battery life

Things that use 12V power include both the refrigerator (to operate the panel and fans) and the CO/LP detector. We opted to go with dual 6V batteries (connected in series) as I use a CPAP machine and did not want to run out of power in the middle of the night. We did some dry camping, but nothing longer than overnight. That was while running the refrigerator on propane and using the furnace. During the time we were camping, the temperature dropped into the 20s, so the furnace ran quite a bit. The only time we pulled the battery down was the first night out when I had the refrigerator on 12V power. I did not realize it would take so much power. I learned quickly that the refrigerator is best run on propane or 110V.

I really don't know how many days I could go on our setup while dry camping. I'll have to test and see.

Welcome to the site...I will give you my .02 since you asked.  I have a single group 27 battery and it serves me fine.  I just returned from a 3 night dry camping trip and my battery showed 12.48 volts after being used for the 3 days.  I have LED lights, did not use the heater much, limited use of the fan, pumped through 35 gallons of water and watched the DVD player for about 2 hours. ( I have the older audiovox 9" that I run through an inverter). The refrigerator does require some 12V power for electronics, but I suspect it is minimal. I think you are fine with one battery, although many on here seem to think dual 6V golf cart batteries are the only way to go.  My battery is new this year, toward the end of last year my old battery was failing and I did connect directly with jumper cables to my tow vehicle to add a bit of charge on one longer camp out.   This is a great way to add a few amps without having to buy a second battery.  Start with one battery, and you can always add a second battery if you run short on amps on longer camping trips.  Happy Trails...

North,

One more thing since you have not picked up the 179. If you ever want to upgrade to twin GC2 batteries, now is the time. Batteries are usually a dealer supplied and installed item. You should be able to negotiate a credit for his standard battery towards an upgrade. No point in paying for a smaller battery if you don't want it.

Welcome to the group!

Regarding the refrigerator's use of electricity, it does draw about 1-1.5 amps (12-18 watts) of current to run the circuit board even when you're cooling it with propane.  With a regular marine battery (88 amp hours or so), this and the smoke and propane detectors (about another 1 amp) will draw your battery down to 50%, which you don't want to go below unless you really need to, in less than one full day.  That's why so many people who boondock with them either invest in a solar panel(s) or a generator to recharge the battery.