More lessons learned the hard way

[okmunky]

We have been boondocking for 10 days now and not doing much driving during the last 5 days so the batteries are not getting fully charged before bedtime. It's cold enough here in central Oregon that we need the furnace at night and it does run off the batteries.YEAH!

However... without a full charge, my 2 12 volt batteries barely make it thru the night even with the thermostat set at 62 degrees. The way I know when they are about drained is the squeal of the 100 watt inverter that powers my Verizon MiFi device -- which has been happening earlier every morning. I then get up and unplug the inverter, grab the extra blanket and go back to sleep.

One morning the batts got so low that I had to start the moho engine in order to get cranking power for the genset. The house batts were totally depleted.

Today I noticed the frig was at 50 degrees. Uh oh, am I out of propane? When did I check it last? Still had 1/3 tank of propane. Six month old Dometic should not have quit on me. Time to panic? One thought -- maybe it got "confused" by the low battery power. Try a reboot. Shut down for 30 seconds and then press "auto" switch again. It seems to be working, but only time will tell if it cools properly. Glory be!!! Two hours later temp is down to 42 degrees.

So, lessons learned:
1) Don't let the batteries run too low
2) Buy a smaller inverter to run the MiFi charger. Do they make a 12 volt charger?
3) Have a battery monitor installed so you know the status of the house batteries before bedtime.
4) Establish a routine for checking the monitor panel instead of waiting to be surprised.

Like getting older, fulltiming is not for sissys

[w6pea]

I would make a suggestion maybe replace your two 12v battery's with4 6v.Golf Cart battery's. They seem to have a bigger amp hr. capacity. also get a couple of solar panels. JMHO





If We Can't Haul It...You Don't Need It ! Motor-T

[bluepill]

I set the thermostat at 54 degrees and use a down comforter. I set the alarm clock for 20 minutes early. When it goes off, I turn the genny on, turn the heat up to 68, turn on the water heater, and get back in bed for 20 minutes.

The next time I get up, it's fairly warm. I then start Mr coffee. When the coffee is brewed, I make toast or microwave something.

After breakfast, I shower then use the blow dryer. By now, I can turn the heat down and shut the genny off if the charger has come out of bulk mode.


If the MiFi charger is a "Wall Wart" plug-in type, look at the output rating. If it is 12 volts or less, you can power directly from your house batteries. A solar charger is another option.

[okmunky]

Oh yes, I have 4 solar panels stuck to my roof, each produce 68 watts. Bought a kit on amazon.com before I even picked up the RV. Trouble is it didn't come with everything needed and instructions consisted of one page that basically said have a qualified professional install.

We have an appt in less than 6 hours with AM Solar in Springfield, OR to do just that. I am glad that I have had the last 10 days of boondocking so that I could learn how to live, somewhat, on 12V power and to confirm the need of a good battery monitor.

Also, after doing a little online research, I can get a car charger to run the MiFi and can convert the wifi repeater to 12v and get rid of the squealing inverter. YEAH!

So... life is getting easier . The worst day in an RV is still more fun than the best day in the sticks & bricks. And I have this group to thank for helping me every step along the way.

[Dave78Chief]

Is your 12VDC converter a 3 stage charging style converter? Current model information indicates they use a 55amp converter but do not provide details about what type it is. Not sure if that inforamtion applies to your 2011 model though. The bulk charge mode of a 3 stage converter/charger should bring the battery to at least 80% in a few hours on generator. However, if you only have one battery, as the shasta web site implies, you are going to push it real hard. Additionally, for effective battery life, you only want to discharge a deep cycle battery to 50% capacity. Going farther shortens it's life span. I suspect your real answer may be at least one additional deep cycle battery. A typical 27 series deep cycle may only have 105ah capacity. Two would provide 210ah. Two 6 volt T-105 provide 225ah.

Dave

[Midniteoyl]

Quote:

during the last 5 days so the batteries are not getting fully charged before bedtime.

Thats the real problem.. he needs more charging capacity or time...

[Fred1609]

I would consider talking to a dealer about swapping out the 12 volt batteries for 6 volt golf cart batteries.

[okmunky]

We are solar! The wonderful folks at AM Solar got me connected Monday pm. We now have 272 watts of functioning solar panels, 2 newer, matching 12 volt batteries and a battery monitor. The budget is maxed out for this year, but next step is to replace the 12v batts with 6 volts. All that plus we stayed the night where we are connected to 30 amp AC so we are getting a good soild charge to start out on. AND, the forecast calls for sun tomorrow.

We head out tomorrow am in a general southeasterly direction. Thanks y'all for all the helpful suggestions.

[Midniteoyl]

Congrats...