Finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for – work on the race truck has officially started! Between tattoo sessions and painting helmets, I found a break to dive into this project. It’s about time, too.
First things first, I went straight to the heart of the problem – the electrics. If there’s one thing you don’t want failing on a build like this, it’s the power supply. So, I ripped out the old battery and swapped it for a bigger, better, and more reliable leisure battery. This beast is going to keep everything running smoothly. But that’s just the beginning. I’ve got a new inverter on the way, one that can handle everything I throw at it. The truck’s electrical system is getting a complete overhaul. Everything has been stripped down, moved around, and prepped for the big changes coming its way.
Going Off-Grid, One Step at a Time
But before I start bolting on all the shiny new gadgets, I need to make sure the foundation is solid. No point in adding bells and whistles if the basics aren’t sound. The electrical upgrades have already stretched the budget a bit, so the project’s pace is going to be dictated by the wallet – not by deadlines. This isn’t a rush job; the truck will be ready when it’s ready.
For now, we’ve got the essentials covered. The truck is now running a heavy-duty battery, solar panels, and inverters. In other words, this beast is completely off-grid.
What Does “Off-Grid” Mean, and Why Does It Matter?
When I say the truck is off-grid, I mean it’s entirely self-sufficient when it comes to power. No need to plug into an external source. The solar panels collect energy from the sun, which is then stored in the battery. The inverter converts that stored energy into usable electricity for everything I need on the road – from powering my tattoo equipment to keeping the lights on.
Environmental Benefits
Going off-grid isn’t just about independence; it’s also about reducing the truck’s environmental impact. By relying on solar power, we’re cutting down on the need for fossil fuels, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a small step, but every bit counts in the fight against climate change. Plus, solar energy is renewable, meaning it won’t run out, unlike the diesel that fuels the engine.
For those interested in the technical side or thinking about making their own projects off-grid, I highly recommend looking into how solar power systems work and understanding the environmental impact of renewable energy. The beauty of off-grid setups is that they offer both environmental benefits and a level of freedom you just can’t get from being tied to traditional power sources.
What’s Next?
With the electrical system sorted, the next steps are all about turning this truck into a mobile tattoo studio that’s as functional as it is badass. There’s still a long way to go, and with no hard deadline, I’m taking my time to make sure it’s done right. The goal is to create a space where I can continue my work on the road, without sacrificing quality or comfort.
So stay tuned, and I’ll keep you updated on this journey. The race truck is going to be something special – a true representation of the OnTheRoadTattoo spirit. And when it’s finally finished, it’ll be worth every minute (and penny) spent.
Until then, I’ll be grinding away in the workshop, getting this beast closer to hitting the road. Keep an eye out for more updates, because things are about to get interesting.
