Self Storage Review

Half a lifetime ago, when my wife and I first got a taste for remote RV living, we decided very early on that solar power had to be the way to go. Despite rapid advances in solar technology — even way back then — many fellow travelers were surprised when they learned our RV was “solar powered”.

Granted, that tiny house-on-wheels was getting on in years, and there was still a general belief among caravanners and motorhomers that solar power was “too expensive” and “too technical”. But whatever their reasons, I’m here to tell you that solar-charged 12 volt battery power was then, and still is, worthy of serious consideration — regardless of the size or age of your traveling rig.

In fact, even the most basic system — such as ours was then — provides not only a significant boost in self-sufficiency, it also saves enough money to recover your outlay in under three months. Even today.

For example, a 30-watt, self-regulating solar panel costs around $280 to $350 here in Australia. If you then factor in a no-maintenance, deep-cycle battery of at least 75 amp-hour capacity — to be installed in the RV — at maybe $180, plus suitable cabling, a salable plastic battery box (vented to the outside), and miscellaneous hardware for, say, $50 more, your total outlay shouldn’t be much over $600.

After that, every night you make use of your on-board power, on a “no hook-ups” campsite, you stand to save between $15 and $25 on tourist park fees. Sometimes more. On those figures, the whole set-up pays for itself in maybe 30 nights or less!

True, sufficient power would normally be available from your towing vehicle’s standard battery over one or two nights, but if the vehicle doesn’t move for two or three days the engine will almost certainly need a run for an hour or more to “top up” the charge taken out of the battery. And with single-battery set-ups, there is always a risk of over-using your power, resulting in a flat battery!

On the other hand, if you prefer the overnight security and companionship of a tourist park, an unpowered site — those nice, quiet spots down the back — saves maybe $3 - $8 per night. Which means you could still have your investment back in the bank within six months.

No matter how you look at it, solar was — and is — the way of the future. It’s clean, efficient, silent, and requires almost zero maintenance. And once the initial outlay has been covered, basic power needs from that point on are free.

However, there is a downside. (Isn’t there always?) A fixed solar array — on the RV roof, for instance — needs to be receiving the sun’s rays long and strong to adequately replenish the battery’s charge. Parked too long in the shade, or suffering through a lengthy stretch of rain-filled skies, can knock out a single-battery power supply in two or three days, even with judicious use. For that reason, some travelers have an additional, portable solar panel that can be constantly repositioned to catch the sun’s most direct rays, for as long as possible.

Nevertheless, in the four years we owned that well-traveled little van we had very few problems. (Mind you, we have always carried “conventional” backup in the form of a small petrol generator, and our vehicle has always been dual-battery equipped to share the campsite power needs.)

And about that tricky technology? Well, if a techno-slouch like me can have the whole system installed and operational in under two hours, anybody can!

What we did was: (1) mount the solar panel directly onto the RV roof (with sealant carefully applied in and around the screw holes), then (2) run the panel’s cabling down into the van (through the corner of the all-seasons hatch) into a cupboard. Being a self-regulating solar panel, a regulator was not necessary between panel and battery, so the cables were fixed directly onto the battery.

The battery was housed in a robust plastic storage bin with a close-fitting lid, which I further sealed with silicone. Two lengths of 6 mm plastic hose vented the box to the outside through the caravan floor (inside the cupboard). Battery terminals were fitted with heavy-duty extension straps that passed through the side of the box to the outside to facilitate normal connection via alligator clips, a portable 12 volt socket, or sometimes a low capacity inverter. All holes in the floor and the battery box were fully sealed (both sides) with silicone sealant.

As for maintenance, all that’s required is an occasional wipe-down of the solar panel, and a general examination of wiring and seals from time to time. I also put a multimeter across the battery terminals every so often to see how it was tracking. (Of course, this reading is only accurate after the battery has “rested” for a half hour or so, i.e, no charge in or out.)

OK, we’ve learned a bit more about solar power since then, so we did some things differently second time around. But these differences were, essentially, because our fulltime travel now needs more than twice the power, with quite a lot more in reserve. So gizmos and gadgets are scattered throughout. But when we think back on that tiny, “drag-it-anywhere” caravan, with its most basic, D.I.Y. solar power set-up, we still get to feeling warm and fuzzy. (Self-sufficiency in the bush will do that!)

For our money, solar power and RVs are made for each other; it’s impossible to imagine a wandering life without either.

Owning a commercial building such as an apartment complex, office building, retail center, business owner-occupied building and the like is a great investment that appreciates over time and can provide a constant source of monthly income.

How To Use Your Equity Without a Hassle

If you’ve got equity in your commercial building, it’s a great source of cash at your fingertips, if you can get it out. It’s not as easy as it sounds if you don’t work with the right commercial loan or commercial broker knowledgeable about your options.

Not all commercial loans and lenders are alike. Some are very restrictive when it comes to how you plan to use the cash you receive from the refinance loan.

Good News For Commercial Property Owners Who Want a Commercial Refinance Loan With Cash Out

The good news is, there is a little known commercial loan that lets you obtain unlimited cash out for any reason. There are no restrictions on how you use the money. Need to make property improvements? No problem. Need to buy some new equipment for your business? No problem. Need some down payment money for another commercial real estate investment? No problem.

In addition to no restrictions for unlimited cash out, all types of commercial properties are eligible. These include multifamily or apartment buildings, mixed-use property, office, retail, self storage, warehouse and industrial buildings, mobile home parks, bed and breakfasts and other special use properties.

High Loan-to-Value Ratios Are Acceptable

Another great benefit this little known commercial mortgage offers is high loan-to-value ratios. For example, you can obtain a cash out refinance up to 90% on commercial real estate such as multifamily or apartment buildings, mixed-use property, a bed and breakfast, light industrial buildings, a mobile home park, office and retail buildings, self storage and warehouse buildings.

The loan to value adjusts to 80% if you own automotive related real estate, hotels with national franchise affiliation, funeral homes, an industrial building or rooming house.

Special use properties can still get cash out up to 75% loan to value. These include day care and health care centers, restaurants, RV parks and independent hotel and motel properties.

If you need to get your hands on the extra cash fast, then you’ll love the fact that these cash out commercial loans fund in just 30-45 days. The application and underwriting process is hassle-free and you’ll know in just 48-72 hours of application whether or not you qualify for the loan.

All Legal Entities Can Apply

One other feature investors will find an advantage is that all legal entities can apply for this loan. This means you can apply for this cash-out refinance loan as individual borrower, corporation, partnership, limited liability company and certain trusts. Personal guarantees are still needed, but it’s a lot less hassle than having to take property in and out of different legal titles to obtain the loan.

Stop the headaches. Stop the hassles. Start working with the right commercial loans and lenders and start getting the cash out you want for any reason using your commercial property equity.