phemens wrote:
As with others, we use a Big Buddy propane heater. I installed a quick connect to a fitting that runs a hose outside to a separate 30lb tank that it shares with the camp stove. Provides plenty of heat until we go to bed, at which point we fill a couple of hot water bottles to keep our toes toasty. In extreme cases when we know it will go below 0C, we set the RV furnace to 12C. Do not leave a Mr. Heater running while you sleep!
As reference, I have 6 100A LIFePO4 batteries, with 1200w of solar. Typically I wake up to 70% charge, but we are heavy users - residential fridge, coffee makers, TV and media center, cell phone booster, etc. On a sunny day I’m charged by noon. On a day like today, which is overcast, I pulled out the generator as I was down to 60% this morning (all my percentages of remaining battery are based on available capacity, I set it to 80% to be conservative, or 480AH of usable capacity).
I wouldn't even think about the generator with 60% in the morning but then I wouldn't think of the generator with 60% after dinner. 60% will still give 30% in the morning that's enough for the Mr Coffee pot and run the microwave for breakfast. Then let solar do what it can the rest of the day. 50-55% at 7pm is my pull out the generator and run it for an hour to dump 100ah (25%) in. If in the morning it's going to be just a poor solar day due to rain or heavy overcast then I'll run the generator for 2 hours dump a 200ah in and take what ever the solar will produce.
