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 of the new door required precise cutting and fitting, especially to accommodate the siding and trim.

Though I didn’t film every step of the process, I managed to secure the header and set the foundation for the door installation. The construction started with a header mounted on the wall, secured with lag bolts, providing a stable base to support the structure. We ensured everything was perfectly square using the 3-4-5 triangle method, essential for the layout of the deck.

Next, we installed the floor joists, maintaining a straight alignment without the need to measure each one individually. I used pre-cut space blocks to ensure consistent spacing of 16 inches on center, simplifying the process. The joists were attached using ceramic-coated screws suitable for treated lumber, guaranteeing durability and ease of installation.

If you are looking for homesteading consulting services, visit our site at:  carolinahomesteadplanner.com

Join us as we continue this detailed guide to building a deck with practical and stylish hog panel railings. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more updates from Base Camp WNC. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!

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 to create about a 100-foot elevation drop, generating 45 pounds of pressure in the pipes. Discover how the irrigation line strategically runs up the center of the pasture, effectively dividing the land into multiple grazing sections to enhance land utilization.

Watch as we assemble the irrigation pipeline, showcasing each component—from the robust 1-inch schedule 80 polyline to the external compression fittings and the valve mechanisms that ensure a continuous water supply. Learn the simple steps to engage the water flow and the precautions for disconnecting and maintaining the system dirt-free.
I'm also excited to share some personal gear favorites and on-site enhancements like the gasoline-powered post driver, a game-changer for fence installations. Plus, witness how strategic planning with water lines along the fence lines and roads optimizes accessibility and functionality across the grazing land.

This short tutorial covers everything from setup to execution, ensuring you have all the knowledge at your fingertips. Visit us at:  Carolina Homestead Planner for more Homesteading Guides and to contact us for homesteading consulting and homesteading services. 

Stay tuned for more practical tips and remember to like, share, and subscribe for more from Base Camp WNC. Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video!

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 easy maintenance.

Step 1: Understanding the Pump Assembly
Let’s start with the components of the deep well pump assembly:

1. Pump Adapter and Fittings:
   • A 1 1/4 inch male adapter screws into the pump.
   • A 3/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch bushing is glued in place for secure connection.
   • A 3/4 inch close nipple connects the components.
2. Check Valve:
   • Installed with the arrow aligned in the direction of water flow. Installing it backward will stop the pump from functioning properly.
3. Hose and Connections:
   • A 3/4 inch 90-degree hose barb connects to a clear, reinforced nylon hose that is food-grade, flexible, and rated for up to 150 psi. This hose will connect the pump to the bulkhead fitting.

Using Teflon tape, all connections are sealed for leak-free performance.

Step 2: Building the Tube Housing
The pump housing is constructed from PVC, slightly longer than the pump itself. The steps include:

1. Drilling Holes for Legs:
   • Quarter-inch holes are drilled for bolts to secure the pump legs. These legs keep the pump elevated, preventing sediment from entering and allowing water to circulate around the motor.
2. Cutting Support Strips:
   • Strips cut from PVC pipe are glued inside the casing to further elevate the pump and ensure unrestricted water flow.
3. Customizing the Lid:
   • The lid features:
     • A 1 3/4 inch hole for the pump adapter.
     • A 5/8 inch hole for the power line, protected with a short piece of PEX tubing to prevent abrasion.

Step 3: Securing the Pump
With the casing ready, the pump is secured as follows:

1. Taping the Pump:
   • Nylon tape is used to secure the well wire to the pump, followed by black electrical tape for additional protection.
2. Protecting the Wiring:
   • A piece of PEX tubing is added to safeguard the wire where it exits the casing.
3. Attaching the Pull Cord:
   • A durable pull cord is attached to facilitate easy installation and removal of the pump.
4. Final Assembly:
   • The cap is placed over the assembly, and the fitting with the check valve is screwed in. All components, including the power line, pull cord, and hose, are aligned for proper functionality.

Step 4: Installation and Benefits
This fully enclosed deep well pump setup is now ready for installation in the cistern. The benefits of this design include:

• Enhanced Water Flow: Ensures water flows across the motor to keep it cool.
• Sediment Management: Keeps the pump off the tank’s bottom, reducing the risk of clogging.
• Durability and Warranty Compliance: Maintains the motor’s horizontal position to reduce bearing wear and meet warranty requirements.

Final Thoughts
This deep well pump housing is a reliable and cost-effective solution for small cistern setups. While I don’t have a downloadable set of plans for this project, you can watch the accompanying video for step-by-step guidance.

If you found this tutorial helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Base Camp WNC. Share this video with your friends, and stay tuned for the next part, where we’ll install the pump and show you how it performs. Thanks for watching, and see you soon!

If we can help with any questions, kindly reach-out to us at our website at:  CarolinaHomesteadPlanner.com.  We offer homesteading consulting and Preparedness support.

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 frames using rebar as connectors, creating a snug fit between the pieces.

Step 2: Assembling the Frame
Once the pieces were cut:

• Measured and adjusted the width to 32 inches, ensuring enough clearance for the generator.
• Used self-tapping metal screws to secure the sides together.
• Reinforced the structure with ratchet straps, pulling the bowed sections into alignment. This method helped keep the frame tight during assembly.

To further stabilize the frame:

• Inserted half-inch rebar into pre-drilled holes for added support.
• Tackled alignment issues with tools like a splitting maul to ensure a perfect fit.

Step 3: Cutting and Modifying the Cover
The top section of the IBC tote was split to create a cover. Key modifications included:

• Cutting around the fill hole to fit snugly over the generator.
• Trimming excess material while leaving overlap for weatherproofing.
• Ensuring the cover extended 3/4 of the way across the frame for added protection.

The seams were sealed with silicone and secured with pop rivets and screws. This ensures the cover is both durable and weather-resistant.

Step 4: Painting and Final Adjustments
To prevent scratches and condensation, the inside of the cover was painted black. Additional steps included:

• Adding quarter-inch bolts to attach the plastic cover to the frame securely.
• Creating a hinged board to hold the cover open while plugging in wires.

Step 5: Installing the CoverWith the cover built and painted:

• Mounted the frame to the generator using four bolts for stability.
• Modified the hinge mechanism to fit around the tractor hitch, ensuring easy access.
• Added a drip edge to redirect roof runoff away from the generator.

Final Setup and Testing
The generator was hooked up to the tractor and wired for use. To prevent water pooling, we dug out the area beneath the roof and added gravel for proper drainage. The cover is now fully waterproof and user-friendly:

• The hinged board makes it easy to lift and lower the cover.
• The lid stays securely in place, protecting the generator from the elements.

Key Takeaways
This IBC tote cover is a cost-effective and durable solution to keep your PTO generator dry and functional. These totes are widely available and affordable, especially if they previously held non-drinking water.

Ready to Build Your Own Generator Cover?
If you’re inspired by this project and have any questions, feel free to reach out! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Base Camp WNC for more DIY tips and tricks. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next video!

If you have questions or are looking for homestead consulting services, please visit our site at:  CarolinaHomesteadPlanner.com.  We are happy to help