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Topic ClosedPick Up On Wednesday

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Mitch View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Pick Up On Wednesday
    Posted: 19 Apr 2015 at 9:58am
First post and new to the website. Well after months of looking my wife (Karen) and I finally decided to purchase a new 179 which we will be picking up this Wednesday (4-22). I actually discovered this site about a month ago and have been sort of lurking about and finally registered yesterday.

Now decisions start, such as solar versus generator. One or both? If generator then what size? Since we are totally new to trailers I am sure there will be a bunch more questions as we get into traveling with the Rpod.
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2015 at 1:39pm
Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 179! We really like our!! We dont have the solar or generator ( usually use KOA's with full hook up, but there are numerous podders on the site that can walk you through both and all kinds of topics!
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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2010 Rpod 171
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WIRpodder View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2015 at 5:30pm
Congrats! I signed the agreement yesterday and am picking up in two weeks a new 171. I too am debating the solar vs. generator question. Will be boondocking for a couple of weeks out west this summer, but for no more than 2-3 days in one place. So far I feel like solar is the way to go, but still weighing the pros and cons of each. I did opt for two 6 bolt Trojan batteries in lieu of the standard single 12 volt that the dealer was offering with the unit. 



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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2015 at 5:44pm
You should be OK for 2-3 days depending on furnace usage. If the new 171s don't have LED interior lights, change them. Be sure to run your fridge on propane, both camped and traveling. The fridge on 12V will pretty well prevent battery recharging from you TV. 
Charlie
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2015 at 8:33pm
Welcome.  How often do you plan on camping off-grid, and for how long?
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Mitch View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Apr 2015 at 9:01am
Thanks to all for the warm welcome.

I anticipate that most if not all are trips will be to NPS, BLM, or State Park campgrounds which will not have hookups. Probably for the most part the trips will be short in duration, 3 or 4 days, but then again this is only speculation on usage.

Mitch
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Apr 2015 at 9:36am
Mitch, if you are going to be at altitude, the solar will keep you out for a long time if you go 100-150w system. You will have some heater usage at night, but no a/c needed.

If you are going to be in the central valley, or along the coast, a/c may be needed. Then you need a generator. If you are going south.. well you already know that's all desert down there.. 

I would do a trip or two before deciding and spending the money. If you get in a pinch 12v wise at first, just use jumper cables from your tow vehicle to top off the batteries. Won't hurt a thing, and actually will get you to a "mostly charged" status pretty quick.
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