Jbrowland
Explorer
Joined 11 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: Planning for solar installation this spring
500 to 700 Watts is overkill for the OP’s needs in my opinion. Here are a few scenarios. When I had my class C, I had a 160w on the roof and a 100w portable I could deploy as needed. I had 1 group 24 agm. That was enough for a week of dry camping for three people. The catch is we acted like we were tent camping. No TV, careful with lights, board games, and roasting marshmallows. Disconnecting was our family goal. If it was sunny, the 160w on the roof did the trick daily. This is close to what the OP has described. Now we have a larger trailer that came with more creature comforts. We still try to disconnect but our travel style has changed a little. We sit in one place longer and we glamp more than tent camp with our RV. I find that 2 6v batteries, one 200w portable, and a small 2000w inverter genset that we try not to use too often does the trick. I will likely add another 160w panel on the roof. This is for us, the perfect combo of affordability and reliability in most weather conditions where we live and RV. I think my second scenario will work for the OP’s needs and all for about $1000. That gets the OP a small, off brand generator like the Westinghouse for rainy days, a 160w panel on the roof, a small portable panel, and two Interstate 6v batteries.398Views0likes0CommentsRe: Real world 1/2 ton truck mileage?
2013 Ford F-150 STX super cab, 2wd, 5.0 V8, 3.31, 145”, tow package, 8100# tow capacity. 17 around town or less if heavy traffic, 20 only freeway at 60mph or less, and an average of about 10 towing a 4600 pound dry weight TT. I drive pretty conservatively. I’m in no rush. That helps a lot.528Views0likes0CommentsRe: RVs parked on Los Angeles city streets risk getting towed
I live in the heart of LA and park my RV on the street all the time. Sometimes for several days before and after long trips. There is no option in this congested city. I have never been towed or ticketed. But then again, my rig looks almost new and doesn’t attract negative attention for any reason. I think officers can figure out the difference between a potential nuisance RV and a nice family getting ready for vacation. This derelict RV issue is common now in many major cities as is the tricky rules surrounding street parking An RV. There is a thread above this one complaining about outrageous parking tickets for RV’s in San Antonio for example.687Views0likes0CommentsRe: Best GPS?
I usually also use my phone and the free and exceptional WAZE app. Nothing beats it. It shows all of the detail/traffic and more than stand alone GPS's. Very good app WHEN cell service is available. It also saves/pre-loads large sections of map so that you can still navigate most of the time when cell coverage goes away. Of course, there are still places/times when the cell service isn't doing it. I then use an old Garmin for emergencies and of course an Atlas or map. Maybe stand alone GPS software is now better since I purchased my old Garmin but I have never been 100% happy with the Garmin. Even friends with newer units, for example, the units specifically for trucks/rv's, have complained that they are wrong, don't update the maps fast enough, the traffic services aren't reliable or in real time, and they are also sometimes wrong about bridge heights or don't include some etc... I don't know. I do just fine with a map and my WAZE app.632Views0likes0CommentsRe: Down sides to being a TT Camper?
I also live in Los Angelos. It can be a major issue in California. I just moved to a 23 foot TT from a 25 foot class C. I have almost completely changed how I travel. Now I sit in one place longer with the TT and I stay outside of the parks and drive in with my truck. The class C was better for travelling from A to B and bathroom breaks and quick in and out and for state and national parks and boon-docking and dry camping. The TT not so much. The TT is better once I get there. If you are going to move around a lot, especially in California, you may want to take a closer look at a class C or the like. State and National Parks in Cali tend to be surrounded by dramatic landscape that can put severe limits on length and maneuverability inside a campground with the truck and RV. That said, most places have overflow parking for your truck if you need it.426Views0likes0CommentsRe: Chevy S10 and Ultra Lite Trailers.
You won't know for sure until you do it. So many unknown variables in your scenario. This is also kind of a personal thing. Your biggest potential issue is cargo capacity. You will be close to your max with nothing in the truck. I tow a 4600# trailer (dry weight) with a 2013 Ford F-150 (tow package, V8, 8100# towing limit, WD, Prodigy 2 BC) and I would prefer more truck but that's just me. Mine does a great job until I hit the hills. Especially going down. But that's just me and my comfort zone. I see people towing more than you want to with less than you have all the time.949Views0likes0CommentsRe: Outdoor kitchen in Yellowstone (bears)?
Best to clean meticulously when finished cooking outside. While bear interactions are very rare, I have witnessed people cooking outside get run off by a hungry bear. Mostly, just use common sense and clean up . You should be fine. Some trips we can't get away from them. Other trips we never see a single bear.618Views0likes0CommentsRe: Trip to west coast
Most of the National Parks you mentioned (except Death Valley in August) book up in seconds about 6 months in advance. Add the 40 foot RV and you are in for a very hard time. I wouldn't go to Death Valley in the summer if YOU paid for the trip. Some love it. I get it, but no thanks. I was there a few months ago. Lovely place during the winter time. We barely got a reservation in winter. The "good news" is you can book a spot the day of at Death Valley in August. As was said, your best options will be private campgrounds that aren't too close to your major destinations and/or far away from the coast. Basically, start planning for next summer. I wish I could help more. My apologies if we seem like Debbie Downers. We just don't want you to drive thousands of miles for nothing.590Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Bucket List Trips
Bucketlist destinations you just can't miss. Which spots stick with you?Jan 18, 202513,487 Posts Chefs on the Road
Campground recipe recommendations, restaurants, and more!Jan 01, 20252,135 Posts Fifth Wheel Group
Interested in fifth wheels? You've come to the right spot.Feb 16, 202519,006 Posts Full Time RVers
Thinking about becoming a full-time RVer? Ask the experts.Dec 28, 20241,587 Posts Motorhome Group
Join in here to discuss all things motorhomes.Feb 13, 202538,707 Posts
