Electrical Must Haves

[clrhflower]

What do you recommend, in addition to factory installed, electrical upgrades before you leave the dealer lot?

We are getting a 2010 31d classic, standard factory edition. Boondocking definately in the plan. We want to avoid
going down the road and 20 minutes later wishing we would of????Oh we need ???

Thanks

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by clrhflower

What do you recommend, in addition to factory installed, electrical upgrades before you leave the dealer lot?

Thanks

It depends on what model, size, and factory options you order, as well as how you intend to use it.
If you don't order it with a package that includes an inverter, I would recommend having one installed. Look at the boon-docker package, it is pricey, but is nice to have the wiring done.
If you tell us more about what you intend to do, I bet you will get some good suggestions.
Regards,
Ken

[3 Dog Nite]

I think boondocking & solar go hand in hand. Wish I had it.

Ricky

[Jim Foster]

Originally Posted by 3 Dog Nite

I think boondocking & solar go hand in hand. Wish I had it.

Ricky

I agree. Solar is not only good for boondocking, but it will keep your batteries at the top while in storage without having to be plugged in. We left our Caravel in storage in June, with batteries full of water and connected to a 55w panel via a good regulator. When we returned the end of September, the batteries were fully charged and still full of water. I would have been concerned leaving the trailer plugged in for that long without attention. I'm sure the batteries would not have stayed full of water. Converters are good, but I don't think they are that good.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by clrhflower

What do you recommend, in addition to factory installed, electrical upgrades before you leave the dealer lot?

We are getting a 2010 31d classic, standard factory edition. Boondocking definately in the plan. We want to avoid
going down the road and 20 minutes later wishing we would of????Oh we need ???

Thanks

Definitly solar, at least 2 large panels.

Also, not electrical, but balanced running gear.

Andy

[knunut]

Solar !!! Fanatastic Fan's (Auto. Close in case of Rain) Generator in TV.
No Carpet in Trailer. Good Lock's for securing trailer and propane tank's.

[2airishuman]

the FACTORY installed solar option is expensive for what's included.

much better/more purposeful systems can be added by custom installers and for less money.

unless you really UNDERSTAND boondocking, it might be better to just go camping and THEN sort out your needs....

a genset is a simple relatively inexpensive way to gain extra power WITHOUT altering the trailer.

but there are 100s of threads on solar/gensets and boondocking so read'em.
____________

no doubt the EXCITEMENT about a new trailer is tangible...

but MOST of the newbie issues and needs are covered well so read/explore some...

Originally Posted by clrhflower

...We want to avoid going down the road and 20 minutes later wishing we would of????Oh we need ???

it looks like you want 'lists' for every system???

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f163...ems-59219.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f37/...ves-59218.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f459...ere-59220.html

here are some of the lists of lists...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...list-7630.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ring-3099.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ere-15547.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368...ers-19484.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...get-26507.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f443...ring-3180.html

and the list to end all lists (see post #12) ...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...tml#post492516


cheers
2air'

[Ag&Au]

Please tell me you edited your post after my first reply. I hope I am not getting that senile.

We have the same year and model trailer that you are ordering. We ordered it with the factory boondocking package. I don't regret that at all. I am think also of adding a couple of portable solar panels that I can place more oriented to the sun to augment those already installed.

These are some of electrical items that I always carry.
Adapter to allow plugging trailer into normal AC outlet.
Normal AC household extension cord
Extension cord for 12V outlets
Splitter for 12V outlets to allow multiple items to be plugged in.
30 ft extension for the trailer power cord.
Assortment of Automobile type crimp on wire connectors and crimper.
Electrical tape.

I am sure there are more that I am not thinking of right now.

I am planning to buy a whole trailer surge protector before our next trip.

Regards,
Ken

[clrhflower]

Ken,
No worries, i edited after you posted.

[clrhflower]

Ken,
What would the inverter be used for and where would it derive its power from?
thanks
clrhflower

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by clrhflower

Ken,
What would the inverter be used for and where would it derive its power from?
thanks
clrhflower

Hi,
An Inverter converts 12V DC to 115V AC. It is wired to the trailer batteries. This allows you to run AC powered devices when the trailer is not plugged into shore power. The boondocker package includes a 600 watt inverter. It is wired to two outlets. One near the TV and one near the door. This allows you to watch TV, etc. while boondocking. The outlet near the door (actually behind a curtain) is in a good place to plug in a laptop power supply while using a laptop on the fold-up table in front of the couch.
Inverters come in a wide range of power ratings depending on your intended uses.
Hope that helps,
Ken

[nswhite]

Always thought I should have an external 12V outlet. Probably add it inside the refrigerator area.

[Gene]

With an inverter you will be using a lot of battery capacity quickly, so if you must have TV, microwave or a toaster while boondocking, consider battery upgrades and maybe more of them. There are numerous battery threads and you will see this is an item that brings out the passions. You can run those items by running a generator if you're jonesing for TV.

Which generator? Many threads on that, but people are happy with the Honda or Yamaha. More watts, more weight. If you need A/C while boondocking, 3,000 watt model (100+ lbs.). Better to go north.

It easier and cheaper to live without TV (radio and CD's still work), microwave and toaster. Solar panel(s) are good to make sure you don't have to run a generator very often and keep the batteries charged while the Airstream is stored without boiling the water out.

Airstream hasn't caught up with the present. You may want a printer for a laptop and will need to make a place for it and run USB cable or go wireless. Wifi someplaces is pretty weak and there are boosters available, aircards for wifi more places. Airstream hasn't figured this out yet—you'll have to go aftermarket.

You may be able to get the 16" wheels as an option which enable you to get LT tires which may be better than the Goodyear Marathons the trailers usually come with. Unfortunately they put Goodyear LT tires on with the 16" option. Those tires are not highly regarded. Maybe you can talk them into picking up Michelin LTX tires in Dayton.

Gene

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by nswhite

Always thought I should have an external 12V outlet. Probably add it inside the refrigerator area.

For what?

[AirsDream]

Good for lotsa' things, such as working outside in good weather (and 'Streamers only go where there's good weather, right?) with laptop while charging laptop batts. ... or running 12v. compressor for airing tires.

I like the idea, and am getting ready to do some major electrical mods ... may just add this to the list!

[Gene]

A compressor that runs off a 12 v. receptacle probably won't pump an Airstream tire very fast if at all. The size of the wire is too small and may blow the fuse. A compressor to fill a 65 psi tire efficiently has to be attached directly to the batteries.

Gene