I am curious what the serious boondocker does about the phantom loads in there TT.The few time I needed a non electric campsite I turned off the antenna booster, switched the Frig and water heater to LP, pulled the fuse to the radio/DVD player (that caused the blown fuse LED light to come on) and I have switch all my lights to LEDs.At this point it seem the LP detector, Frig sensors and perhaps the water heater circuit are still drawing power. I measure about 1/3 amp average.My question is, do those who boondock a lot just live with the phantom loads or do they do something else?

I use solar, and don't worry about it.

What Phantom load?The fridge even on gas needs 12 volts to operateThe LP detector needs 12 volts or the valve closesHW circuit is a variable

No issues for me since I installed solar...or with the TV, radio, lights, awning etc. Solar isn't a toy or fad. It works great for RVing. It wakes no one up or spoils a peaceful afternoon nap even though it is working.

mike-s wrote:I use solar, and don't worry about it.2nd that..

darsben1 wrote:What Phantom load?The fridge even on gas needs 12 volts to operateThe LP detector needs 12 volts or the valve closesHW circuit is a variableAlso consider if has heat pads on the tanks, mine turn on at 40 degrees if not on manual mode.

Boondocking and Phantom loads. | Good Sam Community

37 Replies

TomG2
Explorer
Aug 31, 2017
Some Norcold refrigerators don't use any electrical power on propane. They do not have a thermostat but rely on manual adjustment of the flame size. Works better than it sounds.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Aug 31, 2017
Never seen an LP detector that closes any valve but I'm sure there is a first for everything. Not an LP detector as such, it's a Co detector. Your nose is the LP detector.

In reality, your tow vehicle (if it's late model) has more 'phantom loads' that your camper does.
TheSidwells
Explorer
Aug 31, 2017
darsben1 wrote:
What Phantom load?
The fridge even on gas needs 12 volts to operate
The LP detector needs 12 volts or the valve closes
HW circuit is a variable

Also consider if has heat pads on the tanks, mine turn on at 40 degrees if not on manual mode.
TheSidwells
Explorer
Aug 31, 2017
mike-s wrote:
I use solar, and don't worry about it.

2nd that..
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2017
No issues for me since I installed solar...or with the TV, radio, lights, awning etc. Solar isn't a toy or fad. It works great for RVing. It wakes no one up or spoils a peaceful afternoon nap even though it is working.
darsben1
Explorer
Aug 31, 2017
What Phantom load?
The fridge even on gas needs 12 volts to operate
The LP detector needs 12 volts or the valve closes
HW circuit is a variable
mike-s
Explorer
Aug 31, 2017
I use solar, and don't worry about it.

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Boondocking and Phantom loads.

37 Replies

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