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Topic: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator (Read 1508 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #25 –
Quote from: gracerace –
You are the master boon docker, just make sure your new place has 50 amp hookup for us Bruce.... :D
covered parking too 😎👍
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #26 –
Quote from: bbeane –
covered parking too 😎👍

You got it, and a pool, and free WiFi
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #27 –
I started off wanting to add "some solar", as I progressed, I ended up upgrading everything. If I decided to dry camp I did not want to be marginal, I wanted more than adequate.
I ended up with 4panels 300watts each that I was lucky enough to buy from Roger. They run on a Victron charge controller. I added 2 more LG 360watt panels on there own Victron Charge controller. Just shy of 2000 watts of solar.
I wanted plenty of battery storage capacity and went with (10) Lifeline L16 AGM 6v batteries, 400amps@20% per battery =6v, 4000amps@20% = 2000amps @12v = 1000amps @ 50%. I had to make a new battery bay out of part of one storage bay.
I installed a Victron Multi 3000watt inverter charger, Victron color monitor and battery monitor.
All my solar panels will tilt without going on the roof to do the tilting.
Do I have any regrets, ya, I would never spend this much time or money on a coach as old as the one I have. I should have bought a never coach and then did the upgrades.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #28 –
Quote from: bbeane –
Let me the rephrase my original statement, rather than dry camping I should say boondocking, as in not in a camp ground.

This is an either or situation.. Glamis nor Dumont (and other places) do not have campgrounds... Its like quartzite.. park where you want and rung what you brung..

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #29 –
Wow nice work.  That much solar should keep the Lifelines up very well.

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #30 –
Chris, I like your thoughts on running gen when parked next to someone, and agree on the watching TV while parked next to ocean. When we are in that kind of location we sit on a seat and have a glass of wine watching the waves etc.
Our gen also has 840 hrs in 19 yrs and 800  was the number when we bought it 10 yrs ago this August.
Like Jim C mentioned our main inverter battery charging side is off all the time as I let solar do what ever it can all the time and the Lifelines are 8 yrs old and seem to be holding up well. Regarding the looped wiring that Barry mentions for the batteries, I got rid of that by putting in Copper Bus Bars and connected each battery individually to them. They also each have a desulphator running all the time.
This system looks to be running fine as we are never low on power for whatever we want to do. One big caveat I guess is we also do not use our AC units, we use fans to blow a cool movement of air.
JohnH 
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #31 –
Genny = Fumes = Bad for your, and your kids health. Costly, clattering noise maker.
Solar = Fun, free, silent, feel-good power.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #32 –
Not to mention generator and neighbor relations 😬🤬🤬
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #33 –
That said, my genny saved my butt while boondocking in Wisconsin snow storms this past April.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.
 

Re: Solar (or not) needed to dry camp with electric refrigerator

Reply #34 –
I like both.
I was lucky enough to buy a coach that both po's put in solar.  And lithium. And a 12 volt marine fridge. Great for the boondocking I hope to one day do.
I have a 10Kv generator. Great for running down the highway with the AC on in a 95 degree humid Texas day. The dash air can't do the job.
I would not have a RV without solar, or a boat. But neither would  I want one without a genset.
Best of both worlds. Just be careful where you put your feet when up on the roof!!  ;)
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired