Gentlemen, now what?!

[scatter]

I do pretty much what Greg In Austin does, with solar too, and I have one 4D battery. Never have a problem. Even running the fridge and furnace all night. Dual batteries will give you a cushion and if you're using high wattage items like Jage's toaster it's probably a good idea. With solar, or driving every other day, and just using lights, furnace and fridge, it's not needed.

[daveb]

Originally Posted by 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

Joe like I posted I had only one 4-D for a few years with no problem but it is quite interresting how much cold weather affects the batteries storage. I can't say for sure (haven't done too many tests) but it seems that my twin 4-Ds at 20 degrees preform like or slightly better than a single at 40 degrees. During mild weather the twin batteries help quite a bit. I can even run the microwave for a short period W/O the engine running. But even one 4-D should be OK especially if you change your lights to LED. My heaters are no problem (espar) but running the lights commonally took a toll if left on for lenghty times. I'm in the process of having a rear cargo rack made that will possibly hold a 120W panel which will be removable. The panel will be the last item to install and at about 1000 bucks it might be a while before I make that plunge.
Dave

[skrivan]

just curious, but if battery power is a potential problem, why isnt water also an issue. where do you refill and drain the water tanks?

[jlrray]

I know this is off topic. But I keep 2 five gal tanks that I fill when I can.

[jage]

Hey, Joanna, we need an update! How has life without shore power been working out?

[Joanna]

Sorry, guys, I've been AWOL.

Um, I think it's been OK. My use is certainly minor compared to McBeast; I have no TV or electronics extraordinaire, only the radio, fridge, lights and rarely used microwave. The solar read out is never lower than 12-ish, and often up to 14.
I live and park about 50 yards from the beach, the only trees are an occasional palm and as my daily driver, use is between 5 miles and 100 miles (Brownsville and Harlingen round trip). So I think you have all been correct, I can go on like this indefinitely.

NOW, here's a weird twist: none of my outlets work, even when I'm on shore power. I discovered this a couple of weeks ago during a trip, I bought a spot in RV parks for several evenings and brought my computer to do some letter writing. Nothing. No juice from any of the outlets. I was reduced to (gasp!) pen and paper.

Why is nothing simple?

[jage]

I'm going with GFI tripped. The one GFI would interrupt all your outlets in any circumstance.

But start a new thread if that's not it.

[Joanna]

Thanks, Jage, I'll go out tomorrow and check it out.
Sign me: crossing my fingers for an easy fix.
Joanna