Inside Our MRT X-Series Canopy Setup for Full-Time Adventure
Hello, fellow adventurers and enthusiasts of the great outdoors! Matty and Em here from Borderland Explorers. Our journey on the road has been filled with incredible landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and, most importantly, lessons on how to live efficiently and comfortably out of our custom-built canopy. Today, we’re excited to share with you the ins and outs of our home on wheels, which has been our companion for the past six months as we embarked on our second lap around Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Compact and Functional Design: Our MRT X Series Chassis Mount Canopy combines multiple living spaces – kitchen, storage, and bedroom – for ultimate on-the-road comfort.
- Efficient Kitchen Setup: Equipped with a 130L Bushman fridge, slide-out pantry, and modular storage, our kitchen setup allows us to cook comfortably on the go.
- Organised Storage Solutions: Custom drawer units and modular compartments help us stay organised, keeping essentials like content gear, toiletries, and outdoor equipment accessible.
- Reliable Power and Lighting: A 150Ah lithium battery with solar support powers our essentials, while LED lighting creates a cosy and functional space any time of day.
- Durable Exterior Features: The canopy’s rugged design includes under-body toolboxes, a recovery bar, and secure storage for fuel and waste, keeping us prepared for all terrains.
Our Rig:
The MRT X-Series Chassis Mount Canopy
Our trusty steed for this adventure is equipped with an MRT X-Series Chassis Mount 1650 long powder-coated canopy. This canopy isn’t just our shelter; it’s our kitchen, our storage, and our living room, all rolled into one. For those interested in the nitty-gritty of the MRT X Series and our installation process, we’ve covered that in a detailed episode in our build series, which you can find linked here
Here is an overview of our MRT Canopy specs.
X-Series Chassis Mount Canopy
355 Led Tail Lights
Flared Mud Guards
Tailored Underbody Toolbox
Keyless Entry
T-Channel Rails
Lockable Jerry Can Holder
Canopy Ladder
Adjustable Spare Wheel Carrier
Drawer Modules
Modular Units
The Kitchen Setup
Our canopy is divided into two primary sections, with one side dedicated entirely to kitchen and cooking needs. The kitchen is the heart of our setup, featuring a 12-volt board for power, an RSP 8300 switch panel for easy control of our external lights, and a variety of storage solutions including a slide-out pantry and modular units for pots, pans, and dry goods.
The star of our kitchen is undoubtedly the 130L upright Bushman fridge, which has been a game-changer for us. Its capacity and efficiency have made living on the road full-time not just manageable but truly enjoyable. We’ve also incorporated a microwave, which has become more useful than we ever anticipated, doubling as a handy storage space for extra snacks.
Living and Storage Solutions
On the other side of the canopy, we focused on creating ample storage without sacrificing accessibility. Our setup includes large drawer units for bulk items, modular units for daily essentials, and clever use of space for things like our portable kitchen sink and fold-out table.
We’ve made the most of every inch of space, ensuring that essentials like fishing tackle, toiletries, and even our content creation gear have a dedicated spot. This approach has not only kept us organized but has also made our canopy feel like a home, complete with personal touches like our growing patch collection from places we’ve visited.
Power and Lighting
Powering our canopy is a robust 12-volt system, anchored by a 150 amp hour lithium battery from Remco. This system supports our solar setup, which includes 430 watts of solar panels mounted on top of our tent. It’s more than sufficient for our needs, allowing us to charge devices, power our fridge, and even run the microwave without worry.
Lighting has been another critical aspect of our setup. We’ve installed work lights around the canopy’s exterior for visibility and two-tone LED strips inside for a comfortable ambience. These features not only make our space functional at any time of day but also add to the sense of coziness that makes our canopy feel like home.
Exterior Features and Final Thoughts
Our canopy’s exterior is just as thoughtfully designed, with under-body toolboxes for essential tools and a rear wheel bag for rubbish, making sure we leave no trace behind. The MRT X Series recovery bar and lockable jerry can holder add both functionality and security, ensuring we’re prepared for whatever the road throws our way.
Living out of our canopy has taught us the importance of simplicity, organization, and making the most of what we have. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right setup, the road can truly become a place to call home.
We hope this insight into our canopy setup has been helpful or inspiring for those of you considering or currently living the nomadic lifestyle. If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to drop us a DM via our Instagram. Happy travels, and we’ll see you on the road!
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