Nomad's Powerhouse: 1000 Watts Solar on an Unbelievable DIY Cargo Trailer Conversion
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Күн бұрынToday we meet Mark in an amazing 7x12 V-Nose utility trailer with 1000 watts of solar! Mark lost his job and that changed his life! He sold his house and decided set out on the road. Since then he has become happier and met more friends than he had in 9 years living in his house! He decided he was not going to be uncomfortable and so he has made a fantastic home with plenty of solar! From an empty trailer to a gorgeous interior build! We hope you are inspired today by Mark's story!
Mark does solar installs! You can reach him at the Email below!
Email Mark at:
Mtj6060@gmail.com
Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel.
My Amazon Store:
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AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
~Power Stations
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~12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
~Portable Solar Panels
amzn.to/3PzhK5z
~Hard Solar Panels
amzn.to/45EVXPi
~Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
~Air Conditioner Units
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~Pop Up Tents
amzn.to/3sNkFyc
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Thanks for watching!
@TM-tc3om 2 жыл бұрын
Those hook ups on the trailer are fantastic! This man just stepped into his own business and doesn't even realize it yet.
@margeonyrscuk6274 11 ай бұрын
You people talk too much. Show the house while you talk please.
@hg2. 10 ай бұрын
Yes - is he awesome or what?
@artsteadman2230 9 ай бұрын
@margeonyrsuck6274 RUDE!
@artsteadman2230 9 ай бұрын
@@margeonyrscuk6274use the slider to advance the reel
@artsteadman2230 9 ай бұрын
@TM-tc3oM apparently you didn't watch the reel in its entirety... because at 3:50 he said will build our for others
@ArtsyLadyCrafter 2 жыл бұрын
I'm speechless with the neatness, organization, features and power resources of Mark's rig! He was dead serious about not being uncomfortable as a nomad. I would not have known that I was looking at the inside of a cargo trailer. Job? If he wants to do this kind of work and tailor his work sessions into bite-sized pieces for the average senior nomad budget, he'll never want for work again. This interview turned out to be a stellar promotion. Mark, you did such a great job speaking for yourself and showcasing your work that you don't have to worry about getting more qualifications, except for how you personally want to improve and advance your skills. I would pay you to do anything in the way of rig redesign and power systems for my van, shed-to-tiny house or any other type of off-grid structure that I ever had in mind. You communicate and explain very well and you seem to be very enthusiastic about your skills. I'll save your email. And congrats on landing on your feet so well after what may have been a devastating experience in losing your job. Thanks, Bob!
@cbryce9243 11 ай бұрын
Well said and ditto! I have work to be done as well...window installations, cooking area, and more.
@user-xn3ks1tl1f 3 ай бұрын
I’m from the South Coast of the UK and very often watch your video clips. This is by far the best I have ever seen and I can tell you I was very impressed with Mark and his home and general take on things. He’s a smart man. Clean, organised, and very savvy. What he has achieved is outstanding and a credit to him. Life sometimes throws us a curveball and he has risen above adversity and come out on top. He has some very marketable skills and I wish him well in any future endeavours.
@elainelipscomb1476 2 ай бұрын
What a great home Enjoy 🎉🎉
@eleanoraquitaine2966 2 жыл бұрын
Ageism is a real thing that hits so hard when you have great skills and will even work for less money. Mark is intelligent and creative and has great people skills. I predict he'll do fine and I wish him the best. Please revisit him in a year, Bob. I think we're going to hear a really great story.
@obgfoster 2 жыл бұрын
Too young to retire, too old to hire. Story of my life for 5+ years.
@eleanoraquitaine2966 2 жыл бұрын
@@obgfoster It happens to most of us, I think.
@tadersalad7283 2 жыл бұрын
@@obgfoster there’s always Walmart….Greeting? Where one making 50-100K annually can start out at 15K…
@p.f.droney8973 2 жыл бұрын
@@tadersalad7283 you can work at In N Out here in Arizona starting at $19 an hour
@gummymummy1234 2 жыл бұрын
@@obgfoster yupperdo, I'm 58 and feeling this in my Dental field...
@gzubeck3 9 ай бұрын
His knowledge and skillset is off the Charts. He under estimates his own skill set in customizing electrical systems for ALL types of vehicles.
@gloryanna365 2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful job Mark, I would hire you in a second!
@dvf4550 11 ай бұрын
Don't know why Mark thinks he needs to find a job, lol. He's got the skills, brains, and ability to be self employed here! Exactly what my son-in-law did, and Mark can do it, too. Combine the best of both worlds. Edit to add: Just realized I'm seeing this a year later. Hope he's busy with his business and still enjoying life.
@pfsmall 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing build! That electrical system is just WOW!
@rubyred8845 2 жыл бұрын
Mark is a smart and lovely man. What a clever and tidy build. I hope he gets lots of future work.
@cbryce9243 11 ай бұрын
I doubt he will have any trouble finding work.
@sandeedobberstine5591 2 жыл бұрын
A man with serious skills! Beautiful job on your build out. I hope a lot of work comes your way!
@flyovercounty1427 2 жыл бұрын
Mark your workmanship is outstanding. Thanks for the video
@SabrinaDawn444 2 жыл бұрын
It's a phenomenal build! He seems like a good guy that has made the best out of an awful situation. I hope he enjoys his new lifestyle and new home! Best wishes to him. I loved the little dog that quietly went up to his rig while you guys were talking. So cute..lol
@posteroonie 2 жыл бұрын
I think that's Bob's dog Cody. I expect Cody's right at home in a variety of nomad rigs. :)
@SabrinaDawn444 2 жыл бұрын
@@posteroonie Cody was there but at the end. The little dog was in the beginning before the tour. I've seen Cody in many videos and recognize him. He's cute too 🙂
@donaldindividual-1 2 жыл бұрын
Smart guy to listen to. Good job 👍
@marktj9593 2 жыл бұрын
The little dog is Kona. She’s very much a part of our nomad family and loved by everybody.
@SabrinaDawn444 2 жыл бұрын
@@marktj9593 She's so cute! Thank you for telling us her name. Her presence in the video made me smile.
@101taiga 2 жыл бұрын
This dude’s got mad skillz! He could certainly work on my van and I’d be happy to pay!
@bliss149 2 жыл бұрын
He's gonna have a BUNCH of women - and men too - chasing after him for help with electrical.
@gnawbabygnaw 10 ай бұрын
Excellent one. 🤙🤙 “I decided if I’m gonna do this I am Not gonna be miserable.” That’s what’s up. Humble geniuses are my favorite kind. Nice work.
@nomadWalkr 2 жыл бұрын
Wow. Mark seems very friendly and very capable. So great to hear that he’s helping ppl and willing to help with builds. Thank you. 🙏🏽
@simplysandy3288 2 жыл бұрын
That’s a cool trailer! It looks like an apartment! Thanks so much for sharing 💜
@craigbalsinger648 2 жыл бұрын
Good luck with your new life
@juliehenderson1672 2 жыл бұрын
Bartering skill is our future. Good for you!👍
@robin6564 2 жыл бұрын
This is one of my favorite video’s. This man is so honest and has experienced what multitudes of us have encountered. I still do not have anything to hit the road and I need to. Life is hard and expensive. Absolutely love this trailer. Perfect set up and beautiful.
@markthomas2436 4 ай бұрын
All that electrical work was top notch. You can tell he has spent years doing that kind of work.
@hectorz7860 Жыл бұрын
We don't need any more trailer build tours. We just viewed the best their is. A beautiful design and quality build. I especially appreciate the clean all-functional layout. No useless, junky nik-naks laying around. Great job Mark. God bless you.
@rangeland4 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent job, really like the weather station. From one 6’4” guy to another…great job!
@TheHowMan68 11 ай бұрын
Wow what a build! How is this guy unemployed? Super talented!!! Absolutely stunning
@Buzz420 2 жыл бұрын
Mark seems like a good guy & I hope he's getting the work he needs to keep traveling.
@cliftontorrence839 2 жыл бұрын
'I've got the power', sez Mark after a month. Master sparky and it shows. I keep coming back to this one.
@mtaylor2901 2 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh…. What a beautiful, well thought out build!! Great job Mark! I bet you will be able to work as much or as little as you want after this video. Lots of folks need honest, quality building help with their rigs! Cheers
@pcthayer 2 жыл бұрын
Great trailer conversion. Mark is a talented craftsman. Sorry about his work situation but I can relate that once you are in your 60's it is very hard to find a new job. Hope Mark finds happiness with this new exciting adventure and encounters many new friends and job opportunities.
@MeJaneEntrprsz 2 жыл бұрын
Wow! Mark can make bank just charging to hook up electrical systems for folks. Nice rig. Everything thought out & for some1 w/ little buildout experience, I suspect he's going to have work for a very long time.
@markschneberger5521 2 жыл бұрын
THAT is just one of the cleanest , functional builds I've seen . Super nice!
@HankHill757 2 жыл бұрын
Mark doesn’t look 60! Excellent build, I’m his height so I like his trailer layout.
@tedsamuels3203 10 ай бұрын
If this guy lived near my town, I wouldn't want anyone else working on my solar. But ,this guy ? This Mark dude is a genius. And , now I know, A cargo trailer does make the best camper . Mark's camper is like living in a house 🏠 This guy is unreal , and very smart 👏 THANKS for sharing.. very helpful and enjoyable..
@2023Red 8 ай бұрын
Good to see. It happened to me too. Heart attack at age 58. Couldn’t find work. Now at age 75, all is good again. Pensions kicked in. No debt.
@cinderella5006 2 жыл бұрын
Great interview Bob as always, love his rig if we were there I’d have no problem hiring him to set us up with electrical. Current events in the world right now have put a stop to us setting up our car for travel with gas prices going through the roof we’ll wait, in the meantime we can when weather permits try out our car over night in our yard and see how that’s going to be, at least we’ll be close to home to work out the bugs.
@thisorthat7626 2 жыл бұрын
@Cinder ella, good idea to test out your build and modify it while you are home. Gas is expensive but you don't have to drive far to see beautiful places in much of the country. Stay local and se how you like the traveling life. Blessings.
@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws Жыл бұрын
I think the van lifers have a sense of community that's all but lost these days. It's so heartening to hear about how welcoming they are as it's giving all sorts of people a whole new lease on life. We are now at 67 before we can get state pensions and it seems every year they add another year, I am 64 and seriously, I don't see it coming until I am 70 at this rate. It's usually the UK having a better deal than you guys but it's changing.
@TreDeuce-qw3kv 3 ай бұрын
"Community" Reminds me of small community farm life back in the 50's & 60's where the community pulled together to help each other and especially someone or a family in real hurt.
@janetkoball44 2 жыл бұрын
Mark knows a ton about electronics and split that so many of us need guidance on so he will be keeping busy. Even if he could give us step one and so on. When we are older, our brains just can't comprehend that language. Thanks Bob for another "help" video for us.
@Breeder333 11 ай бұрын
Mark is going to find himself plenty of work with those skills. Nice build and great video.
@dizzyfingers7180 2 жыл бұрын
Food stamp heiress here and full-timer, too. Love your build, Mark! I’ve never heard of the caravans, but I will check it out for sure! Living in a house was a bit depressing for me. Every day is a new adventure!! Happy trails!
@HangtownDave 2 жыл бұрын
Mark, the trailer build out that you have engineered for yourself is by far one of the best that I have ever seen! I hope to see more of your work in the future, and with an endorsement from Bob I foresee you getting numerous employment offers from fellow nomads! Good luck, and good fortune!
@deewilkerson2994 Жыл бұрын
By today’s standards losing your good job seems bad. But, in reality, this guy’s life is much richer then what he had in Florida. People coming together and helping each other, now that’s real wealth. I loved this video!
@fdm2155 2 жыл бұрын
That build looks amazing. So clean and well thought out. I'm sure Bob is right that a lot of people would pay Mark to help with their electrical installations.
@user-mm4je1sb9b 10 ай бұрын
this guy is close to a genius. Holy Sham Wow! How could he not find a job? His skill set is off the charts.
@homelessnomad101 2 ай бұрын
Like most companies will tell ya IF they don't wanna hire you and to keep them from having legal action takin' against them is they will tell you "Your over qualified".
@Harleyglide03 2 жыл бұрын
This has to be the best DIY rig I have ever seen. Nice job!👍👍👍
@debbieweckler6832 2 жыл бұрын
Mark your work is amazing and professional. I'll keep your information for thoughts on later. Thank you. Thank you Bob.
@janmoline 2 жыл бұрын
Man with his electrical experience, installing solar should be a great fit for him. Great looking rig!! Thanks Bob, as always great interview!
@SuperheroArmorychannel 2 жыл бұрын
A very nice trailer and impressive work on the electrical!
@stuartstuart866 2 жыл бұрын
Mark’s trailer looks like he took his time, thinking things through. His wiring is neat and tidy, I appreciate the extra effort to do that. Mark mentioned that the solar panels shade his trailer but i’m thinking the dark solar panels would transfer a significant amount of heat, but you have to have solar so………
@stuartstuart866 2 жыл бұрын
@@petrolo72 That is my understanding too, but a small air gap can still heat up, by a dark panel and transfer that heat into the trailer, if there is no breeze. I’m still installing a panel on my roof (with an air gap) I was just curious how much of a difference it might make.
@marilynrenaud1892 2 жыл бұрын
Watching from Massachusetts... What a beautiful rig... He did a phenomenal job on building this thing out... I love it! 👍😁
@blueskies00 2 жыл бұрын
Wowwww What a talented humble intelligent man.....who loves animals. An employer foolish for not hiring this super guy.
@karimarie5732 2 жыл бұрын
Obsessed with the weather station 🤩
@travelinmyblood 2 жыл бұрын
This is my dream vehicle. Such a perfect build. Clean, crisp, and plenty of solar. Really well done!
@rayboucher479 Жыл бұрын
I have worked over I/2 my life with many electrical and instrument men and when I see your electrical work and wiring in the cabinet I can tell right away you are very meticulous . I am sure that anybody who has you work on their electrical or solar needs will be very happy with your work. Keep your head up and I am sure things will work out for you and I wish you all the best.
@paula.jackson5463 2 жыл бұрын
so good, the electrical was second to NONE! First off, things have to work, and if they do....but when they are wired in an eye appeasing layout......this guy has got it! Am a fellow Electrician and know the story!
@NHJDT 2 жыл бұрын
Wow great layout and looks so professional. I think this gentleman just found a new career
@behappy2435 9 ай бұрын
How nice of Mark to have the heart to help others. Thank you for the ideas.
@SVMSICE 2 жыл бұрын
Very nice build. I really like how excited people are to show off their work. Everyone is so happy to show off their power is what I've noticed from watching quite a few of these videos now.
@OrbitStephanie 2 жыл бұрын
Well done Mark!! Love your new self made home!!! Congratulations 🎉🎊🍾
@juliecastagnaro2868 2 жыл бұрын
His electrical work is impressive. I’m sure people would hire him to do that.
@elizabethreed3358 2 жыл бұрын
The simple things in life are usually the most important. Talking with people and getting to know them around a campfire, going fishing, living affordably, sharing your time, etc.,...
@ABee-vd6rt 2 жыл бұрын
WWWWOOOOWWW! This is the best rebuild that I’ve seen! It looks great, but the biggest thing is the electrical set up! Having enough power makes his trailer comfortable like a home. And everything is so neat, functional and organized! I hope he gets plenty of work! I’m not a nomad, but I would definitely pay for his services.
@zanobiashalks2769 2 жыл бұрын
One of the attributes I admire in people is competence. So many of the nomads have it along with Mark. Mark, I'm guessing you'll be as busy or busier than you want to be.
@redheadedgypsy1939 2 жыл бұрын
Bangin' rig!!! Thanks for contact info, hopefully you're still building rigs when I get around to it lol Great job, Mark thanks for sharing!!! You've adapted quickly to the Nomadic life - happy trails!
@suedefringe 2 жыл бұрын
Nice rig and clean work on the solar! What a nice guy too . Good luck on the road. Hope you continue to love it.
@cobyporschifer221 2 жыл бұрын
What this man said was profound. "I know more people here than I did living 9 Years in a House barely knowing my Neighbors". 🤔Society has groomed people to be Scared of EVERYBODY Including you Neighbors. Everybody has gates with NO TRESPASSING signs everywhere not even trying to know there Neighbors until a Natural disaster happens. Nomads are a way of getting back to a Tribe mentality. Good Vibes 👣
@marktj9593 2 жыл бұрын
So true. I didn’t even talk to some of my neighbors until I had lived in my house for years and a hurricane blew my stockade fence down.
@LAorBust2011 2 жыл бұрын
Mark is exceptionally talented and WAY, WAY humble about his skills. I wish him the BEST of luck with his new business. 😊
@deetrvl4life875 2 жыл бұрын
Wow, nice job!! ❤️ and Bob, thank you for providing info about WHO and HOW to get work done on our rigs! Bless you!
@JesusSaves86AB 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome build. Someone with that level of skill and knowledge should never struggle for work.
@Snarge22 2 жыл бұрын
I hope Mark got some customers for their electrical needs. He certainly has the electrical and hands-on knowlege.
@joegarcia793 2 жыл бұрын
Wow this is such a clean build! I love the solar/power setup! I just bumped into Mark while getting water, he seemed like a great guy
@Travelingveg 2 жыл бұрын
Mark is one of the best persons I know....he gives and gives. I'm proud to know him. Much love to everyone 🕊️💚
@johnw65 Жыл бұрын
Another great video and thanks for introducing us to Mark! I'm also a retired electrician which helped in converting all these KZfaq videos into my 4x6 cargo conversion-toy hauler/camper/theater...! In all the videos, I've never seen anything close to mine ❤
@FeMiNem-Poet 2 жыл бұрын
Wow! Fantastic build!!!🥁🥁🥁 Thank you! He will get a lot of work - There is a big need with all the nomads out there and the new ones coming in. Blessed journeys!💯💯💯💥💥💥
@thefrugalwanderlustinglinguist 9 ай бұрын
I teach English online as a side hustle. I'm a certified teacher but you don't need a degree to tutor. Many ppl just want to practice their English and don't need want classroom English
@erico7430 8 ай бұрын
Wow, the level of craftsmanship and ingenuity it top notch. Super impressed.
@tangyspongesauce 2 ай бұрын
Having a wife and 2 kids, I couldn't live this kind of lifestyle. But I do applaud him for doing it and being comfortable.
@davewenners6722 2 жыл бұрын
Nice build. I like the duel battery set up. I'm going to convert a 8x16 soon. Battery/solar is my biggest questions. I wondered if anyone had a back up system. I live in MA on the NH line.
@posteroonie 2 жыл бұрын
Those integrated power banks ("solar generators") solve all the integration problems and they're also pretty much unrepairable, and expensive in the higher kWh ranges. Residential solar panels are the best bang for the buck, and you're near the AltEStore in Boxborough so you don't have to pay the high cost of shipping them. Thing is, residential panels put out too much power for all but the big power banks. Anyhow you could get started with a power bank, then plan/pay for/install a big system, and keep the power bank for backup. My impression is that properly designed LFP systems are super reliable, so a backup is unnecessary.
@nonyasghost420 2 жыл бұрын
Great job Mark! Looks great.
@4gotitalready 11 ай бұрын
I wish we could adopt him for a month to do a trailer for us! Such talent!!!
@Pack.Leader 11 ай бұрын
Very nice job, Mark. Great use of space. Nice that you knew electrical stuff enough to be able to do all of that yourself.
@stevengatewood2725 2 жыл бұрын
Nice job. I'm sure Mark could get work helping people build just what he has.
@ms.charlotte4027 Жыл бұрын
I'm convinced that some of the best people in the world are nomads. What an awesome build, and I hope that he finds work soon.
@misst1586 2 күн бұрын
That's a great build. I am impressed with all of his electrical connections. I believe that he is selling himself short and has more than enough skills.
@tombledsoe8880 2 жыл бұрын
I have seen wiring jobs by so-called experts that are half as good as this guys! If you need help with your system don’t let his humbleness deter you. Solar is not That hard and this guy can definitely get it done. Great job
@echozulualpha 2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations! Just a super build overall - the solar and electrical from the little we saw just fantastic!!!
@katnip198 Жыл бұрын
Wow! how organized this living space is. What a great job Mark did.
@gideonporter537 Жыл бұрын
I'm amazed Mark couldn't find work! Never mind his age, he's obviously talented, dedicated and a great guy!
@ceeceety2320 2 жыл бұрын
We are currently building out our Ford E250 van and have bought all the solar with everything we need to make it work. I have a few years before retirement so thought we'd start with the van and when the time comes to go full time, we will get something just like this or possibly a travel trailer that has everything already to go. Just not sure yet. This makes me think I should use my trade and build a cargo trailer. They just seem like they will hold up better in the long run and I'm a carpenter all my life, so I can do the work. This really is a nice build and I'm paying attention to everything he's done. Thanks for sharing!
@lindapankhurst4513 2 жыл бұрын
Love his rig and his attitude!
@MaryOKC 2 жыл бұрын
I think what he’s done to his trailer is awesome and that’s a skill in itself! … there’s Walmart jobs; there’s restocking shelves which I used to do and loved it because I could choose my own time to restock in a local grocery store chain.
@mmancuso1604 2 жыл бұрын
Mark if your reading the comments ….. What a great job! 👏👏👏👏
@carlafinn8810 2 жыл бұрын
Watched a lot of your videos Bob, this build is my favorite. It's well thought out, simple and tasteful. Wish you the best Mark.
@cliftontorrence839 2 жыл бұрын
Seriously competent craftsmanship here, guys. Thank you all.
@HaroldMalaby 2 жыл бұрын
Great Job Mark and as always Bob you do such a nice interview and so supportive. Best to you both. Living the dream - Freedom
@stevischermi6409 2 жыл бұрын
Phenomenal build is right. 6'4" I do like very much. He's handy, got a good brain. Very nice. I'm a bit older. Live in my van with two inherited shepherds. See you all down the road.
@annthrockmorton1517 2 жыл бұрын
"And rent's gone insane. . ." You're right about that! If it weren't for my house (for 33 years) IDK what the *heck* I would do, other than join a caravan myself. These rent prices are almost my whole pension check! (At least I have a pension!) Great setup you have there!
@mindbodyfitness99 2 ай бұрын
This gentleman could make a nice living using his skills to help people with builds.
@amydixoncox2339 Жыл бұрын
Mark did an amazing job with his build! Major kudos to him!
@conniewaite1996 2 жыл бұрын
Impressive electrical work! And a nice build!
@Amigoof 2 жыл бұрын
Nice guy with a great deal of talent. He won’t have any trouble finding work helping people build their vans, toy haulers, etc. out! Great video, Bob!!
@Yorky222 11 ай бұрын
The solar wiring is very neat, Mark obviously knows his stuff.
@user-dn7oo3sb1p 2 ай бұрын
How humble he is about his skill set! Meanwhile, I imagine lots of ppl watching would hire his services "yesterday"!!
@RickRose Жыл бұрын
Awesome build! And yes, with his background in marine and aerospace electrical work, I think I'd trust him with my RV. One *might* even call him overqualified.
@sunderwonder6366 9 ай бұрын
Thank YOU!!! ❤🎉
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