Consumption Estimates

[campadk]

I'm trying to piece together some sort of estimates for power consumption in our new Bambi. Won't be camping in it for the first time until April... just looking ahead at expected usage and looking at generators, solar and such.

We will be mainly using our Bambi at a few state parks without hookups.

Can anyone steer me to info on such thing:

Average Current draw on the dometic fridge (which I gather is for the fan and front panel electronics). Does it draw enough to consider in AH usage calculations? (3 cu ft model)

Typical draw per halogan light. Not sure if the new CCD's come with 10W or 5W bulbs.

Furnace: the Atwood 8616 IV Hydroflame mentions 12C DC at 4.6A. I thought it runs on propane? What is the 4.6A for? Heater unit perhaps (can you tell I'm more computer geek than engineer)?

How much does that fantastic fan draw on low/high. Would be nice if it had a remote!

Anything I have overlooked? (not using A/C, have already considered tv power consumption, no microwaves, hairdryers, popcorn or coffee makers)

Thanks

[rickandsandi]

Dave- No too long ago someone had posted a great list. Use your search function. The post had lots a great info and input.

[campadk]

Must have missed it... I've found lots of good stuff however searching on power consumption, just not what I am looking for.

[azflycaster]

The furnace draw is for the fan to blow the warm air around the trailer. It is a big hit as far as batteries go. Other items that you may want to consider are smoke, CO, and propane detectors as well as the control board in the water heater.

[fastrob]

Originally Posted by campadk

I'm trying to piece together some sort of estimates for power consumption in our new Bambi. Won't be camping in it for the first time until April... just looking ahead at expected usage and looking at generators, solar and such.

Thanks

When we did the off-grid thing it was by touch and feel. When the heater died I fired up the generator to charge the battery.
A much more sophisticated Airstreamer, just about anyone but me, would measure the current draw with one of those fancy devices like an electric meter that measures the cumulative current and add up the wattage of your favorite devices such as a/c, tv, coffee maker, ice machine, blender, etc.
Watch out for start up surges, overlapping uses and always on appliances.
Write the list, then it is easy to size the generator, solar panel and batteries.
Just guessing; 1 or 2 2,000 watt honda generators, small solar panel and a couple of deep cell batteries will do just about anything within reason.
Rob

[B25guy]

Dave,

RoadKingMoe did a great job of collecting all the loads on a late model trailer. See post #5 in this thread...

http://www.airforums.com/forum...tors-3978.html

Marc

[nickcrowhurst]

Dave, I measured these current draws, and posted the results here:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...nick+milliamps
Nick.

[Westfalia]

Dave, consider replacing some of your overhead lights with LED bulbs. I have done this to several fixtures in my trailer and have documented my journey.

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ens-17392.html

Also, the CCD halogens are a 10W bulb and can be replaced with 5W bulbs with no noticable decrease in light output.

[Kevbo10]

Originally Posted by campadk

I'm trying to piece together some sort of estimates for power consumption in our new Bambi. Won't be camping in it for the first time until April... just looking ahead at expected usage and looking at generators, solar and such.

Anything I have overlooked? (not using A/C, have already considered tv power consumption, no microwaves, hairdryers, popcorn or coffee makers)

Thanks

i just love good detailed questions, and this is the place for answers.

i've found however there's no sub. for the real thing. like your actual going out and using the AS and those real life experiences will just pop out. like your (insert relatives name here) leaves all the interior lights on while your next door at the happy hour, well being happy... everyone is and uses there "stuff" different. kinda like your mileage will vary... kinda thing.

on my 25' '05 CCD i can go four days on the (2) batteries, if, the day temp is about 70 f., and the night time temp doesn't dip below 22 f., and i'm thin so i'm a big fan 'o the furnace, and the fridge and freezer are being used, and i read alot at nite, but my dogs don't...

your experience may differ, i'm sure it will.

as always,

k.