Solera 24 R

[garyinfante]

We are considering purchase of a new Solera 24R. Seems like most of the units that I have seen online include an option package that includes a diesel generator (about $5K) and a few other things.

We would like some real world experience and advice from the forum on the following:

Prices paid and where
MPG experienced
Options that I need
Options that are a waste

Lastly, I sleep with a CPAP machine (electricity required) and have not seen any questions regarding them in my travels. How will I power the CPAP machine overnight if I am not hooked up in a park? Generator required all night? Battery power all night?

Thanks in advance.

Gary

[ependydad]

For a CPAP, you have a few options:
1) run a generator to give you 110v electricity - this'll be expensive
2) get 110v electricity off of an inverter - be aware of battery usage (the CPAP draws a third of the power if you can go without the humidifier; I almost always sleep with it, but can tolerate it without)
3) get a 12v powered CPAP adapter - but again, be aware of the battery usage
4) All of this is moot if you're plugged in a park - you have complete 110v usage

The battery usage is most important when it comes down to how long before recharges of your battery do you want to go.

I've found that 1 car battery would last me a night and a 1/4 of the next night when using my humidifier (state park + tent camping) by plugging in an inverter. Once I learned about the humidifier being the big power hog, I went without and plugged into my truck - I didn't have any issues with its batteries (starting up the next 2 days).

[pmueller]

I have been a full time RV'er for the past 3 years in a Solera. I am also a CPAP user. The very first thing I had installed after purchase was a solar electric system (Starlight Solar in Yuma, AZ). Our solar panels produce 600 watts and charge the AGM house battery at a peak current of 30 amps under full sun. Plenty of power for all our electronics and CPAP. I even run the fridge for part of the day off the inverter when we have a full charge. The only time I use the propane-fired generator is to exercise it occasionally. In 3 years I've run the generator about 50 hours or less.

We rarely stay at RV parks as cost is an issue for us as full timers. Instead, we opt for free or low cost alternatives such as national parks, national forests, BLM land, Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds and other federal lands when available. With the solar electric system, we can easily camp anywhere without hookups. As retirees we have a $10-for-life America the Beautiful pass that enables us to get a 50% discount at Federal campgrounds.

I tow a small vehicle (2000 Chevy Tracker) and have kept track of my fill-ups and fuel economy since Day 1. I have averaged just shy of 15 mpg over the 58,000 mile life of the vehicle (Mercedes 6-cylinder diesel engine). As a full timer, I watch my fuel costs carefully and I do not travel at highway speeds. I set the cruise control at 2,000 rpm which translates into about 53 mph on the highway.

If I were buying a Solera today, I would consider purchasing a used one in good condition.

[DebbieMH]

Originally Posted by pmueller

I have been a full time RV'er for the past 3 years in a Solera. I am also a CPAP user. The very first thing I had installed after purchase was a solar electric system (Starlight Solar in Yuma, AZ). Our solar panels produce 600 watts and charge the AGM house battery at a peak current of 30 amps under full sun. Plenty of power for all our electronics and CPAP. I even run the fridge for part of the day off the inverter when we have a full charge. The only time I use the propane-fired generator is to exercise it occasionally. In 3 years I've run the generator about 50 hours or less.

We rarely stay at RV parks as cost is an issue for us as full timers. Instead, we opt for free or low cost alternatives such as national parks, national forests, BLM land, Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds and other federal lands when available. With the solar electric system, we can easily camp anywhere without hookups. As retirees we have a $10-for-life America the Beautiful pass that enables us to get a 50% discount at Federal campgrounds.

I tow a small vehicle (2000 Chevy Tracker) and have kept track of my fill-ups and fuel economy since Day 1. I have averaged just shy of 15 mpg over the 58,000 mile life of the vehicle (Mercedes 6-cylinder diesel engine). As a full timer, I watch my fuel costs carefully and I do not travel at highway speeds. I set the cruise control at 2,000 rpm which translates into about 53 mph on the highway.

If I were buying a Solera today, I would consider purchasing a used one in good condition.

Wow, 3 years full time in a Solera, I'm impressed! Don't think I'm ready to downsize that much yet - thanks for posting.

[bclemens]

Just an FYI Diesel gens are not available for factory orders at this time. If you find one in the field, snatch it up. Its the last ones.

They moved their production for various quality controls issues and so we can no longer get that Gen. No ETA on when we might offer another one.