Living Off the Grid in a High-Tech Van: Brent Ros’ Story
Summary
In this article, we explore the story of Brent Ros, a 35-year-old man who lives in a converted van named Ashley the Beast. Brent has customized his van with various technologies, including solar panels, a lithium battery, a hybrid inverter, and a top-of-the-line security system, allowing him to live off the grid and work remotely. We also discuss the small conveniences and upgrades Brent has made to make living in a small space more comfortable.
Table of Contents
- Solar Panels and Lithium Battery
- Hybrid Inverter and Air Conditioning
- Top-of-the-Line Security System
- High-Tech Entertainment System
- Small Conveniences and Upgrades
- Conclusion
Solar Panels and Lithium Battery
Brent has installed 320 watts of solar panels and a 200 amp hour lithium battery in his van, allowing him to generate and store enough power to live off the grid. The lithium battery can be drained down to 15%, providing more usable power than the previous 80 amp hour lead-acid battery. This setup allows Brent to keep his fridge constantly cold and all his gadgets charged without worrying about running out of power.
Hybrid Inverter and Air Conditioning
Brent has also installed a 3000 watt hybrid inverter that can power all the appliances in the van, including the air conditioner. This allows Brent to stay comfortable in hot weather without relying on external power sources.
Top-of-the-Line Security System
To keep his van and gadgets safe, Brent has installed a top-of-the-line security system from Viper, including the 5806 and the GPS Smart Start system. The two-way system alerts Brent through his keychain or smartphone app if the alarm goes off. He has also installed a VikingSafe VS38BL with a biometric fingerprint scanner to keep his gadgets safe.
High-Tech Entertainment System
Brent’s van is equipped with a top-of-the-line Pioneer AVIC8100NE stereo system with a capacitive touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, built-in navigation, and backup camera. The speaker system was upgraded with Phoenix Gold 6x9s and a Kicker bass station, along with a custom EQ to match the van’s resonant frequency. The incandescent bulbs were replaced with high-efficiency LED lights. The NOU Cub, a small battery-powered cube, was added to create a relaxing atmosphere with its various color settings.
Small Conveniences and Upgrades
Brent has also made small modifications to his van to make living in a small space more comfortable. He has added coat hooks, a garbage can mounted with bungee cords, and a plastic sink liner to reduce grey water tank fill-up. These modifications, along with the speaker system and lighting upgrades, have made living in a small space more comfortable.
Conclusion
Brent’s story shows how technology can be used to live off the grid and work remotely. With the right setup, it is possible to generate and store enough power to live comfortably and safely in a small space. Small conveniences and upgrades can also make a big difference in the quality of life. Brent’s van is a testament to the power of customization and innovation.
