battery 2 6v vs 1 12v for new 19'

[bdornbush]

We have a 19 with solar and love it. During the time that the trailer is parked between trips, the solar keeps the batteries (2 6V) charged and I run the MaxxFan whenever it gets over 78 degrees, which is when there is lots of sun. So it all works fine - except for A/C. We are going on a mission trip soon and the place we are going has one 20A circuit for all 7 RVs so we cannot run the A/C. Forecast is for the upper 80s and some 90s so I just got a Honda 2000i. I will find out how noisy it is for other campers, but I can't hear it in the trailer while the A/C is running.

I listen to the Roadtreking podcast, and he has a Roadtrek CS Adventurous, with a roof full of solar and large lithium batteries, and claims he runs the A/C whenever he wants and has never run out of battery power, so it looks like it can be done. I wonder what that rig costs?

[David Reeves]

I am also about ready to buy a new 19' and still have my reservations about having ETI install an inverter. Sounds like there is consensus that if one does not run a microwave while off shore power it is not really necessary. I am planning on ordering with solar and dual 6v setup. Being a newbie, I Hope I'm not overlooking something obvious.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by AKCamper

. My wife really wanted a microwave and all we usually cook in it is cheese and crackers (triscuts and tillimook ).

We eat various cheeses and crackers all the time, but for the life of me can't imagine cooking them in a microwave and making them all yucky.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by David Reeves

I am also about ready to buy a new 19' and still have my reservations about having ETI install an inverter. Sounds like there is consensus that if one does not run a microwave while off shore power it is not really necessary. I am planning on ordering with solar and dual 6v setup. Being a newbie, I Hope I'm not overlooking something obvious.

Exactly what I planned. Then a realization hit me, that I could change my ways. My wife could bring a hair dryer, we can get a two slice toaster, and who knows what else. Maybe a wee rice cooker? Who knows? Thus my reason for now adding one, like I said at near the same cost and a lot more trouble. Am I sure I need it, no I don't, but we just might be able to afford a few luxuries now with all that solar power on board.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by padlin

And yet you'll eat Poutine.

That is a totally different ball game. A great fried potato, with quality cheese curds sprinkled on top, covered with a scrumptions gravy. None of the low quality crap some pass off as poutine. It is nothing at all like cheese and crackers.

I mean seriously, this is the first time I have ever heard of cooking cheese and crackers. Am I that out of the loop?

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

If you are connected to the grid, or able to run a gen set once in a while, one battery will work fine. I don't use a gen set as I don't usually have much need for A/C, and will look for a campsite with power if I do, but I do camp a lot off the grid for many days at a time, often using the furnace a lot which is the biggest battery drain, so I have opted for dual 6V in my past 3 trailers.

We had a single group 27 on the 19 till we put solar on and the same on the 21. If you are a failrly light
Electrical user and have a way to Charge the single 12V you'll probably get by fine. The only negative with us was being without a generator (along) and not having shore power for a couple days. And not towing anywhere. Then my single would get down but. Never below half.
Dave

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I mean seriously, this is the first time I have ever heard of cooking cheese and crackers. Am I that out of the loop?

I've heard of melting cheese on a Triscuit, but it's not my cup of tea.

[gbaglo]

Just spent three weeks in the Maritimes. Place is flat, windy and infested with lobster. Quite enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich at the Lobster Shack on PEI.

[War Eagle]

You'll need a microwave to make puffy s'mores on a rainy shut-in evening?

[Iowa Dave]

At the Iowa state fair a few years ago they introduced the deep fried Twinkie on a stick. And now,
Deep fried stick of butter? Mom always called it hardening of the arteries and said that's why old people "got funny"' new generation coming up.
Dave

[David Reeves]

How about nacho's? Is a hot plate of nacho worth the price of an inverter? I think maybe so

[AKCamper]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

That is a totally different ball game. A great fried potato, with quality cheese curds sprinkled on top, covered with a scrumptions gravy. None of the low quality crap some pass off as poutine. It is nothing at all like cheese and crackers.

I mean seriously, this is the first time I have ever heard of cooking cheese and crackers. Am I that out of the loop?

Jim,
Well you'll never know unless you try. May I suggest Roasted Garlic Triscuts with Tillamook Medium Cheddar. Just nuke them untill the cheeze just starts to melt 15-20 seconds. Don't get chinsey on the cheeze either. Yumm.

[AKCamper]

Originally Posted by David Reeves

How about nacho's? Is a hot plate of nacho worth the price of an inverter? I think maybe so

Hey, great Idea. Dosen't everyone make nachos in a microwave?? Next trip it's nachos.

[Ericadmaier@gmail.com]

Greetings from a fellow Santa Rosa 19' owner.

[Brian B-P]

For those with the (optional) propane oven, and wanting to melt cheese onto stuff (crackers, tortilla chips, etc), I'll note that the bottom section is a broiler.

Grilled cheese sandwiches should, of course, be grilled (I use a cast-iron frying pan, which works on the propane stove).

[StarvingHyena]

Originally Posted by David Reeves

How about nacho's? Is a hot plate of nacho worth the price of an inverter? I think maybe so

I duno David ... I thought that is why every one brings along a weed burner with a quick connect fitting .... almost instant nachos!

Tom

[CoolCampingKid]

I have had trailers for many years. I personally prefer solar because the batteries are usually charged all the time (note that running the batteries way down shortens their lives)... I also like having plenty of power so I prefer the double 6 volt batteries (we need to run a CPAP machine at night). I have used two 12 volt batteries in the past with mixed results (not enough power for simple things). The inverter is a luxury just like a microwave or hair drier or toaster or blender but heck I enjoy my luxury items. That all being said I have 160 watt ETI solar panel, a 1500 watt inverter, two 6 volt golf cart type batteries ... So if you desire the luxuries get the inverter if not skip it but get solar and maybe double 6 volts. Bill

[PGDriver]

Originally Posted by AKCamper

Hey, great Idea. Dosen't everyone make nachos in a microwave?? Next trip it's nachos.

Yup the microwave works great for the old spur of the moment nacho cravings [emoji6].


Cheers
Doug

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by AKCamper

Hey, great Idea. Dosen't everyone make nachos in a microwave?? Next trip it's nachos.

How do you brown the cheese on top, and roast the chips? I used to do them in the BBQ, but now that we have a real oven will use that.

Always many ways to skin that same cat, eh?

[Jim Bennett]

And don't even get me going on that crap passed off as popcorn made in a microwave. It just does not compare in the least to fresh popped in a pot/skillet/pan, with some freshly melted REAL butter and a sprinkle of salt on it.

And yes, you can melt butter in a pan on the stove for those that never realized this.