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05-15-2007, 01:32 PM
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#21
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 512
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That was my understanding by the thread title.
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05-15-2007, 01:51 PM
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#22
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 512
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I have a built-in Onan RV QG 2500 LP generator that uses .2 - .6 gallons of propane per hour, depending on load. It is used to run the micro and refresh the batteries, maybe 1 - 2 hour per day. At that rate, it alone could consume 5 gallons of propane per week.
The local dealer tells me he doesn't like to install generators for this reason, but I like it. It's just too easy to carry backup tanks for the comfort.
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05-15-2007, 02:49 PM
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#23
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Moderator
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,403
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Although I think some of us have talked about our overall usage over the course of a season, which may include sites with power.
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
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05-15-2007, 04:59 PM
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#24
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Rivet Master
Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1964 17' Bambi II
Posts: 4,282
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gen Disarray
We are talking about not going to service campgrounds at all~ all stand alone camping.
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That is my favorite kind of camping too! Not counting running the furnace which we don't run in the summer -- we go thru one 30# tank every two months in the summer.
__________________
WBCCI Region One
Attitude is the only difference between ordeal and adventure
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05-18-2007, 11:04 PM
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#25
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Rivet Master
1984 31' Excella
Abernathy
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 865
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I just dewinterized, fired the water heater up and cycled it, etc...
A couple of days later, I was outside by the trailer, and hear the water heater fire up, and think...dangit, I forgot to turn it off.
So I begin to check propane.....the valve was on the curbside tank so I take it off and it is near empty, so I check the other one and it is near empty as well, but should have been full.
So I start leak testing....the rubber lines to the valve had gotten hard and unpliable....and were leaking bigtime.
My guess is that over the course of the winter, I lost almost the entire streetside tank, and my oversight on the water heater cost me the curbside tank.
I now have new hoses, and have checked my propane system for leaks.
So I take off the
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11-11-2007, 01:18 PM
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#26
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2 Rivet Member
2007 23' Safari SE
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
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Efficient inside/outside cooking techniques/modalities while dry-camping/boondocking using propane with no generator or open fires allowed.
As a foodie hobbyist, I enjoy cooking, experimenting with recipes, and eating outdoors weather permitting. With the recent horrific fires in San Diego County, the red flag warning status continues to be observed at County campgrounds prohibiting open fires (charcoal or campfires).
What cooking technique/modality is most efficient to prepare a cooked meal from raw ingredients using the minimal amount of propane? Please share recipes and/or references/links.
Thanks,
Larry
__________________
1767 Spanish scribe:"Rash judgments are always accompanied by ignorance and absence of light." (Learn all the facts before making a judgment)
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11-11-2007, 02:17 PM
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#27
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fenghuang
Efficient inside/outside cooking techniques/modalities while dry-camping/boondocking using propane with no generator or open fires allowed.
As a foodie hobbyist, I enjoy cooking, experimenting with recipes, and eating outdoors weather permitting. With the recent horrific fires in San Diego County, the red flag warning status continues to be observed at County campgrounds prohibiting open fires (charcoal or campfires).
What cooking technique/modality is most efficient to prepare a cooked meal from raw ingredients using the minimal amount of propane? Please share recipes and/or references/links.
Thanks,
Larry
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Hi Larry,
I use a Solaire infra-red grill and a wok-like insert that is actually perforated with a flat bottom and 4 sloping flat sides (Lowes or HD). I se this to stri fry ust about any type if veggie. Works well if you get the 'wok' really hot. Just a coupel of quick minutes and you're done!
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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11-11-2007, 04:33 PM
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#28
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,812
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fenghuang
[What cooking technique/modality is most efficient to prepare a cooked meal from raw ingredients using the minimal amount of propane? Please share recipes and/or references/links...
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the common pressure cooker is the most efficient method for cooking the widest range of foods...
and with virtually any fuel source.
of course microwave ovens may actually use LESS energy but that's another topic.
i like the ceramic cookers and grill inserts too...stir fry by any method is fast and tasty...
there are other threads on this topic
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...chen-5410.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...ing-21910.html
and loads of websites on pressure cookers...
along with recipes.
cheers
2air'
Energy Efficient Cooking
Efficient Cooking
__________________
all of the true things that i am about to tell you are shameless lies. l.b.j.
we are here on earth to fart around. don't let anybody tell you any different. k.v.
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11-11-2007, 11:00 PM
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#29
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2 Rivet Member
2007 23' Safari SE
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
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Lew and 2air,
Thanks so much for your suggestions and very helpful/entertaining links. Many childhood memories were brought to mind. It was interesting to read about the varied cultural/regional views about food.
I did not think about using my long forgotten pressure cooker of the 70s. I am looking forward to experimenting with it to reduce the cooking time for various Chinese dishes.
Technical question: As an alternative to propane, while dry camping/boondocking with solar panels on the trailer in full sun, can a 12v crockpot be used during the day without effecting the trailer's battery charge?
Larry
__________________
1767 Spanish scribe:"Rash judgments are always accompanied by ignorance and absence of light." (Learn all the facts before making a judgment)
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11-11-2007, 11:15 PM
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#30
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,812
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fenghuang
..As an alternative to propane, while dry camping/boondocking with solar panels on the trailer in full sun, can a 12v crockpot be used during the day without effecting the trailer's battery charge?Larry
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no.
most 12v crocks are 10-20 amp units, around 150-300 watts i think.
so the solar systems would need to collect and transport and store THAT much energy at the same rate of usage...
which is a LOT relative to most rv appliances. (the ac and microwave draw more)
otoh with enough batteries (like 6) and 4-600 watts of panels, one could manage, maybe.
lots of these 12 gadgets are available in the big truck stops...
but keep in mind the truckers may be driving or idling the big diesel during usage.
the great thing about pressure cookers is dishes that take many hours can be finished in 15-50 minutes.
steam pressure cooking is great for meats, taters, roots, veggies, beans, legumes, stews and so on...
you can even wet bake breads and cakes.
of course IF you really have great sun exposure a 'solar oven' will work...
it's a treehuggergranolaberkenstockthing , check them out!
The Solar Cooking Archive
Solar Cookers International (How Solar Cookers Work)
cheers
2air'
__________________
all of the true things that i am about to tell you are shameless lies. l.b.j.
we are here on earth to fart around. don't let anybody tell you any different. k.v.
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11-12-2007, 08:23 AM
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#31
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Naysayer
1968 24' Tradewind
Russellville
, earth
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,954
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Coleman offers a crock pot, however, the reviews on it are mixed. My solution for this type of cooking is either the pressure cooker or the dutch oven on top the burner set low. Whatever route you go using propane to cook, you are going to go a long, long time on your house propane between refills.
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03-31-2008, 11:42 AM
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#32
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Hondo was a great cat
2005 28' International CCD
Salt Lake City
, Utah
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 311
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Boondocking with Propane
Hi All, we are in Orcas Island, WA Orcas Island WA .Com-Orcas Island Washington
How long does it take for a honda 2000 to recharge the batteries to run a Propane Heater through the night?
Learned something last night. You need decent batteries to run the Propane Heater. If not, the Detector Honks. It does this at 0200 probably on purpose. Every stay in an Airstream with a Border Collie when it is 32 degrees outside and a detector alarm honking.
The manual said it not a leak but a fault due to low voltage.
Now that it is day time, we are going to hook up the 2 Honda's 2K and run for a bit. I think the problem is we drained our batteries too low. We bought the coach used. The batteries are 3+ years old and I think they may need help.
I am typing from an Internet Cafe so I will probably check in a bit.
Take care and we promise to have fun.
John
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03-31-2008, 01:16 PM
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#33
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,812
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hi john
here's my basic and limited understanding....
the gen set will need to run for 6-8 hours at least to get the batteries above 80% charge...
2 batteries at 80%+ will usually handle 2 nights of the furnace fan power needs...
IF the batteries are weak/failing from sulfation or lack of maintenace or full discharge too often...
then even running the genset ALL DAY may not get them well charged.
here is a recent thread on this issue of weak batteries.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ies-40614.html
the converter IN the a/s controls/limits voltage to the charging batteries and that partly determines HOW LONG IT TAKES to recharge them.
the honda dc charge cable style B (part#32650-892-003) , can connect the gensets DIRECTLY to either battery at the posts.
by-passing the a/s parallax oem charge/converter, this MIGHT charge the batteries faster...
it's a 12$ accessory and nice to carry IF recharging the tv battery, but u don't wanna take this approach often with the deep cycle trailer batteries.
buying new batteries WHILE ON A CAMPING TRIP, is usually expensive and with LIMITED options...
so try adding distilled water to the batteries and several LONG sessions of charging with the gensets...
then sort out NEW batteries back home and with better online access.
i like the lifeline agms because of less maintenance, and venting and more potential to take abuse...
but they are expensive.
wow orcas island, one of my favorite camping, biking, eating, doing nothing spots on the planet.
that's one lucky dog traveling with you!
cheers
2air'
__________________
all of the true things that i am about to tell you are shameless lies. l.b.j.
we are here on earth to fart around. don't let anybody tell you any different. k.v.
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03-31-2008, 04:33 PM
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#35
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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It is generally NOT a good idea to charge your trailer's batteries directly from your generator. You will be putting 12VDC directly into your batteries without any regulation for amperage or voltage.
Just connect the generator to your shore power input plug and let the on-board converter do it's job and charge your batteries properly. (Hopefully, you have a 3-stage charger in your converter......if not, you should seriously think about obtaining one soon!)
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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03-31-2008, 05:45 PM
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#36
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Hondo was a great cat
2005 28' International CCD
Salt Lake City
, Utah
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 311
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Things are looking up
thanks Guys,
Kind of funny and not in a haha way how much you can learn about this stuff. Decided to go with new batteries. They had the exact ones in a great shop, 75 bucks a piece. I was surprised. Went with the interstate, figure if I get two years out of them, it will be worth it.
The island is great. Everything is working as it should. I put both 2000i on through the inverter and got a dimple of a charge on the old batteries. Had both batteries checked at the "auto-tech" car repair place, he said they were not holding a charge. The there guys were great. Would highly reccomend them if I could spell it.
Thanks for the guidance. We are back on track and the loud chirp was not the last sound before the propane tanks blew. Did I mention it was 32 degrees last night. The only one warm was the dog.
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03-31-2008, 06:44 PM
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#37
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,812
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good job john!
i'm sort of surprised that you found the right batteries on the island...
otoh with all of the boats in east harbor, deep cycle marine batteries SHOULD be very available.
now with fresh new batteries u should be able to run the gen sets for 2 hours every day or 4 hours every other day...
hey are u in moran state park?
take a bike ride UP mt constitution for me, ok...
and where are the pictures?
cheers
2air'
__________________
all of the true things that i am about to tell you are shameless lies. l.b.j.
we are here on earth to fart around. don't let anybody tell you any different. k.v.
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03-31-2008, 08:15 PM
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#38
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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We have averaged about 3 weeks per 30# tank through the winter, but that is only running the catalytic heater at night 2-3 nights per week when it got under 50 degrees. We also are running the LP water heater, along with some stove use, and occasional fridge operation.
An LP cat heater will seriously extend battery life in cold weather, as it has no fan, and uses no power. Our cat has two bricks, and I used only the single brick almost exclusively, lighting both caused it to get way too warm in here (31' coach).
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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03-31-2008, 08:22 PM
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#39
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Naysayer
1968 24' Tradewind
Russellville
, earth
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,954
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
We have averaged about 3 weeks per 30# tank through the winter, but that is only running the catalytic heater at night 2-3 nights per week when it got under 50 degrees.
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I used a space heater as my sole heat source this winter (ave nighttime low around 20-25) and averaged about one 30# every 5-6 days.
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03-31-2008, 09:06 PM
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#40
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Rivet Master
1975 29' Ambassador
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 517
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
That's one of the reasons that I installed the RV-500. You get as much hot water as you can use on a minimum of LP. I camped for 3 months in Hood River, OR last summer and only used one 30# tank for hot water AND grilling.
It's great when you don't have to heat all of that water constantly.
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Lewster, I'm seriously considering the RV-500 to replace the old Bowen in my '75 Ambassador. I have heard about these systems and they seem great with few downsides but it's rare to find someone who is actually using one. Are there any threads where you may have shared your experience with a tankless on demand system? Many thanks.
__________________
Todd
“Complications arose, ensued, were overcome...savvy?”
- Captain Jack Sparrow
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