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

bigboomer · bigboomer

Well folks in preparation of installing our new solar panel system in the next couple of weeks we decided to switch all of our incandesent bulbs both 12V and 110V with LEDs. All I can say is WOW....what a difference in both quality of light, heat and power consumption. The LEDs took all of 30 minutes to ch...

Ann-Hank · Ann-Hank

Has anyone had problems...break-ins...while boondocking in the wilderness, while out on daily explorations?

Ann-Hank · Ann-Hank

Solar is in and we are officially on the road. Left AM Solar on Thursday, spent the first night at a park by Grants Pass. While trying to find something about half way to Redding, I found a county park that is free. Checked it on Google Earth and it looked doable. Tonight will be our second night. It's GREAT...

skipwest · skipwest

The little woman & I are going to try dry camping for the first time in our (new) 5W at Quartzsite with other couples. As a first-timer I've been stressing over power. Our 5W has only one battery installed and I have a Honda EU3000i genny. So here's my question: Would it do me any good to leave my tra...

Old Snipe · Old Snipe

What way did you attach your solar panels to your roof? Did you use screws or the 3M double sided tape? If you used the tape, how has it held up? I hate the idea of drilling holes in my roof. Best Regards!

Jack Mayer · Jack Mayer

Many of you know I have extensive info on my website on "RV Solar and Electrical Modifications". I OFTEN get asked to produce an ebook on the topic, which I would sell (of course). I wonder if there is much demand for a reasonably priced reference ebook on this topic. I've not looked to see wha...

Hdrider · Hdrider

Do you use your crockpot much boondocking when your relying on solar?

NWescapee · NWescapee

Any suggestions on the best way to find the closest place to fill your water tank when boon docking? We participate in several art shows each year where overnight free camping is provided for artists with fully self contained rigs. Our biggest challenge with this is finding a place close by to fill ou...

mjlitz · mjlitz

Don't know whether this is acceptable question to ask but here goes. We are having trouble with our solar system and the closest city is Tucson - any recommendations re repair? Thanks.

momyfor2 · momyfor2

Hi, We are planning to become a full time rvers and we are planning to stay in one place for the whole summer. We will be most of the time doing boondocking and plan only to be in campground during weekends. But most of the time we plan on boondocking in Calgary area, Canada. My question is based on your e...

pismojoe · pismojoe

Hi, I have a 35' Alfa Sun 5'ver with 2 125 watt solar panels and 4 6 volt golf cart batteries. I'm heading for Quartzsite but am not getting the juice I think I should out of my system as it is now. When connecting the panels to the "regulator" I used the existing pre-wired lines built in at the fac...

rvSolarNewbie · rvSolarNewbie

Hi, I am new to this forum and I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Rick and I currently live in Idaho. I am thinking of adding a solar panel to my RV so that I can run some smalle equipment while parked at the lake for the weekend. The kit I am thinking of purchasing is the following: htt...

Kevin and Janet · Kevin and Janet

Is there a book or good web site with information about places to boondock with a Class A Motorhome 40 foot?

TxYellowRose · TxYellowRose

BLOOMSBURY, NEW JERSEY NEAR I-78 Following a lead by a previous post in this section, Dave and I are near Bloomsbury, NJ and have a parking lot available for overnight boondocking if you need a place to stop. Near I-78, easy access, plenty of room for big rigs. Send me a PM if you need a safe place to park f...

jswharton · jswharton

I'm in the design phase of battery sizing, solar etc and got an interesting email from a Lifeline distributor. Some of the items are user controllable and others are design and equipment. Any comments / observations? Lifeline forwarded your inquiry to me for response. (We are a Master Distribut...

Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog · Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog

Hi All, We just ordered our new 5th wheel and want to have solar put on it. Is there anyone place or anyone to talk to about what are the best panels to get, converter, batteries and what ever else you need to get this done. We are pretty clueless so any help would be great. Thanks

RunsWithScissors · RunsWithScissors

I've noticed that pressure cookers are making a come-back on the cooking scene. As my husband and I form a picture of what full-timing in an RV would look like for us, we've started to think in terms of living in a limited space and managing our energy usage (especially for boondocking and dry campi...

MaryBee · MaryBee

For those of you with a Fifth wheel, how do you store extra gasoline for your Generator? We have a Honda EUI2000 and of course we need gas for our chain saw for cutting fire wood. The obvious would be to store it in the back of the truck bed, but was wondering what others do?

Anne · Anne

In regards to the older post quoted below relating to composting toilets, I recall that while living in Mariposa County near Yosemite a couple decades ago, there was a proposal by a Canadian strip-mining company to mine fine gold that was met with further plans as to how to fill the resulting gash in th...

Paul and Jo · Paul and Jo

Need to post this here, and in the general forum. It shows how your brain can get addled when thinking too much about getting into RVing ... Jo and I were out looking at camping sites and checking up on available amenities and how other campers cope when they pull in with an RV. We also looked at adjacent bo...

Hina · Hina

I'm not boondocking yet, but today, my AC went out, and my laptop stopped charging, as did all other chargers (cell phone, 3G/4G Hotspot) which were plugged into the wall socket. I'm still a newbie at the RV lifestyle, and I assumed that stuff like that would just go on the battery, but when you think abo...

burdy · burdy

Mof line across tv every 12 " or soy new problem is as followed. put in a 1000 watt pure sine inverter. the main problem is my flat panel show some kind of interferance. there are lines,intermitance ( I assume signal) flat screen is putting aprox 6" of signal interferance every 15 " or so.innerferanc...

Alie and Jims Carrilite · Alie and Jims Carrilite

Starting this topic so the generator postioning topic doesn't get to derailed.. I am planning on carrying my honda clone (chinese 3000 iu) in the pickup bed but want to wire it to the 5'er. What I plan on is running a cable from the rear of the rv- where the breaker panel is, to the hitch. Its a straig...

Loki · Loki

I know generator positioning has been discussed before in this forum, but here is something I didn't find an answer for: I would like to buy 2 Hondas EU2000i, and place them in the space under the gooseneck (for further noise reduction), but someone said it's not possible. Why? Would it make sense to pl...

felicia · felicia

I was curious what's the max size rv for the forest service campgrounds that we would use for boondocking? Thanks for the help! Felicia

NorCal Dan · NorCal Dan

News last night covered about 10 RV'ers being kicked out of the Walmart parking lot in Lodi California. When the news team interviewed the campers they said they had been parked there for months, had lost their S&B homes and jobs, and needed a place to park there RV. While WalMart does allow RV par...

burdy · burdy

I have 2 deep cycle 12 volt batterys in my bank. How long should i expect to get out of my 1000 watt pure sine converter, lets say usuing 500 continuous watts. Is there a math run or just see. just your best guess. Thanks

Morat · Morat

Greetings from London! Hi to one and all. I'm new to the forum and new to boondocking, but I have been camping all my life and now hae the oppertunity to travel the world in a camper van. I have been looking at all the great advice out there, the opnly problem i have thus far is a lot of the info out there is aime...

tcox4freedom · tcox4freedom

Hi everybody, I'm a new guy that lives in the Florence, SC area. I just wanted to volunteer my place for boondocking for the members heading to Myrtle Beach or up & down I-95. I live in the country about 4 miles south of the Florence Super Walmart along the "scenic" rte to Myrtle Beach (1...

Blythe N Chuck · Blythe N Chuck

We are looking at getting our first rig (class a - diesel)...several we have found have solar charging systems listed as upgrades included...what is this? Sounds great - just don't have a clue as to how to what this does. We were hoping this might help us have the ability to boondock longer but wasn't s...

Topic		Started By	Replies	Views	Last Post
	LED lights (Preview) Well folks in preparation of installing our new solar panel system in the next couple of weeks we decided to switch all of our incandesent bulbs both 12V and 110V with LEDs. All I can say is WOW....what a difference in both quality of light, heat and power consumption. The LEDs took all of 30 minutes to ch...	bigboomer	5	1983	12:04 PM May 28, 2013 by Gone in a flash
	Rig safety (Preview) Has anyone had problems...break-ins...while boondocking in the wilderness, while out on daily explorations?	Ann-Hank	16	2784	03:57 AM May 15, 2013 by mjlitz
	doing the happy dance (Preview) Solar is in and we are officially on the road. Left AM Solar on Thursday, spent the first night at a park by Grants Pass. While trying to find something about half way to Redding, I found a county park that is free. Checked it on Google Earth and it looked doable. Tonight will be our second night. It's GREAT...	Ann-Hank	6	1941	03:50 AM Apr 14, 2013 by Ann-Hank
	Battery Power Question (Preview) The little woman & I are going to try dry camping for the first time in our (new) 5W at Quartzsite with other couples. As a first-timer I've been stressing over power. Our 5W has only one battery installed and I have a Honda EU3000i genny. So here's my question: Would it do me any good to leave my tra...	skipwest	9	3536	11:30 PM Mar 16, 2013 by Lonney Wade
	How to attach a Solar Panel? (Preview) What way did you attach your solar panels to your roof? Did you use screws or the 3M double sided tape? If you used the tape, how has it held up? I hate the idea of drilling holes in my roof. Best Regards!	Old Snipe	30	32328	05:40 PM Feb 1, 2013 by Deborha
	Ebook on RV Electrical and Solar - is it worth doing? (Preview) Many of you know I have extensive info on my website on "RV Solar and Electrical Modifications". I OFTEN get asked to produce an ebook on the topic, which I would sell (of course). I wonder if there is much demand for a reasonably priced reference ebook on this topic. I've not looked to see wha...	Jack Mayer	24	3462	04:27 AM Jan 11, 2013 by fotoman54
	Crockpot and solar (Preview) Do you use your crockpot much boondocking when your relying on solar?	Hdrider	8	5093	11:17 PM Dec 25, 2012 by Jwar
	Finding potable water when boondocking (Preview) Any suggestions on the best way to find the closest place to fill your water tank when boon docking? We participate in several art shows each year where overnight free camping is provided for artists with fully self contained rigs. Our biggest challenge with this is finding a place close by to fill ou...	NWescapee	6	7854	01:18 AM Dec 11, 2012 by Racerguy
	Help with solar repair (Preview) Don't know whether this is acceptable question to ask but here goes. We are having trouble with our solar system and the closest city is Tucson - any recommendations re repair? Thanks.	mjlitz	10	1974	03:33 AM Dec 1, 2012 by mjlitz
	Hi there, a question about generator and boondocking (Preview) Hi, We are planning to become a full time rvers and we are planning to stay in one place for the whole summer. We will be most of the time doing boondocking and plan only to be in campground during weekends. But most of the time we plan on boondocking in Calgary area, Canada. My question is based on your e...	momyfor2	29	5765	04:26 AM Nov 24, 2012 by momyfor2
	Wiring for solar panels (Preview) Hi, I have a 35' Alfa Sun 5'ver with 2 125 watt solar panels and 4 6 volt golf cart batteries. I'm heading for Quartzsite but am not getting the juice I think I should out of my system as it is now. When connecting the panels to the "regulator" I used the existing pre-wired lines built in at the fac...	pismojoe	2	1501	04:58 PM Nov 3, 2012 by Jack Mayer
	100 Watt Solar Panel Kit (Preview) Hi, I am new to this forum and I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Rick and I currently live in Idaho. I am thinking of adding a solar panel to my RV so that I can run some smalle equipment while parked at the lake for the weekend. The kit I am thinking of purchasing is the following: htt...	rvSolarNewbie	7	4053	01:39 AM Oct 21, 2012 by Alie and Jims Carrilite
	Were can I boondock? boondocking places (Preview) Is there a book or good web site with information about places to boondock with a Class A Motorhome 40 foot?	Kevin and Janet	4	1961	07:22 PM Sep 16, 2012 by blijil
	Boondocking Overnight Available (Preview) BLOOMSBURY, NEW JERSEY NEAR I-78 Following a lead by a previous post in this section, Dave and I are near Bloomsbury, NJ and have a parking lot available for overnight boondocking if you need a place to stop. Near I-78, easy access, plenty of room for big rigs. Send me a PM if you need a safe place to park f...	TxYellowRose	9	4715	07:51 PM Sep 8, 2012 by GENECOP
	Battery Life (Preview) I'm in the design phase of battery sizing, solar etc and got an interesting email from a Lifeline distributor. Some of the items are user controllable and others are design and equipment. Any comments / observations? Lifeline forwarded your inquiry to me for response. (We are a Master Distribut...	jswharton	2	1917	04:28 PM Jul 18, 2012 by Technomadia
	Help need information (Preview) Hi All, We just ordered our new 5th wheel and want to have solar put on it. Is there anyone place or anyone to talk to about what are the best panels to get, converter, batteries and what ever else you need to get this done. We are pretty clueless so any help would be great. Thanks	Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog	4	2057	07:38 PM May 25, 2012 by Speedhitch
	Pressure cookers to reduce energy usage (Preview) I've noticed that pressure cookers are making a come-back on the cooking scene. As my husband and I form a picture of what full-timing in an RV would look like for us, we've started to think in terms of living in a limited space and managing our energy usage (especially for boondocking and dry campi...	RunsWithScissors	2	1932	12:54 PM May 12, 2012 by RunsWithScissors
	Methods of Transporting extra Gasoline for Generator gas gasoline fifth wheel storage (Preview) For those of you with a Fifth wheel, how do you store extra gasoline for your Generator? We have a Honda EUI2000 and of course we need gas for our chain saw for cutting fire wood. The obvious would be to store it in the back of the truck bed, but was wondering what others do?	MaryBee	4	8048	10:53 PM Mar 9, 2012 by MaryBee
	composting toilets & the environmental alternative (Preview) In regards to the older post quoted below relating to composting toilets, I recall that while living in Mariposa County near Yosemite a couple decades ago, there was a proposal by a Canadian strip-mining company to mine fine gold that was met with further plans as to how to fill the resulting gash in th...	Anne	0	1566	11:45 AM Jan 27, 2012 by Anne
	ummm .. duh! (Preview) Need to post this here, and in the general forum. It shows how your brain can get addled when thinking too much about getting into RVing ... Jo and I were out looking at camping sites and checking up on available amenities and how other campers cope when they pull in with an RV. We also looked at adjacent bo...	Paul and Jo	6	3788	02:39 AM Jan 27, 2012 by lindy
	DC to DC converters? Laptop/Cell not charging without AC. ac/dc dc converter ac converter (Preview) I'm not boondocking yet, but today, my AC went out, and my laptop stopped charging, as did all other chargers (cell phone, 3G/4G Hotspot) which were plugged into the wall socket. I'm still a newbie at the RV lifestyle, and I assumed that stuff like that would just go on the battery, but when you think abo...	Hina	9	2626	04:54 PM Jan 9, 2012 by Hina
	Inerferance signal by way of lines accross video flat screen (Preview) Mof line across tv every 12 " or soy new problem is as followed. put in a 1000 watt pure sine inverter. the main problem is my flat panel show some kind of interferance. there are lines,intermitance ( I assume signal) flat screen is putting aprox 6" of signal interferance every 15 " or so.innerferanc...	burdy	11	2099	01:40 PM Dec 28, 2011 by MikeH
	Wire sizing (Preview) Starting this topic so the generator postioning topic doesn't get to derailed.. I am planning on carrying my honda clone (chinese 3000 iu) in the pickup bed but want to wire it to the 5'er. What I plan on is running a cable from the rear of the rv- where the breaker panel is, to the hitch. Its a straig...	Alie and Jims Carrilite	9	2605	07:31 AM Dec 27, 2011 by mrschwarz
	Generator Positioning Generator (Preview) I know generator positioning has been discussed before in this forum, but here is something I didn't find an answer for: I would like to buy 2 Hondas EU2000i, and place them in the space under the gooseneck (for further noise reduction), but someone said it's not possible. Why? Would it make sense to pl...	Loki	15	7975	11:42 AM Dec 25, 2011 by Jack Mayer
	Forest Service campgrounds (Preview) I was curious what's the max size rv for the forest service campgrounds that we would use for boondocking? Thanks for the help! Felicia	felicia	7	3748	11:11 AM Dec 24, 2011 by blijil
	Walmart Overnight - Not in Lodi CA. (Preview) News last night covered about 10 RV'ers being kicked out of the Walmart parking lot in Lodi California. When the news team interviewed the campers they said they had been parked there for months, had lost their S&B homes and jobs, and needed a place to park there RV. While WalMart does allow RV par...	NorCal Dan	17	6545	10:44 PM Dec 19, 2011 by Bill Adams
	Battery time of use wth inverter (Preview) I have 2 deep cycle 12 volt batterys in my bank. How long should i expect to get out of my 1000 watt pure sine converter, lets say usuing 500 continuous watts. Is there a math run or just see. just your best guess. Thanks	burdy	12	9640	02:57 PM Nov 21, 2011 by Byrdy
	help with my new RV Solar Inverter Converter Charger Boondocking Volts International power batteries (Preview) Greetings from London! Hi to one and all. I'm new to the forum and new to boondocking, but I have been camping all my life and now hae the oppertunity to travel the world in a camper van. I have been looking at all the great advice out there, the opnly problem i have thus far is a lot of the info out there is aime...	Morat	4	5152	06:17 PM Aug 19, 2011 by Morat
	Call me if your traveling through SC on I-95 if you want to boondock. (Preview) Hi everybody, I'm a new guy that lives in the Florence, SC area. I just wanted to volunteer my place for boondocking for the members heading to Myrtle Beach or up & down I-95. I live in the country about 4 miles south of the Florence Super Walmart along the "scenic" rte to Myrtle Beach (1...	tcox4freedom	4	3283	11:38 AM Aug 8, 2011 by TxYellowRose
	What is a solar charging system? solar charging system (Preview) We are looking at getting our first rig (class a - diesel)...several we have found have solar charging systems listed as upgrades included...what is this? Sounds great - just don't have a clue as to how to what this does. We were hoping this might help us have the ability to boondock longer but wasn't s...	Blythe N Chuck	4	1798	02:51 PM Jun 28, 2011 by Blythe N Chuck
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