Community Forums

vjkahler · 06-27-2015, 04:51 PM

DH and I are planning to go full-time sometime next year. We have 2 cats who will be traveling with us. I am concerned about being away from the RV, leaving the cats 'home' alone. What if it's hot out and the a/c goes? What if the campground loses power? I don't know how I would handle it to come home and find 2 dead cats. "Badly" would be an understatement. What do you all do to safeguard against this? Am I worrying excessively? I would appreciate some feedback on this.

Valerie

the_vfox · 06-27-2015, 04:54 PM

Unless you have an auto start generator, you will just have to roll the dice. Your other choice is to take them with you when you leave the MH.

plasma800 · 06-27-2015, 04:57 PM

My biggest fear is the power going out in the summer while we are away with pets inside.

We just try to use the best common sense we can.

Shade? Outside temp? Temp inside and outside when departing? Length of time gone?

There are new ways today of installing a thermometer to a wifi device left behind and being able to check it from your smart phone, but even for me, this is in nerd space above my head.

This is a normal concern that others have too. So don't feel bad about thinking about it....

Bobb.25 · 06-27-2015, 04:59 PM

You can install a temperature controlled exhaust fan to replace one of your existing fans, and it will run off the coach batteries, and turn itself on if it gets too hot in the coach.

plasma800 · 06-27-2015, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobb.25

You can install a temperature controlled exhaust fan to replace one of your existing fans, and it will run off the coach batteries, and turn itself on if it gets too hot in the coach.

Great point, the new fantastic fans have a temp knob on them, and if you are parked in shade, do a great job if two open at the same time.

plasma800 · 06-27-2015, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_vfox

auto start generator.

Been there, done that. Get it WIRED, forget the wireless version and still... good luck...

Selah · 06-27-2015, 08:10 PM

If your coach does not already have an Automatic Generator Start these can be added to most generator. Typically they can be programmed to start the generator if the batteries get low, as in boondocking, or for when there is no shore power and the thermostat calls for air conditioner Or it may have a temp probe that will start the generator if the temp exceeds a certain set point.

plasma800 · 06-28-2015, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Selah

If your coach does not already have an Automatic Generator Start these can be added to most generator. Typically they can be programmed to start the generator if the batteries get low, as in boondocking, or for when there is no shore power and the thermostat calls for air conditioner Or it may have a temp probe that will start the generator if the temp exceeds a certain set point.

I'll repeat, don't let anyone talk you into a wireless remote genset start. Make them run the wire to the genset.

HD4Mark · 06-28-2015, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasma800

I'll repeat, don't let anyone talk you into a wireless remote genset start. Make them run the wire to the genset.

Why not? We halfheartedly looked into an auto start for our Onan and can install either wired or wireless ourselves but the wireless looked like a cool option.

vjkahler · 06-29-2015, 07:26 AM

We have the fantastic fans with the temperature controls, so that seems like the best solution for now. We would seldom if ever be gone all day, maybe 4-5 hours at the most. I thank all of you for your comments. I feel better now, and I'm happy I can check one more thing off my full-time prep list. Yay!!

Sky_Boss · 06-29-2015, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasma800

I'll repeat, don't let anyone talk you into a wireless remote genset start. Make them run the wire to the genset.

Now, you know me and I can be as picky/anal as they come but there is nothing wrong with a good wireless system. I had one but went wired for reasons other than performance.

The Onan EC-30W is a good unit for basic auto start based on temps, battery level and programability for quite time and some other features. It is pretty much plug and play with the hardest part finding a good connection to the batteries to do the monitoring. That is pretty easy to solve by using the B+ terminal on the back of the generator. The other thing is to make sure the remote read out is plugged into a NON-inverted plug to know if shore power is working.

Biggest problem...expensive compared to a wired unit.

HOWEVER...I do agree that a fully integrated, wired AGS and BMK are the best way to go but to upgrade the costs for the upgraded remote control, AGS and BMK modules will come close to, or exceed the wireless model.

J Birder · 06-29-2015, 02:02 PM

I constructed a screened in "porch" for our two cats, so they can go outside when it gets hot. It turns out, that that is where they spend most of their time, even when it isn't hot.

The whole porch hangs on a window, and is supported on the outside by two adjustable paint roller poles. When we are traveling, it sits on a platform that is attached to the back bumper. The brown brackets on the sides bolt to the platform.

If I were to do it again, I would make the roof with a slope. As it is now, I often get a shower when taking it down.

Joel

RanCarr · 06-30-2015, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjkahler

DH and I are planning to go full-time sometime next year. We have 2 cats who will be traveling with us. I am concerned about being away from the RV, leaving the cats 'home' alone. What if it's hot out and the a/c goes? What if the campground loses power? I don't know how I would handle it to come home and find 2 dead cats. "Badly" would be an understatement. What do you all do to safeguard against this? Am I worrying excessively? I would appreciate some feedback on this.

Valerie

We take our 4 cats with us in the RV. We never leave them at home or with a cat sitter. When we leave the RV we don't leave the A/C on for the very reason you mentioned. We leave instead the Fantastic-Fan running at one end of the RV and windows at the opposite end of the RV cracked. We also bought several MaxxAir window vents which help as the cats can't claw through the screens and escape. The RV was never hotter inside than it was outside. If fact always a few degrees cooler. Leave plenty of fresh water for them but you know that already.