Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we’ll walk you through the setup of a PTO-driven generator. This particular unit is a 24,000-watt (12kW) generator with a surge capacity of 27,500 watts, purchased from Northern Tool and Hydraulics. Let’s dive into the details and specifications.

Generator Overview
The generator includes the transmission and PTO shaft. Similar models from Agri Supply come pre-mounted on stands and also include the PTO shaft. For this setup, we’ve repurposed an old carry-off for the back of a tractor, modified with frames from a mobile home. When connected to the tractor, the PTO shaft runs straight, and the generator rests securely on the ground.

Why Choose a PTO-Driven Generator?
PTO-driven generators are ideal for locations with multiple tractors. For example, this property has two tractors—one dedicated to the generator and another for cleanup tasks. Following Hurricane Helene, such a setup has proven invaluable. To operate this generator, the tractor should have a minimum of 45 horsepower. In this case, we’re using a 63-horsepower tractor, providing more than enough power.

One key benefit of this generator is its simplicity. There’s no need to maintain an additional motor or battery; you can allocate a tractor to it whenever required.

Generator Specifications and Features
The generator control panel includes:

• A 50-amp plug
• A 30-amp 120-volt plug
• Four standard outlets
• A 100-amp output for direct power to a house or control panel

The system is managed by 60-amp and 100-amp breakers. This particular model is a North Star generator, which must remain dry during operation. To address this, we’ve built a protective cover, as shown in one of our previous videos, ensuring the generator is safe from rain or snow.

The setup includes:

• A 100-amp service for one house
• A 50-amp cord for an additional house
• Straightforward wiring with two hot wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire
• Proper grounding via rods and buried lines

Practical Applications
This 24,000-watt single-phase generator is one of the larger models, but there are smaller options available, such as 16,000-18,000 watts or even 12,000 watts. Initially housed on a pad designed for a diesel engine, this generator features a 100-amp plug feeding into a breaker box with a disconnect switch.

Future enhancements will include lithium batteries and an inverter to provide seamless power transitions, especially for a house with a wood-fired furnace requiring overnight electricity. With this setup, the generator will be ready to handle the next storm and provide reliable whole-house power.

Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a similar setup, the simplicity and reliability of a PTO-driven generator make it a worthwhile investment. If you have questions or need help, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.

Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Base Camp WNC, and let your friends know about us. See you in the next video!

If you have additional questions or have a need for a homestead consultation, please visit our site and reach out to us.  We are happy to provide help.

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, I’m thrilled to take you through a major winter project that’s been in the works for quite a while—a massive firewood storage facility. This setup is specifically designed to support an outdoor wood boiler and provide a long-term solution for storing firewood.  You never know when you will need the extra firewood, so it's important that we are prepared. Let’s dive into the process and take a look at how this impressive facility came together.

Laying the Foundation: Getting Started Right
The project began with a solid concrete foundation. When the outdoor furnace was first installed, a concrete slab was poured for the boiler. Additionally, a 16 by 20-foot slab was prepared, but the construction of the firewood building itself had been put off—until now. This storage facility will hold up to 17 cords of wood, enough to keep the boiler running for up to three years. We’ve already started cutting and stacking wood on one side, with more firewood on the way.

Adding Convenience with Lighting and Organization
To make accessing the firewood at night easier, we installed three bright LED lights controlled by a switch. Now, there’s no need for flashlights! We also added a handy mailbox that stores a torch and matches, making it quick and easy to light a fire. Plus, a kindling box is being built in a dedicated spot, helping to keep everything neat and organized.

Expanding for Extra Storage and Equipment Protection
We extended the structure by six feet to add even more storage space. This additional area will hold extra firewood and equipment. One bay is specifically designed to store the log splitter during the off-season, protecting it from the elements. We also included a sturdy shelf to store gas cans, oil, and essential maintenance tools like a grease gun and paintbrush.

Detailed Construction: Strong and Durable Build
The core of the project involves installing four main beams, carefully positioned while the ground is frozen for easier handling. We used post holders drilled and bolted securely into the concrete floor for maximum stability. The building measures 20 feet wide and 16 feet deep. To create longer beams, we connected two nine-foot beams using pre-drilled holes from a previous metal building project.

Smart Wood Storage Design for Long-Term Durability
To keep the firewood dry and ready to burn, we designed the storage area using treated lumber pallets. These heavy-duty pallets ensure long-lasting support. The facility can hold about two and a half years’ worth of firewood, keeping it off the ground and well-ventilated. We also used cattle panels for the walls, secured with staples. The edges were bent inward to prevent injuries, creating a safe and efficient storage space.

Roofing: Built to Last
The roof is made from repurposed metal sheets of different lengths, helping us reduce costs and make use of available materials. We used rough-cut one-by-four boards across the beams and added a right-angle support piece for extra strength. The roof design can handle heavy snow loads, with supports spaced six feet apart to provide a solid, weather-resistant cover.

Final Details and Tips for Your Own Firewood Storage
With the structure complete, this facility is now capable of storing up to three years’ worth of firewood, ensuring you’ll always have dry, seasoned wood ready to burn. The use of cattle panels allows for excellent airflow, preventing moisture buildup and helping the wood dry faster. This open design is more efficient than a fully enclosed building, saving time and reducing the risk of mold or rot.

I hope this guide inspires you to tackle your own firewood storage project or helps you learn more about efficient wood storage techniques. If you found this walkthrough helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on our latest projects. Hit that thumbs-up button, and I’ll catch you in the next one!

Remember, if you need any homesteading or self-reliant planning, be sure to contact us.  We are here to help with homestead consulting and planning. 

Visit us at:  CarolinaHomesteadPlanner.com

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're tackling an exciting off-grid project: installing an RPS solar well pump system designed to provide reliable water access for livestock and potential household use.

Overview of the Project
The landowner has chosen an RPS solar pump to draw water from a deep well, filling a 2,500 or 3,000-gallon storage tank. This tank is strategically placed to gravity-feed water downhill to livestock pastures and possibly supply future household needs.

Solar Power Setup
The system is driven by 1,200 watts of solar energy using RPS solar panels, complete with racking and adjustable angle brackets for optimal seasonal performance. However, additional components like piping and well wiring were sourced separately. The solar panels are mounted on sturdy 4-inch galvanized pipes, buried 5 feet into the ground for stability.

Electrical and Grounding System
The system includes two ground rods for electrical safety. A wire from the solar panels connects to three additional ground rods, spaced 6 feet apart, ensuring compliance with local codes. The RPS Universal Pump Drive powers the pump, positioned at a depth of 300 feet in a 500-foot well. One notable feature of this setup is its ability to switch power sources, running directly off a generator if needed.

Pump Capacity and Flow Control
The RPS pump delivers up to 18 gallons per minute, adjustable down to 10 gallons per minute. Multiple valves control water flow: one for the well, one for the pastures, another reserved for future household use, and an overflow valve that directs excess water to a pond. The system also features an electric float switch for automatic on/off functionality.

Tank and Valve Protection
The water storage tank sits on a base made from rough-cut treated lumber, buried a couple of feet underground to prevent freezing. Flexible hoses connect the tank to various outlets, allowing for expansion and contraction without damaging the pipes. A modified 55-gallon drum serves as a protective cover for the valves, ensuring stability and shielding the system from potential damage.

The tank area is backfilled with gravel, following recommendations from the manufacturer's representative, to accommodate any movement from tank expansion.

Overflow and Expansion Features
The overflow system directs excess water to a pond, providing a secondary source of water for local wildlife. The landowner has planned for future upgrades, including the addition of more solar panels or a battery backup for nighttime operation.

Assembling the RPS System
The landowner assembled the entire RPS variable speed pump system using detailed instructions provided by the manufacturer. Although technical support response times may vary, the project is manageable for a dedicated homeowner willing to put in the effort. Future plans include installing a deep well pump for grid power once the house is built.

Need Help Designing Your Own System?
If you're interested in designing a similar off-grid water system, reach out to Carolina Homestead Planner for assistance. And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for updates! In our next video, we’ll be setting up a gravity-fed water system to support regenerative pasture management. We value your feedback, so let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay tuned, and see you in the next video!

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC!

We’re kicking off a new homesteading series, starting with essential tips on freeze-proofing your water systems to survive the winter. This first video will cover everything you need to know to keep water flowing on your homestead, even when temperatures plummet.

Over the last month, I’ve seen countless YouTube videos from other homesteaders on how to winterize water systems, but I noticed many end up with frozen pipes and hoses, leaving them unable to water their animals. We’re here at the campground with a new well system that, unfortunately, froze and broke during a recent cold snap. The plumber added insulation, but it wasn’t enough. The campground lost water, and repairs were necessary. In this video, I’ll walk you through how to prevent similar issues by using heat tape, insulation, and power backup systems to keep your water supply secure.

Insulating the Well
I recently received a call about a well located high up on the mountain that wasn’t properly insulated, resulting in a frozen pipe and broken tank. The tank was left with inadequate insulation, and when temperatures dropped to just a couple of degrees, everything froze solid. Our plan here is to:

1. Apply Heat Tape: We’re attaching heat tape to the pipe, making sure to secure it with zip ties along the pressure tank line. The heat tape should ideally sit on the bottom side of the pipe since heat rises.
2. Add Moisture-Resistant Insulation: I’m using sill plate sealer, a foam insulation that doesn’t absorb moisture like fiberglass does. This is key to preventing the buildup of condensation that can render insulation useless.
3. Connect Power Backup: I’m installing a power plug system to run the well off a generator if the electricity fails. This will ensure the campground can still access water during an outage.

Setting Up for Extreme Weather
With the temperatures expected to dip into the 20s or teens again soon, we’re taking extra steps to safeguard the system:

• Temporary Power Cord for Heat Tape: I’m setting up a temporary power cord for the heat tape until a permanent pump house is installed. This is a quick fix to keep the heat tape operational and prevent freezing.
• Adding a Generator Connection: For emergencies, I’m preparing a generator-compatible extension cord to power the well. This 30-amp plug system is compatible with the generator the campground owner has, allowing water access even if the main power goes out.
  

Wrapping Up
This project is a foundational part of our new homesteading series. We’re going to cover more winter-proofing tips, from water filtration to managing livestock in extreme temperatures. Our goal is to help you avoid common pitfalls, like frozen water systems that many other homesteaders encounter. From insulating well pumps to setting up backup power, we’ll provide reliable solutions that keep your homestead prepared for the cold.

If you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to support our Youtube channel. Feel free to contact me for more homesteading tips or if you have any specific homestead services questions. Stay tuned for our next video where we’ll dive into filtration systems for safe drinking water straight from streams!

Visit us at:  CarolinaHomesteadPlanner.com for more information and tips.