Recommended Dry-Camping Mods to a Small TT

[granlobo]

Thanks everyone for their thoughtful and informative posts on the site...I've enjoyed and benefited from them immensely!

I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts regarding the following:

We're looking to graduate up from tent camping to a small TT. Personal preferences and allegiances aside, the best overall choice for us (factoring in cost, features, tow vehicle appropriateness, sleeping capacity, etc) is an r-pod.

>75% of our anticipated use will be in a "dry camping" capacity in designated DCNR sites...we're definitely not "campground" folk. Most of our trips initially will be of the 2-3 day variety, with a desire to complete several 3-week-long "loops" across the country down the road.

I'd much rather roll certain "upgrades" into the initial loan/purchase of the r-pod instead of being confronted with deficiencies during our first full summer/fall of use next year.

A few things I thought of:

A) The 20 lb LP tank on front...recommended to upgrade to a 2-tank bracket configuration? Overkill for only 3 days when running only the water heater, fridge, and cooking stove for meals?

B) The unit comes "stock" with only one 12V deep-cycle battery. Seems like a good candidate for an upgrade. Will they sit 2 of them side-by-side in parallel? Have a 2nd one alone to "swap out" while the other is charged? Etc.

C) Any special wiring (significant enough that you'd want it installed at the dealership) to "trickle charge" 1-2 batteries with a solar panel?

D) Success/recommendations on which type of panel? I like the "mats" that drape over the contours of the r-pod itself...but a toughie if you're under a shade canopy. Stand-alone that can be moved and connected via a cord to a nearby, sunnier location?

E) I'm not overly excited about buying a generator...cost-wise OR the fact that state/national parks may not permit them around here. A good idea to purchase one of those 26-30 amp-hour "recharging stations" for any portable devices we have with us? And to dump into the deep-cycle battery in a pinch?

Anything else that I'm forgetting? I'd really like to get any bread & butter (expected) upgrades rolled into the initial loan/purchase so that we can focus on enjoying the unit and be confident in our ability to go off-grid for 2-3 days.

Thanks!

[NinerBikes]

LED lights

1. Go on ebay and get 10x 48 LED 3248 in 3000k

2. A 160 Watt portable folding solar panel, aimed 3 or 4x a day at the sun, with a meter to read what you are getting for total amps should help extend your stay.

3. A Honda Eu2000i Generator will run your microwave for cooking. It won't run your A/C

Pair it with a $60 Mega Watt 36 AMP 12V DC power supply (Google it) for 1.5 to 2 hours in the morning to quickly charge up your two GC2 6 volt batteries, if solar is not getting the batteries fully charge daily. The 160 watt panel should put out about 9 amps an hour, for 5 or 6 hours, in winter, more, with longer days, in summer. Aiming it at the sun greatly increases the yield of electricity harvested from the sun, compared to a roof mount panel.

4. teach your kids by showing them how to conserve water while washing hands, taking a shower, flushing, etc.

5. Teach your kids to leave things as they found them, turned off, when not in use.

6. Teach your kids to open and close the refrigerator quickly, not leave it open wondering what they are going to remove from the fridge to eat.

In general teach your kids conservation, and not to be wasteful. Demonstrate by example.

[Lowsuv]

My experience is :
I use a 12 foot heavy duty jumper cable , # 2 AWG , to be continuously hooked up from my duramax to my 2 TT batteries .
I do not have a genny nor do I have solar panels .
Both may be a good idea but I do not need them .
I switched out my 2 duramax batteries for AGM construction batteries .
I picked up 2 Exide EDGE AGM group 78 batteries for $ 140 each at BiMart .
Although 2 6 volt in series GC2 batteries are better I switched to EDGE AGM batteries for my TT also .
I run the TT from all 4 batteries connected together .
I drive my pickup every 2nd or 3rd day and my truck batteries get fully charged from that .
When I return I use the jumpers to connect all 4 batts .
The TT batteries get some equalization while hooked to the 2 AGM truck batts .
Initially I would try to charge the RV batts but now after a decade of experience I find that just hooking all 4 batts together works for a 9 day campout .
Our 21T Komfort has 50 fresh , 45 grey , and 45 black .
I have to dump the grey after 5 days or so .

[4runnerguy]

dahkota wrote:
I haven't seen this mentioned but you definitely need to take into consideration your cargo capacity for the R-Pod and the tongue weight on your vehicle. Adding a second battery and a second propane tank is 80-100 lbs. of tongue weight and reduces your already limited trailer cargo capacity. You didn't mention what you will be towing with but I suspect, with the choice of tt, it is something small.

Good advice. Many people don't understand how much stuff they stuff into their trailer. Plus, the weight of water might be around 250#+.

For a 2-3 day trip, I'd stay stock WRT batteries and switch out the light bulbs to LED once you take delivery. Research the LED's to get the color of light you want. I went with the warm white 3000-3500K. Some were just too blue for me. Now I can turn on four or five lights and still draw less power than one of the old lamps did. With care, your 36 gallons of fresh water should be adequate.

When you embark on your envisioned 2-3 week trips, I imagine it will be to some of the major sights of this country, e.g. Yellowstone, Bar Harbor, Great Smokies. At that point your best bet may be to stay in CG's in the parks where you have access to their water and toilets. Your battery will charge from your car as you tow from CG to CG, so unless you stay somewhere for more than a few days, you still shouldn't need to charge. Yet you may find that a small, 1000 W generator such as the quiet Honda 1000 is a practical alternative. We use our generator primarily for Allison to dry her hair after a shower, and at that time, the batteries get a bit of a boost. Plus, we can also charge the batteries for all of our electronic gear at that point. The generator has stayed with us even though a couple of trailers.

[dahkota]

I haven't seen this mentioned but you definitely need to take into consideration your cargo capacity for the R-Pod and the tongue weight on your vehicle. Adding a second battery and a second propane tank is 80-100 lbs. of tongue weight and reduces your already limited trailer cargo capacity. You didn't mention what you will be towing with but I suspect, with the choice of tt, it is something small.

[Gjac]

profdant139 wrote:
Gjac, there is a solar equivalent for fresh pure drinking water -- it is called a solar still! But you need a source of water (scarce out West). It is easier just to carry extra jerry cans and refill them as needed. Whenever we leave our trailer for the day (like to go hiking or whatever), we carry a couple of empty cans.

(By the way, for you history buffs, I have been told that they are called "jerry cans" because the Germans used them for fuel, and some Allied soldiers in World War II called the Germans "jerries.")

I wonder if any RVer has perfected this for camping. Saw a video of a guy using his roof and awning to catch and filter the rain water. Of course the next problem is you then have to figure out how to dump the waste water unless you can boil it and create a still.

[profdant139]

Gjac, there is a solar equivalent for fresh pure drinking water -- it is called a solar still! But you need a source of water (scarce out West). It is easier just to carry extra jerry cans and refill them as needed. Whenever we leave our trailer for the day (like to go hiking or whatever), we carry a couple of empty cans.

(By the way, for you history buffs, I have been told that they are called "jerry cans" because the Germans used them for fuel, and some Allied soldiers in World War II called the Germans "jerries.")

[Gjac]

granlobo wrote:

69 Avion wrote:

granlobo wrote:

69 Avion wrote:

2gypsies wrote:
You haven't mentioned anything about your holding tank capacities. Will they be a problem?

Fresh water capacity and holding tank capacities are usually the limiting factor. Whatever capacity that is "enough", also weighs a lot. At 8.33# per gallon, it adds up fast.

May likely be indicative of my lack of experience, but I'm not overly concerned with having to "pony up" a discharge fee and haul such a small unit (<19 feet) 15-30 minutes out (while the family makes lunch) to a nearby campground or state park facility. In western PA, we've got them "all over".

Not the same problem as running out of gray water space in a very (truly) rural area. Kind of spoiled around here...but also kind of sad that we don't have real, "wild" areas.

I have a few 5 gallon water jerry cans too...I wasn't that concerned with drinking/gray/black tanks...but should I be? 🙂

Thanks!

When boondocking out west, your water capacity is usually your limiting factor. I had no idea how much water capacity that trailer has, so I looked it up. It appears that it has 36 gallons of fresh water and 30/30 gallons of black/gray capacity. If that is correct, that is real good for that small of trailer.

Thanks for looking into it...that's what I thought, too. Some of the comparable "mini" TTs have fresh water tanks as low as 13 gallons, which immediately struck me as inadequate in just about any setting.

Thanks again and take care! 🙂

I would not concern myself with any electrical mods like LEDS, solar etc but I would go for larger tank sizes,(FW,BW,GW) these will be your limiting factor. With 2 young kids and 2 adults you will need more than 36 galls of water for a week unless you can shower elsewhere. 2 6 v GC batteries will last you a week with minimal usage. I wish there was a solar equivalent to make FW.

[69_Avion]

The Airstream Bambi has only about 23 gallons of fresh water and only about 500# of capacity once it is wet. That isn't much capacity when you start loading, food, drinks, clothing, camping gear, fishing gear, etc.
The trailer you are looking at seams to have some decent numbers in the specifications.

[granlobo]

69 Avion wrote:

granlobo wrote:

69 Avion wrote:

2gypsies wrote:
You haven't mentioned anything about your holding tank capacities. Will they be a problem?

Fresh water capacity and holding tank capacities are usually the limiting factor. Whatever capacity that is "enough", also weighs a lot. At 8.33# per gallon, it adds up fast.

May likely be indicative of my lack of experience, but I'm not overly concerned with having to "pony up" a discharge fee and haul such a small unit (<19 feet) 15-30 minutes out (while the family makes lunch) to a nearby campground or state park facility. In western PA, we've got them "all over".

Not the same problem as running out of gray water space in a very (truly) rural area. Kind of spoiled around here...but also kind of sad that we don't have real, "wild" areas.

I have a few 5 gallon water jerry cans too...I wasn't that concerned with drinking/gray/black tanks...but should I be? 🙂

Thanks!

When boondocking out west, your water capacity is usually your limiting factor. I had no idea how much water capacity that trailer has, so I looked it up. It appears that it has 36 gallons of fresh water and 30/30 gallons of black/gray capacity. If that is correct, that is real good for that small of trailer.

Thanks for looking into it...that's what I thought, too. Some of the comparable "mini" TTs have fresh water tanks as low as 13 gallons, which immediately struck me as inadequate in just about any setting.

Thanks again and take care! 🙂

[69_Avion]

granlobo wrote:

69 Avion wrote:

2gypsies wrote:
You haven't mentioned anything about your holding tank capacities. Will they be a problem?

Fresh water capacity and holding tank capacities are usually the limiting factor. Whatever capacity that is "enough", also weighs a lot. At 8.33# per gallon, it adds up fast.

May likely be indicative of my lack of experience, but I'm not overly concerned with having to "pony up" a discharge fee and haul such a small unit (<19 feet) 15-30 minutes out (while the family makes lunch) to a nearby campground or state park facility. In western PA, we've got them "all over".

Not the same problem as running out of gray water space in a very (truly) rural area. Kind of spoiled around here...but also kind of sad that we don't have real, "wild" areas.

I have a few 5 gallon water jerry cans too...I wasn't that concerned with drinking/gray/black tanks...but should I be? 🙂

Thanks!

When boondocking out west, your water capacity is usually your limiting factor. I had no idea how much water capacity that trailer has, so I looked it up. It appears that it has 36 gallons of fresh water and 30/30 gallons of black/gray capacity. If that is correct, that is real good for that small of trailer.

[granlobo]

69 Avion wrote:

2gypsies wrote:
You haven't mentioned anything about your holding tank capacities. Will they be a problem?

Fresh water capacity and holding tank capacities are usually the limiting factor. Whatever capacity that is "enough", also weighs a lot. At 8.33# per gallon, it adds up fast.

May likely be indicative of my lack of experience, but I'm not overly concerned with having to "pony up" a discharge fee and haul such a small unit (<19 feet) 15-30 minutes out (while the family makes lunch) to a nearby campground or state park facility. In western PA, we've got them "all over".

Not the same problem as running out of gray water space in a very (truly) rural area. Kind of spoiled around here...but also kind of sad that we don't have real, "wild" areas.

I have a few 5 gallon water jerry cans too...I wasn't that concerned with drinking/gray/black tanks...but should I be? 🙂

Thanks!

[69_Avion]

2gypsies wrote:
You haven't mentioned anything about your holding tank capacities. Will they be a problem?

Fresh water capacity and holding tank capacities are usually the limiting factor. Whatever capacity that is "enough", also weighs a lot. At 8.33# per gallon, it adds up fast.

[2gypsies1]

You haven't mentioned anything about your holding tank capacities. Will they be a problem?

[mlts22]

granlobo wrote:
Thanks everyone for their thoughtful and informative posts on the site...I've enjoyed and benefited from them immensely!

I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts regarding the following:

We're looking to graduate up from tent camping to a small TT. Personal preferences and allegiances aside, the best overall choice for us (factoring in cost, features, tow vehicle appropriateness, sleeping capacity, etc) is an r-pod.

>75% of our anticipated use will be in a "dry camping" capacity in designated DCNR sites...we're definitely not "campground" folk. Most of our trips initially will be of the 2-3 day variety, with a desire to complete several 3-week-long "loops" across the country down the road.

I'd much rather roll certain "upgrades" into the initial loan/purchase of the r-pod instead of being confronted with deficiencies during our first full summer/fall of use next year.

A few things I thought of:

A) The 20 lb LP tank on front...recommended to upgrade to a 2-tank bracket configuration? Overkill for only 3 days when running only the water heater, fridge, and cooking stove for meals?

B) The unit comes "stock" with only one 12V deep-cycle battery. Seems like a good candidate for an upgrade. Will they sit 2 of them side-by-side in parallel? Have a 2nd one alone to "swap out" while the other is charged? Etc.

C) Any special wiring (significant enough that you'd want it installed at the dealership) to "trickle charge" 1-2 batteries with a solar panel?

D) Success/recommendations on which type of panel? I like the "mats" that drape over the contours of the r-pod itself...but a toughie if you're under a shade canopy. Stand-alone that can be moved and connected via a cord to a nearby, sunnier location?

E) I'm not overly excited about buying a generator...cost-wise OR the fact that state/national parks may not permit them around here. A good idea to purchase one of those 26-30 amp-hour "recharging stations" for any portable devices we have with us? And to dump into the deep-cycle battery in a pinch?

Anything else that I'm forgetting? I'd really like to get any bread & butter (expected) upgrades rolled into the initial loan/purchase so that we can focus on enjoying the unit and be confident in our ability to go off-grid for 2-3 days.

Thanks!

A: I would look at getting the twin bracket and an auto-changeover regulator. It means you always have a spare stored in a secure place.

B: Depends on the room on your trailer hitch. If width is an issue, but height isn't, I'd consider two six volt, deep cycle, golf cart batteries that are in series. That will effectively act as one 12 volt battery. This is a proven configuration that works for a lot of people on rv.net.

C: Make sure to get a multi-stage RV converter. A single stage will boil your batteries.

😧 Not sure. If the "mats" work, go for it. Perhaps both, assuming you have room for the panel stand and the mat when packed up and on the road. I'd consider a MPPT charge controller... more expensive, but makes the most out of what limited panel space you have.

E: Not familiar with the "recharging stations". If they are the "power packs" that have a small battery in them, they are OK for running a CPAP overnight, but not much else. I'd highly recommend going for a 2000 watt Honda eu2000i model generator, which is also a known good solution that a lot of people found works well for them.