campgroung...

morphrider wrote:
...........Then it gets charged as we fire up the genny to make coffee.

That's about the time I go outside with my cup of percolator coffee and listen to the sounds of nature.

We run our furnace about 5 to 10 minutes in the morning to bring the TT temperature into the 60's. After cooking and sunshine heating we are set until the next morning.

The biggest issue is the phantom circuits that run the frig, detectors, TV booster and etc. I have measured over 1/2 amp of these sneak currents depending on which device was turned on. I estimate my battery would last two or three days, maybe more since we converted to LED lights.

Out West there were several areas where boonedocking without power was your only option. I works for us for a day or two.

Off-grid camping reminds me of my old canoe and tent days, only with a large aluminum tent.

SoundGuy wrote:
Let's not exaggerate the situation - the OP is asking about dry camping over the Memorial Day long weekend where even in Illinois it won't be that cold, really no different than here in S Ontario. If at all he'll end up using his furnace only intermittently just to take the chill off so significant battery drain won't be an issue at all - not the same at all as camping when the temps are consistently below freezing.

Sound advice! :B

Even here in Colorado its not too bad. I have 2 batteries hooked up and overnight having the fan come on doesn't drain down but half way. Then it gets charged as we fire up the genny to make coffee.

Let's not exaggerate the situation - the OP is asking about dry camping over the Memorial Day long weekend where even in Illinois it won't be that cold, really no different than here in S Ontario. If at all he'll end up using his furnace only intermittently just to take the chill off so significant battery drain won't be an issue at all - not the same at all as camping when the temps are consistently below freezing.

If your battery won't get you through a night in May while camping in Illinois, something is wrong. Colorado, different story.

Depending on your setup and the condition of your battery, and usage, it may last for a few hours, overnight, or a couple of days. Easy alternatives would be a Mr. Big Buddy propane heater (google it) or using a generator during the appropriate hours to recharge your batteries. Again, the latter depends on the condition and set up of your battery bank.

Unless you've done some setup, or at least research on dry camping, your furnace use could be very limited. It's one of the biggest power hogs in an RV, and will likely run your battery down quickly if left to its own decisions.

There's a permanent topic about boondocking / dry camping in the public lands forum, it provides lots of great information.

I would recommend a down comforter and/or cold weather sleeping bags for overnight, and then run the furnace in the morning when everyone is waking up. This way you can keep an eye on your battery level.

Keep a window and roof vent slightly open even at night, so condensation doesn't build up in your trailer.

Yes you can use the furnace the question is how long you can use it. The fan really sucks down the battery/batteries. Might need to charge up the batteries from time to time.

Your furnace is propane powered and the fan runs on the battery. The only issue will be keeping the battery/batteries charged. I take a generator for that purpose.
RichH