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Off grid camping tips

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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
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Topic: Off grid camping tips
Posted By: Medicine Wolf
Subject: Off grid camping tips
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 10:20am
I’m embarking on a 3-6 month journey in my R POD 151. I plan to stay in some rv parks, but have not done much boondocking in the pod. What should I be aware of? What to do about water since I don’t want to drive around with a full fresh water tank etc....is there a site that lists all the free camp spots in the US? Buy a generator? I really don’t plan on staying off grid for more than a couple nights at a time...any help is appreciated..thanks



Replies:
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 10:55am
You don't need a full tank of water for a couple of days, and it won't hurt your MPGs much to carry at least some.  Some people stock up on bottled water.

Keeping your battery topped up is probably the biggest deal.  You should be able to get by for a couple of days, but the fridge and the furnace won't work on a dead battery.  If you're careful and you know what your're doing, you can charge your pod battery from your TV, but you really don't want to end up with no Pod battery and no TV battery!!!  Solar can be good, but it's iffy, depending on the weather.  A generator is the ultimate security, I think.  If you get one, get the quietest inverter/generator you can.  Minimum 2400 watts if you want air conditioning or microwave, maybe down to 1000 watts or less if you just want to charge the battery and maybe watch TV..

I have used AllStays Camp and RV app in the past.  It has a lot of info; almost too much!

Keep an eye on your propane if you'll be using the furnace, especially.  (The fridge will run your battery down in hours if you try to run it on battery.)  You might consider carrying a spare tank.

TT


-------------
2010 176
FJ Cruiser


Posted By: Medicine Wolf
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 12:31pm
I don't plan to use the TV at all..Ill just use my ipad... I will need heat though..I have a space heater...infrared...Will it run off battery for an entire night? Or should I just use the furnace? 
My battery is 3 years old but Ive hardly used it since ive been plugged in at an rv park for the last 2.5 years..Should I get a new one?


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 12:57pm
Would be a good idea to invest in a cheap voltmeter from harbor freight or something similar.  Usually run around $5 that will do the job.  After a 2 amp trickle charge (24-36 hours) my 12 batteries will read at least 13.2 volts or more and when boondocking (example fall camping in RMNP when night temps in the Rockies are in the mid 40's I get a good 3 days out of each battery, and that is using the furnace a fair amount.  After charging your battery check the voltage with a voltmeter.  Let it rest for a few days and check it again - it should read the same, if not take it to an auto parts store and have them put a load test on it to see how good a condition it is in.   In the summer months we get 7 - 10 days per battery or more when not using the furnace.  Our 12 volt Interstate, group size 24's are just over 9 years old and have been very dependable.

-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."


Posted By: Medicine Wolf
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 1:23pm
https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Emergency-Generator-Alternative/dp/B07NS7F1FW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 - https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Emergency-Generator-Alternative/dp/B07NS7F1FW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

what about this for a gen? no gas required and good reviews


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 1:36pm
Originally posted by Medicine Wolf

https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Emergency-Generator-Alternative/dp/B07NS7F1FW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 - https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Emergency-Generator-Alternative/dp/B07NS7F1FW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

what about this for a gen? no gas required and good reviews
This "generator" is nothing of the sort. It is a Lithium battery pack. What happens when it runs down and needs to be recharged. You would still need a real generator to recharge both it and your RPod's battery/batteries. You would be better served by getting a real generator. If I did not already have the Generac iX2000, I would look for a dual-fuel generator and run it on propane so I would not need to carry gasoline along also.

The only other viable alternative is solar. Thankfully, prices for solar panels are coming down, but not yet to the point where I am willing to get a solar setup to carry since solar would be insufficient to run the AC without adding multiple batteries and multiple hundred watts of solar.


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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 2:20pm
Originally posted by Medicine Wolf

What about this for a gen? no gas required and good reviews

What Stephen said.  It might be good for a very limited time, like maybe a tailgating party, but you need some way to create new electricity, with solar or a gasoline powered generator, for example.

As for your infrared heater, if it runs on 120 volts, it won't run at all on your Pod battery.  Not for 2 seconds.  It might be very good when you have hookups though.  You're already paying for electricity so why not use your electric heater instead of your propane furnace?

TT


-------------
2010 176
FJ Cruiser


Posted By: Medicine Wolf
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 3:27pm
right....at rv parks I am set with the infrared heater...Its when I am not at RV parks that I am trying to figure out....I have a very small camper(16ft) so just am not sure what my needs are going to be until I'm out and about....Maybe if its cold(ill be traveling April-june/july in the southwest, colorado mtns etc....) ill just got to an RV park that day....trying to avoid carrying gas/ generator etc....
My thought on the Honda unit was to use it for a night or 2 for phone/tablet charging and then recharge it when I have hookups...Like I said I don't plan on spending more than 2 nights without hookups...So hard to really know what I will need when I'm not hooked up....Any idea how long the furnace will run off pod battery?
Same for internet...Do i get a verizon hotspot mifi or use my phone? Decisions, Decisions


Posted By: Markie
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 8:04pm
Dont think the furnace will run all night on battery boon docking and it is really loud for sleeping. For heat I use a little buddy propane catalytic heater. Place it close to my bed at night. turn it off when I get in bed and in the morning start it to take the chill off. Be sure to crack a window a bit for ventilation. The heater has a low oxygen shut off but always ventilate. The gas generator is the way to go boondocking. Hondas or yamaha are good. They weigh about a manageable 40 lbs.  Make sure you get at least the 2200 watt so you can run AC in the summer or in the southwest. A 2000 watt isnt quite enough to start the AC compressor. Another thought on staying in a park. Weekend campers reserve electric sites way in advance so electric sites can sometimes be hard to find. You may end up taking a nonelectric site and need a generator. When reserving a site be sure and ask if generators are allowed.    


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Mark & Vicki
R-POD 178 & 2015 Silverado 5.3L
Weimeraner "Zeke"


Posted By: Medicine Wolf
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 8:10pm
ok thanks..What about getting a second battery? would that help matters any?


Posted By: Markie
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 8:38pm
You can add a second 12volt battery and that will help but its not a good idea to match a brand new battery with an older one. You should have two new ones. If you're gonna purchase another battery you may want to consider going to two six volt batteries. Others podders have posted on the forum that they recommend two six volt batteries wired in series.They create more current and will last longer than two 12volt batteries.   I don't have any experience with that setup personally but it makes sense. Search the forum for six volt battery upgrade for more info.   


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Mark & Vicki
R-POD 178 & 2015 Silverado 5.3L
Weimeraner "Zeke"


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2020 at 10:41pm
If you are going to go with 2 six volt batteries, be aware that together they will weigh about 120 lbs. I did use them and could get multiple nights, even when I had to run the furnace. However, I recently converted from the six volt batteries to a single 100 Amp LiFePO4 battery. It is expensive, but will give me essentially the same usable power I had with the six volt batteries since it is not good to run the lead-acid batteries below 50% charge and the LiFePO4 batteries can be used until they are shut down by the integrated Battery Management System (BMS). That means that almost the total capacity can be used and the battery will still have thousands of charge/discharge cycles. The battery should be good for long-term use. If you are really concerned and can afford it, go with a pair of LiFePO4 batteries and connect them in parallel (make sure parallel is possible with the brand if you do this. Some are okay in series but not in parallel). You will have much more capacity with much less weight. My LiFePO4 battery weights about 30 lbs, so I am saving about 90 lbs by doing the conversion. See my mods for details of this conversion. It is another option. I don't know how expensive this battery "generator" you are looking at is, but if you are going to spend a lot of money, changing the RPod's battery likely makes more sense except that the portable unit is portable. However, it may not have nearly as much capacity.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2020 at 7:48am
Originally posted by Medicine Wolf

I’m embarking on a 3-6 month journey in my R POD 151. I plan to stay in some rv parks, but have not done much boondocking in the pod. What should I be aware of? What to do about water since I don’t want to drive around with a full fresh water tank etc....is there a site that lists all the free camp spots in the US? Buy a generator? I really don’t plan on staying off grid for more than a couple nights at a time...any help is appreciated..thanks

Where are you going? We boondock a lot and have gone coast to coast across Canada and the northern tier US, Nor'east to Sou'west and the Nor'east Maritimes and have not hit a spot yet where I could not stock up on water. My system is simple, be fill up 6 gallon jugs for drinking and run with a 1/4 tank fresh for washing (us & dishes). 

Filling that gray water tank is more of an issue! If you actually do poo in your toilet.. add that to the list!

I don't have a generator and still have no need. I have no 110v appliance I can't live with out. I also currently run on dual 6v's with 115 watts of usable power (rating is 230watts yet only run max to 50%). If you do a Power Audit you will soon learn how much you use and what 'you' require for battery sizing. I also have a 130w solar panel which actually doesn't get used as much as you think it might, but my TV will charge my batteries while driving and my capacity puts me about 5 days of power (my usage amounts).

Free spots: Allstays is my go to map while traveling. Pro version is pretty darn good. In planning stage I use Google, Gaia and Ioverlander mostly. Freecampsites.net was another I used, but this Ioverlander has newer spots on it, maybe because it's newer folks are reporting on it..
Gaia is quickly becoming the number off the beaten track GPS. Great for research as well There's a map layer for Private/public lands so you know if it's even possible to stay. Shows you roads that google doesn't and allows route planning. The more I use it and learn how, the more I like it.

Another very useful tool is Geocaching.com it shows you where locals have POI's that you may not even realize are there. Even if you don't play, a great tool to find new spots of interest.




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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander


Posted By: Jeepinator
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2020 at 8:16pm
The answers to your questions are dependent on many variables.  I would start with an energy audit to determine how much 12 volt electricity you need on an average night. Keep in mind you can only run your batteries down 50% till you risk damaging them.  You can run the heater with no 110.  It does not take much to keep the camper warm though.  If you are on 110, you may want to get a small ceramic heater.

I purchased a Renogy 100 watt portable solar panel and I have been very happy with that.  However, you will likely need a generator if you are out more then a couple days without 110.  We have the Honda EU2000 and we are very pleased with the unit.

I would not add a second 12 volt battery.  You have to replace the batteries in pairs.  I would go directly to 2 - 6 volt or Lithium.  There are many benefits to Lithium so I would not dismiss it just looking at the price.


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2018 Jeep Wrangler Willys
2017 179


Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2020 at 11:37pm
Originally posted by Medicine Wolf

I don't plan to use the TV at all..Ill just use my ipad... I will need heat though..I have a space heater...infrared...Will it run off battery for an entire night? Or should I just use the furnace? 
My battery is 3 years old but Ive hardly used it since ive been plugged in at an rv park for the last 2.5 years..Should I get a new one?


Take it to an auto parts store and have it tested. If you haven't been checking the water, 3 years is getting iffy.

I have a 900/1000 watt suitcase generator I bought from Walmart that will charge the battery and run the TV, radio and all of the appliances but the micro and A/C. It should run all night on a tank if you're mostly heating. It weighs 24 pounds. The fuel capacity is 2 liters, so a gallon a day would be plenty.

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John
'16 R-Pod 180


Posted By: Medicine Wolf
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2020 at 11:20pm
SO I decided to go with 1 100 watt solar panel, 1500 watt inverter, and a Lithium battery...It's a small camper and im just going to be using the heater and charge my ipad and phone...thats about it


Posted By: Jeepinator
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2020 at 5:48am
If that is all your doing then you may want to reconsider the inverter.  The inverter is only needed for AC such as a laptop.  All the devices you mentioned use DC.  When you use the inverter it takes power just to run it.  

Your camper probably has a Zamp connector for plugging in your panel.  You’ll likely need a polarity reverser and a cable extension kit (longer is not better power-wise).  Are you planning to purchase a portable panel with inverter?

I purchased this - 

Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Charge 20A Voyager Waterproof Controller Solar Suitcase, 100W-Waterproof https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NADR1CI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_X27tEbHM8QQ9M 

and this - 

Solar Panel Connectors 10AWG for MC4 to SAE Adapter PV Extension Cable Wire for RV Caravan Solar Panels Battery Charger kit with Two SAE to SAE Polarity Reverse Adapters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MW1M1VB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_x47tEbHY8KYC9

I was SUPER impressed with the quality of the product.  




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2018 Jeep Wrangler Willys
2017 179


Posted By: Medicine Wolf
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2020 at 3:15pm
Flexible panel as my roof is curved....inverter in case I get a laptop...which I might....or other things that might require it...


Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2020 at 8:13pm
Medicine Wolf, you can get a cigarette lighter plug inverter that will be more than adequate for charging a computer.  We use one that I got years ago that's so old the output data sticker has fallen off, but it puts out enough more than the 60W to charge our MacBook.  

Here is an example from Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Inverter-300Watt-Adapter-Converts-Smartphones/dp/B07MM145H7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=MEXD3L82XL4E&keywords=12v+inverter+to+120v+car&qid=1582336825&sprefix=12v+inverter+to+120v+%2Caps%2C365&sr=8-5 - https://www.amazon.com/Inverter-300Watt-Adapter-Converts-Smartphones/dp/B07MM145H7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=MEXD3L82XL4E&keywords=12v+inverter+to+120v+car&qid=1582336825&sprefix=12v+inverter+to+120v+%2Caps%2C365&sr=8-5

We have a flexible solar panel that I have used for several years that fit the curve of the roof of our old Pod.  I put some small horn cleats along the bottom edge to tie it down, but I never really liked how it held the panel.  If a stiff wind came up it would move.  More often than not we moved it around on the ground to stay in direct sun light.  When we eventually replace it, I'll get a rigid panel because it's easier to keep it perpendicular to the sun light as you move it.  Since we now have a flat roof, I may also consider a fixed mount, but that's a way off.

According to offgrid, who is an expert in solar, the flexible panels are prone to cell damage and overheating that can burn the surface upon which they are sitting.  I don't think I'd put ours on the roof without something between the panel and the roof surface.


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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2020 at 9:52am
+1 to Lostagain. Many newer laptops will charge over a USB-C port (and newer phones as well). So unless you have a compelling reason for the inverter, you could go that direction. (BTW, I have a laptop and phone that will charge over a USB-C interface).

I don't have a strong feeling about the flexible solar panels. That technology is changing fairly rapidly. However, I think solar is often where the R-pod isn't (I like to park in the shade for example). So for convenience, one of the suitcase panels might be among the better choices. You can get higher output panels that are not "foldable", but they are difficult to store and handle.

My 2 cents.


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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2020 at 7:27am
Actually solar module designs haven't changed much in decades. It's a pretty mature technology, they are just much much cheaper now than they used to be. 

The bottom line is that solar cells are made from crystalline silicon. Like all crystalline materials, they are brittle. They will flex because they are thin but they will quickly develop small fractures and ultimately break. If you get a standard glass module then the nice thick glass superstrate will keep everything rigid as well as protect the cells from impacts like hailstones. The "flexible" modules have
a thin polymer superstrate that will not protect the cells from impacts or keep them rigid. Just check the warrantiy difference, glass modules come with 25-30 year warranties, "flexible" ones with 1 to 5 years tops. Generally the glass modules are cheaper too. 

The other issue lostagain raises is attaching to the roof. Solar modules are dark in color to absorb light. If you directly attach a "flexible" module to the roof it will make  both the roof and the module hot, which is bad for both. Glass modules can be stood off the roof a little so they and the roof stay cooler. 

There is also something solar modules can develop called hot spots. This occurs if a solar cell is damaged or broken. All the cells in your module are in series to build up the voltage (individual cells are only good for about 0.5V each) so the current is the same running through of them. If one cell begins to fail it will still be forced to carry the current of all the others so it will get hot. It can get very hot to the point where it burns or discolors the encapsulating materials and, if directly attached, the surface its attached to as well.

There is plenty of flat space on an rPod roof to mount a glass module, or you can leave it unattached and locate it where you want at the campsite. 

There is one type of flexible peel and stick solar module that you can mount to a curved roof surface, if you can find one. These were made by a company called Uni-Solar and are truly flexible, because they are based on a thin film deposition of amorphous (not crystalline) silicon on a stainless steel substrate. Because the thin film silicon is not crystalline, it can't develop fractures. You can even roll them up. The drawback with these modules is they are terribly inefficient, about 1/3 the efficiency of standard crystalline modules. That's why Uni-solar went out of business some years ago, but you can still sometimes find them on ebay etc. If the low efficiency doesn't bother you because you have enough room to mount what you need then you can try one of these, but they're big. They do still heat up the roof becasue of their dark color but they don't generally develop hot spots. 



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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2020 at 7:58am
I would agree with GlueGuy that a suitcase system works great with the R Pod.  We have used the Renogy 100 watt suitcase system  for about 3 years and love it. We have a 25' cord and it allows us to move the panel around for maximum sun while still parked in the shade most of the time. the 100 watt system and 2 six volt golf cart batteries takes care of our power needs for almost any length of trip
Vann



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Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">



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