Furnace Fan vs Solar

[PeteL]

Only real battery drain we have is furnance fan. We like to camp through late fall and often have no shore power. Thinking gen is way to go, but thought I ask if solar could maintain battery assuming furnace ran throught the day.

[boondockdad]

had same issue. many threads on this. solar no match for furnace fan drain on batts. i went with LP converted EF2400iS.

[PeteL]

Thanks for confirming.

[pmclemore]

Have you considered a cat heater? Very minimal power usage.

Pat

[AirSolarGuy]

Hi Pete,

I am the supplier to Airstream for their solar solutions. There are a few depends factors, but I would be happy to help you size a solar system. You can also use our online mobile power calculator to give you an idea of what amount of solar you would need to purchase. If you visit our website www.solarforrv.com and click on the mobile power calculator it will walk you through the steps. If you have any questions on this please let me know.

Regards,

Mark

[Antique Pedaler]

Just spent three nights boondocking at 8.500' in a Wyoming mountain valley. We don't use the furnace overnight as our downfilled comforter sufices. So each morning the inside temperature was in the mid and high 30s. It took the furnace about an hour to bring the temperature up to 68 degrees. We also used the furnace and lights for several hours in the evening but the furnace only came on for perhaps 20 minutes each hour. We have an 85 watt BP Solar panel which got full sun all day. When we left after three nights the two batteries were at 50%.

[norsea]

Originally Posted by AirSolarGuy

Hi Pete,

I am the supplier to Airstream for their solar solutions. There are a few depends factors, but I would be happy to help you size a solar system. You can also use our online mobile power calculator to give you an idea of what amount of solar you would need to purchase. If you visit our website www.solarforrv.com and click on the mobile power calculator it will walk you through the steps. If you have any questions on this please let me know.

Regards,

Mark

Hi Mark,

We have a 30' Classic that we ordered with solar power. It has two rather large solar panels on the roof but I have no idea as to their dimensions.

I have not been able locate anything that gives me the specifics as to the output of the system. We ordered the trailer last September and took delivery in November.

I am curious to know what kind of results we will have when we are in Big Bend National Park next February using our fluorescent lights, listening to our satellite radio, using the stove vent fan and light as well as running our heater during the cold nights.

I wonder if our solar charge capability will be sufficient to recharge our batteries? I also wonder what impact a cloudy day will have on the recharge process?

Curiously yours,

Jim

[purman]

I would love to go solar, One thing I like to camp under the trees... We do camp in Utah where there aren't many trees. But we camp in the mountains of Colorado and WY... Over all the price would be high as we would need at least 85 watt system... and only get exposed sun on half of our trips and not all day...

So for us the Generator is the way to go... Honda 2000i I think with a propane conversion....

Just my 2 cents.