Camping using the battery
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2926
Printed Date: 25 May 2025 at 1:44am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Camping using the battery
Posted By: KDHfan
Subject: Camping using the battery
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 8:53am
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Hello guys! Getting ready to camp at Beaver Stadium to watch Penn State
take on Navy this weekend. I was just wondering about the battery that
came with my 182G. I will be going light on the power... i was hoping
someone could tell me if the battery would be able to handle a weekend
using the Refrigerator on LP and an occasional water pump? Portable generators are not allowed... but... i might have access to one... about how long does it take to recharge if i just plug the power cord into generator? ------------- Mark, Beth, Nolan & Madeline 2012 182G... "NoMad" TV - 2012 Nissan Armada SB/WDB |
Replies:
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 9:09am
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Best way to recharge if you do not have access to a generator or power is to plug into your TV while ist is running and use the Alternator on your TV. I don't know how long you can go I have not tried it.
------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 9:19am
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Check my post on electric current draw last week for some real time numbers. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 10:05am
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You won't need to recharge for one weekend, especially with a new battery. Just make sure you plug in the pod overnight before you go, and pre-chill your fridge at the same time. Here is a link to Walt's post: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2898&title=electrical-current-draw - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2898&title=electrical-current-draw
A link to this forum's "owner's manual": http://rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&PN=1&title=creating-an-instruction-maintanence-manual - http://rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&PN=1&title=creating-an-instruction-maintanence-manual
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 10:50am
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I'd suggest not using the on-board lights, in lieu of battery operated lighting.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: KDHfan
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 12:05pm
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Great Links! Thanks guys. That helps a ton. I had the camper parked at my house, and plugged in, for the past 24hrs. I just unhooked at the stadium (i live close by) and left my TV plugged in until i pulled out, so i should be at full charge. I think this trip I'll go with a couple coolers and leave the fridge off... see how it goes and move on from there. I'm thinking I should invest in a second battery so i won't have to worry about it as much. Thanks again! ------------- Mark, Beth, Nolan & Madeline 2012 182G... "NoMad" TV - 2012 Nissan Armada SB/WDB |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 3:11pm
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The fridge in propane mode, while it does use some 12v to run the controller and status lights, uses VERY little power. Less than the porch light.
------------- |
Posted By: Racer|X|
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 8:18pm
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I tried using my fridge on battery only as a test....didn't last long at all. Use propane for fridge. Enjoy the game. X ------------- |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 8:47pm
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Good tips from all, I have nothing to add. fridge and water heater on propane you should get at least 3 days with out charging, but you can hook to the t.v. and run the engine and charge the battery. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 9:45pm
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If you need to recharge via the TV, it is best to turn the TV around and use jumper cables (larger cable). After the first 2-3 days if you do that every other day for 30-60 minutes it will get you up to 80% state-of-charge. That is as far as you want to try to charge off-grid. Leave the last 20% for when you get home.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: KDHfan
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2012 at 1:49pm
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You'll all be happy to know our weekend was a success! We used the battery throughout the day pretty much the same as we would have had we been plugged in, with a few obvious exceptions. We ended up with a Honda 2000 generator from my wifes work, so we just cranked that baby on at dark, ran the lights, tv, and everything else (except A/C). Before turning on the Genny, our battery was at 3/4 full. When we went to bed (10:00), we turned the generator off. We had the heater on and used the water pump occasionally throughout the night and a light here and there. In the morning, the battery was still completely full. We didn't run the Fridge at all. All this and the Nittany Lions won! Great weekend. AND... we gave at least 20 tours (not an exaggeration)! I can almost guarantee i sold at least 2 Rpods over the course of the weekend. ------------- Mark, Beth, Nolan & Madeline 2012 182G... "NoMad" TV - 2012 Nissan Armada SB/WDB |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2012 at 6:56pm
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A shame that none of us get a commission. Congrats on your trip.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2012 at 8:38am
My car salesman gives a free oil change for every referral that I give that results in a sale. He gave me a bunch of cards to give people. I did the same years ago when I sold cars. I got about $350 a car when I sold cars and the service department would give me the oil change basically for cost. If you had a good experience with your dealer you might be able to arrange some similar deal.
------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2012 at 11:39am
| I know for a fact that TechnTrek's dealer will not give out anything. (He has the same dealer as me) I have tried and also sent a lot of business that way over the last 16 years I have been dealing with them (and purchase of 4 personal campers with them). |