there are lots of free videos and pics for ideas!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qghZ2ao7GKM
Felicia
03-10-2010, 10:13 AM
Interesting - do you live in a four season climate?
DiscGo
03-10-2010, 10:14 AM
Good for you Lamar! I am very jealous.
Where or how did you get started?
LaMar
03-10-2010, 10:23 AM
Interesting - do you live in a four season climate?
Hi Felicia and Disgo,
yes I am in Utah at the foot of the Uintah mountains. We get lots of snow and cold temps in winter. Highs in the 90s in summer.
My cabin is small and well insulated and I use about $200 worth of propane a year. I could use wood but propane is also used for my stove, fridge, and OD water heater.
solar system is 470 watts solar and 125 watt wind and runs water pump, two tvs, stereo, lights, laptop and gadgets.
I have been off-grid about 15 years and started in a camp trialer with one solar panel and an old car battery. Saved up $2000 to build my cabin and added to the solar system over time.
I work about 5 hours a day 9 months a year so I have enough time to do the things I enjoy. Last year I rafted the green and parachuted in Zion.
I am surrounded by millions of acres of BLM and Ute reservation land and they are all mine!
Having no house payments and utility bills frees your time and money!
DiscGo
03-10-2010, 10:27 AM
How did you forget out how to do everything?
LaMar
03-10-2010, 10:33 AM
How did you forget out how to do everything?
Did you mean how did I figure out how to do it ?
Mostly by trial and error and reading a lot of books.
Thats why I try to help people so they don't make so many mistakes. I wrote an ebook for that reason.
Building a cabin really is not that hard and mine cost under $2000 from all new materials. I salvaged the doors and windows from a trailer being torn down.
Off-grid solar systems are just a panel, charge controller, batteries and an inverter.
I also have a solar composting toilet of my own design, solar water heater, and drilled my own water well.
It is best to learn from someone that has actually done it!
bbennett
03-10-2010, 10:49 AM
Very nice! I've always dreamed of this sort of thing. Reminds me a lot of Alone In the Wilderness; http://www.dickproenneke.com/. If you've never seen it, I would very highly encourage you to check it out.
How did you acquire the land?
And you have Internet :nod:
That's one great idea :2thumbs: How do you like the "waterless toilet"? How does the solar additive help that out?
Deathcricket
03-10-2010, 12:47 PM
Very cool stuff! I'm interested in Solar but everything I see seems so stinking expensive. Where do you purchase solar panels? Thats seems to me to be the biggest problem getting off the grid. the the time I pay $20k for panels it would take me 30 years of not paying electricity to get that money back I think.
:haha:
Very cool. After reading about the earthship community (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthship) in New Mexico I have often thought that this is how I would like to retire...
I just noticed the link with your cabin picture and realized you seem to have gotten away with some sneaky spam placement 'cause people are interested and disscussing your cool spammy cabin. :nono:
LaMar
03-10-2010, 02:13 PM
Very nice! I've always dreamed of this sort of thing. Reminds me a lot of Alone In the Wilderness; http://www.dickproenneke.com/. If you've never seen it, I would very highly encourage you to check it out.
How did you acquire the land?
I inherited the land my cabin is on and it is part of my families old homestead but I have purchased land and paid $700 for 5 acres near El Paso Texas and $400 for 1.4 acres near Show low Arizona.
I have watched Proennekke vide and he stayed in his Alaska cabin for 30 years.
I am off-grid but not that isolated with a town, hospital and stuff only 10 minutes away if needed.
LaMar
03-10-2010, 02:15 PM
Very cool stuff! I'm interested in Solar but everything I see seems so stinking expensive. Where do you purchase solar panels? Thats seems to me to be the biggest problem getting off the grid. the the time I pay $20k for panels it would take me 30 years of not paying electricity to get that money back I think.
:haha:
My system is 470 watts and 125 watt wind and would cost under $3000.
Look at www.sunelec.com for good prices on solar equipment.
LaMar
03-10-2010, 02:18 PM
And you have Internet :nod:
That's one great idea :2thumbs: How do you like the "waterless toilet"? How does the solar additive help that out?
yes I use Alltel wifi and I could have satellite tv but just have an antennae.
A regular sawdust composting toilet works very well but in winter the compost will freeze and then thaw and stink in spring so by enclosing it in a small solar greenhouse it stay warmer and decomposes faster.
Cirrus2000
03-10-2010, 02:53 PM
I just noticed the link with your cabin picture and realized you seem to have gotten away with some sneaky spam placement 'cause people are interested and disscussing your cool spammy cabin. :nono:
Ah, for a $5 ebook, I don't have a big problem. It's an interesting website. You can get idears without having to pay anything, there's a link to an active forum, etc.
Cool stuff, LaMar. (For cranky guys like Don, however, it maybe would have been best to have a little disclaimer or something, saying you're selling something on the site. :haha: )
LaMar
03-10-2010, 03:12 PM
I just noticed the link with your cabin picture and realized you seem to have gotten away with some sneaky spam placement 'cause people are interested and disscussing your cool spammy cabin. :nono:
Ah, for a $5 ebook, I don't have a big problem. It's an interesting website. You can get idears without having to pay anything, there's a link to an active forum, etc.
Cool stuff, LaMar. (For cranky guys like Don, however, it maybe would have been best to have a little disclaimer or something, saying you're selling something on the site. :haha: )
OK, I have an ebook for sale- good enuf LOL!
Cirrus2000
03-10-2010, 04:09 PM
I just noticed the link with your cabin picture and realized you seem to have gotten away with some sneaky spam placement 'cause people are interested and disscussing your cool spammy cabin. :nono:
Ah, for a $5 ebook, I don't have a big problem. It's an interesting website. You can get idears without having to pay anything, there's a link to an active forum, etc.
Cool stuff, LaMar. (For cranky guys like Don, however, it maybe would have been best to have a little disclaimer or something, saying you're selling something on the site. :haha: )
OK, I have an ebook for sale- good enuf LOL!
:2thumbs:
And welcome to Bogley!
LaMar
03-10-2010, 04:27 PM
Thanks 4 the warm welcome guys!
BruteForce
03-10-2010, 08:29 PM
Maybe it's just me and my many years online (before the tubes were truly invented by Al Gore), but Lamar types like a Nigerian, or at the very least like somebody from Finland.
I could easily live like Lamar in my 42' 5th wheel trailer by simply adding a few solar panels to the roof.
Seems he's still paying for Propane and Internet access. I could pull up into a Walmart parking lot, fire up the solar panels, never have to turn on the Propane, hijack Internet access and live it up high style without paying $5 for an eBook.
How exactly are you off the grid when you're paying for Propane and Internet access?
Who's more grumpy now, Don or me? :nono:
Sombeech
03-10-2010, 08:32 PM
Very cool and interesting.
So if you don't mind, what "ties" do you still have with society, such as a Post Office Box? Or do you get mail coming to your place? I'm assuming you pay most of your bills online.
And by the way, what's your occupation for 5 hours a day?
LaMar
03-11-2010, 03:51 AM
Maybe it's just me and my many years online (before the tubes were truly invented by Al Gore), but Lamar types like a Nigerian, or at the very least like somebody from Finland.
I could easily live like Lamar in my 42' 5th wheel trailer by simply adding a few solar panels to the roof.
Seems he's still paying for Propane and Internet access. I could pull up into a Walmart parking lot, fire up the solar panels, never have to turn on the Propane, hijack Internet access and live it up high style without paying $5 for an eBook.
How exactly are you off the grid when you're paying for Propane and Internet access?
Who's more grumpy now, Don or me? :nono:
Do you pay for gas for that 5th wheel ?
How are you cooking and heating water in that 5th wheel without propane ?
Off-grid means having no electrical or utility connections.
I also use free wifi at the library and hot spots around town but I run two online businesses that more than pay for my internet service.
I lived in a camp trailer before building the cabin and most are not designed for year round living. Not enough insulation in a 5th wheel to be comfortable in winter here.
I have nothing against living in a 5th wheel or camper and I use my old camper for that all the time but if you want a house or base camp then a small cabin may be the way to go.
Think about how much money you could save for all those toys and adventures you want to have if you have no house payments and no utility bills ?
A new 5th wheel will set you back $20,000 or more and my cabin cost $2000. A 5th wheel will depreciate each year and my cabin appreciates each year.
And please please whatever you do don't visit my website and buy my ebook because it will just get in your head and make you think strange thoughts about freedom!
LaMar
03-11-2010, 03:58 AM
Very cool and interesting.
So if you don't mind, what "ties" do you still have with society, such as a Post Office Box? Or do you get mail coming to your place? I'm assuming you pay most of your bills online.
And by the way, what's your occupation for 5 hours a day?
I live 10 minutes from a town. I have a very active social life, girlfriend, lots of outdoor buddies and I travel a lot.
Living off-grid does not have to mean isolation
I was a Health Education Specialist for many years before retiring at 40 and had the big house, 3 car garage, pool and bs that went with that life.
Mail comes right to my mailbox on my street.
I own a solar installation business and I design off-grid homes. I also have two online businesses.
Having no hose payments and no monthly utility bills I don't need much money to live on and I can save money for retirement or whatever.
BruteForce
03-11-2010, 04:20 AM
Do you pay for gas for that 5th wheel ?
How are you cooking and heating water in that 5th wheel without propane ?
No gas required when it's parked, unless I need to fire up a generator and that wouldn't be required if I had solar power. Heater/Fridge/Water Heater run off Propane or AC/DC power.
At any rate, I was just teasing. I think it's great that folks can be creative and reduce their energy consumption and save a ton of $ -- and still be comfortable.
I'd like to get there one day. At present, I burn 8-9 dinosaurs per mile. :haha:
LaMar
03-11-2010, 04:33 AM
N problem Brute!
I lived in a camper before building the cabin and I do like the freedom of taking my camper to live in when I travel but I needed a home base and didn't want to spend a lot of money so that is why I built the cabin.
I'm 46 (today) and when I was younger I would travel all over with just my camper and that is a good life but now my kids are older and need more stability.
I just don't want to spend my life working to pay a mortgage and utility bills. I have better things to do with my life and money.
I visited your website- very cool!
I see you are from Utah ?
Where do you hang out ?
LaMar
03-11-2010, 05:32 AM
I added the video for my solar cabin construction and removed the link to my website for the few complainers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qghZ2ao7GKM
I added the video for my solar cabin construction and removed the link to my website for the few complainers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qghZ2ao7GKM
Don't give in to the complainers.. Post it back up :)
kd7kmp
03-12-2010, 08:33 AM
LaMar,
That is too cool. I admire people like you.
Kevin
I added the video for my solar cabin construction and removed the link to my website for the few complainers:
Few complainers? I was the only one. Are you calling me fat now?
:haha:
I was grumpy when I called you out. I've had some sex since then and I'm in a much better mood. Sorry dude.
:smoking:
DiscGo
03-12-2010, 12:56 PM
Yeah, don't sweat it man. If you notice there are several people that have links to their books, websites, etc. in the signatures. We're glad to have you.
Thanks for the video.
I just noticed the link with your cabin picture and realized you seem to have gotten away with some sneaky spam placement 'cause people are interested and disscussing your cool spammy cabin. :nono:
From his original post.
Yes I do sell a $5 ebook on my website but no one is twisting your arm to buy it and there are lots of free videos and pics for ideas!
I like it LaMar. Good for you. I am wanting to do rain collection and Solar. Someday mabey. :2thumbs:
I just noticed the link with your cabin picture and realized you seem to have gotten away with some sneaky spam placement 'cause people are interested and disscussing your cool spammy cabin. :nono:
From his original post.
Yes I do sell a $5 ebook on my website but no one is twisting your arm to buy it and there are lots of free videos and pics for ideas!
Oh no you di-nt! Are you callin' me out!?! Who are you to come new to a thread and call ME out!?! :haha:
(he edited that post after I gave him the crap you're quoting from me, he dropped the web address and inserted the line you quoted from him)
Bo_Beck
03-16-2010, 07:34 AM
Kurt was in the store here in SG yesterday and he mentioned that he had helped build a hydro-electric system for a fellow who has built a resort of of the North Fork Road between Chamberlain Ranch and Navajo Lake. The fellow has a spring that is basically a deep hole that pumps 100+ gal./min. (large if not main source of water in The North Fork Virgin River), and I would love to hear more? Kurt? You able to expound?
he edited that post after I gave him the crap you're quoting from me, he dropped the web address and inserted the line you quoted from him
I was wondering how you missed that. Thanks for straightening me out.
Sombeech
03-16-2010, 09:56 PM
Oh no you di-nt! Are you callin' me out!?! Who are you to come new to a thread and call ME out!?!
http://www.e-imagesite.com/Files2/BiGuyYouBitchWhatever5600341.gif
BruteForce
03-17-2010, 04:46 AM
http://www.e-imagesite.com/Files2/BiGuyYouBitchWhatever5600341.gif
There's something oddly alluring about this gal... :ne_nau:
tmartenst
03-31-2010, 09:59 PM
Alone In the Wilderness is a pretty amazing story. The local SLC libraries have it on DVD for those that want to check it out.
CarpeyBiggs
03-31-2010, 10:09 PM
Lamar, you the man.
I've been researching building a yurt, but i've found the most difficult thing about it is finding land that is inexpensive, but still worth living on. i'd love to find some property down near hanksville, escalante, etc... but finding land is the tough part. i love your setup though. nicely done.
any issues with zoning or the local county regulations concerning your place? i imagine those building codes won't go over well in a lot of places in the state.
ilanimaka
04-02-2010, 08:27 AM
Carpey hit the nail on the head. Reading this, I've been wondering the same thing. If I could get my hands on a little piece of land, I'd be spending my weekends building a house of cob, but as I understand it, the zoning gestapo aren't very accomodating.
Redpb
11-17-2010, 12:53 PM
And now get your own 100sq/ft mobile cabin.
pffft, amateurs.
http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/tour_of_a_house_thats_less_than_100_square_feet
Sombeech
02-15-2012, 09:40 AM
bump
Anybody else out there live off the grid?
Deathcricket
02-15-2012, 10:21 AM
Maybe not completely on the subject. But there is a really cool blog I read called the tiny house blog
http://tinyhouseblog.com/
I think one of the key components for living off the grid is keeping your resource needs small. And this has some awesome ideas IMO. I find this subject fascinating.
51352
Maybe not completely on the subject. But there is a really cool blog I read called the tiny house blog
http://tinyhouseblog.com/
I think one of the key components for living off the grid is keeping your resource needs small. And this has some awesome ideas IMO. I find this subject fascinating.
51352
Cool blog. Thanks.
RiverRat
07-04-2012, 04:25 PM
I was wanting some information on your composting toilet. How do you make your own? I would also like to learn more about solar. I live in Ohio where the storms went through, I live underground so my house was dark even during the day. I am not ready to go all the way solar but just some LED lights. Any information would be great!
jfeiro
11-17-2012, 09:22 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl58kpKLsFk&feature=related
DuaneGonzalez
10-19-2013, 02:17 AM
I live 10 minutes from a town. I have a very active social life, girlfriend, lots of outdoor buddies and I travel a lot.
Living off-grid does not have to mean isolation
I was a Health Education Specialist for many years before retiring at 40 and had the big house, 3 car garage, pool and bs that went with that life.
Mail comes right to my mailbox on my street.
I own a solar installation business and I design off-grid homes. I also have two online businesses.
Having no hose payments and no monthly utility bills I don't need much money to live on and I can save money for retirement or whatever.
hello are you still in solar installation business? I need solar panels for car roof..Do you design tbese panels? Waiting for reply thanks in advance:)
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