directional grid parabolic antenna boondocking rv full time

A Special Note for those with a Residential fridge This is why I don’t even entertain the idea of operating high wattage AC equipment without the use of a powerful generator. Ultimately the batteries that are powering that equipment. Even with a 2000 watt Renogy inverter, you DO have to think about what you are trying to operate. Remember it is the batteries that store energy and supply power to the camper. I use it to power my laptop, cell charger, and AeroGarden’s (and occasionally my air compressor for my air mattress!) The extension cord seen in the prior image that is runs into my camper. When dry camping (boondocking), you need solar panels to charge the batteries as the converter is inactive. If you have a motorhome, these are often referred to as the house batteries. Generators also power the converter to charge the batteries. If and when it fails, you often discover the failure by noting your batteries went dead! Travelers who spend most of their time connected to shore power, rely upon the converter to charge their RV batteries. It’s job is to keep your batteries charged. The converter is a device that converts 120v AC to 12v DC when connected to shore power. Virtually all RV campers (trailers and motorhomes) come with a Converter. At this point, short of getting a new inverter, I have no plans to throw more money into dry camping! Converters and Inverters The way I boondock, I write off the high wattage 120v AC appliances! To run those, you must invest FAR more than the $1000. Coffee Pot/Hot water heater or anything with a heating element.electric toothbrush, water pik, sinus cleanse.Fridge (gas absorption type or 12v DC compressor type)ġ20 volt AC (alternating current) LOW wattage.Hot water heater (also has a 120v AC switch).Among the AC (alternating current) appliances, you have those that demand very little wattage (low wattage appliances) and those that demand LOTS of power (high wattage.) Let’s take a look at each: Things that run on 12v DC and things that run on 120v AC.

Your camper has two types of power hungry equipment in it. See my post about RV batteries HERE to learn more on that topic. The amount they can store is measured in “amp-hours.” In my case, mine can store 235 amp-hours, half of which is available to me due to the batteries design. They then send energy to your batteries in the form of 12 volt DC. What do my solar panels do and what can I run in my camper? There’s a similar pair of connectors on the positive terminal. Looking only at the negative terminal, “A” goes to the Inverter “B” comes from the solar suitcase. The wiring behind the camper wall from the Zamp ports is a “black box.” Since you have no idea what type or length of wiring was used behind the Zamp port, its best to connect DIRECTLY to the batteries. The Renogy system provides appropriate guage wiring to provide for minimal energy loss between your panels and the batteries. Zamps panels are EXPENSIVE and NOT well regarded.įor direct current systems, it’s important to use HEAVY GUAGE wire to connect the panels to the batteries. Let’s start here: AVOID the port on the side of your camper that says its for connecting solar power! That port is a SCAM!! That port is there because a 2nd rate company called Zamp who PAYS all the RV manufacturers to install THEIR port onto the side of what will become YOUR camper. Connecting your Renogy Solar Suitcase to your camper It connects your solar panels to your RV’s batteries and regulates the process of charging the batteries. The Solar Controller is a weatherproof part of the Renogy Solar Suitcase.

Directional grid parabolic antenna boondocking rv full time