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Old 12-20-2021, 04:15 PM   #1
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New member - Need to learn

Hi all,

My wife and I will be purchasing an Entegra Aspire in a litte less than 2 years. Sooo, I'm in information absorption mode wanting to learn as much as possible about that motorhome focusing on modifications to make boondocking a bit easier. That includes a small upgrade to solar and replacing the batteries with Lithium Iron Phosphate.

Jim
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Old 12-20-2021, 07:12 PM   #2
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Can't help you with your questions, but did want to say Welcome to the iRV2!
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Old 12-20-2021, 08:53 PM   #3
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Welcome to the forum.
Welcome to the forum.

You are joining a good group of friends here with lots of good information to share. Read the various threads here and ask questions as they come up or add information if you can.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!You are joining a good group of friends here with lots of good information to share. Read the various threads here and ask questions as they come up or add information if you can.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!
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Old 12-20-2021, 09:00 PM   #4
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Welcome and feel free to post questions I wish I had taken advantage of the knowledge sooner !
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Old 12-21-2021, 10:35 AM   #5
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Hi Jim! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Congrats on the new rig! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!
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Old 12-21-2021, 10:50 AM   #6
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If you'll frequently be boondocking, be wary of going all-electric with a residential refrigerator. Even with solar and LiFEPO4 batteries, you'll probably need to run your generator several hours a day which isn't the best option if you like peace and quiet and want to be kind to your neighbors.
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Old 12-21-2021, 11:10 AM   #7
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Setting up to boondock a large coach on solar is not a small issue. You will probably need more solar panels and more batteries than you initially think. As noted above, to keep solar requirements down, you will want the RV absorption refrigerator as a residential will pull a lot of power.

We came across on fellow with a 42' Mobile Suites 5th wheel trailer that was a serious boondocker. The whole roof of his RV was covered solid with solar panels and he had a huge battery bank.

Before you start the solar conversion, be sure you understand the requirements and get help from a knowledgeable source.

Happy camping.

Ken
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Old 12-22-2021, 07:32 AM   #8
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Welcome to the group from Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Al., for now.
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Old 12-22-2021, 09:30 AM   #9
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I took a look at the Entegra Aspire brochure and it looks like a residential refrigerator and induction cooktop are standard with no options, neither is boondocking friendly. The two 100W solar panel option will be woefully undersized, so don't even think about opting for it. Go for an aftermarket solar install tailored to your needs.

If you can expand a bit on what you mean by "boondocking", we might be able to give you some better advice.
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Old 12-23-2021, 03:17 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BCam View Post
If you'll frequently be boondocking, be wary of going all-electric with a residential refrigerator. Even with solar and LiFEPO4 batteries, you'll probably need to run your generator several hours a day which isn't the best option if you like peace and quiet and want to be kind to your neighbors.
I should have mentioned my version of boondocking. To me, it'll be at most one to two days not connected to power. The generator will definately be an option for us to keep things like the refrigerator working. So, I was thinking that 2-4 solar panels (yes, I know that won't provide enough power for the long run) and replacing all the batteries with Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. They will charge faster with the generator or with AC power and can discharge 100% if necessary which gives twice the usefulness of AGM or flooded batteries, IMHO. So, I'm looking for input regarding my ideas and some real world input.
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Old 12-23-2021, 03:42 PM   #11
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Welcome aboard.
Always good to have a new face at the campfire.

Your new coach is a dream. Drool.

There are lots of threads here on many things so keep looking, ask questions. There will be someone who is doing the same as you with the same equipment. We are all happy to answer, give advice and help where we can.

Wish you well and many happy miles.
Merry Christmas
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Old 12-23-2021, 04:00 PM   #12
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Welcome to the forum. I would suggest you also join the Thor Forums so you can find out all the things that will plague your new coach.
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