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obiwancanoli's avatar
obiwancanoli
Explorer
Sep 25, 2020

Dry Camping - Heat with Propane, or electrically w/Inverter?

I've been doing a lot of research on beefing up my electrical system, and next week, should have had a Voltmeter, MPPT Controller, and 4 Battle Born Lithium batteries installed. Likely future addition includes another 340W in solar, perhaps more, as I've got plenty of room...

My system, once complete, will include 4-100Ah Lithium batteries, 600W Solar, 100A MPPT Solar Controller. I have a DP with 8K Generator.

I got to thinking that, since my goal was to better prepare for likely dry camp or boondocking adventures, when heat is needed, what's better - heat via Propane, or, electrically via shore power switch? Don't know if the latter can actually run and heat the MH, and if it can, do I have enough power to do so?

34 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Unless you have a rather large solar field and about 3 tons of batteries

    PROPANE

    1500 watts is 125 amps at 12 volt. So a pair of GC-2 last. less than 1 hour.
  • My rule of thumb is save your batteries for those items that require electricity, use propane where it is optional. Heating anything with electricity is a big power draw. Something to consider is if you heat with electricity and if cold enough to freeze will your storage area get heat.
  • Propane for heat For heat when dry camping

    Electric only if you have shore power and it's not too cold outside
  • Use your Propane when dry camping. We use a portable heater when hooked up since I can't stand the sound of a heat pump turning on and off.

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