MegaJohn
NW Geogia
Senior Member
Joined: 08/21/2010
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
 Offline
|
I'm still fairly new to dry camping also... below are some points I've gleaned/learned.
If/When you replace or add to your battery bank, consider installing a disconnect switch (assuming you do not have one already). This will help your battery last longer as it will not fully discharge during storage (if storing without shore power). If you are storing with shore power connected, check your batteries' water level... also a good idea if it's not part of your current periodic maintenance.
As others have noted,
1) Use your furnace sparingly (if at all)
2) Consider solar/battery powered lighting or LED upgrades... use the incandescent lights sparingly
3) Add battery capacity to your battery bank (multiple 12v... multiple 6v are even better). The more cranking amps you have... the longer you'll have power.
4) Check your inverter/charger... does it have "smart charging" capability? If not, can it be added? This will help recharge/maintain your battery bank faster/better.
5) If you don't need hot water, don't turn it on. No need to use the LP or consume battery power if it's not needed.
4) Conserve, conserve, conserve your power! Turn off anything not needed... You may even consider disconnecting your batteries at night (via the disconnect switch) if not needed. The fridge/freezer should be fine during the night... just turn it on first thing the next morning.
Happy Camping!
John.
Stock 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 MegaCab, 5.9L Cummins, Automatic, 2WD, Dually
- 30' 2006 Pilgrim Interntional travel trailer, dry weight ~7k pounds, GVWR ~9k pounds
- Husky weight distributing hitch, friction anti-sway control, electronic brake controller
|
jyh818
Chino, CA
Senior Member
Joined: 08/29/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
Is multiple 6V in a series better than multiple 12V in parallel?
Where would I find the inverter in my trailer? Is it in the fuse box inside? What does it even look like?
Sorry for all the newbie questions. We've only camped with full hookups. This is our first time dry camping.
2002 Ford Excursion XLT 6.8L V-10 2WD, 4.30 Limited Slip
Rear Hellwig Sway Bar
2009 Skyline Nomad 260
Prodigy Brake Controller
EAZ-Lift WD Hitch
|
CA Traveler
The Western States
Senior Member
Joined: 01/03/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Generally 2 or 4 6Vs is better than 2 or 4 12Vs. There are many posts that you can search on this subject. 12V batteries have a clear advantage when you have room for an odd number like 3.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42 Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
2004 Honda CR-V
Bob
|
MegaJohn
NW Geogia
Senior Member
Joined: 08/21/2010
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
jyh818 wrote:Is multiple 6V in a series better than multiple 12V in parallel?
Where would I find the inverter in my trailer? Is it in the fuse box inside? What does it even look like?
Sorry for all the newbie questions. We've only camped with full hookups. This is our first time dry camping.
Generally, 2 6v in series will have more storage capacity than 12v in parallel... but I'm sure it depends on the type of batteries used.
Our inverter is located behind our fuse/breaker panel. Ours has 4 screws to remove the panel... pretty easy Our inverter model offers an add-on module which adds the "smart charger" capability. Some have the capability included, but the manufacturer likely didn't use that type... it adds cost to the unit.
I also added the battery disconnect inside the camper before the inverter... purchased at AutoZone. This way I have access to it from inside. I mounted the switch in an electrical box on the way with a modified blank face plate. It's not "original equipment" looking, but does not have wires exposed and is a clean installation. You could also just disconnect the battery wire (positive side) at the battery.
Happy Camping!
John.
|
hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 06/04/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
mexbungalows wrote:To hershey,
Don't ever use one burner on low on the stove to cook a large meal like a stew or corn beef and cabbage using the stove is dangerous. Especially when you are not near the stove in the kitchen or living area, but well away from it, in the bedroom with a window cracked ;-)
I really don't quite get what your eluding to. If its a tongue-in-cheek reference to my being critical of using a stove burner as a means of heating the RV then I stand by that statement. It is dangerous and you could wake up dead. If your saying that I'm suggesting that you not use the burner to cook with because its dangerous than you obviously can't be serious.
hershey - albuquerque, nm
Someday Finally Got Here
My wife does all the driving - I just get to hold the steering wheel.
Superman was an illegal alien.
Expedition - Suzuki Grand Viagra
NASCAR 14 - 99
|
|
|
mena661
Southern California
Senior Member
Joined: 03/21/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
jyh818 wrote:the inverter in my trailer? Inverters aren't installed from the factory in trailers and 5ers typically. Do you mean CONverter? Also, to answer your battery question, I'm in the camp that thinks that higher capacity, quality batteries are better.
hershey wrote:If your saying that I'm suggesting that you not use the burner to cook with because its dangerous than you obviously can't be serious. What's the difference between using the stove and using the stove?
2009 Newmar Canyon Star 3205, Ford F53 V10
Trojan L16 6V's 740 Amp-hours
|
BFL13
Victoria, BC
Senior Member
Joined: 02/15/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Our trailer came new with this on the range hood. I'm sure most other rigs have the same warning sticker. Of course there are always those who believe such warnings do not apply to them. Darwin sorts them out on that.
2003 Chev 2500HD Gas, 2003 Komfort 26FS 5er
See Profile for Equipment List
|
hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 06/04/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
mena661 wrote:jyh818 wrote:the inverter in my trailer?
hershey wrote:If your saying that I'm suggesting that you not use the burner to cook with because its dangerous than you obviously can't be serious. What's the difference between using the stove and using the stove?
One way you use the stove and the other you use the stove.
Seriously: what kind of gibberish is that? "Whats the difference between using the stove and using the stove?"
That sounds like one is six the other is half a dozen.
To get to the point, using a cook stove for heat is dangerous and isn't what it was designed to do. Thats why they make CO2 detectors to protect stupid people from themselves.
To use a cook stove to cook on is exactly what it was designed to to. Still a good idea to have a CO2 detector but obviously your awake when your cooking something. Well maybe not you but most other people.
|
korbe
Northern California
Senior Member
Joined: 11/20/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
First thing I did was to see how many amps my electrical gadgets used. Changed some of my lights to LED, watched my battery draw down. And was able to determine how long my batteries would last. Conforting for me to know that.
2004 F250 SD PSD
2004 Crossroads Cruiser CF25RS
|
KendallP
Grants Pass, OR
Senior Member
Joined: 09/11/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Well since we haven't even made 30 yet... I figure I should help get toward Mex's "56" figure.
Going forward... if you're going to run your cooktop for heat... it would be a good idea to have 2 CO detectors and one with a digital readout of the CO level. People do it all the time with no problems, but if you're not careful... you certainly can die that way.
Just sayin'...
Cheers,
Kendall
1986 Winnebago Chieftain 22RC
Our Camper (with no payments)
|
|
|
