May 2011 News From New Horizons RV

[mwNewHorizon]

This month's newsletter is attached for viewing. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any comments/suggestions or questions.

All the best~

Marty Wellington
Business Development Coordinator
New Horizons RV
1/800-235-3140

[mwilliams]

Marty,

Thanks for the great lead story on the 2011 NHOG Rally. This will be a great experience for anyone who is interested in a New Horizons 5th wheel as they will have the opportunity to see a couple dozen all in one visit along with speaking with others who have great experience with the product. Of course those who already own their New Horizons trailer will have the joy of showing off their special home on wheels.

[ralper]

I disagree with Jack Mayer's idea that with solar a generator is most always needed. Unless one wants to run AC while not on shore power, a generator is not needed with a properly sized, installed and adjusted solar system.

I do not have a generator and do not want one!

I have 400 watts of panels, 6 - T105 6 volt batteries (675 amp hours capacity), a Blue Sky Solar Boost 50 controler and #2 wire from panels to controler to batteries. Wire loss is 1.5%. While boondocking, I use any and all (other than AC) of my electric appliances without hesitation.

With a 2000 watt inverter I use microwave, ceiling fan, electrolux vacuum cleaner for up to an hour at a time, skill saw, drill, blender, food processor, stereo etc. I use my furnace at night as needed.

I am experimenting with running my refrigerator on electric during sunny daylight hours to save LP gas while boondocking. This I just started and have no conclusions yet but it looks doable. The frig draws 450 watts @ 120 volts.

My system gives me much more power than I need to boondock comfortably. My only concession is to turn off the inverter at night to save a bit of power as it draws 2.5 amp hours at idle.

I learned from Handy Bob Solar Blog and renovated my poorly operating system, that was installed by experts, to his instructions. I have since met and spent time with him and he is living what he says in his blog, totally off grid 100% of the time.

We are living proof that a generator is not needed with a solar system unless you want to run AC when off shore power.


Since 11/09 when I turned on my renovated solar system I have used only solar to keep my batteries in tiptop condition even when plugged into shore power. I do not use the charger (converter) at all any more and do not need it.


To learn more Google : Handy Bob Solar Blog.