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Old 01-26-2015, 07:52 PM   #1
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Question about dry camping

We're taking the family from Ohio to Yellowstone and back this summer. Many of the well rated campsites out there do not have hookups. I do have a generator but was wondering what exactly I could power off the battery and truck without using the generator. I know the lights will run fine for hours. I don't expect to be able to run the A/C. What about the water pump from the fresh water tank? Can anyone give me a good idea of what I could run and for how long? I appreciate it, thanks!
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Old 01-26-2015, 10:47 PM   #2
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Everything will run with the exception of the A/C. You will have to run the water heater in LP mode. With a good battery you should last a few days if you don't use the furnace much. The fan seems to draw a lot in my opinion. The water pump will work fine however a bit noisy in some rigs. You can use the generator for a few hours each day to charge the battery unless there is a noise restriction for the campground.
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Old 01-27-2015, 12:32 AM   #3
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dry camping

Have fun on your trip. Did some dry camping last year and the battery lasted a couple of days. Yours should last as long as you don't run the furnace too much, and make sure your fridge is on gas. I forgot and left it on battery and the fridge sucked the battery dry in a couple of hours.
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Old 01-27-2015, 05:21 AM   #4
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The microwave will not run either. The fridge and hwt will run on propane, of course the stove and furnace do as well.
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Old 01-27-2015, 05:22 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick G. View Post
Have fun on your trip. Did some dry camping last year and the battery lasted a couple of days. Yours should last as long as you don't run the furnace too much, and make sure your fridge is on gas. I forgot and left it on battery and the fridge sucked the battery dry in a couple of hours.
Your fridge will run on battery? Ours won't. It's either shore power or propane.
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Old 01-27-2015, 06:00 AM   #6
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A 3 way means propane, 120VAC and 12VDC, while 2 way is just propane and 120VAC.
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Old 01-27-2015, 07:43 AM   #7
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you can also grab a solar panel and toss it on the roof and attach to battery when at a campground,as long as there is sun,to trickle the battery while you are exploring by vehicle. use lights sparingly . we very rarely have hookups and never had a problem. You can also add an extra battery if you have room . or look inside your engine compartment and there may be a spot for a 2nd batt. keep a charged one there for a spare.
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Old 01-27-2015, 08:09 AM   #8
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Also something to keep in mind. If you will be moving around and not parked in one campground for an extended period, the camper battery should get recharged by the truck when you are moving.

You should be able to run everything except the micro wave and the AC.
Tv will need a inverter. Fridge and water heater on LP.
Furnace is the biggest draw, about 8.5 amps. Batteries definitely don't like it.
Have fun, it's a very memorable area.
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Old 01-27-2015, 08:49 AM   #9
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The solar battery charger is a good idea in between spurts of recharging with your generator a little each day
(but don't be THAT guy disturbing everyone around you with a generator running too long please)

You might also consider swapping out the bulbs to LED's...
will reduce the battery drain 10 fold ....
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Old 01-27-2015, 10:21 AM   #10
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What Lloyd said.
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Old 01-27-2015, 06:41 PM   #11
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You might also consider a second battery. It will give you more peace of mind, isn't that hard to install, and will give you more hours of service.

Just a thought.

Travel well, travel safe,
Jim
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Old 01-28-2015, 09:05 PM   #12
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Thanks everyone. I appreciate the info. We're looking forward to the trip.
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Old 01-31-2015, 06:13 PM   #13
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Easiest way to remember is that basically, if you have to plug it in, it will not run. Example: TV, Microwave, coffee pot, alarm clock, etc. Run fridge and water heater on propane. We keep battery powered lights that we can move from room to room so save on the trailer lights when we really don't need them. Remember the water pump will use battery power, so the more you flush or use the sink, the more battery power you are using. We have a jug that we keep water in, just in case.
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Old 01-31-2015, 06:46 PM   #14
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Be considerate with the Genny,

Thanks Lloyd X2
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnboytoo View Post
The solar battery charger is a good idea in between spurts of recharging with your generator a little each day
(but don't be THAT guy disturbing everyone around you with a generator running too long please)

You might also consider swapping out the bulbs to LED's...
will reduce the battery drain 10 fold ....
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