BaseCamp WNC

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! We are currently on another water job out in Western North Carolina, capturing a small flowing section of this Little Creek. This project is dedicated to creating a livestock watering system. I'll take you along for the complete build and show you the process. The water, starting here, runs down to a cistern tank and then down to the livestock waters. Let me guide you through the build, as I share insights on the components and construction techniques used. This setup involves a piece of an old IBC tote transformed into a 15-gallon drum, cut and fitted with screen wire. It's important to note that this system is designed for livestock watering, not for human consumption. The objective is to facilitate water access across different paddocks for watering livestock. To build this weir, we modified a 15-gallon drum, setting it on a table saw to cut it in half. The threaded hole of the drum is used as the drain. Our current task involves fram...

In this video and post we are sharing about a Comprehensive Guide to Cabin Renovation . Welcome back to Base Camp WNZ! It's been a while since I last posted, and I know that as we age, life's responsibilities grow, necessitating a break. But now, I'm back, ready to share our latest project—deck installation on the cabin during the warm summer, contrasting sharply with the current 19-degree weather. It's been a few months since my last update, but today, we'll dive into the video of our progress. In our quest to enhance the cabin, we opted for hog panels for railings, allowing for unobstructed views. We're also considering Mountain Laurel for the steps. Join me as I walk you through the build, including the replacement of our homemade double barn doors with a three-foot entrance door, expanding the kitchen, and more. Today's task involves framing the entrance for a standard 36-inch door, a change necessitated by the impracticality of barn doors in se...

Constructing a Cozy Off-Grid Cabin: The Journey of Simple Living Welcome back to the journey of transforming a humble base camp into a comfortable off-grid cabin, designed for simple and sustainable living. This narrative will guide you through the thoughtful planning and execution of creating a basic yet fully functional living space. Our adventure begins with the heart of the cabin, a modest kitchenette, setting the stage for a life more attuned to nature, yet comfortable and convenient. The cabin, a testament to rustic charm and efficiency, introduces its newly planned bathroom area. Not extravagant by any means, the design is focused on functionality and simplicity. A 3x3 shower on one end, complemented by a practical wall-mounted sink and, of course, the indispensable commode. Adjacent to the bathroom, the kitchen area unfolds with minimalistic grace, featuring a sink beneath the window, a modest countertop, and essential appliances like a stove and refrigerator. The choi...

DIY Vintage-Style Wash Stand: A Step-By-Step Guide Welcome back to Base Camp WNC. Today, we embark on a nostalgic journey to build a classic wash stand, incorporating modern conveniences and a sprinkle of vintage charm. This wash stand is not only a functional piece but also a nod to simpler times. Gathering the Essentials The primary components for this project are wash tubs and a hand wringer. While some DIY enthusiasts might choose to install a drain for the wash tubs, our approach is more traditional: simply lift the tub and pour out the water. If you're wondering where to source these essential items, the wash tubs were conveniently found online at Home Depot. The ringer, on the other hand, was sourced from a trusted vendor on Amazon. I recommend ensuring that the ringer comes with assembly directions for ease of installation. The Foundation: Reclaimed Redwood The foundation of our wash stand is made from reclaimed redwood – wood that once adorned the deck of a h...

Energizing Wells in Power Outages: The Generator Solution Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we embarked on an enlightening journey at a local property where the water system presented challenges. Upon our visit, we diagnosed an issue with the bladder tank five, stemming from a recent well installation. While the homeowners had previously invested a considerable amount to replace the well, pump, and tank, a critical component – the $40 pressure switch – was overlooked. This switch had worn out contacts, which were likely the culprit for the malfunction. The key concern of the homeowners was ensuring the well remained operational during power outages, especially to water livestock. This brought us to a unique solution: setting up a system to run the well using a generator. To establish this, we integrated a NEMA 14-30 P plug and 1114 R 30 amp receptacle into the line between the house and the pressure switch. This plug-and-receptacle system allows for the well pump to be po...

Restoring a Classic: The Journey of Reviving an Old Woods Backhoe Welcome to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're excited to delve into an incredible restoration journey. Not long ago, we stumbled upon an old gem: a Woods three-point hitch backhoe that had seen better days. This relic, previously owned by a friend's uncle, lay abandoned in a field for two long decades, waiting for a fresh lease on life. Though we hadn't initially planned to document this project, we've collected a series of photographs and a few videos to share our progress. Discovering the Backhoe When we first came across this backhoe, it was evident that time and neglect had taken their toll. The bucket and stick photos probably highlight its condition best. Though rusty and worn, we saw potential in this forgotten machine. The initial inspection showed missing hoses — we replaced a whopping 22 of them! And while the task was challenging, it was also deeply rewarding. As we stripped the backhoe d...

Solar Shack on a Shoestring: Innovations in Homestead Power While most people may see an old 275-gallon water tote and dismiss it as trash, for some, it represents an opportunity to innovate. At Carolina Homestead Planners , we recently embarked on an exciting venture to transform such a tote into the most cost-effective solar shack ever devised. The water tote in question was initially food-grade, but having been used for other purposes, it was unsuitable for storing water. Instead, the team decided to retrofit it with solar equipment, making it an efficient temporary power source. On the exterior, we installed an RV outlet, with plans to add a box for generator input once the client's generator is determined. Opening the tote reveals a tech haven: a magnum sine inverter accompanied by eight impressive 420 amp-hour 6-volt batteries. Four of these batteries are arranged in series, and the other four in parallel, culminating in a 24-volt, 4000-watt split phase 220 inverte...