Quote Originally Posted by boxcar1 View Post
The generator vs solar is all about weight and power delivery.
Because the tc ( at least mine ) requires very little power to operate I could run without it, but as a true 4 season camper I find the convenience of the generator out ways the added 60 lbs of extra weight. I use the generator more as an in camp power station than to QUICK charge my battery.
If I added solar that would add at least another 60 - 100 lbs of weight and is no where near as versatile as a small quiet generator.
In reality , when needing a charge I generally start my truck. After a few cold days in the bush it's always a good idea to run the engine for a short while anyways.
Probably why we are on different sides of this coin...
Certainly more than one way to slice a cake.
IMO,
generator VS solar is not about power delivery, it is about recharging depleted batteries.
If you are relying upon your truck to recharge, then why bother with the generator at all?
Just run a a large inverter as needed.
A sweet side effect is the ability to not only recharge but maintain the vehicle batteries via the camper solar as well.
Your missing the point. I have nearly no power draw. As I am not reliant on electricity to run the TC. Lights and water pump only....
It's a throw back marine systems , where he with the absolute lowest amperage draw wins.
An inverter is one of the largest power drains one can add to a battery bank. Bad idea.
I use the generator more as an in camp power station than to QUICK charge my battery.
Again , missed the point. I rarely if ever use it to charge my battery.
Now to the heater. I see you overlooked the blue flame unit. ( my first choice )and what I will run in any tc from here on in . Second choice would be a catalytic.
Advantage is that they draw no electricity, unlike a conventional furnace. Are less than half the weight, and are more efficient. The Blue flame emits no CO.
The Catalytic is a tried and tested unit used for years in many TC's with good results . It's a bit more finicky but with proper ventilation works well. Ask any one who truly uses one.
Uh, didnt overlook anything. The Blue flame is a convection heater.
Yes it is , one of the most efficient ways to heat a space.
Quote Originally Posted by boxcar1 View Post
A refrigerator (that requires no 12 volt power to operate. ) at the very least 4 cubic feet . ( I prefer 6 )
What fridge? Please dont say LP.....
Very inefficient when compared to a modern Danfoss 12VDC unit.
And increases your reliance upon LP considerably.
Not to mention the additional vents that are required (you mentioned leak potential)
12VDC units are 100% vent free.
My build specs and requirements with regards to 12V are for a 100% self contained, near zero maintenance camper.
No need of support from the vehicle, and no need for ANY noise when dry camped for weeks on end.
Your kidding , right? Yes I'd much rather rely on the lp gas refrigerator over the Danfoss all electric unit.
I understand where you are going , Off grid living in a TC is great . On paper an all electric solar powered camper is a beautiful thing . Problem is all that Tech requires power. Power ( amp draw ) = weight and HIGH MAINTANANCE over the life of the unit. Not to mention the high cost of the tech.
The recovery time of an LPG fridge is less than half that of 12 volt . So the efficiency argument is gone.
I get nearly 1.5 weeks out of 1-20lb lpg bottle and carry two. And that was using the same type refrigerator in an older Lance. The new build has a super insulated and properly sealed cabinet . So I expect my duration will increase.
The 3 way Dometic refrigerator that I chose cost me $300 to completely restore. When I got the unit , it was operational but 40 years old. IE: the reason for the restoration.
That's 40 years of use from an LP refrigerator. I call that nearly maintenance free.
It has a roof top vent. One of only two through the roof of mt tc. The second being the roof vent. No screw holes or other mounts that historically cause leaks.
The refrigerator is mounted ( if done properly ) in an isolated compartment that is weather proofed , super insulated and shares NO AIR EXCHAINGE with the cabin.
It's actually designed to let the outside air and atmosphere pass through it.
Quote Originally Posted by boxcar1 View Post
I disagree however that a good 4 season needs to be an air tight box. As most contractor have learned this is a bad practice. Especially if using composites of any kind.
They tend to outgas undesirable things into the air. I like my tc and my home to breath a bit.
Please do not mis quote.
Nowhere did I say air tight box. What I did say was near air tight, but easy to ventilate
There is a BIG difference.
You want air exchange, regardless of construction techniques and materials.
Sorry man I didn't mean to miss quote you...
Quote Originally Posted by boxcar1 View Post
Can't remember the last time I had full hook ups or had an overnight in a State park. I think your weekend warrior comment should have been kept to your self.... Or maybe I'm taking offence where none was intended.... .
No, no offence intended.
Again, my build constraints are based upon extended dry camping, and little to no maintenance.
For somebody that is living on the road long term/full time, that is starting their vehicle every day, or every other day, a single battery would probably suffice.
but even then, you are taxing that battery and the vehicles charging system to recharge the battery(ies) properly for maximum life.
Under those circumstances, the "weekend warrior" falls into the same energy requirements.
It's the whole amperage draw thing... My battery ( only one ) is never drawn down because I don't sit still for 40 days and 40 nights. And I have very low power needs.
So obviously our requirements differ.
My solutions tend to be low tech . (Proven over time.)
Yours tend to lean a bit more toward the high tech. (Trust the tech.):ylsmoke:
I have found that computers tend to hate the environments I find myself in when in the field. End up being high maintenance , costly and un reliable.
Building what you want and are comfortable with is the ultimate goal here. I'm glad that you have found a solution to your in field needs.
As I stated earlier, yours is a very nice build.
After this discussion I do however, now understand your weight issue.
