Gentlemen, now what?!

[MikewTV]

And let's hope that tube sock was clean before adding the baking soda.

[deminimis]

Originally Posted by MikewTV

And let's hope that tube sock was clean before adding the baking soda.

Having watched American Pie...Ah nevermind. Yes, a very clean tube sock.

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by deminimis

Having watched American Pie...Ah nevermind. Yes, a very clean tube sock.

Just adding to his own argument against being called a gentleman.


Herb

[deminimis]

Originally Posted by Bronco_hauler

Just adding to his own argument against being called a gentleman.


Herb

Well played

[jage]

Originally Posted by Joanna

I no longer have access to a plug anywhere unless I pay for a space in the RV lot.

Finally got busted eh?

If you're parking long term look into pulling the CO and Propane detector fuses, but if you drive at least once a week that should be enough with the solar panels.

Parking for a long time the best solution would probably be battery disconnects. For short term, not driving enought to keep it up you can go with more solar panels, a generator you can run once a week, or something that starts and runs the van periodically (eg. Chilly Dog system).

But first observe and see if you're really in a power hole and need a solution.

[daveb]

I never had any trouble with my van's refrigerator running daily even in foggy conditions even if the van sat for a week. I had a 4-D battery and kept up with about 150 watts of solar. (yes it depends on your battery and it's condition). Usually the lowest the battery would get from day to day in cloudy conditions was about 12.2 volts in the early morning. The only way it would drop into the 11 volt range was if I was using something during the day prior to solar charge other that the refrigerator. My battery would be up by 11am and at night running a few lights, the heater, tv and the water heater for 2 hours might drop me into the upper 11 volt range but it usually was about 12.1 or 12.2 by morning. That's actually using the van. If it sat the voltage always stayed in the mid to upper 12 volt range because of the low usage. Just make sure everything is off. It's when you leave something on and don't check that gets you in trouble. Always check!
Dave

[Greg In Austin]

Joanna,

I have been performing a test over the last few days....

We have not plugged the van into shore power since Tuesday. On Tuesday evening I returned from Glendale AZ, so the batteries were nicely topped off. Since then the van has not been started.

The fridge is on and running cold enough to keep chicken frozen.

On Wednesday night the batteries were at 12.8v.
On Thursday night the batteries were at 12.8v.
On Saturday morning the batteries were at 13.0v.

We do have two solar panels up top and the days have been partly cloudy, and the van is partially shaded by a large pecan tree.

We have two 4D batteries.

I rasied and lowered the top (electric) with no effect on the battery SOC.

What have you seen since you have been without PLUG ?

[jlrray]

Ok. that is incredible. I think I need to go this route. Solar is a must. I better check with SMB to find out how much it costs installed. Do you think 2 4D batteries are necessary? I have 1 that I need to replace ASAP. I have the fridge, and lights and occasionally the furnace during winter.

Joe

[Greg In Austin]

I don't know that the two 4Ds would be required for what Joanna is talking about, .... we got them for more power usage and power usage over a longer period of time without charging.

[jage]

I got twin 4Ds to support the toaster. At 1300W it's a huge hit to the system, and the twin 4Ds soak that up better. On paper I can boondock for 3 days and use the toaster twice a day, fridge and lights. I am not consistent enough to get any feeling for this in actuality.