fascinated by the lifestyle

[JannaB]

Howdy all,
Since I logged on last week, this has consumed me. I have traveled and camped a lot in my life, but had not thought about being gone longer than my vacation time.
So, I'm new to retirement and have been feeling unsettled. I thought I'd be jumping for joy not going to work, but have discovered a feeling of uncertainty.
I travel with a cargo trailer that I converted into home sweet home. Still have to work out the electrical. I have been useing an inverter and my truck battery, but then have to move on daily to charge the battery. Solar sounds great, but I camp in the winter and live in the Pacific north west.
Guess a generator would be the answer, but hauling gasoline..... Probably not much different than hauling water.
I will keep reading and learning. You folks have inspired me. Thanks, JannaB

 

[corky52]

A couple of golfcart batteries, a small genset and a smart charger would give you the best start, then add solar later.  You can find some small gensets that will run on propane if you already carry that, though they do cost a bit more.  A couple of hours with a gense will give you a good charge on two golfcart batteries, depending on your use.  During charge you can also use things like a microwave to make supper.

I use a PD 9160 charger and an 1800 watt Ryobi genset, gets the job I need done.

Corky

 

[Wabbit]

Hi JannaB!

 

[JannaB]

A couple of golfcart batteries, a small genset and a smart charger would give you the best start, then add solar later.  You can find some small gensets that will run on propane if you already carry that, though they do cost a bit more.  A couple of hours with a gense will give you a good charge on two golfcart batteries, depending on your use.  During charge you can also use things like a microwave to make supper.

I use a PD 9160 charger and an 1800 watt Ryobi genset, gets the job I need done.

Corky

I didn't think of propane to generate the generater Thank you for the advice.

 

[SoulRaven]

I'm not a huge power user, but I found that by switching everything over to 12v models and eliminating the inverter, a single 12v deep cycle battery will last me a week.

I normally charge while driving, but I'm not sure how that would work with a trailer. I also have a 12v DC gas powered generator, home made, think go cart motor and car alternator. When it was my only means of charging my house battery, I only needed to run it about 1/2 hour per week, and it used under a gallon of gas per month.

Inverters can waste a lot of power, and as far as I know, the only item I haven't found in a 12v version is a microwave oven, but I really don't miss it.

 

[JannaB]

I'm not a huge power user, but I found that by switching everything over to 12v models and eliminating the inverter, a single 12v deep cycle battery will last me a week.

I normally charge while driving, but I'm not sure how that would work with a trailer.  I also have a 12v DC gas powered generator, home made, think go cart motor and car alternator.  When it was my only means of charging my house battery, I only needed to run it about 1/2 hour per week, and it used under a gallon of gas per month.

Inverters can waste a lot of power, and as far as I know, the only item I haven't found in a 12v version is a microwave oven, but I really don't miss it.

I just have one electrical, and that's a CPAP. I think I'm stalling because I hate to spend the money. I was hopeing for a less expensive magical solution. Haha. I suppose I should quit waiting on magic and just buy what I need. I thank you for your good advice.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Janna! Retirement can be a little unsettling but don't worry - you'll get used to it fast. Now that you don't have to hurry back to work have you thought of traveling out of the PNW for the winter? Solar works wonderfully here in the desert!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[JannaB]

I just have one electrical, and that's a CPAP. I think I'm stalling because I hate to spend the money. I was hopeing for a less expensive magical solution. Haha.  I suppose I should quit waiting on magic and just buy what I need.  I thank you for your good advice.

And, that is very ingenious the gocart motor and alternater.

 

[JannaB]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Janna!  Retirement can be a little unsettling but don't worry - you'll get used to it fast.  Now that you don't have to hurry back to work have you thought of traveling out of the PNW for the winter? Solar works wonderfully here in the desert!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started.   We look forward to hearing more from you.

Thanks for the welcome.
As for traveling farther than Pacific Northwest.....Wow that is a thought you folks are making me think about. I would have to cut loose my safety line and fly.

 

[JannaB]

Hi JannaB!

Howdy back to ya! (are you still crying)?

 

[SoulRaven]

I just have one electrical, and that's a CPAP. I think I'm stalling because I hate to spend the money. I was hopeing for a less expensive magical solution. Haha.  I suppose I should quit waiting on magic and just buy what I need.  I thank you for your good advice.

There seems to be a lot of fulltimers who use them, so it definitely can be done.

Let me ask you a question, which would cost more, an inverter or a 12v adapter?  More than likely the adapter will be cheaper.

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!