Solar How-to: Steps for Installing Solar Panels on an RV

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Admin-Eric

By Author: Sean Burton
Article: Thousands of recreational vehicle owners have joined the movement toward a greener earth. Thanks to solar how-to technology, RV owners have more options when it comes to travel. More of them than ever are harnessing the energy of the sun instead of relying on non-renewable energy sources. Using solar energy to power a camper or fifth-wheel is both environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.

RV solar kits make converting to solar power convenient and economical. Do-it-yourselfers with advanced handyman skills can save even more money installing their own solar panels. It’s important to note that installing solar panels may not be a job for a novice. Incorrect installation could lead to poor performance or damage to the vehicle. Self-installation may sometimes nullify a warranty. Be sure to clarify this before beginning.

The first thing the advanced do-it-yourselfer should do is assess his power needs. This can be considered a “pre-step” in the installation process. Determining power needs will reveal how many solar panels are needed to deliver the correct amount of energy. Those panels must actually be able to fit on top of the vehicle and still meet those needs.

The panels will need to be installed in a place that doesn’t disrupt the function of the vehicle’s roof components. It helps to find a place where wiring can be run easily, such as close to a vent. Solar panels must be approximately six to eight inches from the edges of the roof.

1) Start by disconnecting all power sources in the vehicle. This includes the battery.

2) Cover the solar panels. Simply leave the wrapper on if the panels come wrapped in paper or cardboard. Otherwise, cover them with something non-transparent. The panels will begin to generate a charge prematurely if not covered.

3) Prepare the installation location by marking the perimeters of the panels on the roof. A laser sight can help ensure that the panels line up.

4) Drill holes where needed for the mounting hardware. Make sure to locate and avoid any interior wiring before drilling.

5) Insert the mounting hardware into the holes and secure. Fill extra space around holes with sealant if needed.

6) Place the solar panels into the mounting hardware. Secure or tighten according the directions on the packaging. Different types of panels have different hardware so follow instructions carefully to avoid damage.

7) Install the regulator in the interior of the vehicle. It’s usually best to mount it within a wall.
8) Guide wiring from the panel(s) on the roof to the regulator inside the vehicle and connect. Follow instructions carefully to avoid injury and ensure optimal performance.

9) Connect wires from the regulator to the battery. Again, follow instructions carefully. Polarity must be correct.

10) Reconnect the battery.

11) Uncover the solar panels. Power should begin generating right away if the sun is shining even partially.

The guiding principles behind all types of solar kits are the same. The variations are found in the mounting hardware. Do-it-yourselfers should have a thorough understanding of how the hardware works before beginning. Proper installation is critical to the performance of the system. Human error may result in damage to the system itself or injury to people. Improperly secured panels may loosen during travel or break away altogether, leading to an accident.

Solar kits can be expanded as needs change as long as there is space atop the roof to install another panel. Simply add another when power demands increase. RV solar kits typically cost between one and five thousand dollars. This may sound like a great deal of money at first. However, frequent travelers almost always find that the kit pays for itself within several months to a few years.

Besides saving money, solar-powered RV travel is not reliant upon finding places to camp that have electrical outlet access. Even remote camping becomes a viable possibility for those with the desire for an extreme experience. Solar how-to technology opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to enjoying the environment. It also helps to ensure that the environment is there for long-term appreciation. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Video instructions for your next solar project. Solar How To. information is free and available to you.

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Is A Classic Car In Your Dreams? Here’s What You Should Know

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Admin-Eric

By Author: Art Gib
Article: I grew up with an automotive mechanic (my father) and four car enthusiasts (my brothers), so it’s no wonder that I grew up around a lot of men that held dreams of purchasing and/or restoring a classic car. My father’s model of choice was a 1956 Chevrolet, but obviously, there were numerous other cars that had their own unique appeal.

If you are right on the cusp of achieving such an aspiration, you may be wondering how you can find the best classic car for you. Do you have a particular make and model in mind, like my father, or are you simply searching for something that looks great and goes fast?

Try to envision what you are looking for, but decide on the areas that are open to compromise (color, year, etc.).

Before you set out, try to determine at least a rough budget. If you have the time and money to restore a vintage vehicle, you can easily purchase a “hunk-of-junk,” from local classified ads or other sources for a low face value, but be aware that this will be an investment that will probably include expensive parts, body work, painting, and other restorations.

That means you should try to find the best value you can, even if that means paying a little more than you originally anticipated. But try not to rush into anything, even if you think you have found exactly what you want.

Instead, keep your eyes peeled. Find out the base value of the car and then watch the newspaper, the internet, and local community events like car shows. This will give you a good feel for what the car is actually going for.

Many classic cars for sale are given a lot of extra flare, particularly in the paint job or other enhancing visual features. Sellers frequently charge inflated amounts for simple “extras,” like these, so you might shoot for something that is a little plainer and pay for those additions yourself. Plus, it will then be personalized to you taste!

Remember to find out if the engine is an original. This will actually greatly affect the price of the vehicle and give you room to haggle if it isn’t.

One alternative to purchasing a typical classic car, which will require tons of effort and maintenance, is to consider instead finding an accurate replica of your dream car. There are actually auto manufacturers that build detailed recreations of famous cars like the Shelby Cobra.

Whatever route you decide to go, you can see your aspirations fulfilled if you stay dedicated and persistent until your dream is realized. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Legendary Classics, LLC (http://www.teshelbycobra.com/)
is a CSX 4000. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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How To Restore That Old Car In Your Garage

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Admin-Eric

By Author: Victor Epand
Article: When you got that car in your old garage, you probably thought that you would have it fixed and cruising the shows in no time. Then you had other things happen in your life that made it impossible to do when you wanted. Now you are ready and raring to go.

So you are finally ready to restore that old clunker in your garage. You may have been hanging on to it in for a long time with your nagging wife yelling at you to get rid of it, but you came though and are ready to do it. How are you going to get started? With the basics of course.

The first basic that you should do is to look for the auto parts that you need for the rest. This can be auto parts that you need as well as the design that you will make the car. If you don’t know where you are going, then you won’t know where you are going to go with your restoration as well. You have to have this planned out for that you can get the most out of it and are able to get it done in a timely manner as well.

Once you have the auto parts that you need and have a plan of attack, you are ready to get started on your restoration. This is the fun part, but it also can be really scary. If you are not ready to do this restoration, you have the option to let a professional do it for you. This can be a great relief because you may not be able to do the rest on your own and the professional can take it from where you have left off.

Restoring your car can be a great and fun experience, but it can also be a scary time for you. You are in control of your restoration as well as the way your car will look when it’s finished. This may not be something that you are thinking about right now, but you really should. You may want to think about the auto parts that you are using on your car, so that you can get the best look for your money. In the end it is your car and you should make it as great as you can, without breaking your bank. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Victor Epand is an expert consultant about motorcycle gear, used motorcycle parts, and used car parts. When shopping for motorcycle gear or used parts, we recommend only the best stores for motorcycle gear, used motorcycle parts, and used auto parts.

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How to Handle Antique Cars

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Admin-Eric

By Author: Kerry Ng
Article: If you’re comfortable to own antique cars, then you likely aware that there’s just no feeling like it. Being able to drive around in a Corvette or Mustang or any muscle car when it was first constructed is a thrill like no other. Sure, today’s cars have their appeal and in many ways are more safer than these classics, but many of these antique cars were made with a craftsmanship that you can’t find anywhere today. They are more than just machines; they are beautiful pieces of artwork.

But to really realize the most life out of your antique cars it’s essential that you study unique care of them. Same as older person has different needs when it arrives to that “maintenance” level than a younger person, earlier cars demand a bit more care than warm wish than one rolling off the lot today.

Your initial question might be about the difference between antique cars and classical cars. Understand that there is really a law stating that a car needs to be 25 years old before it can actually be technically called antique. Even So, the word “classic” is not a technological term and some that is exactly used to identify any car that many another soul. Your brand new Mustang may be a classic to many other but apparently cannot be called an antique.

When it arrives to wishing for antique cars think back that some of their pieces are very old and somewhat broken out; this is something that many proprietors leave because frequently they take great pains to fix the consistency and outside of the car and forget that hoses, belts, pumps, and other mechanical features are in less than stellar condition. Putting plenty of wear on antique cars by racing the engine, jerky braking, and maneuvers like these is just going to add more wear and tear on those parts that are in all probability already straining as it is. It’s significant then to as well make certain the fluids and crude of the car are modified on a regular basis, as these help to sustain those components on the car and keep them in good order.

Driving carefully is just one part of taking care of antique cars. They should be stored in good order, out of harsh weather circumstances that might cause rust, and should also be covered as well. The type of paint that was utilized on may antique cars cannot stand up to the acid rain and pollution that today’s paints are fashioned to.

Remember too that if you are in the habit of selecting out some of your antique cars for a drive, always get the proper insurance policy for them. Many auto insurance parties specialize in this type of coverage and can come up with a policy that is designed around how much and how far you typically drive the vehicle – many antique cars are used only for trips and exhibitions, whereas many of the antiques we may call “muscle cars” are applied on sporting weekends. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Want to learn more about the world of antiques? Head over to The Value of Antiques and download a free 11 page report on how to profit from the world of antiques. For more great tips and info about antiques, head over to the The Value of Antiques Blog.

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Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Admin-Eric

By Author: Melissa Mashtonio
Article: It’s no surprise to hear gas prices have gone through the roof lately, peaking at over $4 a gallon in many cases. It seems every American would give almost anything to reduce these prices, but can’t afford to give up their habit of driving. What are you to do when your wallet can’t support gas prices anymore? Don’t jump right to riding your bike everywhere, but instead try a few of these tips to help lower what you’re paying at the pump.

1. Get to work a different way
People spend most of their gas money traveling to and from work daily. Try assessing whether or not you really need to drive. You may try riding your bike or walking if your work in close by. If not, take a train or bus as the fares will probably cost less than driving to work yourself. Besides these alternatives there is always the tried and true tactic of carpooling to reduce how much you spend daily on gas.

2. Consolidate trips
If you know you need to go to the grocery store, vet and cleaners this week do all three trips in one. By doing this you will cut down on the amount of small trips you make throughout the week, thus saving yourself some gas.

3. Park it and walk
If all of your errands are located in one area, park your car and walk to each different store. If there is no need for you to drive, why waste the gas? Walking is also better for your health so you win all around.

4. Stop looking and park it
When parking, go with the first spot you see in stead of looking around for a “better spot”. Driving around the parking lot will just waste gas. And like I said, a little walking won’t hurt you.

5. Join the club
Save money on gas by joining loyalty clubs at gas stations or grocery stores with gas station. Grocery stores usually offer you discounts at their gas stations with your food purchases. Also, check online to find out the cheapest gas prices in your area. Simply do a search for “lowest gas prices” and you’ll encounter sites that can give you information about the price of gas at different stations in your area.

6. Fill up when you’re empty – and not before
Some people trick themselves to think they are saving money by only buying a half or fourth tank of gas. However, these little amounts will add up to the same as a full tank eventually and waste you gas by driving to the station each time. Wait until your tank is empty before filling up and fill it up all the way.

7. Get frequent tune-ups
Make sure you car is always operating at its best as this is when it uses gas most efficiently. Get regular tune-ups and oil changes as well as check the pressure in your tires. Maintaining your car will improve your gas mileage as well as increase the life of your car.

8. Do you REALLY need a Hummer?
If you drive an SUV, Hummer or other gas guzzling car, reevaluate if you really need it. Here’s a hint-if you live in the suburbs and work at an office you probably don’t. Look into getting a hybrid or a smaller car. Although the upfront cost may seem large, in the long run you will use less gas and the savings add up.

9. Stay consistent
When driving on the highway, try to keep a constant speed. Acceleration uses gas, so put it on cruise control to save up a little. Also, try and pick routes that require less stopping as the acceleration after the stop will use up gas as well. Try country roads where you can leave your windows open and turn off the A/C, adding to your decrease of gas usage.

10. Lighten your load
Remove unnecessary items from your car as the extra weight can reduce your gas mileage. Take a look in your trunk and decide if you really need to keep your golf clubs on hand 24/7. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Melissa Mashtonio writes for Manta.com, the go-to site for company research. The site (http://www.manta.com) offers free research on more than 45 million companies worldwide.

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Tire Options For Driving In Icy Conditions

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Admin-Eric

By Author: Everette Jamison
Article: In locations that receive a large amount of snow and ice, drivers need to compensate for the loss of traction they experience on the road. If ice covers the pavement, conventional treads offer little to no grip. That becomes a safety issue for the driver, his or her passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.

Car tire technology has improved substantially over the past twenty years. Motorists now have a number of options at their disposal for driving safely when the roads are packed with snow or ice. In today’s article, we’ll explore the available options for your car and how they can help you navigate the streets in inclement weather.

Traditional Winter Wheels

In order to provide drivers with more traction, Bridgestone, BF Goodrich, and other manufacturers have developed tires specifically formulated to dig more deeply into snowy – or icy – surfaces. The interweaving patterns of the treads are designed to bite into the surface, giving you more control behind the steering wheel.

There is a second important factor which makes winter wheels different than conventional tires. The compounds used in the rubber give them more flexibility. Not only does that allow the tires to resist stiffening during cold temperatures, but it allows the rubber to grip the pavement better.

Studded Tires

Studded treads are outfitted with numerous metal studs that jut out of the rubber. They’re typically used when traditional winter wheels cannot provide sufficient traction and grip. For example, if you’re driving on roads that are covered in sleet, the special tread patterns and pliable compounds used in the rubber may not be enough. As you can imagine, metal studs can dig deep into the surface, providing additional grip for the driver.

The problem with the studs is that they can damage roads. In fact, several states either prohibit their use or limit the times during the year when drivers are allowed to put them on their cars. For example, the state of Washington currently lets their residents use them only between November 1 and March 31.

Chaining Up

Snow chains offer the highest level of traction for motorists who are driving on snowy or icy roads. They’re high-maintenance to put on, but can provide a level of steering control that is lacking with the other winter driving options. On front-wheel drive vehicles, the chains are normally only placed on the front tires. On four-wheel drive vehicles, they’re either placed on all four of them or they’re placed on the rear set.

Your choice of whether to use winter wheels, studded treads, or snow chains on your car will depend mainly upon the conditions in which you’re driving. The three options above are listed according to how much grip and traction they provide. A small sheet of snow will require a different solution than pavement covered by sleet. If you’re uncertain about which option you should use on your car, ask your mechanic for advice. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com For all your used Ford Truck parts and used Ford Parts needs consider the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com

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Hybrid Cars: Do You Really Save With These Fuel Economy Cars?

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Admin-Eric

By Author: Kerry Ng
Article: At the time of this writing, there is a game being played. And in my opinion, the game is called, “confronting the US oil crisis”. The major players are the car manufacturers, the government, maybe the EPA and have course the people being the unwitting spectators that are readily lured to the show.

And the game pieces are the fuel economy cars also known as hybrid cars.

I will begin by emphasizing the point that I don’t know everything there is to know about this so called “impending oil crisis”. And I’m not sure if there is anyone who knows everything there is to know about this impending oil crisis too. However, I am fairly certain that the hybrid cars wouldn’t be a prospective solution to the problem; not at least for a few more years.

One would notice a massive influx of hybrid cars on the roads today and yet, did nothing to help put a dent in the oil problems; but instead made a quandary with regards to car-pooling. As early as January 2005, hybrids car owners were allowed to use car pool lanes, even when driving alone. Given the fact that thousands of hybrid cars have been sold since 1999, some of the car pool lanes are becoming more congested than the regular traffic lanes they’re supposed to lighten.

According to a compiled report for the past eight years made by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the pervasive presence of the supposedly fuel economy cars have saved only a measly total of 5.5 million oil barrels. It’s a rather distressing contrast against the approximate 8.5 million barrels a day to power the present usage of the light, private vehicles. But even then, researchers are very optimistic with regards to fuel economy cars. They have concluded that for fuel economy cars to have an impact, they have to at least cover more than 50% of the car population in the United States. And given the growing sales of these fuel economy cars, it’s just a matter of time.

On a more personal note, can fuel economy cars help you cut back on gasoline consumption? Yes they could, depending on your driving habits. However, if you consider the initial cost of the hybrids, you may want to reconsider buying one. One of the biggest challenges of the fuel economy cars is that it takes so long to repay that extra expense of purchasing them. Even in the best-case scenario (as with one of the most popular hybrids, the Toyota Prius), five years time is already considered lucky. One could purchase a standard 4-cylinder Toyota for a much lower price and the fuel economy on these models are just outstanding. Again, this will all depend on you’re driving habits. Personally, being a city driver, I get excellent mileage with my four cylinder.

So what is your reasoning to purchase a fuel economy car? Is it for the environmental aspects? Whatever it may be, personally I wouldn’t purchase a hybrid car for purely economic reasons. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Hybrid Cars Info Blog. For more great helpful information about hybrid cars visit The Hybrid Cars info Blog

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An American Classic: A Brief History of the Pontiac Brand

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Admin-Eric

By Author: Art Gib
Article: Pontiac automobiles have All-American written all over them. They have been a part of U.S culture for generations, and continue to be a popular driving choice for millions.

The seeds for the brand were sown over 100 years ago, when a horse buggy maker in Pontiac, Michigan named Edward Murphy became anxious to expand his business and adapt to the wave of the future: automobile production. In 1906, he met an engineer named Alanson Brush who had been offering his designs to Cadillac. Cadillac did not accept Brush’s designs, but Murphy saw their potential and bought them.

His newly formed Oakland Motor Car Co. greatly improved on the original designs and produced a four cylinder car which found great success. Before Murphy’s untimely death in 1908, he joined forces with another automobile newcomer named William Durant. Durant ultimately absorbed the Oakland Motor Car Co. into his own car empire named General Motors, and in 1926 the first auto under the Pontiac brand was produced.

The new car was called the Coach Pontiac, and was introduced at the New York Auto Show. It was a roomy 5-seater, and boasted a 6-cylinder engine. Indeed, it was designed to be in direct competition with the more common 4-cylinder car models that were being offered to the public at that time. In 1927, it became the top selling 6-cylinder car in the nation and was rated 7th in overall sales. An impressive beginning!

In 1932, a smart convertible Pontiac came on the market; it was called the V-8 Convertible Coupe. By the following year, sales of the brand increased by 50%, and it was well on its way to becoming an American classic. In fact, by 1936, the millionth car bearing the Pontiac name was produced.

Pontiacs were known for their sturdiness and reliability; in 1949 GM aimed for a younger market by giving its cars a sleek new design. The new design boasted lower lines and more attention to how it looked from behind. A slew of innovative models, such as the Chieftain and Chief Star captured the public’s imagination. The 1959 Bonneville had double rear fins, and sales of all Pontiac cars skyrocketed due to innovative styling and the addition of a V-8 engine and ramped up horsepower.

The 1960′s saw the introduction of even more iconic Pontiac models, including the Grand Prix, GTO, and Firebird. Powerful engines and performance were the order of the day, and these cars saw tremendous popularity. By the 1970′s, the public wanted more family-friendly cars with good gas mileage; the Grand Am was Pontiac’s quality response to this new trend, but the brand never gave up its reputation for sportiness and fun: in later decades, the Sunbird and Fiero models filled that bill as well.

Pontiac has continued to evolve right along with the American public, producing high quality cars with stylish design and performance. The Pontiac brand is still an integral part of the U.S automotive landscape future, just as it has been an important part of its past. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com If you are looking for an American Fork Utah car dealership which offers a great selection of Pontiac cars and personal service, contact Gregory Pontiac (http://www.gregorymotors.com/). Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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