Here is an interesting Blog by a couple living in Alaska in a tent: http://www.jenninewardle.com/search/label/wall tent A couple things I would point out before anyone considers doing this. The tent they are using cost as much as my entire cabin to build. tents are only temporary living and without additional insulation like they used would not be suitable for winter living. They are storing batteries inside the tent with them that is not smart as batteries leak/offgas acid and explosive gasses that can kill people. They are storing gas chainsaws and fuel oil in side the tent with a wood stove and are asking for trouble. Their electrical system is too complicated and a 12 volt system does not require a grid fuse box like they have used. Solar panels with a generator backup would be better. They are using a wood stove for primary heat and propane would have run many more appliances with a wood stove backup would have been a better choice. They do not mention any bath or composting toilet in their tent and I appears they are using neighbors facilities for that purpose. A composting toilet and solar or propane shower would have been better. Its a good article well worth reading but also shows a lot of mistakes people make when they decide to go off grid without an understanding of some basic survival principles. Here are some videos of my survival solar cabin for ideas: http://www.youtube.com/user/solarcab...F7ECFEEB05659B
I have neighbors that tried the "tent" thing and found that money was wasted on a "yukon" tent costing a LOT of $$$. The whole roof collapssed in January, and they were out in the cold, literally. Luckily they bought it via credit card and from Cabella's. They have just got their new one, after a 6 week wait, and are putting it up...Snow expected again for all of next week! Some just don't get it! The UV in Arizona is bad, and it destroys the best of materials and rots sewing! Maybe by March they'll start to build a place instead of a 10 x 12 tent!
Oh yeah! This is great! My cabins will only be 12 ft x 12 ft. Wood stoves/heaters, and backed up with propane. ANYONE wanting to go solar needs to see this video! He has 2-100 watt panels, and 1- 150 watt panel! Awesome set up!
I only saw 1 small problem with his solar set-up. He uses a lot of 110vac wiring from an extension cord. Not good! I know, I started my kitchen ceiling on fier that way! Use ONLY battery cable duty, stranded copper, heavy gauge wire. I even use battery "jumper cables" and cut off the clamps. Dc voltage is NOT forgiving when it come to resistance. It will cause AC extension cord gauge (16-12 ga. wiring) to catch fire in a heartbeat! It almost cost me my home! Don't do it! Also, keep all wires neat, tie them up and keep them from any tangles, coils, and stray wires you can trip on, or accidentally "nick". Use "quick disconnect" terminals on your batteries, and SOLDER your connections, or, use electrical grade connectors for 12 volts. Electrical tape, is not a good thing to consider! AC voltage since it is 60 cycles per secons will give you a warning "buzz" or "tingle".....Dc voltage will "vaporize" whatever it goes to ground on, that includes your hands! My dad lost 3 fingers accidentally, simply by touching a "grounded" metal plate, and having the opposing "bare" (hot) wire in his left hand! Be careful! 12 volts can kill you! It's their amperage!
Thanks for some good responses! Dragonfly, UV and wind will destroy a tent in no time flat! My brother put up an expensive fabric carport using heavy ground stakes and was sure it would stay up even when I told him he needed 4x4 corner posts set in cement. One big wind storm and his carport became a kite and flew into the next county. I use a heavy duty outdoor 30amp extension cord from my inverter to the house. It is fused on both ends to prevent any fire. All battery connections are 8g battery wire. Mountainman, yes bears, wolves, mountain lion, are all a problem with tent living!
Yes UV is the death of petroluem based fibers, What about a yurt like thing. How would they do in a ton of snow? on the video, at 2:57, is he hooked up to the power line? That is a pretty sweet set up. I could do this.
Manmade fiber tents can be good, but they won't hold up for long term exposure. I'd be wary of a yurt in snow country because of the winter snow loading. They can be reinforced, just make the side poles and roof ribs a bit stouter (and heavy up the tension ring.) But a teepee is a better deal in my mind, they'll shed snow quite easily.
Hey Slugo! I think I would prefer a tipi over a yurt for ease of setup and more stable in high winds and snow loads. There is an old power pole in my yard but no lines or transformer. I use the pole for my antennae and that is the antennae wire that you see in the video. It would have cost $20,000 to have the grid reconnected!
