Adding solar power to your RV is simple and inexpensive, depending how elaborate you want to get. I saw a system on an Airstream twenty years ago. It was a custom designed trailer built for Frank Sargent, founder of Thetford Corp. I said, "Frank, you mean you never have to plug in?" He said, "No, people plug into me."
I had a simple one panel arrangement on my Class C motorhome. I didn't want to spend a lot of money so I bought one 80 watt panel on Amazon, a ten dollar on/off controller and used part of a heavy extension cord I had to wire it to two 6 volt Sam's Club golf cart batteries. I did everything wrong. I used wire that was too small gauge, and ran it to far to the batteries. Yet, it did a great job of keep my batteries charged because we are very conservative with our power usage. Instead of running the coach furnace blower motor during colder mornings, we installed a Wave catalytic heater. Instead of running 12v lights while we played cards in the evening, we installed a gas light that gave us heat as well.
When we bought a new Class A I wanted to put in a system with higher output. I studied YouTube videos on the subject, googled RV forums, read expert opinions, and shopped manufacturer and retail sites to see what they were suggesting. I found that most RV systems included an inverter. This is the device that turns the sun gathered 12v power into 120 ac. This is not a necessity if you just want to keep your batteries charged so that you can run your 12v system without worry of draining your batteries. Not adding a high end inverter (2000+ watt) will also knock a couple grand off your solar cost. You can always buy a small/cheaper inverter for equipment that does not demand a lot of juice.
So what your system decision comes down to is panel size, controller size and wire size. In my case, I found a lot of inexpensive panels that were more of the home systems. They were powerful panels, but all seemed heavy and took up a much bigger foot print on the roof than I wanted to give up. After a couple weeks of studying dozens of online sources my decision was to deal with AM Solar, an RV specialty solar business from Oregon. They were very competitive, helpful, knowledgeable and running a special on a great package deal. You can decide, as I did, to go at this in stages. I put two 150 watt panels on to begin, charging 4 6v Sam's Club golf cart batteries wired in series/parallel. I decided on a Tristar 45 MPPT controller, with all the bells and whistles, that I could grow into. Phase Two if needed will be two more panels giving me a total of 600 watts. Phase Three could be the inverter if I decide I can't live without AC. We seldom use the microwave and when we vacuum we turn on the generator. We use the generator so little we need an excuse to fire it up once in awhile so it doesn't die from lack of exercise.
For good info google "HandyBob" and "Jack Mayer" solar. Both offer great articles with links to good solar info.
--Keep Smilin', R.V.Shrink
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Motorhome Gas vs Diesel
Q: My wife has talked me out of a 5th wheel, so now I am shopping motorhomes. I have always heard that diesel had better longevity, had a better ride and performed better on inclines. I have been told that I was wrong--this seems to happen a lot with me. Do you recommend gas or diesel? Do you have a preference? Does a gas engine hold up well after several years of full-timing? Will a gas engine die on big hills? Etc.? I would prefer to pay the lower price for a gas engine, but don't want to regret it later.
---Thanks.
A: There is no black and white decisions on buying one of these beasts. As for the gas vs. diesel I don't know who told you you were wrong, all the plus items you listed were correct in my opinion. Diesel has more power, engines are good for at least twice as many miles, and because of the extra weight they always come with upgraded suspension which gives them a smoother ride. That said, You would be hard pressed to wear the engine out on a gas motorhome. We travel a lot and I have only put 41,000 miles on the motorhome in 15 years. We tow a car so the motorhome is only being used to get from place to place. The car takes the mileage hit. Our friends just went from a gas Winnebago Sightseer to a 40 ft. monster diesel pusher (engine in rear), they said it is as quiet and smooth as riding in a luxury car. Our old Class "C" rides a little rough but nothing harsh. One way to feel the difference for yourself is to have a dealer take you for a test drive in both. You will pay a premium for a diesel, maintenance will cost more and depending on the market, diesel fuel can cost more as it is at this time. Better mileage will depend on how big you go. We like to stay short so we can get into all the National Forest campgrounds we love. Slide-outs will give you extra room without being too long. Manufacturers are beginning to make shorter diesels now. It used to be they were all monster rigs. I got all excited about one but when I look at the cost of buying a new depreciating vehicle for 150 grand I figure I can buy a lot of gas with the money I saved by finding well maintained used rig with low miles.
So bottom line is find a rig with the floor plan you love. I think the advantages of a 5th wheel would be many great floor plans, bigger rig for total length, as it extends over truck. Cost is a wash because you still need a powerful truck to haul it. Downside for me would be having to drive that big truck everywhere. I love the fact that we can, in seconds, unhook from the mothership and take our Saturn on side trips.
These newer gas motorhomes usually have a Ford Triton V10 or a Chevy Vortec. They have 5-speed transmissions and seem to do well in the mountains. If you keep your foot out of the carburetor you should see 6.5 to 9 mpg depending on terrain.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
---Thanks.
A: There is no black and white decisions on buying one of these beasts. As for the gas vs. diesel I don't know who told you you were wrong, all the plus items you listed were correct in my opinion. Diesel has more power, engines are good for at least twice as many miles, and because of the extra weight they always come with upgraded suspension which gives them a smoother ride. That said, You would be hard pressed to wear the engine out on a gas motorhome. We travel a lot and I have only put 41,000 miles on the motorhome in 15 years. We tow a car so the motorhome is only being used to get from place to place. The car takes the mileage hit. Our friends just went from a gas Winnebago Sightseer to a 40 ft. monster diesel pusher (engine in rear), they said it is as quiet and smooth as riding in a luxury car. Our old Class "C" rides a little rough but nothing harsh. One way to feel the difference for yourself is to have a dealer take you for a test drive in both. You will pay a premium for a diesel, maintenance will cost more and depending on the market, diesel fuel can cost more as it is at this time. Better mileage will depend on how big you go. We like to stay short so we can get into all the National Forest campgrounds we love. Slide-outs will give you extra room without being too long. Manufacturers are beginning to make shorter diesels now. It used to be they were all monster rigs. I got all excited about one but when I look at the cost of buying a new depreciating vehicle for 150 grand I figure I can buy a lot of gas with the money I saved by finding well maintained used rig with low miles.
So bottom line is find a rig with the floor plan you love. I think the advantages of a 5th wheel would be many great floor plans, bigger rig for total length, as it extends over truck. Cost is a wash because you still need a powerful truck to haul it. Downside for me would be having to drive that big truck everywhere. I love the fact that we can, in seconds, unhook from the mothership and take our Saturn on side trips.
These newer gas motorhomes usually have a Ford Triton V10 or a Chevy Vortec. They have 5-speed transmissions and seem to do well in the mountains. If you keep your foot out of the carburetor you should see 6.5 to 9 mpg depending on terrain.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
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