Forum Discussion

Cluck's avatar
Cluck
Explorer
Jul 13, 2013

New to all this...

I’m new to all this trailer stuff, so work with me. I’m going to get a newer but used 25-30 foot travel trailer to leave permanently at a hunting camp. There is no electricity… its way out in the woods. My questions - it appears many of the newer trailers appliances and AC/Heat can run on LP gas?
I know I can hook everything up to a generator, but it seems gas would be easier to work with. Wouldn’t have to crank up generator every time I want to run AC/Heat for a little while, or lights, etc. Would be NO loud noise. Most the time I wouldn’t need to run anything ..but when I do, It’s seems gas is more “on demand” is this correct?

What am I missing here? Is there any safety concerns with gas? Does it costs a lot more? All I would need is to run the hot water heater for a quick shower once a day, run some lights at night before bed and then AC/or heat at night as needed. Wouldn’t ever be using any appliances that need to run constant like refrig.

Thank you!
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    Air conditioning requires 120v AC. You will need a generator to operate it.
    All of the lights, water pump, furnace, radio, etc. should operate just fine on 12v DC from the battery. You will need a method of recharging the battery. Solar panels are likely the best option for a permanent camp.
    The furnace, stove, water heater, and refrigerator will all operate on propane. 12v DC will still be needed for the various igniters and control boards in these appliances.
  • Cluck's avatar
    Cluck
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    thanks for the idea's.. some things to think about..
  • CincyGus's avatar
    CincyGus
    Explorer II
    Jul 13, 2013
    You might want to look at adding a solar panel or two to keep your batteries up. Frig, Stove, Furnace, Hot water heater will all run on propane. AC on genny (needs 110v). Radio, (TV can be run on 12v if designed to), lights can run on batteries. You also might look at getting larger propane tanks so you don't have to refill as often. Furnace can drain a 20lb tank in 2 days if running constantly. If it's just to take the chill off during the night, last maybe 4-5 days.
  • Squonk61's avatar
    Squonk61
    Explorer II
    Jul 13, 2013
    Battery drain. If you wish to limit generator run time, you'll need batteries and they will drain over time even when not being used. You could bring the battery home and keep it on battery tender. My fridge runs on gas but needs a spark from the battery to fire it up. Same with furnance. I stay mostly in state parks with limited genny run times (about 2 hours) which isn't enough to charge battery fully so I don't know how long it takes a genny to charge batteries fully. Also, water and sewer. You didn't ask about those but sewer is the reason I need to move the TT every once in a while.

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