semi full time no generator
Hi all, May 1, 2013 I'll be semi full timing (a minimum of a week per month--and sometimes much more). I intend to attempt to do this with no generator use, and opportunity 15 amp shore power (thou...
Forum Discussion
Hi all,
Here is a list of the suggestions so far: (* means dealt with or planned for)
catalytic heater (vented) (hard to find a location where I can install one safely)
non vented combustion heaters (NO!)
more solar
*extend-a-stay (on the list for May)
a larger capacity converter (this is a double edged sword--if I go larger then I can't heat while charging)
*a ready supply of propane. Since I'll be urban that is not a problem.
hydronic system (this would have to be "stand alone" and would be distinctly not cheap)
*vent and skylight cushions (already done)
*insulated window covers
*insulated "blanket" to isolate cab from the rest of the RV.
*Insulated "blanket" to isolate cabover from the rest of the RV
*insulated "blanket" to cover the door
*winterize after each freezing weather use (already planned for)
find a campground (I'd love to--but none are open)
*use local recreational facilities to cut down on water heating, and waste disposal
a larger capacity alternator
add a send alternator dedicated to house bank charging
add an external rectifier to the existing alternator
*a way to warm the propane tank (on the list for May)
*idling the engine for both heat and recharging (cost $3.24 per hour)
adding a hydronic heater loop to extract more heat from the engine
add a propane fired aqua hot system (space may be an issue)
disable the electric cooling fan for the engine (I don't like that idea)
*add a "cold front" to the vehicle
get some work in Florida (don't I wish!!!)
get a generator (cost, possible loss, difficulty in starting, maintenance at very short intervals, doing maintenance outside in the cold)
add two 100 lb bottles of propane (might be possible to add twin 30 lbs tanks, but existing rack could not handle 200 lb bottles)
add a 200 amp battery charger. (can't run this on 15 amps)
add hydronic heating to one bank of batteries (the other is open to the
elements and enclosing it would be difficult)
add a larger inverter (5000 watt Victron) (tongue hanging out)
add a pair of inverters (I could add a 2nd inverter)
add skirting (ok for overnight but storage and deployment are issues)
*add the ability to use more than one 15 amp circuit (already done)
add a way to extract heat from the tailpipe system (this sounds expensive. Would it be air based or liquid based?)
Here is a list of the suggestions so far: (* means dealt with or planned for)
catalytic heater (vented) (hard to find a location where I can install one safely)
non vented combustion heaters (NO!)
more solar
*extend-a-stay (on the list for May)
a larger capacity converter (this is a double edged sword--if I go larger then I can't heat while charging)
*a ready supply of propane. Since I'll be urban that is not a problem.
hydronic system (this would have to be "stand alone" and would be distinctly not cheap)
*vent and skylight cushions (already done)
*insulated window covers
*insulated "blanket" to isolate cab from the rest of the RV.
*Insulated "blanket" to isolate cabover from the rest of the RV
*insulated "blanket" to cover the door
*winterize after each freezing weather use (already planned for)
find a campground (I'd love to--but none are open)
*use local recreational facilities to cut down on water heating, and waste disposal
a larger capacity alternator
add a send alternator dedicated to house bank charging
add an external rectifier to the existing alternator
*a way to warm the propane tank (on the list for May)
*idling the engine for both heat and recharging (cost $3.24 per hour)
adding a hydronic heater loop to extract more heat from the engine
add a propane fired aqua hot system (space may be an issue)
disable the electric cooling fan for the engine (I don't like that idea)
*add a "cold front" to the vehicle
get some work in Florida (don't I wish!!!)
get a generator (cost, possible loss, difficulty in starting, maintenance at very short intervals, doing maintenance outside in the cold)
add two 100 lb bottles of propane (might be possible to add twin 30 lbs tanks, but existing rack could not handle 200 lb bottles)
add a 200 amp battery charger. (can't run this on 15 amps)
add hydronic heating to one bank of batteries (the other is open to the
elements and enclosing it would be difficult)
add a larger inverter (5000 watt Victron) (tongue hanging out)
add a pair of inverters (I could add a 2nd inverter)
add skirting (ok for overnight but storage and deployment are issues)
*add the ability to use more than one 15 amp circuit (already done)
add a way to extract heat from the tailpipe system (this sounds expensive. Would it be air based or liquid based?)
