BaseCamp WNC

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! It’s been a bit since our last update, as life’s responsibilities often grow with age. Today, we're revisiting a project from last summer when I tackled building a deck on this cabin. Despite the current chilly 19° weather, memories of that sweltering build still linger. It’s been a few months—two or three since my last post—but let’s dive back into the details of that project. For this build, we opted for hog panel railings to ensure an unobstructed view while seated. We're even considering adding Mountain Laurel accents to the steps for a natural touch. Today’s focus, however, is on replacing the homemade double barn doors with a standard 36-inch house entrance door to expand the kitchen area slightly and improve insulation against pests. I’ve already removed the barn doors and started framing the opening for the new door, which will feature glass panels and better align with the existing siding for a seamless appearance. Installation...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're diving into the essentials of irrigation for properties designed for rotational grazing. We'll explore the specifics of using irrigation connections and demonstrate their operation. Situated at the pit's base, our setup includes a pivotal connection point for instant water access, allowing flexible movement of your water trough as needed. Join us as we walk you through the construction process and provide a detailed look at how compression fittings clamp onto a 1-inch heavy-duty water pipe. You’ll also get a tour of the pasture layout and learn why we prefer sturdy wire fencing over net fencing, despite its popularity and sponsorship endorsements. The property’s owner uses four-strand wire fencing, with plans to upgrade to five, reinforcing the principle that "Good fences make good neighbors." As we proceed with the build, I'll show you the workings of a gravity flow system fueled by a water tank positioned...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC ! Today, we’ll show you how to enclose a deep well pump within a sturdy tube housing. This setup ensures your pump stays off the tank’s bottom, prevents sediment from entering, and extends the motor's life by keeping it horizontal. Maintaining the motor’s warranty and reducing bearing wear are key advantages of this design. We’ll also walk you through how to protect the wiring where it exits and properly attach a pull cord for ease of use. Let’s dive into the process! Why Build a Deep Well Pump Housing? Deep well pumps are designed to function vertically or horizontally, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. When used in smaller tanks, such as a 300-gallon cistern, a vertical pump might not fully access the available water. Laying the pump horizontally allows for optimal water flow, keeps the motor cool, and prevents unnecessary sediment from being drawn in. Building a PVC housing for the pump ensures durability, proper alignment, and...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC ! If you’re looking for a practical way to keep your PTO generator dry, this guide is for you. Today, I’ll walk you through the process of building a durable, weatherproof cover for your generator using an IBC tote. Keeping your generator dry is crucial, and this DIY project is a cost-effective solution. Let’s get started! Why Build a Cover for Your PTO Generator? Generators must be protected from moisture to operate reliably. In this setup, the generator sits beneath the drip line of a roofed shed. Using an IBC tote, we crafted a custom cover that fits perfectly over the generator. The tote is cut and modified to create a sturdy, protective enclosure. Step 1: Preparing the IBC Tote We started with a standard IBC tote and cut it down to size. Here’s how we measured and modified it: Measured 24 inches high , cutting below the middle rail to save it as the bottom frame. Cut two pieces to create the front and back sections. Joined the two frame...