Boondocking, Solar Power, and Related Items - RV-Dreams Community Forum

BiggarView · BiggarView

Hypothetical questions regarding a 5.5K generator: (for this exercise, there is no solar capability) I'm not sure if the questions are properly framed but here goes... 1. how long would it take to more or less fully recharge 4 AGM batteries that were 50% down from 800ah capacity assuming that a 15K b...

phinfan · phinfan

I'm not an electrician and have no clue how to wire any of this stuff, so i'm not going to even try. I'll order parts from the web and save a few bucks over what my RV dealer would charge and hire an electrician to do the install. I bought a 27ft 2013 Aspen Trail 2390RKS brand new last year and i'd love to ditch t...

jennifersmith · jennifersmith

Is their difference between solar panels v/s building integrated photovoltaic products?

Pamela · Pamela

We are looking for a knowledgeable and reputable solar installer. We live in Central Texas, so anywhere from Houston to San Antonio to Dallas would work for us. Looking online has not helped as yet. Hoped someone out there would have an installer they could recommend!

BiggarView · BiggarView

We like the idea of boondocking for moderate stretches and thus we are looking into a future install of solar equipment. My guess is that a 600-800 watt system with 4 panels, 4 AGM batteries and all recommended electronics and hardware will add about 600 lbs to the rig net net after removal of any not re...

jswharton · jswharton

How often do you clean your rooftop solar panels, only when the roof is washed or more often? Does it depend on the environment, high dust/pollen clean more often? Thanks for the feedback

paulandsondra · paulandsondra

We just bought a HR Presidential Jefferson 363re. It has an area for a generator with the dimensions approximately 33x17x26deep. We have a diesel truck and propane on the 5er. We need advice on what type generator to purchase as we will be doing a lot of boondocking. We are willing to have a gas/too...

Technomadia · Technomadia

So excited to announce our latest little project - our new mobile app: US Public LandsIt overlays BLM, Forest Service, NPS and other public land boundary maps. Helping you utilize US national resources, and helping you find sweet boondocking locations!Read more about the app, including the amusi...

Lynn and Ed · Lynn and Ed

I have located various sources of information about boondocking locations within the US (e.g., Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forests, Corps of Engineers, State Parks, etc.). Do you have any suggestions about finding location information for Canada? One of the main reasons we are p...

Tmalloy21 · Tmalloy21

Hello! I'm getting a 2014 Coachmen Catalina 33ft. tow behind. I want to add solar (stand alone panels not roof mounted) and I am looking at a 450 watt system. It says you need at least a bank of 4 12v batteries. The company I'm getting the RV from says you can only put two 6V batteries in the compartment. I as...

Brian Edwards · Brian Edwards

When I was researching solar panel costs online, I was able to save a large amount of money using mysolarinstaller.com. They got me the best solar installers in my area to give me free quotes. It was quick and easy, If your looking to see if solar is right or your property, here's their website: www.myso...

Sherry · Sherry

We’re planning to have a 400 amp hr/400 watt solar install for our RV. One installer in Florida says we only need 10 gauge wire. The other person we are talking with says we should put 8 gauge. On this forum someone said they used 2 gauge and 4 gauge. I’m wondering who to believe. Do you guys have an opinion?...

Cindi · Cindi

All of my research on solar panels seems to heavily endorse AM Solar. I would be absolutely fine with ordering from them, but am totally unqualified to install by myself. A trip to Oregon just for the install seems a really long distance. Could any of you recommend an installer in my area (central PA)...

NWescapee · NWescapee

So, we thought we would try this for an enroute stop between SoCal and Phoenix. However, due to a couple of unplanned stops we got here after dark. Found a spot that seemed easy enough to pull off the road and set up for one night. We saw several areas where one or two or more rigs were already parked and...

bigboomer · bigboomer

Well folks it has been a long time in planning but I finally got the solar panel system completed this past weekend. First, my thanks must go out to John Kohl, Joe (Jolu), John (7.3Ford) of the Montana Owners Forum and Jack Mayer for allowing me to pick their brains and provide guidance thru observation...

jimindenver · jimindenver

Why go thru the hassle of boondocking when perfectly good campgrounds are around? Why not take the paved road to the leveled spot, plug in and enjoy all of the goodies like showers, bathrooms, etc? We enjoy the seclusion up in the boonies. I wake up on top of a hill or ridge with a 360 degree view of two or th...

sologal · sologal

Hi again, I want to get a solar generator and I understand watts I just can't figure out run time? The goal zero 1250 is what I have been considering. I want this to use the microwave for possibly 5 min a day and since they are supposed to store the power I should be able to use this for a long time right? I am g...

pellucid · pellucid

My two panel system is a result of following Andy Baird's instruction http://www.andybaird.com/Eureka/pages/solar.htm I bought Two batteries from Amazon (2*$264 = $528, gives 12V and 250 Amh), and all other materials from AmSolar: - Pre configured system including 1 solar panel, contr...

sologal · sologal

Hi, I hope someone here can answer this for me as I can't find it anywhere online. I will be doing a lot of boondocking in my travels and I have a mobility scooter. I do not have an inverter just a converter in my small class "c". I am not worried about not having power to the unit at this time but I do...

lindy · lindy

We have a 2012 Journey with the residential fridge, 6 AGM coach batteries, and a 2500watt inverter. To boondock for any period of time (2+ weeks) what size panel set up am I looking at, realizing that microwave, A/C, and any high watt usage will not be used.

mitch5252 · mitch5252

In preparation for spending the upcoming winter in Baja boondocking on the beach with my little travel trailer and the pooch, I JUST finished putting together my very first solar panel - 100W Renogy with a same brand (although looks very generic and inexpensive) charge controller. It was fun puttin...

mitch5252 · mitch5252

Hi! I am new to this Forum and a new widow. I have a question about my Honda eu1000i generator. I hope to go to Mexico for the winter with my little 16' travel trailer and the pooch - boondocking a lot on the beach. I have recently learned about the evils of ethanol gas in small engines! :( But the generator i...

mjlitz · mjlitz

What a wonderful experience and wonderful people. We had solar installed by someone which was way over his head with it. It has been a nightmare for us. If you recall, we fryed our Blue Sky solar box with water, Marv Braun to the rescue. After that happened, everytime we had to fill up our fresh wate...

Hina · Hina

I just finished my rainwater collection system, let's see what happens when it actually rains! I observed the flwo of water off the roof, and it's always a gentle trickle, never a torrent, so I think this will hold up. We're moving the trailer a short distance tomorrow, so I immediately get practice br...

Bull Rhino · Bull Rhino

I posted a question here a little over a month ago and got so much help from you guys that I couldn't have hoped for more - except maybe you coming out and installing it So since you didn't I had to do it myself and decided that while I was at it I might as well record it and put together a video to provide a littl...

Bull Rhino · Bull Rhino

Hi. I'm new to this forum and to Solar power. I have ordered the parts for putting in a solar system on my 5W. I have done quite a bit of research, but as I'm quite anal about things I still have questions I haven't been able to find the answer to. For right now, all I want to know is: Do I have to change any o...

Camper_Boy · Camper_Boy

I've been hearing on various blogs that Montana is not particularly accomodating for overnight parking. Has anyone stayed overnight in the Walmart in Laurel, MT (off I-90, just west of Billings)? We'll ask when we get there, but I thought I'd see if anyone has previous experience with this locati...

natbr · natbr

Hi, New to forum ... hoping you can help out. We have a E350 van we use for car camping. I've got two deep cycle batteries that are charged via the vehicle alternator (while driving) or via a battery charger plugged into shore power. Am thinking of adding solar to the mix for off the grid camping.... ...

ODBeef · ODBeef

So after a lot of researching, I've discovered a few tips like using mounting tape instead of drilling, etc. However I'm still pretty in the dark (no pun intended) about what to do in regards to my solar panels. I would like to be able to completely disconnect and go boondock for a week or so at a time. I wou...

jswharton · jswharton

Phase 1 is installing an inverter next week and would like opinions on the best place to locate. The design is based on Jack and handybob Information. The equipment, magnum 2012, tristar 45, & 600ah of lifeline batteries. the choices are to locate in the front compartment or the basement. The...

Topic		Started By	Replies	Views	Last Post
	Recharging batteries from a Generator (Preview) Hypothetical questions regarding a 5.5K generator: (for this exercise, there is no solar capability) I'm not sure if the questions are properly framed but here goes... 1. how long would it take to more or less fully recharge 4 AGM batteries that were 50% down from 800ah capacity assuming that a 15K b...	BiggarView	14	2425	07:28 AM Jun 20, 2014 by jimindenver
	Need help buying parts for solar install. (Preview) I'm not an electrician and have no clue how to wire any of this stuff, so i'm not going to even try. I'll order parts from the web and save a few bucks over what my RV dealer would charge and hire an electrician to do the install. I bought a 27ft 2013 Aspen Trail 2390RKS brand new last year and i'd love to ditch t...	phinfan	34	3691	03:57 PM May 27, 2014 by Lonney Wade
	solar panels v/s building integrated photovoltaic products (Preview) Is their difference between solar panels v/s building integrated photovoltaic products?	jennifersmith	13	2450	05:31 AM May 23, 2014 by The Hensons
	Solar Install in Texas (Preview) We are looking for a knowledgeable and reputable solar installer. We live in Central Texas, so anywhere from Houston to San Antonio to Dallas would work for us. Looking online has not helped as yet. Hoped someone out there would have an installer they could recommend!	Pamela	9	7124	05:09 AM May 23, 2014 by The Hensons
	Solar weight budget question (Preview) We like the idea of boondocking for moderate stretches and thus we are looking into a future install of solar equipment. My guess is that a 600-800 watt system with 4 panels, 4 AGM batteries and all recommended electronics and hardware will add about 600 lbs to the rig net net after removal of any not re...	BiggarView	6	2067	03:30 PM May 10, 2014 by BiggarView
	Cleaning Solar Panels (Preview) How often do you clean your rooftop solar panels, only when the roof is washed or more often? Does it depend on the environment, high dust/pollen clean more often? Thanks for the feedback	jswharton	3	2169	06:47 AM Apr 25, 2014 by jennifer123
	Which Generator will work best for us?? (Preview) We just bought a HR Presidential Jefferson 363re. It has an area for a generator with the dimensions approximately 33x17x26deep. We have a diesel truck and propane on the 5er. We need advice on what type generator to purchase as we will be doing a lot of boondocking. We are willing to have a gas/too...	paulandsondra	19	4121	08:10 PM Apr 20, 2014 by Billy Bob
	Introducing our new mobile app: US Public Lands (Preview) So excited to announce our latest little project - our new mobile app: US Public LandsIt overlays BLM, Forest Service, NPS and other public land boundary maps. Helping you utilize US national resources, and helping you find sweet boondocking locations!Read more about the app, including the amusi...	Technomadia	13	1943	05:42 AM Apr 14, 2014 by Camper Chronicles
	Boondocking locations in Canada? (Preview) I have located various sources of information about boondocking locations within the US (e.g., Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forests, Corps of Engineers, State Parks, etc.). Do you have any suggestions about finding location information for Canada? One of the main reasons we are p...	Lynn and Ed	9	11667	10:49 PM Apr 10, 2014 by TRAILERKING
	Need Adivice on Solar and Batteries (Preview) Hello! I'm getting a 2014 Coachmen Catalina 33ft. tow behind. I want to add solar (stand alone panels not roof mounted) and I am looking at a 450 watt system. It says you need at least a bank of 4 12v batteries. The company I'm getting the RV from says you can only put two 6V batteries in the compartment. I as...	Tmalloy21	18	5152	06:56 PM Mar 23, 2014 by jimindenver
	Important step before going solar (closed) (Preview) When I was researching solar panel costs online, I was able to save a large amount of money using mysolarinstaller.com. They got me the best solar installers in my area to give me free quotes. It was quick and easy, If your looking to see if solar is right or your property, here's their website: www.myso...	Brian Edwards	5	1759	07:14 PM Mar 4, 2014 by Terry and Jo
	Wiring for a solar installation - how big does it need to be? (Preview) We’re planning to have a 400 amp hr/400 watt solar install for our RV. One installer in Florida says we only need 10 gauge wire. The other person we are talking with says we should put 8 gauge. On this forum someone said they used 2 gauge and 4 gauge. I’m wondering who to believe. Do you guys have an opinion?...	Sherry	3	1794	08:42 AM Mar 2, 2014 by Jack Mayer
	Solar Install in PA (Preview) All of my research on solar panels seems to heavily endorse AM Solar. I would be absolutely fine with ordering from them, but am totally unqualified to install by myself. A trip to Oregon just for the install seems a really long distance. Could any of you recommend an installer in my area (central PA)...	Cindi	15	3176	06:05 AM Dec 10, 2013 by 01zeosix
	First night in Quartzsite - Protocal question? (Preview) So, we thought we would try this for an enroute stop between SoCal and Phoenix. However, due to a couple of unplanned stops we got here after dark. Found a spot that seemed easy enough to pull off the road and set up for one night. We saw several areas where one or two or more rigs were already parked and...	NWescapee	5	2468	08:39 PM Nov 5, 2013 by Lucky Mike
	Finally....Our Solar Panel System is Up and Running! (Preview) Well folks it has been a long time in planning but I finally got the solar panel system completed this past weekend. First, my thanks must go out to John Kohl, Joe (Jolu), John (7.3Ford) of the Montana Owners Forum and Jack Mayer for allowing me to pick their brains and provide guidance thru observation...	bigboomer	7	3380	08:02 PM Oct 16, 2013 by bigboomer
	Why do you Boondock? (Preview) Why go thru the hassle of boondocking when perfectly good campgrounds are around? Why not take the paved road to the leveled spot, plug in and enjoy all of the goodies like showers, bathrooms, etc? We enjoy the seclusion up in the boonies. I wake up on top of a hill or ridge with a 360 degree view of two or th...	jimindenver	5	2041	11:25 PM Oct 14, 2013 by blijil
	Solar generator confusion (Preview) Hi again, I want to get a solar generator and I understand watts I just can't figure out run time? The goal zero 1250 is what I have been considering. I want this to use the microwave for possibly 5 min a day and since they are supposed to store the power I should be able to use this for a long time right? I am g...	sologal	15	3025	06:57 AM Oct 13, 2013 by sologal
	solar material list, where I bought them and the cost (from Cheng at NC rally) (Preview) My two panel system is a result of following Andy Baird's instruction http://www.andybaird.com/Eureka/pages/solar.htm I bought Two batteries from Amazon (2*$264 = $528, gives 12V and 250 Amh), and all other materials from AmSolar: - Pre configured system including 1 solar panel, contr...	pellucid	0	1461	04:46 PM Oct 7, 2013 by pellucid
	boondocking with a scooter? (Preview) Hi, I hope someone here can answer this for me as I can't find it anywhere online. I will be doing a lot of boondocking in my travels and I have a mobility scooter. I do not have an inverter just a converter in my small class "c". I am not worried about not having power to the unit at this time but I do...	sologal	9	1946	09:50 PM Oct 5, 2013 by sologal
	How many watts should I set-up (Preview) We have a 2012 Journey with the residential fridge, 6 AGM coach batteries, and a 2500watt inverter. To boondock for any period of time (2+ weeks) what size panel set up am I looking at, realizing that microwave, A/C, and any high watt usage will not be used.	lindy	3	2021	09:25 PM Sep 12, 2013 by folivier
	Renogy Solar Charge Controller (30A) (Preview) In preparation for spending the upcoming winter in Baja boondocking on the beach with my little travel trailer and the pooch, I JUST finished putting together my very first solar panel - 100W Renogy with a same brand (although looks very generic and inexpensive) charge controller. It was fun puttin...	mitch5252	1	1821	09:28 AM Sep 9, 2013 by mitch5252
	Honda EU1000i Additives for MX Fuel (Preview) Hi! I am new to this Forum and a new widow. I have a question about my Honda eu1000i generator. I hope to go to Mexico for the winter with my little 16' travel trailer and the pooch - boondocking a lot on the beach. I have recently learned about the evils of ethanol gas in small engines! :( But the generator i...	mitch5252	2	1485	12:18 AM Sep 9, 2013 by PIEERE
	AM Solar = A Great Experience!! (Preview) What a wonderful experience and wonderful people. We had solar installed by someone which was way over his head with it. It has been a nightmare for us. If you recall, we fryed our Blue Sky solar box with water, Marv Braun to the rescue. After that happened, everytime we had to fill up our fresh wate...	mjlitz	5	2046	07:41 PM Aug 21, 2013 by Bill and Linda
	My Rainwater Collection System (Preview) I just finished my rainwater collection system, let's see what happens when it actually rains! I observed the flwo of water off the roof, and it's always a gentle trickle, never a torrent, so I think this will hold up. We're moving the trailer a short distance tomorrow, so I immediately get practice br...	Hina	11	7612	10:29 PM Aug 20, 2013 by Sushidog
	Thanks to YOU I'm on Solar and the Resulting Video Solar power tutorial how to video install (Preview) I posted a question here a little over a month ago and got so much help from you guys that I couldn't have hoped for more - except maybe you coming out and installing it So since you didn't I had to do it myself and decided that while I was at it I might as well record it and put together a video to provide a littl...	Bull Rhino	5	4843	03:18 PM Aug 17, 2013 by WestWardHo
	New to Solar and have a question. (Preview) Hi. I'm new to this forum and to Solar power. I have ordered the parts for putting in a solar system on my 5W. I have done quite a bit of research, but as I'm quite anal about things I still have questions I haven't been able to find the answer to. For right now, all I want to know is: Do I have to change any o...	Bull Rhino	20	2470	10:10 PM Aug 15, 2013 by Bull Rhino
	Wally-docking in Laurel, MT (Preview) I've been hearing on various blogs that Montana is not particularly accomodating for overnight parking. Has anyone stayed overnight in the Walmart in Laurel, MT (off I-90, just west of Billings)? We'll ask when we get there, but I thought I'd see if anyone has previous experience with this locati...	Camper_Boy	6	2115	12:56 AM Aug 11, 2013 by NWescapee
	Solar panel for van camping (Preview) Hi, New to forum ... hoping you can help out. We have a E350 van we use for car camping. I've got two deep cycle batteries that are charged via the vehicle alternator (while driving) or via a battery charger plugged into shore power. Am thinking of adding solar to the mix for off the grid camping.... ...	natbr	4	1880	09:23 PM Aug 4, 2013 by Bill and Linda
	Winnebago Adventurer Solar Panel Questions (Preview) So after a lot of researching, I've discovered a few tips like using mounting tape instead of drilling, etc. However I'm still pretty in the dark (no pun intended) about what to do in regards to my solar panels. I would like to be able to completely disconnect and go boondock for a week or so at a time. I wou...	ODBeef	3	3430	11:29 PM Jun 10, 2013 by Lucky Mike
	Locate - inverter & solar controller (Preview) Phase 1 is installing an inverter next week and would like opinions on the best place to locate. The design is based on Jack and handybob Information. The equipment, magnum 2012, tristar 45, & 600ah of lifeline batteries. the choices are to locate in the front compartment or the basement. The...	jswharton	3	1869	11:44 AM May 30, 2013 by jswharton
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