Brave couple aim to live off-grid in customised motorhomes through winter
Source: https://uk.motor1.com/news/640735/couple-lives-off-grid-motorhomes-winter/
Author: Jacob Oliva
Chris and Linnea are a couple on a unique and adventurous journey, residing in their customised motorhomes for three months during the harsh winter season. Chris owns a 2002 Blue Bird All American school bus and Linnea has a 2016 Dodge Promaster van. Both of these vehicles have been meticulously customised and equipped to survive cruel weather conditions. Chris invested around $80,000 (approx. £65,000) in his Blue Bird school bus, which has been outfitted with state-of-the-art off-grid solar systems including four rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, two 5,000-watt invers, a propane generator, eight propane tanks, and 2,100 watts of solar panels on the roof. Clearing the snow off of these large solar panels can be quite a challenge, but it is essential for them to collect enough energy to power their motorhome. Linnea, on the other hand, invested $30,000 (£24,200) in her Dodge Promaster van, which serves as her full-time motorhome outside the challenge. It has a cozy cabin-like aesthetic with the wood stove placed right in the middle of the van. The van has a small kitchen with a fridge, a freezer, a sink, and a stovetop. Although these appliances are currently turned off due to the lack of sun, they serve as a lifeline in emergency situations. Getting water can be a challenge, but the couple is resourceful. They gather water from a nearby frozen river and filter it for their daily needs. The front of the bus has a couch, two chairs, and a table where they store their condiments and leftover food. Both motorhomes have strict energy-saving measures in place, but there are times when they need to use the bare minimum of lighting for work, alone time, or sleeping. The couple has been braving the winter weather in the northern part of Wisconsin since December. According to them, they have not encountered any major challenges so far.