Thanks, ajzuma

I can tell you that 80 watts of panels will only give you about 16 amps @ 12 volts over a full day of charging.  This includes 5 hours of sun (you'll get less in the winter, don't count on more in the summer), times 80 watts, divided by 2, divided by 12 volts.  Between charger losses, line losses, battery losses during charging, etc, you end up loosing half of your input power.  You'll need more panels.

            Thanks, ajzuma

                 Have some ideas on saving battery power. Thinking of wiring the battery compartment of the satellite radio so it can plugged into a 12 volt outlet. The radio will accept 8 C cells. Then I won't have to use an inverter. For heat I'll use a portable buddy with a extension hose  that will reach the trailer propane bottle. I'll be sure to leave the windows, and  if nessesary the door open for ventilation.

                  Picked up a transmission fill funnel for the gas cans and try it out. Works perfectly.  Built some shelves made of bamboo cutting boards and brass fittings then installed a couple 12 volt outlets to them. The shelves were mounted on each side of the  entertainment console. I'll post some pictures when I learn how its done. Had the axle bearings repacked for the first time. Trailer should  just about be ready for the Death Valley trip.

                  Thanks and happy camping,   ajzuma

 

   

                 

                 The battery power were mainly consumed by the using the furnace a few times, lights, and a 400 watt inverter  that  powered a satellite radio.   The golf cart batteries is a great idea but maybe a bit heavy. Trying to stay lite as posible. Pulling the 151 with a Toyota 4 cyl.  

 Thinking of two inexpensive 12 volt batteries until I buy another truck.  Expecting my dependable 14 year old toy to blow up soon  from all this abusive driving and tolling.

                My next trip will be a week in Death Valley during early Spring.

    Thanks ajzuma

    Oh! Word of advice guys. Always test your gear before you go out to sticks. While tolling my toy only has 140 mi range so I bought gas cans. Discovered the gas can spout were too short to reach the gas tank fill hole. Did'nt have a funnel so I was screwed. Had to improvise. Took my solar shower apart and used the tubing. Duct tape the tubing to the mouth of a disposible water bottle then cut the bottom of the bottle off and feed the fuel intravenously.  

 

 

 

 

 

             

The park sounds gorgeous.  Can't believe that there were so many animals.  

coyotes, maybe a fox?, hawks, eagles, other birds and a herd of

Tule Elk.  I would imagine strolling around the Corrizo would be like strolling though the plains of

africa except without the lions rhinos and whatever.  The park is beautiful.

What I determined afer this trip is I need more battery capacity (have a grp 24) and evenutally a higher clearance vehicle with more power. (used a 4 cyl 2 wheel drive truck)

Thanks, ajzuma