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StreamRollin · 06-17-2011, 01:37 PM

We're in

StreamRollin · 06-17-2011, 07:47 PM

This is really Jim asking, How long will my battery last with limited light and pump usage, How long can we except the battery to last. It's Rv deep cell like I use in my boat. Would a solar panel help. I saw a 12"x 24" solar panel at Harbor Freight for about $20.00. would this help?

mello mike · 06-17-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreamRollin

This is really Jim asking, How long will my battery last with limited light and pump usage, How long can we except the battery to last. It's Rv deep cell like I use in my boat. Would a solar panel help. I saw a 12"x 24" solar panel at Harbor Freight for about $20.00. would this help?

How long your battery lasts depends on it's size, state of charge, and how many loads you put on it. If you have the room I would try and install 2 batteries. If you have room for only one, try and get the biggest size possible, a size 27 or size 31. Don't bother with a size 24, unless that's all the room you have. As for a solar panel helping out. Yes, absolutely, but you need at least 100 watts of panel. The one you cited is only good for a trickle charge and is really not worth buying.

SilverPal · 06-18-2011, 09:06 AM

For what it's worth....we purchased the Coleman (camping) solar set up from Costco for $199. It has three small-ish panels, provides 55w and comes with everything you need, inverter, stand, etc. We used it for all our energy needs recently at Mesa Verde Nat'l Park. Well, the generator had to be started for the regular coffee pot....good luck and look forward to seeing you at the Fiesta!

eubank · 06-18-2011, 10:53 AM

Hey, Ken, I was trying (unsuccessfully) to remember when you want the balance-due checks. Was it in July?

Lynn

StreamRollin · 06-19-2011, 06:27 PM

to Mello Mike & Silver Pal - thanks so much for the guidance. I'll be on the hunt for solar panels that won't break the bank, and stashing an extra battery in the bed of the truck. Looking forward to meeting fellow Streamers in Albuquerque, but not wishing the summer away!

FL Crackers · 06-19-2011, 06:32 PM

Expected temps and other weather conditions?

eubank · 06-19-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL Crackers

Expected temps and other weather conditions?

You can see monthly averages for Albuquerque in the relevant section of weather.com:

Average Weather for Albuquerque, NM - Temperature and Precipitation

Lynn

Charlie M · 06-20-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL Crackers

Expected temps and other weather conditions?

In 2010, it was hot, felt good. At night open windows nice and cool.

In 2009, chilly, wore heavy jackets for the early morning launch, never got to warm.

Bottom line, bring clothes/equipment for all seasons.

Air Cruiser · 06-20-2011, 10:52 AM

Thanks Eubank and Charlie M for the info -- that was very helpful.

Deb

Ken J · 06-28-2011, 10:07 AM

Lynn - yes second checks will be due towards the end of July

Ken J.

eubank · 06-28-2011, 10:09 AM

Ok, good deal. I just don't want to miss this!

Lynn

Ken J · 07-01-2011, 07:43 AM

Update - we have been given 10 more spots - and 4 of them have been taken already - so we will have 100 trailers this year. Thats a 50% increase over last year. In talking to the balloon folks, we were only able to get more because they had some folks cancel - so once we have a 100, thats it - so if you are thinking about this great rally, you have one more chance. And to think our first year of doing this, we had 20 units.

Being the 40th anniversary, there will be more balloons and events going on.

We will be by far the largest group at balloon fiesta this year.

Gas prices are coming down, so come on out!!

Ken J.

Gene · 07-02-2011, 01:37 PM

Ken, I have been reading the various threads and not sure where to reserve—here, there or everywhere? We would have to have a place to stay the night before so we could get to the assembly point the morning of the 30th and I'm sure Alb. RV parks are already booked up, so we may have to stay in Santa Fe, although it may be the same there. I just found a place in Alb that has a few spots and have said "yes" on the sign up sheet. What now? Send money to you?

Gene

Ken J · 07-02-2011, 02:53 PM

Yes - send the sign up sheet and money to me - I think Vickie at Enchanted Trails has set aside some spots for us - just mention you are with us. If you don't have the sign up sheet, PM me with your e-mail address and I'll get you one

Ken J.

Gene · 07-02-2011, 03:05 PM

Thanks Ken. We'll send the money on Monday and I have the form. We'll call Enchanted Trails.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Gene

Ken J · 07-02-2011, 03:43 PM

Hmm you are going to meet everyone - wow your gonna be very busy - and maybe you'll get to see some balloons - hee hee...... there will be about 200 folks to meet.

I am looking forward to meeting you - I've seen you around a lot on the forums and my good friend Lewster mentioned he was up to see you...

Ken J.

Gene · 07-02-2011, 03:51 PM

Well, I'll meet everyone, but I won't remember any of their names, but my wife might.

Gene

Ken J · 07-02-2011, 04:02 PM

We do have a test at the end....

I'll know everyones names though.......... now remembering who is who will be another story........ so I hope noone gets offended when I call someone by a wrong name.... I'll do my best though

Ken J.

SilverPal · 07-02-2011, 10:07 PM

Ken: We're up north at the Wally Byam Birthday Bash in Baker City, Oregon (great rally!) and we've met some folks who have signed up...Dave & Debbie from Washington (hopefully you'll have a chance to see their vintage rig which they both tackled successfully!). We might have those last few sites spoken for by the end of the weekend!! 100 is a nice round figure...well done!