Newbie Poder Here; Boondock question
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Topic: Newbie Poder Here; Boondock question
Posted By: Bboudens
Subject: Newbie Poder Here; Boondock question
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 1:42pm
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Hello everyone! I'm glad I found this forum. I'm a newbie (ish) to the RV'ing world and just acquired a 2016 Rpod 178 HR edition. Can't wait get out an give it a go. Pull vehicle: 2011 Silverado 1500 with tow package. One question I do have that I've never seen yet is how long can the "pod" boondock for on a single 20lb LP tank and a 12v battery. Running the heaters and fridge off the LP and not using the microwave?
------------- Keep your stick on the ice 2016 178HRE 2011 Silverado 1500 |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 1:58pm
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It all depends on your usage. The LED lights pull negligible power. The refrigerator can run for a long time on propane, but it also depends on the battery having enough power for the electronics. The heater's propane use depends on the temperatures. Temperatures in the 50's use much less propane than temperatures in the 30's, as can be expected. The microwave is a non-issue unless you have a generator capable of running it. My Generac iX2000 won't run the microwave, but will run the convection oven part. If you are frugal with power, you should get 2-3 days on your 12V battery. If you have to run the furnace a lot, the time will be shorter. I opted to install dual 6 Volt batteries wired in series to produce 12 Volts. I have a much higher reserve capacity that way. Even so, I found out quickly that the refrigerator will drain the dual batteries down in 5-6 hours. Since then, I have run on propane unless I am at a place with AC. Suggestion: Do not run the refrigerator on 12V while towing. The consensus is that most vehicles do not provide enough power to run the refrigerator and charge the battery also. The better way is to leave it on propane. That way, your battery will be charged when you arrive. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Bboudens
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 2:08pm
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Great info Mr. H I'll probably upgrade to the 6 volt system next season. The single 12 is just what it comes with as I might only use the camper once or twice this fall. I'm not gonna worry about it If I'm fine for a night or two.
------------- Keep your stick on the ice 2016 178HRE 2011 Silverado 1500 |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 3:31pm
| If your battery runs down, just back up your tow vehicle, plug in the electrical cable, and run the vehicle for a while. You'll need to be making minimal use of 12V while the battery charges. Solar panels are another option for continuous charging during the day...as long as it's sunny. |
Posted By: Shelpod
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 6:27pm
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You are better off using jumper cables to the battery if you need to charge it rather than the regular plug. You will get a lot more juice through those cables and can cut the charge time down significantly. We use a 100 watt solar to extend our stays and as long as you can get some good sun, it keeps the batteries at above 90% even when we have to use the heater (although sparingly). Have fun and welcome to the forum. ------------- Pod: 2013 178 TV: 2014 Explorer Limited with tow package |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 7:20pm
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+1 on what Stephen says. And yes, use good-quality jumper cables if you need to hook up to your TV for a charge. Run the engine for 30 minutes. ------------- 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: jato
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 7:25pm
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We are currently into year 6 with our 2 deep cycle group size 24 batteries. Last year in September we spent a week in RMNP (Colorado) with the night temps in the low to mid 40's, so the furnace ran a fair amount. During the day we hiked so during that time we just turned the furnace off. Fridge ran on propane and lights (all converted to L.E.D.'s) were run a lot. The result was that we would get 3-4 days on one battery (running it down to 1/3 charge) before unhooking and changing over to the other battery. We managed 1 week on 2, 5 year old batteries, not too bad. As far as propane, we normally get about 1 year out of each tank (we camp about 26 - 30 days/year). ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Bboudens
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2016 at 12:12am
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All excellent tips, especially the jumper cable ideal thanks folks!
------------- Keep your stick on the ice 2016 178HRE 2011 Silverado 1500 |
Posted By: birderdiane526
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2016 at 1:26am
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Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new POD! ------------- Diane and Michael 2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |