driveway camping

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DJ18
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Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2020 5:06 pm

driveway camping

Post by DJ18 »

After sleeping in the camper, there are a few more things on the to do list.
It wasn't freezing out, but got dang chilly if the heat is turned way down to save batteries. We almost always boondock, so we wanted to see how it did. The furnace rpms go way down on 12 v, and I don't think the control panel can be believed.
So...
cut reflexitc for the bedroom window over our heads, at least.
install charge controller so solar panel can be used to keep batteries charged.
replace bedding with our big sleeping bag.
order 6 more led bulbs and new knobs for jalousie windows.
we may need a cushy foam topper on the mattress, but it was pretty comfy.
check batteries for type and amp hours. I know they are big and new, but didn't look to see if they are true deep cycle. edit to add; they are 1.5 years old, good deep cycle and total 200+ ah. so that's good

I love the camper, the storage, the light. first trip out planned for Monday.
debbie
1985 Avion 25H
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Razorback
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Re: driveway camping

Post by Razorback »

One option for staying warm without draining your batteries: install a catalytic heater like a Camco Olympian Wave 3, 6, or 8. We have a Wave 8 in our 34W and it does a nice job. I love the heat it puts out, it sips propane compared to the furnace, and it requires no electricity.

Some people seem scared of them, but if used properly they are safe. If NOT used properly, they CAN kill you, I suppose..... no different than any other kind of heater. As with any non-vented heater, you should install a CO detector so if you use it while you are sleeping, you won't wake up dead. We have had NO problems using ours, and we open the roof vent in the front of the trailer maybe an inch, and the window next to the door an inch or so (the lower part of the large window that is in the 1987 34W) to provide some venting. Our Wave 8 is installed on the back of the dinette seat just inside the entry door. They can also be used free-standing.

Here is a good discussion about catalytic heaters: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=105

Another high-dollar heat source that I would love to have in our 34W is a Kimberly wood stove.
https://www.unforgettablefirellc.com/ki ... ood-stove/

We heat at home with wood, so I am familiar with the safety aspect. Again, something like this would need to be installed properly. But to me, it's another neat idea. With add-ons, you can even heat water, and generate electricity with it! If money was no object, I'd have one of those yesterday!!

Another thing I have done in our trailer to cut heat loss is to cut some Reflectix (Or, cut up a spare vehicle sun shield if you have one...... that's what I did) to seal the roof vent openings. I cut mine to fit between the roof and the trim ring that goes around the vent. Our 34W has a vent above the rear bedroom and in the bathroom...... I covered both of those. It is amazing how well that works. Over the last couple of seasons I have left those covered year 'round....it helps in the hot weather, too.

I wish there was a less-expensive way to insulate the side windows than adding storm windows.... They are available, from what I have heard, but I bet they would be pretty expensive.

Another thing to consider is a dehumidifier for the cold months.
Razorback (Paul)
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F-250 7.3L PowerStroke
I'm a "whosoever"... are you???
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KYAvion
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Re: driveway camping

Post by KYAvion »

I installed this CO detector with 10 year battery and have been happy with it... https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011O2WW ... UTF8&psc=1

What sort of cold temps will you be camping in? If cold enough, you may want to consider 12v pad heaters on your fresh and black tanks.
KYAvion
1984 Avion 30R
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KYAvion
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Re: driveway camping

Post by KYAvion »

I installed this CO detector with 10 year battery and have been happy with it... https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011O2WW ... UTF8&psc=1

What sort of cold temps will you be camping in? If cold enough, you may want to consider 12v pad heaters on your fresh and black tanks.

I’m sure you’ve realized too how quickly the furnace will drain your propane tanks.
KYAvion
1984 Avion 30R
DJ18
Posts: 286
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2020 5:06 pm

Re: driveway camping

Post by DJ18 »

thanks for the replies! I had some reflectix already cut from another camper, and lo and behold, it fit the back window perfectly. it is now velcroed in place. I'd forgotten the roof vents, thanks! One actually has a crack that has opened on it, so even though it doesn't leak water (cover) it does let in cold.

I've looked at those olympian wave heaters (for the same older camper I cut the reflectix for) but it wouldn't have fit. the Avion is much bigger, so that would be a great add on. I'd forgotten about them! I like the buddy heaters, because they are portable but they do consume the little bottles so fast, they really aren't practical.

that little wood stove is a beauty!

It's pretty dry in the Southwest, but I know condensation can be a problem. I don't know if we have a CO detecter, but will look for one.

I don't know how much propane we are using, because the monitor panel says everything is full! :~)

Our lowest temps are not bad, really. usually we try to stay away from going where it is even in the 20s. One camping trip in the spring the temps dipped unexpectedly in the teens and our water froze in our camper. I don't think the Avion would have had that problem.
debbie
1985 Avion 25H
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