Advice for dry camping

[lenjen]

I need advice for first time camping with no amenities. My generator is serviced regularly and is run while driving and on short stops so I am OK having it on when I need power, I know the ¼ tank rule. Park rules say generator must be off by 9:00 PM. My main concern is the refrigerator and heat, if we need it, running on propane at night while we are sleeping. I have the genny exhaust pipes extensions and new C/M detectors but are there any extra precautions I am missing?

The weather is supposed to nice and it will just be 2 nights this time.

Thank you for any input.

[60sumtin]

Do you not have sufficient batteries to keep fridge and furnace powered all night? It also seems wasteful to keep the generator running while driving as the coach should be able to keep the coach batteries charged. Check your batteries and coaches charging system. Something is not right.

[Mr_D]

Only reason to run the gen all night is in case you need the air cons for cooling.

[garbonz]

Suggest you do a energy inventory of your rig. Batteries size and number, furnace 12 volt draw, refrigerator type (RV or residential). Many RV's can handle a single night without running the generator, some cannot.

[lenjen]

Originally Posted by 60sumtin

Do you not have sufficient batteries to keep fridge and furnace powered all night? It also seems wasteful to keep the generator running while driving as the coach should be able to keep the coach batteries charged. Check your batteries and coaches charging system. Something is not right.

I must have worded that wrong. I use the generator while driving for the house AC because there are others that would not get the benefit of the dash AC. We live in Georgia and the temperature can get pretty hot. My batteries are almost new and do hold a charge.

[MisterT]

your active C02 or 'propane' detector should be your protection... you should be fine.

[lenjen]

Originally Posted by garbonz

Suggest you do a energy inventory of your rig. Batteries size and number, furnace 12 volt draw, refrigerator type (RV or residential). Many RV's can handle a single night without running the generator, some cannot.

When we do not have shore power or the generator running the refrigerator auto switches to propane. I can drop the temperature down and add a bowl of ice to that compartment should may hold it over night. My main concern is the propane running while we sleep. I've never had an issue but this is the first time I am camping with no shore power.

[lenjen]

Originally Posted by MisterT

your active C02 or 'propane' detector should be your protection... you should be fine.

Thank you.

[lenjen]

Originally Posted by garbonz

Suggest you do a energy inventory of your rig. Batteries size and number, furnace 12 volt draw, refrigerator type (RV or residential). Many RV's can handle a single night without running the generator, some cannot.

I will, thank you

[Septuagenari]

Aloha lenjin

My Northern Lite truck camper heater fix.

Factory camper heater fan is loud and consumes much propane with a high unadjustable BTU factor for such a small area, here is my fix for that.

1. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe

2. Esup Mini USB 3 Speeds Rechargeable Portable Table Fan, 4.5-Inch, for Home Office and Travel

3. 1 lb propane bottle refill adaptor and filter.

I place fan just above and behind the heater for heat circulation.

This setup uses little 12v battery draw and propane.

[lenjen]

Originally Posted by Septuagenari

Aloha lenjin

My Northern Lite truck camper heater fix.

Factory camper heater fan is loud and consumes much propane with a high unadjustable BTU factor for such a small area, here is my fix for that.

1. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe

2. Esup Mini USB 3 Speeds Rechargeable Portable Table Fan, 4.5-Inch, for Home Office and Travel

3. 1 lb propane bottle refill adaptor and filter.

I place fan just above and behind the heater for heat circulation.

This setup uses little 12v battery draw and propane.

Thank You for the suggestions. I have a couple of the 12v fans.

[brucev]

Originally Posted by lenjen

I need advice for first time camping with no amenities. My generator is serviced regularly and is run while driving and on short stops so I am OK having it on when I need power, I know the ¼ tank rule. Park rules say generator must be off by 9:00 PM. My main concern is the refrigerator and heat, if we need it, running on propane at night while we are sleeping. I have the genny exhaust pipes extensions and new C/M detectors but are there any extra precautions I am missing?

The weather is supposed to nice and it will just be 2 nights this time.

Thank you for any input.

I have used the propane refrigerator for over 10 years and never had an issue. They vent to the outside so if the area is clean and no spider webs I don't worry. As for heat, the furnace can deplete the batteries depending on the outside temperature and where you have the stat set. I bought a Heater Buddy for use just in case.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[twinboat]

The gas fridge, furnace and water heater are built so that air and fumes, or gas leaks, vent outside the RV.

That is so even if broken, you will not get popane, which is heavier then air, buildup inside the RV. It falls to the ground and gets dispersed by the wind.

If you check the stove knobs and they are off, your quite safe.

[lenjen]

Originally Posted by twinboat

The gas fridge, furnace and water heater are built so that air and fumes, or gas leaks, vent outside the RV.

That is so even if broken, you will not get popane, which is heavier then air, buildup inside the RV. It falls to the ground and gets dispersed by the wind.

If you check the stove knobs and they are off, your quite safe.

Thank you so much, I knew they were vented out but never though about it.