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01-11-2009, 09:53 AM
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#21
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Blairsden, CA (when not on the road)
Posts: 1,109
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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.
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Scatter
You can be anything you want on the Internet,
it amazes me that so many choose stupid....
2007 RB50, 6.0
K1WGB
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01-11-2009, 01:01 PM
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#22
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,410
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Quote:
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
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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
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2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures.......... On and off road adventures
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01-11-2009, 10:23 PM
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#23
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Draper, ut
Posts: 100
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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?
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Joe Skrivan
E-350 V-10; Penthouse, Custom Interior
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01-11-2009, 10:35 PM
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#24
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAN MARCOS, CA
Posts: 330
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I know this is off topic. But I keep 2 five gal tanks that I fill when I can.
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01-11-2009, 10:55 PM
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#25
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,644
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Hey, Joanna, we need an update! How has life without shore power been working out?
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it was good to be back
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01-12-2009, 07:20 PM
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#26
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Padre Island, Texas
Posts: 238
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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?
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'07 Ford EB50 PSD SMB $x$
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01-12-2009, 07:26 PM
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#27
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,644
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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.
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it was good to be back
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01-12-2009, 07:41 PM
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#28
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Padre Island, Texas
Posts: 238
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Thanks, Jage, I'll go out tomorrow and check it out.
Sign me: crossing my fingers for an easy fix.
Joanna
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'07 Ford EB50 PSD SMB $x$
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