Explore our blog for real-life insights and hard-earned lessons from our off-grid journey. From DIY projects to everyday challenges, each post is packed with hands-on advice and personal stories that bring homesteading to life.
Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into self-sufficiency, you’ll find helpful tips, relatable mishaps, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your own path toward independence.
October 1, 2026STOP Doing This With Your Mr. Heater (Serious Safety Risk)
The dangerous Mr. Heater mistake I keep seeing: propane tanks brought indoors. Why it is a serious safety risk and the correct way to use a Mr. Heater propane heater inside.…
October 1, 2026How Long Does Propane Last in a Mr. Heater Big Buddy? (Run Times Chart)
How long will a Mr. Heater Big Buddy run on a 20 lb propane tank? Complete run time chart for low, medium, and high settings with 1 lb and 20 lb tanks,…
August 3, 2026Generac Generator Starts But Won’t Stay Running? COSense Fix (GB6500)
Generac generator starts but won’t stay running? The COSense board is likely failed. Here is a step-by-step fix for the Generac GB6500 and GP6500 that takes 30 minutes with basic tools.…
August 2, 2026How I Cut 95% Off My Electric Bill Legally Using Batteries
How I cut my electric bill from $475 to $27 per month using batteries to shift consumption from peak to off-peak hours. Complete equipment list, sizing guide, and ROI breakdown.…
August 1, 2026Starlink Mini Review: Portable High-Speed Internet Anywhere (2026)
Hands-on Starlink Mini review after extended use on our off-grid homestead. Real-world speed tests, power options (USB-C, 12V), service plans, and whether it is worth buying.…
July 31, 2026First Week With the Kandi Innovator e10K Electric UTV: Honest Review
Honest first-week review of the Kandi Innovator e10K electric UTV after 40 miles on our homestead. Specs, real-world performance, pros, cons, and whether it is worth $15,999.…
July 30, 2026FCC Bans New Foreign-Made Solar Inverters: Complete Guide for DIY Solar (2026)
The FCC banned new foreign-made solar inverters from receiving FCC approval on July 28, 2026. Does this affect off-grid DIY solar? Which brands are safe? When does it take effect? Complete breakdown…
July 30, 2026Portable AC for Camping and Survival: Cybertake S2 Review
Cybertake S2 portable AC review for camping and off-grid use. 5,100 BTU, battery-powered, 8 hour runtime. How it compares to EcoFlow Wave and Zero Breeze.…
July 29, 2026Upgrading from EG4 6000XP to 12000XP: What I Learned
When I started my solar journey, I went with three EG4 6000XP inverters. They served me well, but as my homestead grew, I found myself running them at 80-90% capacity during Texas…
May 21, 2026EG4 12000XP Review 2026: Is It Worth the Upgrade Over the 6000XP?
The EG4 12000XP is much closer in price to the 6000XP than many DIY solar buyers expect. Here is when the extra inverter makes sense, and when the 6000XP is still the…