Dry Camping@#$%^&*()!!!!???????

[Pete Masterson]

Kurt,

The original question was posted to both this list and the other
Wanderlodge list. I wrote a lengthy reply on the other list, but made
an off-hand remark on this list which apparently annoyed someone.

I also mentioned in my second post that I had replied on "the other
list."

Since I have an all-electric coach, as does the original person
making the query, I felt that I had some experience with the issue
and that I could provide some helpful information.

In my case, the 6 model 4D AGM batteries will not supply enough power
to dry camp without serious to extreme power conservation. I made
this discovery while camped in the California San Simeon State Park
in the "unimproved" camping area where no shore power was available.
It was last February and the weather was cool -- well, cold for CA.

I ran the generator for a couple of hours at a stretch several during
the day -- and at meal times when it was necessary to use the
electric cook top (it is not attached to my inverters). I then would
run the generator from the time dinner was prepared until the
beginning of "quiet time" at 8PM. In the CA state park, quiet time
extends until 10 AM. However, by 8AM, the batteries were seriously
depleted. To preserve them I had to cut all power use until I could
start the generator.

Lets just say it was darn cold and we had a cold breakfast. No heat,
no lights, no nothing.

I replaced the batteries at a cost of over $2000 with 6 new AGMs.
While the old batteries weren't that old, they had been overcharged
for about 6 months while in dealer's hands between the previous owner
and my taking possession. (Another reason I'm not particularly
impressed with "dealer knowledge.") Apparently, the (non-standard for
BB of that era) Heart Link 2000-R battery controller had been reset
to the default condition, which was for wet cell batteries and was
charging the AGMs at a too-high voltage (this continued for several
months after my taking possession until I learned of the problem by
reading and studying about the systems on my coach). After the
experience I had at San Simeon State Park, I concluded that the
batteries might have been damaged.

This past summer, I was in Oregon at a cabinet maker having some
custom work done on my coach. Unfortunately, the generator fan failed
on me and I was "dry camping" (in their parking lot) without any 120
power. I turned off the inverters and shed as much load as I could --
but the batteries still dropped down to a low state of charge in a
relatively short time period. The Heart Link 2000-R does also control
charging from the engine alternator, so I was able to preserve the
batteries by running the engine (470 HP DD Series 60 to provide a
little electricity!).

I have since concluded that my coach, as it is currently equipped, is
not suitable for lengthy dry camping situations, particularly when
there are significant restrictions on operating the generator. I can
manage about a 12 hour "quiet time" (8pm-8am) without serious
consequences -- but longer quiet times present a serious challenge
and degrade the pleasure of the experience.

If my coach had LP gas powering the refrigerator (primary drain on
the batteries while off shore power), then dry camping would likely
be more manageable. However, I do like having the 24 cu ft home-style
Amana 2-door refrigerator. If I were to replace it with a new, more
efficient refrigerator, dry camping might be a more practical
possibility.

As for the salesman telling someone buying an all-electric BB that
dry camping is "no problem", that strikes me, based on my experience,
as being rather less than the full truth.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at


<snip>
>>
> Ernie,
>
> If the question of DRY CAMPING was not posted on your website, where
> did I get the idea that a person wanted to know why the dealer he
> bought his coach from said he would have a problem dry camping at his
> BBQ competions. I thought it was an interesting question.
>
> I will never forget to sign a post again Ernie I promiss
>
> KURT D. HORVATH
> FAYETTEVILLE, TENNESSEE, U.S.A.
> 1995 WLWB 42