Electric Mattress Pad - Electricity Help
We plan to do some cool weather camping this winter and went out and bought an electric mattress pad, but didn't think about electricity limitations. Now keep in mind and the reason I am posting, elec...
Forum Discussion
Hi,
Assuming 1/2 gallon of gas @ $3.20 is a cost of $1.80 per day.
1.80 per day x 365 = $657
A contractor generator (which will annoy everyone for miles) is $300.00
Add the cost of a rack to transport the genny $100.00
We are now at over $1000.00
Solar costs about $2.00 per watt on a DIY basis.
500 watts will keep the battery bank in tip top condition, and is a one time cost. Under poor to fair solar conditions it will provide enough energy to make that coffee.
Solar is the nearest thing to a free lunch you will ever find. It is a one time cost.
Assuming 1/2 gallon of gas @ $3.20 is a cost of $1.80 per day.
1.80 per day x 365 = $657
A contractor generator (which will annoy everyone for miles) is $300.00
Add the cost of a rack to transport the genny $100.00
We are now at over $1000.00
Solar costs about $2.00 per watt on a DIY basis.
500 watts will keep the battery bank in tip top condition, and is a one time cost. Under poor to fair solar conditions it will provide enough energy to make that coffee.
Solar is the nearest thing to a free lunch you will ever find. It is a one time cost.
SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Run the generator in the morning to re-charge the battery as it will be low, from powering the blower motor all night. You'll be wanting to run the generator in the morning anyways, to power the coffee pot and microwave, so it's a good time to recharge the battery too.
This is the least expensive way I have found to operate a camper- propane, battery, standard converter/charger, and a standard gas generator. Complex electrical systems involving inverters, smart chargers, solar charging systems, multi unit banks of AGM batteries, inverter generators, and the like are all very nice, but are also very, very expensive! It is very easy to spend $5000 and up on a custom RV electrical system!
