What would you do??

[Texas_Two_Stepp]

Here is the situation. My friend wanted to downsize and be able to boondock camp so he went to a dealer and was sold a new Cardinal with a residential refrigerator, a 5K generator and 1-12v battery. He's going to pick it up in a week. I know there are all sorts of issues here. He didn't ask me anything and I'm not volunteering anything but know I will eventually be involved and will want to help. He will not want to spend much money. How's the best way to modify the rig so he can dry camp without running the generator all night? Oh, he also has a CPAP machine.

[mena661]

With the rig as is, he'll have to run the generator most of the day. If that's his idea of boondocking, then there isn't a problem. Don't know how your friendship is but I'd definitely want to know if I was making that expensive of a mistake. I don't want a bunch of yes men around me.

[joraz]

He's going to need at least three more batteries (or preferably four 6V batteries) and a 1000W PSW inverter to keep from running the generator almost 24/7.

I'm thinking he is a great candidate for a nice solar installation too.I don't see any way he will be able to avoid a significant expenditure in order to dry camp with his new rig.
jor

[accsys]

He's going to need at least three more batteries (or preferably four 6V batteries) and a 1000W PSW inverter to keep from running the generator almost 24/7.

[blangen]

In your position, it's a no-win...for several reasons each way. As stated above, sometimes even the best of friends don't want to hear they made a mistake. My advice is to point him toward a Forum here. Apparently, he's not already a reader or he wouldn't have bought it... assuming boondocking is really his primary goal. On the other hand, maybe he and you are on the same page and someone else in the family picked it and he's doing his best to make do. Anyway... tell him about your favorite boondocking Forum or send him a link and let him educate himself... or not. Not much more you can do without being asked.

[TNRIVERSIDE]

You stated: "and was sold" so I guess it's too late to talk to him about his purchase. So I guess it's time to be a friend and support him in his decision. I would not want my friend to point out the errors of my way. Good luck.

[HappyKayakers]

If he absolutely can't back out of the deal, I would advise him to treat this rig like his first newborn baby. That way he can get top dollar when he trades it in or resells it in favor of a suitable boondocking rig. Yep, he'll still take a loss but hopefully not as much.

[midnightsadie]

well be the friend NOW stop him from buying this rv. its not set up for boondocking.

[tandkj]

If the fridge is not openened at night it should keep overnight. Run the gen off/on during the day to keep the fridge temp down. Carry gas in the back of the tow vehicle for the gen.

[Dave_H_M]

I would have a cold one and ignore the issue. Let him make the first play.

[weathershak]

Loan him your solar panel and battery setup. Residential fridge??? Will need 110 to it all the time.