First Boondocking trip

[altamont]

We just got back from 4 days of boondocking at the beach Santa Cruz California. We never even got close to running low on power as the solar panels kept us powered up perfectly. What a nice addition they turned out to be. Water was good after 4 showers and numerous meals. I didn't even try to conserve as I wanted to see how much usage we can get out of our standard beginning load. I figure a week without too much trouble if we try to conserve a bit.

I sold my Yamaha 2400is generator and bought a Honda EU2000i and it is quieter. I figure if I ever do need to run the AC I can get another unit plus the 30 amp adapter but we don't spend much time in hot areas. I got the unit at Sampson Equipment in Murray Utah for $869 delivered! New in box. Great people to do business with.

[moosetags]

Sounds like a great trip. Post some pictures if you got 'em.

[airstreamers]

sounds like your trip was a success! i'm interested in your solar panels. that sounds like a great idea and solution to many boondocking problems. thanks for sharing and giving me an idea to check out.

[ScottW]

Sounds like a great trip...send pics. What kind/number of solar panels do you have? Dealer installed or did you diy? sounds like something I may need. Already have one honda 2000.
rgds,
scott

[altamont]

The panels were a dealer install. They differ in that they are 108 volts vs the factory 96. Same panel inside giving readouts on voltage and amps. Cost was less too at $1700. You can call Toscano's in Los Banos CA to see what they put on.

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by altamont

The panels were a dealer install. They differ in that they are 108 volts vs the factory 96. Same panel inside giving readouts on voltage and amps. Cost was less too at $1700. You can call Toscano's in Los Banos CA to see what they put on.

I hope that was watts rather than volts.

[sequoiacoast]

Hey, where do you boondock- on the beach- in Santa Cruz?

[S C Streamer]

Originally Posted by sequoiacoast

Hey, where do you boondock- on the beach- in Santa Cruz?

Nowhere that I can think of. I'm guessing they meant without any hook-ups.

[altamont]

OK,OK,OK. 108 Watts. No boondocking (per some peoples definition) just no hookups.

[sequoiacoast]

Was it at Sea Cliff, New Brighton...?

[yukionna]

Way to go! Boondocking is my all time favorite means of camping. It works out well with the Bambi trailer because we can squeeze into all sorts of nice locations. A couple of years ago we camped at a campground in Nova Scotia. The camp ground was full but the owner said if we didn't mind boondocking, we could back the trailer out to the end of the peninsula overlooking Hope Rocks. It doesn't get better than that! We had the entire peninsula to our selves with great tidal views across the bay.

[altamont]

New Brighton. We looked at SeaCliff but it was really crowded together. We used to go to Sunset but after New Brighton it doesn't look as nice. NB spots have a good distance between most of the them so we never felt crowded. The full hookup spots were much tighter.

[sequoiacoast]

New Brighton is beautiful. My best friend in middle school lived at that campground when her family first moved to Santa Cruz. I can still smell the Eucalyptus and the creosote from the tracks!

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by altamont

OK,OK,OK. 108 Watts. No boondocking (per some peoples definition) just no hookups.

Just kidding with you! I'm ordering two 100 watt panels with a system next week because 90% of my current camping has been without shore power. It is probably overkill but I want to be covered on overcast/rainey days. I have had access to questionable well water so I carry 2.5-7.5 gallons of water in containers from home rather than using the fresh water tank. While I have a quiet generator, I hate to run it much at the hunting camp.