Need some help finalizing equipment
I need a little assistance understanding exactly what I need to concentrate on for my rig's equipment - and I'm sending myself in circles reading other threads :-) Context: I plan to full time and...
Forum Discussion
You are not going to work your way to boondocking without a source of power. If you are going to go full time I recommend starting out right. You definitely do not want to deal with a dinky portable solar system. You should start with a couple of 100 watt panels mounted on the roof. The system will pay for itself very quickly since you will not need to pay high priced campground fees for hook ups.
I would get a second battery. Unfortunately that probably means you will need to replace the existing battery. Your batteries should be matched. Don't try to cut corners on the batteries. Get quality deep cycle batteries with a total capacity of 200 AH or greater.
I assume you will have an AC unit. If not, that is another expense to consider. An RV can get pretty hot sitting in the sun all day. It really helps to be able to run AC for an hour or two in the evening. Of course that also means you need to get a generator big enough to run the unit. I get by with a Honda 2000 but many AC units require a 3000 level generator.
The good news is that you do not need an inverter. In fact with a battery or two you really don't have the power to waste trying to run a microwave, coffee pot or any other power hog appliance. If you don't have them, you will need to get 12 volt chargers for your computer, cellphone, etc. I was not able to find 12 volt chargers for my camera batteries. I bought a small Duracell 175 watt inverter. I think it was about $30. It handles charging batteries such as my camera batteries or maybe something like an electric toothbrush.
I would get a second battery. Unfortunately that probably means you will need to replace the existing battery. Your batteries should be matched. Don't try to cut corners on the batteries. Get quality deep cycle batteries with a total capacity of 200 AH or greater.
I assume you will have an AC unit. If not, that is another expense to consider. An RV can get pretty hot sitting in the sun all day. It really helps to be able to run AC for an hour or two in the evening. Of course that also means you need to get a generator big enough to run the unit. I get by with a Honda 2000 but many AC units require a 3000 level generator.
The good news is that you do not need an inverter. In fact with a battery or two you really don't have the power to waste trying to run a microwave, coffee pot or any other power hog appliance. If you don't have them, you will need to get 12 volt chargers for your computer, cellphone, etc. I was not able to find 12 volt chargers for my camera batteries. I bought a small Duracell 175 watt inverter. I think it was about $30. It handles charging batteries such as my camera batteries or maybe something like an electric toothbrush.
