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

RetiredGuy · RetiredGuy

We are in the process of upgrading our DC power supply (inverter, batteries, and solar). While doing the research for this, I remembered that there was some sort of tax credit for energy improvements for your home. I Googled “federal tax credit for solar” and a wealth of results popped up. It appears t...

blijil · blijil

Ok someone had to get the discussion rolling. We have dry camped for a week at a time without even a generator. Four standard marine RV batteries would do it with a lot of conservation. I use a cpap and on the inverter it demands about 24 amp hours a night so we use 200 amp hours in about 5...

beardog · beardog

Anyone know where a person could boondock around Laughlin, Nv. I know you can stay at a few of the Casinos, but they are so packed in there. Our dog is alittle to protective to stay in those places. Thanks for any ideas. Jerry

GENECOP · GENECOP

My inverter charger control panel is a Magnum Energy, it has 2 buttons, INVERTOR-ON/OFF and CHARGER-ON/OFF. I have not hit any of the buttons since we got the Rig, it has been on the whole time. When the genny is running, i assume both buttons should be on, how about when we are plugged in to shore power? A...

bates6618 · bates6618

We are currently full-timers but are interested in boondocking. What equipment would be necessary to successfully boondock? I'm guessing: 1) Solar Panels & associated batteries 2) Generator...but how "large" in size? 3) Grey/Blue boy. What else? Any suggestions would...

Doncat · Doncat

I have been reading about boondocking and using solar panels to charge your batteries, however I am not certain I understand the whole converter and inverter usage. I know I have a converter, but I don't have an inverter. I know a little about inverters because we used to use them when in our truc...

Rodgtc · Rodgtc

When you are boondocking is thier a time limit on federal land or BLM sites? I thought I read somthing about 14 days and having to buy a permit? At Arches National Park can you just move from camp ground to camp ground with no time limit? Thanks in advance Rodgtc -- Edited by Rodgtc on Thursday 22nd of April...

Rodgtc · Rodgtc

Can you guys tell me if thier is any benifit to running the generator while driving to help charge the batteries faster? We love to boondock and stay in remote federal camp grounds, some do not allow running a generator so when we leave are house batteries are low and we may only travel two or three hours t...

Gary · Gary

A thought was rumbling through my head last night. IF I had solar cells on the roof AND enough batteries, would it be feasible to run the refrigerator on electric during travel? The reason I ask is that running with the gas on during travel may not be feasible in some areas (going through tunnels for ins...

simonsrf · simonsrf

Our plan is to FT starting October 1, 2006. One of the most frustrating parts of planning for our future FT experience is trying to find information on where others have located satisfactory boondocking locations in the west. I know about freecamping.com and the information is pretty good...

DreamerBob · DreamerBob

We have a fifth wheel that has two 12v batteries and an Onan 5500 propane generator. We haven't tried boondocking yet so I'm trying to anticipate how it'll go. Does anyone have any idea on how long fully charged batteries will last in between re-charges when running an average amount of lighting &...

kiscoirish · kiscoirish

We are starting to dry camp with a 32ft 5th wheel and have decided to purchase a generator. Would like to hear from folks with suggestions. With which manufacture/model generator are you satisfied or dissatisfied?

BillA · BillA

We are looking at generator options and wondering what the noise level restrictions are in state, national and COE camping areas. Is there a certain decibel level that the genset must operate below? If so what is that level? Specs on the most of the units we are considering are 60dba or less at rated...

sonicsix · sonicsix

We added solar to our camper recently and thought we'd share our experience with everyone. We have a 19' Palomino Gazelle G210 travel trailer and wanted to be able to boondock without having to tote a generator around. We put 2 Kyocera 135-watt panels on the roof with tiltable mounts and a Blue Sky 302...

gypsy97 · gypsy97

I will be camphosting this summer at Lassen Volcanic National Park in N. California. I will have water & sewer hookups, but no electric, so I will be reliant on my generator. Every morning I grind the coffee beans in an electric grinder, and brew 8 cups of coffee in my Mr. Coffee (that only amounts...

blijil · blijil

We are considering purchasing a 45 gal water bladder from Camping world to bring fresh water to our 5th wheel when we do prolonged drycamping. This will replace the 6 gallon jug we methodically drag from the water to the trailer on a dolly. What do you use and what do you think works best for you? Thanks f...

Dixie · Dixie

Hi Everyone, I joined a Yahoo forum about Rv Boondocking and came across this nice website posted there http://www.eugenecarsey.com/camp/default.htm There are some beautiful pictures but not much information about camping with rvs. Being that we will be new to rving and love the idea of not be...

Old Snipe · Old Snipe

On my Winnebago Journey, I have three Group 27 12 volt house batteries. I woud like to install some solar panels on the roof. Using the recommended rule of thumb, I should use 50 watts of panel for each battery. So with what I have, I should only use 150 watts of panel. Against the rule of thumb, I'd lik...

Dixie · Dixie

Hi All I recently talked to a few people who mentioned that they have usedcemetaries to pull into to spend the night. They said it was the safest place to stay. Sounds a bit creepy to me.I was wondering if anyone has ever tried it or even heard about this?I just had to ask ThanksDixie

blijil · blijil

We have 4 marine/RV 12V house batteries that are about 3 years old. After some extensive load testing they seem to have reduced capacity by about 15% or so. The have been well cared for, not discharged below 55%, and kept charged when not in use. How long should they last? What is your experience? ...

blijil · blijil

First campground out fulltiming we headed for our favorite dry camp national forest campground. The forest is closed due to drought and the NF campground fees are up another 13%. So at $15 a day + $6 to dump + $7 a day for extra vehicles but you can't hike on the trails what should we do. Like many others...

blijil · blijil

After reading todays RV Dreams we just couldn't resist mentioning the extended choices in campgrounds when you have solar and capability to haul water. Many state and federal campgrounds are beautiful but don't provide hookups and often we find campgrounds with full hookups that aren't availab...

Doncat · Doncat

I have my vacation RV (a bumper pull trailer) and I am considering adding a generator for boondocking. I am trying to decide where to install it. I ran across the Onan "Juicebox" generator, which is carried by the rear hitch. Does anyone have experience with these? Also wondering if I purchase a 5er a...

ehde · ehde

Has anyone adapted an UPS (uninteruptable power supply) unit as a sine wave inverter? Last year I bought an inexpensive ($149) modified sine wave inverter (2KW run/4KW surge) from Harbor Freight Tools to run the microwave, coffee pot, and any other short term use appliances without havin...

Topic		Started By	Replies	Views	Last Post
	Tax Credit For Solar (Preview) We are in the process of upgrading our DC power supply (inverter, batteries, and solar). While doing the research for this, I remembered that there was some sort of tax credit for energy improvements for your home. I Googled “federal tax credit for solar” and a wealth of results popped up. It appears t...	RetiredGuy	0	4975	02:31 PM Mar 7, 2011 by RetiredGuy
	Solar-When do you start ( 1 2 ) (Preview) Ok someone had to get the discussion rolling. We have dry camped for a week at a time without even a generator. Four standard marine RV batteries would do it with a lot of conservation. I use a cpap and on the inverter it demands about 24 amp hours a night so we use 200 amp hours in about 5...	blijil	50	19942	07:32 PM Nov 23, 2010 by bowking
	Laughlin Boondocking (Preview) Anyone know where a person could boondock around Laughlin, Nv. I know you can stay at a few of the Casinos, but they are so packed in there. Our dog is alittle to protective to stay in those places. Thanks for any ideas. Jerry	beardog	0	3549	07:36 PM Sep 30, 2010 by beardog
	Inverter Basics (Preview) My inverter charger control panel is a Magnum Energy, it has 2 buttons, INVERTOR-ON/OFF and CHARGER-ON/OFF. I have not hit any of the buttons since we got the Rig, it has been on the whole time. When the genny is running, i assume both buttons should be on, how about when we are plugged in to shore power? A...	GENECOP	6	4682	10:14 AM Jul 20, 2010 by NorCal Dan
	Required Equipment for Boondocking? (Preview) We are currently full-timers but are interested in boondocking. What equipment would be necessary to successfully boondock? I'm guessing: 1) Solar Panels & associated batteries 2) Generator...but how "large" in size? 3) Grey/Blue boy. What else? Any suggestions would...	bates6618	4	6708	10:45 AM May 1, 2010 by Jbbar
	INVERTER vs CONVERTER (Preview) I have been reading about boondocking and using solar panels to charge your batteries, however I am not certain I understand the whole converter and inverter usage. I know I have a converter, but I don't have an inverter. I know a little about inverters because we used to use them when in our truc...	Doncat	16	22526	04:23 AM Apr 27, 2010 by jhonebhrestom
	Camping time limit (Preview) When you are boondocking is thier a time limit on federal land or BLM sites? I thought I read somthing about 14 days and having to buy a permit? At Arches National Park can you just move from camp ground to camp ground with no time limit? Thanks in advance Rodgtc -- Edited by Rodgtc on Thursday 22nd of April...	Rodgtc	2	2958	09:15 AM Apr 24, 2010 by dewwood
	Generator use while moving down the road (Preview) Can you guys tell me if thier is any benifit to running the generator while driving to help charge the batteries faster? We love to boondock and stay in remote federal camp grounds, some do not allow running a generator so when we leave are house batteries are low and we may only travel two or three hours t...	Rodgtc	3	3155	05:42 PM Apr 19, 2010 by Rodgtc
	Solar and House Batteries Solar Refrigerator Battery (Preview) A thought was rumbling through my head last night. IF I had solar cells on the roof AND enough batteries, would it be feasible to run the refrigerator on electric during travel? The reason I ask is that running with the gas on during travel may not be feasible in some areas (going through tunnels for ins...	Gary	12	10478	08:07 AM Apr 4, 2010 by sirwinston21
	Where do you Boondock? (Preview) Our plan is to FT starting October 1, 2006. One of the most frustrating parts of planning for our future FT experience is trying to find information on where others have located satisfactory boondocking locations in the west. I know about freecamping.com and the information is pretty good...	simonsrf	6	9197	09:45 PM Feb 27, 2010 by Jbbar
	Boondocking for the first time (Preview) We have a fifth wheel that has two 12v batteries and an Onan 5500 propane generator. We haven't tried boondocking yet so I'm trying to anticipate how it'll go. Does anyone have any idea on how long fully charged batteries will last in between re-charges when running an average amount of lighting &...	DreamerBob	13	9177	07:26 AM Feb 20, 2010 by Onawave
	which gnerator to purchase? (Preview) We are starting to dry camp with a 32ft 5th wheel and have decided to purchase a generator. Would like to hear from folks with suggestions. With which manufacture/model generator are you satisfied or dissatisfied?	kiscoirish	26	9299	10:28 AM Feb 14, 2010 by azrving
	Regs regarding generator noise level (Preview) We are looking at generator options and wondering what the noise level restrictions are in state, national and COE camping areas. Is there a certain decibel level that the genset must operate below? If so what is that level? Specs on the most of the units we are considering are 60dba or less at rated...	BillA	2	7450	12:31 PM Feb 11, 2010 by flyone
	We installed 270 Watts of Solar on a 19' TT (Preview) We added solar to our camper recently and thought we'd share our experience with everyone. We have a 19' Palomino Gazelle G210 travel trailer and wanted to be able to boondock without having to tote a generator around. We put 2 Kyocera 135-watt panels on the roof with tiltable mounts and a Blue Sky 302...	sonicsix	1	2911	07:31 AM Oct 20, 2009 by mailman01
	Using a generator (Preview) I will be camphosting this summer at Lassen Volcanic National Park in N. California. I will have water & sewer hookups, but no electric, so I will be reliant on my generator. Every morning I grind the coffee beans in an electric grinder, and brew 8 cups of coffee in my Mr. Coffee (that only amounts...	gypsy97	18	10420	02:21 PM Jun 1, 2009 by snowman8
	Methods of transporting fresh water when boondocking (Preview) We are considering purchasing a 45 gal water bladder from Camping world to bring fresh water to our 5th wheel when we do prolonged drycamping. This will replace the 6 gallon jug we methodically drag from the water to the trailer on a dolly. What do you use and what do you think works best for you? Thanks f...	blijil	9	6051	09:32 AM Mar 12, 2009 by simonsrf
	Boondocking website (Preview) Hi Everyone, I joined a Yahoo forum about Rv Boondocking and came across this nice website posted there http://www.eugenecarsey.com/camp/default.htm There are some beautiful pictures but not much information about camping with rvs. Being that we will be new to rving and love the idea of not be...	Dixie	3	3876	07:38 PM Jan 26, 2009 by bjoyce
	More solar power than batteries can hold? (Preview) On my Winnebago Journey, I have three Group 27 12 volt house batteries. I woud like to install some solar panels on the roof. Using the recommended rule of thumb, I should use 50 watts of panel for each battery. So with what I have, I should only use 150 watts of panel. Against the rule of thumb, I'd lik...	Old Snipe	6	5899	07:50 PM Dec 9, 2008 by dgorila1
	Cemetaries for overnight boondocking (Preview) Hi All I recently talked to a few people who mentioned that they have usedcemetaries to pull into to spend the night. They said it was the safest place to stay. Sounds a bit creepy to me.I was wondering if anyone has ever tried it or even heard about this?I just had to ask ThanksDixie	Dixie	1	5164	01:27 PM Dec 5, 2008 by Richard Mondavi
	How long should your house batteries last? (Preview) We have 4 marine/RV 12V house batteries that are about 3 years old. After some extensive load testing they seem to have reduced capacity by about 15% or so. The have been well cared for, not discharged below 55%, and kept charged when not in use. How long should they last? What is your experience? ...	blijil	17	17025	07:32 AM Jul 3, 2008 by blijil
	When boondocking costs more! (Preview) First campground out fulltiming we headed for our favorite dry camp national forest campground. The forest is closed due to drought and the NF campground fees are up another 13%. So at $15 a day + $6 to dump + $7 a day for extra vehicles but you can't hike on the trails what should we do. Like many others...	blijil	1	3341	11:38 AM Jun 12, 2008 by Froggi
	Campground choices when ready to boondock (Preview) After reading todays RV Dreams we just couldn't resist mentioning the extended choices in campgrounds when you have solar and capability to haul water. Many state and federal campgrounds are beautiful but don't provide hookups and often we find campgrounds with full hookups that aren't availab...	blijil	2	3206	06:53 AM May 18, 2007 by Tmcblane
	Generator Placement (Preview) I have my vacation RV (a bumper pull trailer) and I am considering adding a generator for boondocking. I am trying to decide where to install it. I ran across the Onan "Juicebox" generator, which is carried by the rear hitch. Does anyone have experience with these? Also wondering if I purchase a 5er a...	Doncat	5	4418	07:39 AM Feb 10, 2007 by dieselmec
	Inverters (Preview) Has anyone adapted an UPS (uninteruptable power supply) unit as a sine wave inverter? Last year I bought an inexpensive ($149) modified sine wave inverter (2KW run/4KW surge) from Harbor Freight Tools to run the microwave, coffee pot, and any other short term use appliances without havin...	ehde	5	3904	05:47 PM Oct 3, 2006 by Tom & Paula
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