SuzieQ92
Alabama
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Joined: 09/20/2006
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We had a salesman tell us this week that it is possible to boondock in a motor home and use the a/c because a motor home is self-contained, but that it is not possible to do so in a travel trailer.
I got the feeling the salesman was doing his best to sell us an expensive motor home and was not giving us the full scoop.
Any insight into this? Thanks in advance.
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KnLMurakami
Acton, CA
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Joined: 04/30/2008
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We boondock all the time in our travel trailer. We have our two Honda generators and they supply all the power we need even for the A/C.
2008 Jayco JayFlight G2 23FB
1996 Ford F350 Crew Cab 4WD 7.3 IC
Equal-i-zer 10K
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Verne
Carson City, Nevada
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Joined: 05/16/2004
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I have no idea what the salesman's game was, but my wife and I always boondocked in our TT - basically all we did. And yes, it was totally self contained with the exception of the generator which wasn't built-in but was bought seperately and carried in our TV.
-Verne, Brenda and
Latté, a Welsh Corgi
Carson City, Nevada
Temporarily between TT's
2003 Toyota Tundra
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tpi
Southern CA.
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Joined: 02/22/2005
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I pull a 25' travel trailer and carry a Yamaha 3000iseb generator in the back of the pickup. I've used the generator often for air conditioning during rest stops and occasionally for dry camping. I also use the generator for battery charging when the weather is mild and I don't need the air conditioner.
Running a quiet generator like my Yamaha in the bed of the pickup produces a low rumble which can hardly be heard over the air conditioner's blower/compressor.
Be alert for generator hours and try to observe protocol in the places you camp.
One thing to consider regarding generator use for the air conditioner on hot days-the cost of gasoline. At certain gas prices in hot weather, I've used enough fuel (generator running AC) that staying in a full hookup RV park would be cheaper all things considered. I find it worth it sometimes for the seclusion, scenic value, or breathing room.
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rolnrolnroln
WA
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Joined: 02/15/2004
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Hmm... we went boondocking last weekend and have been mostly boondocking for around 35 years. We have never owned anything but TTs. We went without a generator for many years because no portables were available and the semi-portables were heavy and LOUD. There are lots of power choices these days. My former twin Hondas (I've switched to just one in a hybrid system) were barely audible 50' away. The newest Hondas and Yamahas are quiet. Twin Hondas will run any AC normally found in a TT. So will some of the Yamahas. There are other brands as well. The Honda twins are @48 lbs. each. In short, the salesman is prevaricating.
* This post was
edited 05/15/09 11:38pm by rolnrolnroln *
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Idahoan
Layton, Utah
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Joined: 01/09/2009
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I believe what he may have been getting at is that MH's most always come equiped with a generator. Therefore, you can boondock "as is" and run the A/C. In order to run A/C with a TT you would have to seperately purchase generator to run your A/C.
2005 Dodge Ram Quad Cab CTD
2009 Eclipse Attitude 23LFS
2008 Yamaha Grizzly 450
2008 Yamaha Raptor 250
1992 Honda CR125R
2003 Yamaha TT-R125LE
2008 Yamaha TT-R50E
2006 Kawasaki KFX 50
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MarionMedic
Marion, MS
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Joined: 06/01/2007
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I tend to think that you don't really NEED an A/C when Boondocking, or "off grid".
We get along fine with the fans when running on Batteries.
(Yes, even in the HOT & SULTRY South with 100 degrees and 90% Humidity)
That dealer is blowing smoke to get you to buy a more expensive unit.
Generators are WAY less than the upgrade to a MH from a TT.
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mobeewan
Hampton, Va
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Joined: 01/03/2007
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TT + Generator + spare 50 gallon water tank in truck bed = boondocking for a week long hunting trip. Been doing it 2 times a year for 10 years. First with an 18 ft TT now with my 28 ft TT.
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LarryJM
NoVa
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Joined: 11/09/2007
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Idahoan wrote:I believe what he may have been getting at is that MH's most always come equiped with a generator. Therefore, you can boondock "as is" and run the A/C. In order to run A/C with a TT you would have to seperately purchase generator to run your A/C.
That's my view as well.
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974.
ALL TRAILER MODS>>ETERNABOND INSTALL>>RAINKAP INSTALL
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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I believe that it certainly would be more convenient to boondock in a motorhome. generally you will be able to have a built in gen. set and not have to mess around with portable generator/s, have much larger holding tanks and fresh water tanks, so for those issues a motorhome would be better.
you can of course boondock in a tent so you can boon dock in anything.
But I stopped doing without an air conditioner about 50 years ago myself.
bumpy
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