Community Forums

Xtrains · 01-22-2015, 08:34 PM

We are on our first trip in our 2015 TT. We are at a trade show atvthe expo center in Portland Oregon. No hookups. .. i didnt realize that without a connection to a shore line that we couldnt use any outlets, the micro wace, the tv, central vac... really? Is this what boondocking is or are we missing somerhing?

vsheetz · 01-22-2015, 08:39 PM

A generator or an inverter provide for 120vac when disconnected from shore power. Do you have either of these?

An inverter changes battery 12vdc to 120vac, and is often wired to some devices and outlets, but maybe not all.

BFlinn181 · 01-22-2015, 08:42 PM

You're missing a generator or rooftop solar panels. A portable Honda generator is quiet and many use one to recharge the batteries on board for lights, heat, etc.

Xtrains · 01-22-2015, 08:49 PM

No we dont have either - ugh

Xtrains · 01-22-2015, 08:57 PM

So what should we look for in a generator? Is one better than another? How big/how much power?

vsheetz · 01-22-2015, 08:58 PM

Costco has a nice 2000 watt inverter generator for about $600.00. Very quiet running. Will power most all except air conditioning. Two of them with optional parallel cable will run air conditioning.

Don't forget to get a gas can. (-:

jfran304 · 01-22-2015, 08:59 PM

A lot of folks don't so they purchase portable generators for when they boon dock.

adamfolger · 01-22-2015, 09:14 PM

You're missing a generator or >> rooftop solar panels. << Solar panels will only charge batteries and not run appliances. We should not further confuse the OP...

adamfolger · 01-22-2015, 09:19 PM

Do you have propane refrig? Does it have auto switch on the door. Switch it to auto. Make sure the tank valve is open. What brand and model TT do you have? We need that info to help with the correct advice.

Xtrains · 01-22-2015, 09:29 PM

We have a Keystone Hideout, the fridge is in auto mode and is running on propane.

BFlinn181 · 01-22-2015, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamfolger

Do you have propane refrig? Does it have auto switch on the door. Switch it to auto. Make sure the tank valve is open. What brand and model TT do you have? We need that info to help with the correct advice.

There was no mention of the refrigerator being an issue, all items mentioned were 120 v AC devices. I'd suggest you go to a Honda dealer and listen to a Honda generator. Then you can go to Costco and see what they have. Honda is tops, Yamaha is probably #2 for noise, etc.

As to size, do the math. A 13,500 BTU air conditioner will need approximately 15 amps to start, 9-13 to run, depending on make. Watts = Amps X Volts, so 15 amps X 120 v = 1,800 watts. A 2,000 watt generator would run the A/C with very little to spare during start up, a bit of reserve once the A/C is up and running.

Xtrains · 01-22-2015, 09:48 PM

Thank you so much. We have "that list" going on for all those things we are missing. Will look into the Honda generator. .. how long:will they provide power for? We are dry dock for 4 days and have no idea how long the propane, water etc will last but we are getting this figured out!

MartySQ · 01-22-2015, 10:01 PM

as for the water... paper plates and basin baths will help out there... some folks use baby wipes in between showers/baths... watch your grey and black tank levels... grey usually fills first depending on what all drains into which tank. I tend to pour my dish water down my toilet to save on space in the grey water tank as mine fills first because only my toilet goes into the black tank. ( the dish sopa helps keep it cleaner down in there too...)
There are many topics in the boondocking section to help you out.

sknight · 01-22-2015, 10:15 PM

Yeah, your lights, water pump, furnace and slides are on battery power. The outlets, microwave, TV, vacuum and air conditioner are on 120VAC or what we call shore power.

Generator opinions vary, but the best solution in my opinion is a pair of Honda EU2000i generators, one standard and one companion model(Don't worry, you'll see it when you shop.) the parallel cable kit and the extended run gas tank. All told, you'll be in it for about $2400 or so.

One genset will run the camper easily except the air conditioner. To run the air conditioner you'll need to start the second genset and parallel them up. They then become one 4000 watt generator (3200 watts continuous) that will easily run the AC also.

So, if the weather is cool you get one out. If it's warm, you get both out. Very fuel efficient, easy to handle, quiet and very reliable.

I manhandled a Honda EX4500 around for 12 years, 310 pounds worth. Now I'm kicking myself for not going this route sooner.