Dry camping

[urocav2001]

We will be dry camping this year for the first time, my question is would it be more efficient to buy another 12 v marine battery and bring it with us, buy a cheap generator, or a solar panel set, depending on how much we like it we may do it more times..


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[Mars]

You can get by on one battery for a weekend. If you're out all day an basically sleep in it you can go 3 nights easy on one battery.
If you plan to run your furnace overnight (Keeping it 70 in 20F-30F temps) you can run down two size 24DC batteries in 1-1/2 nights. A small generator may be best. It really depends on how much time you spend in your camper running 12v items. (lights, fans, water pump, TVs)

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by urocav2001

We will be dry camping this year for the first time, my question is would it be more efficient to buy another 12 v marine battery and bring it with us, buy a cheap generator, or a solar panel set, depending on how much we like it we may do it more times..


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A cheap non-inverter generator, in a campground, will not be appreciated.
Unless you're talking about something like the Champion 2000w inverter generator.
A second battery will help but if you use the furnace every night, for more than 2 nights, they will get below 50%.
How will you deal with fresh and gray water?

[urocav2001]

Fresh water would have to be pumped from tank, grey would be dumped at dump station on the way out, I would not be using furnace, my trip will be near end of June..


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[bikendan]

Originally Posted by urocav2001

Fresh water would have to be pumped from tank, grey would be dumped at dump station on the way out, I would not be using furnace, my trip will be near end of June..


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How many nights will you be dry camping and how many will be using the trailer's water and sinks?

[dcheatwood]

A small gen and external battery charger works for me. Run it a hour or so each day with charger connected to battery. Charges fast with external charger.

[Papa-t]

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

A small gen and external battery charger works for me. Run it a hour or so each day with charger connected to battery. Charges fast with external charger.

X2 I have two Honda 2000's. But if you just need to charge a battery and run a few lights a 1000 would work.

[KyDan]

With 2 standard 12v batteries we have dry camped for 5 nights no problem.
As you said- warm weather, no furnace, minimal lights- get LEDs!!
Make sure your fridge does NOT have anti condensation heater.
We pumped nearly a full tank of fresh water and even watched enough
TV every day to get local weather forecast using a little cigarette socket
inverter.

YMMV
Happy Trails!

[lswartz]

Find a local or state park near home & test it out. Then you can decide if a 2d battery etc. is needed based upon your needs. Caution, it is habit forming & you may be adding a 2d battery, generator, solar or all 3 at a later date.

[urocav2001]

Ok thanks, I will be dry camping 3 nights at a state park, unit already has led lights, state parks has restrooms and even showers but not hot ones so I should be ok with just the 2 batteries. Time will tell


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[bikendan]

Originally Posted by urocav2001

Ok thanks, I will be dry camping 3 nights at a state park, unit already has led lights, state parks has restrooms and even showers but not hot ones so I should be ok with just the 2 batteries. Time will tell


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That sounds very doable, especially if it's just you.

We had to learn dry camping, since we camped at California states parks for 25 years.
Less than 1% of their campsites have hookups of any kind.
And the handful that do are reserved year-round.
So dry camping is the norm.

So we have two deep cycle batteries, 6 gallon water jug, 15 gallon blue tote tank, 400w inverter and a Honda 2000w generator.
We aren't interested in solar because of its limitations.

[CC75]

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

A small gen and external battery charger works for me. Run it a hour or so each day with charger connected to battery. Charges fast with external charger.

dcheatwood, do you disconnect your battery from the trailer when connected to the external charger?

[youroo]

A Quite Honda 2000 covers lots of bases if your on 12V Battery Power! Beside no worry if you want to Run the EX fans since you cant run the AC,also if you need the Furnace,another real Power Robber,that is also possible while also watching TV or Charging All the "Things"that we seem to need today! The Honda is about the same # as a Big Battery also! Youroo!!

[dcheatwood]

Originally Posted by CC75

dcheatwood, do you disconnect your battery from the trailer when connected to the external charger?

No. But I had that concern also and asked on here. The consensus was that the more powerful external charger would override the onboard converter and I've never had a problem. Lots of smart folks on here.

[syogerst]

Camp at Wi stare parks, many do not have electric. Get yourself a few battery lamps or lanterns and then you won't need the lights. Use a small solar panel and it helps keep battery charged. Have fun, it just takes a little getting used to I can be really frugal using saving power.

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by lswartz

Find a local or state park near home & test it out. Then you can decide if a 2d battery etc. is needed based upon your needs. Caution, it is habit forming & you may be adding a 2d battery, generator, solar or all 3 at a later date.

Up can also test it out in your driveway, write a log of what you have on and keep an eye on your battery, also running water pump will help drain the battery.

Hope this chart helps

120 Volt AC Amp Ratings
Appliance or Electronic Equipment
Estimated Amps
Air Conditioner (X number of A/C)
12-16 Amps
Blender
5-6 Amps
Coffee Maker
5-8 Amps
Compact Disc Player
1 Amp
Computer (Laptop)
2-3 Amps
Converter
1-8 Amps
Crock Pot
1-2 Amps
Curling Iron
<1 Amp
Drill
2-6 Amps
Electric Blanket
0.5-1.5 Amps
Electric Fan
1 Amp
Electric Water Heater
9-13 Amps
Electric Skillet
6-12 Amps
Hair Dryer
5-12 Amps
Iron
5-10 Amps
Light (60 watt % 120V)
<1 Amp
Microwave
8-13 Amps
Microwave (Convection Oven)
13 Amps
Refrigerator in AC mode
5-8 Amps
Space Heater
8-13 Amps
Television
1.5-4 Amps
Toaster
7-10 Amps
Vacuum (handheld)
2-6 Amps
VCR
1-2 Amps
Washer/Dryer
14-16Amps

*
12 Volt DC Amp Ratings
Appliance or Accessory
Estimated Amps
Aisle Light
1 Amp
CO Detector
1 Amp
Fluorescent Light
1-2 Amps
Furnace
10-12 Amps
LP Gas Leak Detector
1 Amp
Overhead lights (Per Bulb)
1 Amp
Porch Light
1 Amp
Power Roof Vent
1.5 Amps
Radio/Stereo
4 Amps
Range Hood (Fan & Light)
2-3 Amps
Refrigerator (LP Gas Mode)
1.5- 2 Amps
Security System
1 Amp
Television (12 volt)
4-5 Amps
TV Antenna Booster
<1 Amp
TV Antenna Booster 12 Volt outlet
Up to 8 Amps
Variable Speed Ceiling / Vent Fan
4 Amps
VCR Recorder / Player
2 Amps
Water Pump
4 Amp


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