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Old 09-05-2011, 06:28 PM   #4
Festus2
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fraser Valley BC Canada
Posts: 7,015
During our dry camping outings in previous years as well as this year, we rely on our solar panel to maintain the charge on our 2 6v golf carts. Having 2 good batteries that are "up to snuff" is key. We are not fans of generators but they are tolerable as long as people who use them do not abuse their use and are mindful of their neighbors.
With prudent use of our lights, water pump and other current draws, we are able to stay out for long periods of time. We have yet to pull the fuses on our propane detector and the stereo.
The majority of our lights - and there are so many of them - have now been changed to LED. They draw far less current but the downside is they emit less light. The changeover has not been costly. I have ordered lights (yes, from China) on eBay and they are quite inexpensive. When hooked up, I remove the LED lights over the table, sink, sofa and other reading areas as well as the bathroom sink and toilet lights and replace them with the 921 bulbs. A nuisance? Yes, but it doesn't take that long. We notice a big decrease in current draw using the LED's at night.
We also try to not use the water pump, except to shower, and instead go to a water container or jug and pour our cold water by hand. A nuisance? No. Less convenient? Yes.
There are some sacrifices to be made when dry camping and some folks wouldn't even consider not having hookups because of the inconveniences and having to go without using all of their appliances, TV, etc.
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2008 Cougar 5th Wheel 27RKS
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