Battery life--camping without electric hookup for the first time.

[Florida 55]

Make sure your batteries are fully charged and in good condition. The one stage converter Airstream puts in new trailers can fry your batteries if you are plugged in too long and overcharge. Switch out to a 3 stage converter when you have the chance. It is an easy do-it-yourself project. A good source for replacement 3 stage converters is BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics Call Randy at Best Converter to determine the correct replacement for your trailer. This is not something you need to do before your upcoming trip.

To conserve power, turn the water pump off when not in use.

If you use the furnace at night, reduce fan power consumption by keeping your the thermostat down (50 degrees) while you are sleeping. Take extra blankets for warmth.

LED lights use little power. Take a portable battery powered LED lantern with you for light in trailer at night. They give off a lot of light and are inexpensive to purchase.

The biggest power drain will be the furnace fan. If you are conservative in your power use, and the batteries are fully charged and in good condition, three nights should be no problem.

As others have said, you can run the electric jack off the tow vehicle when connected. It takes a long time to charge the batteries in the trailer idling the tow vehicle. Disconnect the electrical connection with the tow vehicle while camping. If you drain the trailer batteries completely you don't want to also drain your tow vehicle completely.

[blkmagikca]

Originally Posted by lizfsmith

Thanks all for the comments! I of course forgot that we won't be able to plug in the coffee maker--OOPS

Percolator is a great idea.

We have one like this Benjamin Medwin Stainless Stovetop Espresso Cappuccino Coffee Maker | eBay for making coffee. It's nice to have a GOOD cup of cappuccino for breakfast.

[B_Pi]

Besides a stove top percolator, there is another way to make coffee which requires far less cleanup and works quite well for my wife - who is the coffee drinker in our rig. bonavita is the brand name - check it out. LED lamps, avoiding use of any appliances like coffee makers will really extend your battery life while wild camped. Fans will draw down the battery if used for long periods though they are generally quite efficient. Open the windows, door and roof vents for cross ventilation. Carrying a supply of water to pour into the toilet for flushing will save you from using the pump too.

[AtomicNo13]

This makes it easy

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

This makes it easyAttachment 249971

Along with this table if you have a dedicated voltmeter installed you will always know the state of charge of your batteries by taking a quick look at the voltmeter. You can order a RioRand digital voltmeter from Amazon for only $7.56.

Dan

[augopher]

Originally Posted by Florida 55

Make sure your batteries are fully charged and in good condition. The one stage converter Airstream puts in new trailers can fry your batteries if you are plugged in too long and overcharge. Switch out to a 3 stage converter when you have the chance. It is an easy do-it-yourself project. A good source for replacement 3 stage converters is BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics Call Randy at Best Converter to determine the correct replacement for your trailer. This is not something you need to do before your upcoming trip.

To conserve power, turn the water pump off when not in use.

If you use the furnace at night, reduce fan power consumption by keeping your the thermostat down (50 degrees) while you are sleeping. Take extra blankets for warmth.

LED lights use little power. Take a portable battery powered LED lantern with you for light in trailer at night. They give off a lot of light and are inexpensive to purchase.

The biggest power drain will be the furnace fan. If you are conservative in your power use, and the batteries are fully charged and in good condition, three nights should be no problem.

As others have said, you can run the electric jack off the tow vehicle when connected. It takes a long time to charge the batteries in the trailer idling the tow vehicle. Disconnect the electrical connection with the tow vehicle while camping. If you drain the trailer batteries completely you don't want to also drain your tow vehicle completely.

How much power does the hot water heater take? We are considering a 5 day off grid trip with our Bambi. We likely won't need the furnace, just water pump and hot water heater, and occasional lights.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by lizfsmith

Thanks all for the comments! I of course forgot that we won't be able to plug in the coffee maker--OOPS

Percolator is a great idea.

Also thanks for reminding us that we can use the hand jack

Weather will be mild--we're camping in central NC--high 50s at night and 70s-80's day time so heat won't be an issue--have sweaters.

I will look into voltage this weekend to make sure the batteries are in good condition.

Appreciate all the help/advice!

Chemex...and a 1000w generator.

Why fans at night? 'yer sleeping.

Bob
🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦

[field & stream]

Originally Posted by augopher

How much power does the hot water heater take? We are considering a 5 day off grid trip with our Bambi. We likely won't need the furnace, just water pump and hot water heater, and occasional lights.

Sorry, can’t answer the specific question but it’s not much. But with regard to the question of whether or not you can go five days, the answer is maybe, maybe not.

There are bigger issues here. What is the type, size, and condition of your battery? Do you have LED or halogen lights, and how many will you use for how long? This info would help us reply intelligently.

Our 16’ uses about 7 Amp hours per day running only the propane fridge plus the parasitic draws. If you have a single 80 Ah lead acid battery, and it is in good condition, this minimum usage alone will take you right to the edge of your usable storage.

[field & stream]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Chemex...and a 1000w generator.

Why fans at night? 'yer sleeping.

Bob
🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦

Yes, a small generator will keep you going. And so will a 100w portable solar suitcase if you can’t tolerate the noise, smell, and fuel issues with generators.

[SuperTrouper]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Chemex...and a 1000w generator.


Bob
������������

X2 on the Chemex both at home and in the Airstream.

This is a 7 year old thread BTW. To answer the "resurrection" poster: "How much power does the hot water heater take? We are considering a 5 day off grid trip with our Bambi. We likely won't need the furnace, just water pump and hot water heater, and occasional lights." Answer: Depends on the hot water heater. If it's propane you'll be fine. If it's electric only, you will not. If your batteries are stock, 5 days will probably deplete the batteries with lite to moderate use. - Brad

Brad