How long can you last?

Bruce Wray · 08-13-2009, 03:34 PM

We just did our first self-contained camping trip in our 19', 3 days and 2 nights. We got it with dual propane tanks and dual 6V batteries. We made use of the campground bathrooms and showers for the most part, and tried to conserve water and power.

We're almost all LED lit, and even with lights, the Maxx fan and heater going, seemed to hardly make a dent in the battery level. When we left, all tanks were at 1/3, which makes me think we could go 4, maybe 5 nights in a similar scenario if I used a jug to refill the fresh tank. I'm curious as to how long more experienced folks have lasted in similar circumstances.

escape artist · 08-13-2009, 04:08 PM

Hi: Bruce Wray... I can only comment on your question as I don't have the stamina I used to!!! As for "Our Escape Hatch" well it's still addicted to the current bush. One of these times I should light the fridge on propane to see if it works that way!!! We aren't LED either as we like the warm glow of the lights inside. We do use the MaxxFan constantly and have only turned on the AC. once for 5 min. BRRRR. thats enough. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Jim Bennett · 08-13-2009, 04:22 PM

Like the song goes Bruce, "It takes me all night on to do what I used to do all night long".

On the trailer side of things, I have done 3 nights and hardly put a dent on my batteries. We did not use the furnace though, just the pump, stereo, fan and lights (non-LED). I do plan on getting some LED's soon though, especially for the high usage spots.

For water, I will take along a big jug. It is handy for use outside too.

Calvino · 08-13-2009, 04:30 PM

Without any enhancements (solar - not pills) we can last about three days and then we need more water. The battery seems to last around seven days (with no source of recharging and filament light bulbs) and the propane seems to last forever...

I've started taking a water jug and a collapsable cart to bring the filled water jug back to the trailer. I also have a hose spigot like for gasoline jerry cans that I can screw onto the water jug to be able to pour it into the trailer tank without spilling most of it.

GaryH · 08-13-2009, 05:35 PM

It all depends on how frugal one is with their power. We just recently did a 3 week trip to the chilcotin & had only 1 night at a commercial campground where we recharged the batteries. We have 2-group 27 batteries, & i switch between the 2 when one gets down to about 1/2 charge. It worked out great. It also helped that it was around the longest day of the year, so the lights didn't get turned on until late, but i can see this system lasting at least 8 days in the spring/fall. We do all of our cooking outside. I'm still on the hunt for some decent LED bulbs.

Bruce Wray · 08-13-2009, 06:12 PM

I like the LEDs I got from Tammy when we picked up our trailer. I did no price comparing, it was just convenient do do it then as I could comparison test them compared to the stock incandescents. Nice warm color, plenty bright.
Bruce

JeffZ · 08-13-2009, 07:16 PM

Hmmm.. I must admit to liking the enhancements (generator).. It really gives you confidence to stay out longer, although we haven't gone longer since we got it.. We did have no problem staying 4 nights/5days in Yosemite prior to getting the generator. The issue is the grey water tank (for us).. so the plan is using a Plastic 10 gallon portable jug for those times we stay out longer at a camp site and just dump the grey into as needed ( then lug it over to a bathroom to dump..) we got one of those adapters on the waste "thing" that allows you to put a hose to it (rather than the Rhino sewage hose..) .. that's the plan anyway.. we'll see..

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