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Huey Simmons

Support Engineer
Huey’s journey spans from Army mechanic to off-grid specialist, blending his love for adventure with technical expertise. With a passion for off-grid living, he’s dedicated to helping others embrace life on the road.
Huey Simmons technical support engineer at nohma profile photo

Meet Huey 👋

Role: Technical Support

Background: Vehicle mechanic, Auto Electrician, Marine Electrics and building

First-hand experience: Working for a Victron main dealer, Converting campervans, building Yachts and Rib tenders

Areas of expertise: Off-grid electrical systems · Battery and solar technology · Trouble shooting/diagnosing electrical systems· System specification · Van conversions

Experience and expertise

Huey is a technical support engineer with a foundational background as a military vehicle mechanic and over a decade of hands-on auto electrical and marine engineering experience. He integrates this diverse technical expertise with deep practical knowledge of Victron systems and energy storage setups. Drawing directly on his real world conversion and diagnostic background, he helps customers seamlessly troubleshoot their electrical installations to achieve total off-grid self sufficiency.

Personal story

Huey brings a wealth of experience and hands-on expertise to Nohma, with a diverse background rooted in adventure, engineering, and a passion for off-grid living. Originally from the rugged coastlines of Cornwall, Huey’s career began in the Army, where he worked as a mechanic specialising in tracked vehicles across various locations, including Canada. After being medically discharged, he moved to Birmingham to work as a Tesla technician, honing his skills in cutting-edge automotive technology. However, the call of the coast brought him back to Dartmouth, where he transitioned to building RIB boats, before eventually moving to camper van conversions and solar installations, a perfect blend of his technical skills and love for the outdoors.

From a young age, Huey has always loved the outdoors, spending much of his time down on the beaches of Cornwall. He also grew up playing rugby and had a habit of taking appliances apart just to see how they worked — much to his parents’ frustration!

Huey’s journey started with a solid foundation in mechanics, earned during his time in the Army. He became a fully qualified mechanic and a proud member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMecE). While in the military, Huey also earned qualifications in marksmanship and completed his Ski Foundation 1 and 2 certifications during his adventure training in Canada. Alongside discovering a love for skiing and skills in shooting, he developed a passion for vehicle repair, sometimes by whatever means necessary!

Huey hiking through snowy mountains Huey in a camouflaged wetsuit on a boat riding through turquoise water wearing sunglasses Huey and two of his teammates hiking through a green landscape wearing yellow numbered bibs and holding hiking poles Huey sitting on a rock on top of a mountain surrounded by little snow piles with snow capped mountain peaks in the background

Since leaving the Army, Huey has expanded his expertise into electrical systems. He completed the MPBA Portable Cabin Electrical Testing and Inspection qualification, which sharpened his ability to inspect, test, and fault-find AC and DC electrical systems - crucial for off-grid and mobile setups. His work with a Victron supplier deepened his knowledge in solar energy systems, making him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to live life off the grid.

Huey’s engineering background and passion for adventure make him a natural fit for building camper vans and installing off-grid systems. His hands-on experience ranges from repairing yachts and RIBs in his early years to converting vans that enable others to embrace the nomadic lifestyle. One of his most personal projects is his own Daihatsu Hijet micro-camper, which he’s converting into a weekend warrior van equipped with an LPG and petrol engine - perfect for navigating the narrow, winding roads of Cornwall and Devon.

He’s also worked on more unique projects, such as installing off-grid electrical systems in coastal chalets and quirky cabins on the South Coast of Cornwall. These systems allow people to fully disconnect from the grid and live independently, a challenge Huey is always excited to take on.

Huey's electrical Victron set up in his van below the windows Huey's electrical Victron set up in his van Huey's electrical Victron set up in his van with a 105Ah lithium battery on top of the wheel arch cover

When he’s not diagnosing electrical systems or solving camper van issues, Huey can be found pushing his physical limits. He’s an ultra-marathon runner, having completed the demanding Three Peaks Ultra Marathon trilogy, each race over 30 miles. He recently completed the Peaks of the Balkans trail, taken on Nordic skiing in Colorado and ran back-to-back ultramarathons — including helping guide a blind veteran around an 86km course, continuing his love for endurance challenges. In his downtime, Huey enjoys rock climbing, spearfishing, Nordic skiing and biathlon, swimming, triathlon, multi-day hiking and, of course, rugby whenever the chance arises. He also completed his level 3 personal training qualification.

Huey wearing a pink cap and a black shirt with a hydration vest standing in front of the ocean

Being at Nohma is a fantastic change of pace from the 9 to 5, working remotely gives me the chance to travel and visit new and exciting places. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help people live the off-grid dream and I hope they enjoy it as much as I do!

Huey Simmons, Technical Support

Huey’s combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and adventurous spirit make him a key part of Nohma’s mission to empower people to live life differently. Whether you need guidance installing your electrical system or help troubleshooting, Huey, our experienced technical support engineer, is ready to provide expert support.

Since 2022, Huey has called a small chalet on the South West Coast Path home, giving him the perfect base for his next adventure with Simba, his energetic 40kg German Shepherd-Rottweiler mix. And when it’s time to unwind, you might find him strumming his guitar, recharging for his next big adventure - on or off the grid.

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