Prepping RV for Boondocking

[kdauto]

Originally Posted by RVGlen

I wasn't expecting so many responses suggesting solar and a generator. I was thinking solar. I didn't think I would need both. Thank you!

After reading your responses I started thinking batteries and generator then that 30% tax credit for solar has me thinking. It looks like the cost would be close though it appears I should have a generator also.

You can easily get by without a generator UNLESS you have the need to run the A/C unit. We run anything and everything but the A/C. We do have the standard 8 cu ft 2 way Norcold Fridge and not a residential unit.

We run 3 group 27 12V deep cycle AGM batteries, 450W of solar and a 2500/5000w inverter.

[RVGlen]

I wasn't going to stay in one place. I figure 14 to 21 days at a place. I've read about some RVers following the 70 degree weather. So I figure I can find a place to dump tanks and refill each time I move.

I don't know how realistic that is. That's my intention going into this.

[Sue46]

Your residential refrig is the main problem. You might want to look into swapping out the residential refrig and going to a 2 way refrig. Your electrical needs will be significantl reduced.


This may be the most cost effective solution.



Still will need solar though.

[Mtn. Lion]

Originally Posted by RVGlen

I wasn't going to stay in one place. I figure 14 to 21 days at a place. I've read about some RVers following the 70 degree weather. So I figure I can find a place to dump tanks and refill each time I move.

I don't know how realistic that is. That's my intention going into this.

Moving every 14 - 21 days is realistic. When looking for 70F weather in the winter, you might find yourself in Meheco or South America

[John Hilley]

Originally Posted by Mark_K5LXP

And to run the A/C because you parked your trailer in the sun all day so your panels work...

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

That might take more than a 2,000 watt generator

[RVPioneer]

Originally Posted by RVGlen

I would like to prepare a 2014 5th wheel with a residential refrigerator and no generator or solar panels to boondock in. When preparing the RV what would be my first priority, second, third, etc?

The RV has two AGM batteries. I'm looking for what would give me the biggest bang for the buck to get me to dry camping for two to three weeks at a time.

Try this. With the camper in your driveway, charge the batteries, fill the fresh water tank and load up the refrigerator. Now, unplug and live in the camper. Don’t go in the house to use the bathroom, make coffee or watch TV.

On day 2, when the batteries die, go buy a Honda 2K generator and some gas cans.

On day 4-5, when either the fresh water tank is empty or the waste tanks are full, go buy a portable waste tank and a few fresh water jugs. You’ll be shuttling the waste to a dump station and returning with fresh water to add to the tank. This may require a plumbing modification. An alternative would be to tow the camper to a dump station.

Solar is nice in that it can help reduce generator run time and can assist in properly charging LA/AGM batteries. It is basically a luxury item and rarely meets the bang for the buck criteria. It would be unwise to build an off-grid solar/battery home without a back up generator. Boondocking in an RV is essentially the same thing.

Generator first, solar last.

[Waiter21]

I faced similar obstacles when we looked into boondocking with our 20 year old Southwind.. We made our first long boondocking excursions last winter and I identified some problems / solutions to help mitigate the boondocking.

I have a residential and a PSW inverter. I also have a generator. We'd run the genny twice a day (8am and 8pm) for about 30-45 minutes. This didn't work as the batteries would only last about 9 hours before the converter would kick off and go into alarm.


My goal is to run the generator twice a day for 30 minutes or so to charge batteries, make the morning coffee or the evening microwave for cooking.


This is what I've done to date.

Replaced single stage 12 volt converter with 4 stage 55 amp converter. This will allow faster charging of the batteries.

Replaced my two old original group 24s with two GC-2s. This increased my storage capacity by almost 33 %.

I made a minor wiring modification to my 12 volts system that basically connects my 4 stage converter directly to the batteries. Before this mod, I was losing 3/4 volt in how the 12 volts was routed through my Battery Control Center (BCC).

I added a volt/ammeter so I can read real time the charge / discharge of my batteries..

Solar - I have a 100 watt solar panel that I plan on wiring up. This will help with the generator runs

This is some of my observations I made last winter:

Need to upgrade Coach 12 volt power system – 1999 Southwind 35S

This is some of the modification I made last month:

Upgrade Coach 12 volt system – 1999 Southwind 35S


..

[RVPioneer]

LA/AGM batteries can only perform to expectations when fully charged. They cannot be fully charged in 30 minutes. There are many variables, however, 2 hours in the morning would be a more effective charging protocol and would probably eliminate the need for a second run time in the evening.

The addition of solar panels will help in completing the charge cycle after running the generator in the morning.

[paulag1955]

Originally Posted by Finance

Also need to solve how to get fresh water and rid of waste, if you're staying in place that long.

This makes me wonder what the limiting factor is for boondocking. Is it the holding tanks? How long can a couple expect to be able to stay out given, say, 45 gallon holding tanks?

[Sue46]

we run out of water before we fill the holding tanks. You have a black and gray tank, each is a different size.



FYI:


water 76
gray 60
black 48


We also conserve by taking the dishwater in the dish pan and dumping it down the toilet. The general rule of thumb is you fill up 2 gray for every black. By dumping the water in the toilet we are doing a 1 gray to 1 black most of the time.

[RVGlen]

It's just me and the dog so far and I have 100 gallon fresh water tank. I figured it would get me 14 to 21 days based on what I was reading. I don't remember the grey and black tank size though I thought they were pretty good size. It sounds electric should be my primary concern and everyone seems to be suggesting a generator.

Honda sounds like the best though Champion seems affordable.

[Sue46]

Not even a question, go with Honda. The decibel level is significantly lower and you are boondocking for a reason, you want quiet plus other things. The Champion is a contractor generator and the decibels must be 3-4 higher than the Honda. There is a reason the Honda is $$.



If you run a Champion your neighbors will not be happy(I am talking distant neighbors).


In National and State Parks there is a limit to the decibel rating of a generator that you can use.

[RVPioneer]

Originally Posted by paulag1955

This makes me wonder what the limiting factor is for boondocking. Is it the holding tanks? How long can a couple expect to be able to stay out given, say, 45 gallon holding tanks?

In theory, indefinitely. Provided you are willing and able to dispose of waste via portable tanks and replenish water and fuel as needed.

45 gallons of fresh water could be used up in 2-3 days, or maybe 6-7, depending on the couple. Fresh water is typically exhausted before the black and grey tanks become full. That could be the limiting factor. If you’re running a generator 24/7 off the vehicles fuel supply, you could hit the fuel cut-off before you run out of water. It’s easy to get more fuel. Very few people want to handle sewage once, let alone twice, so empty or full holding tanks are generally what motivate people to break camp.

[RVPioneer]

Originally Posted by Sue46

Not even a question, go with Honda. The decibel level is significantly lower and you are boondocking for a reason, you want quiet plus other things. The Champion is a contractor generator and the decibels must be 3-4 higher than the Honda. There is a reason the Honda is $$.



If you run a Champion your neighbors will not be happy(I am talking distant neighbors).


In National and State Parks there is a limit to the decibel rating of a generator that you can use.

Yes. The Honda will also run all day, every day for years.