Expedition Trailer "must have" and "wish list" items

[Buffalobwana]

I have two 24v 2000 watt inverters that are supplying the 220 volts. Each inverter, by itself can give me two 15 amp circuits, for a total of 30 amps 110v AC power. Stack them to get 220v and obviously, you get more.

My question wasn't about running an AC air conditioner on D.C. Power, it was about what kind of solar panel set-up I would need. And maybe some recommendations on what panels would be a good choice.

The specs on the inverters are clear. I can run that AC, or the comparable 60hz unit like it.

 

[Roaddude]

What about the head/toilet. Was thinking of the peat moss toilet. Natures ... something? Has the urine diverter, Does anyone have one? At $1k it's a pricey toilet, but I can see the versitility of one.

What hot water heater would you use and is a "standard sized" gas tank big enough? I know a lot of guys use smaller ones, just curious on these items.

What I like about the Nature's Head (http://natureshead.net/) and AirHead (http://airheadtoilet.com/) units--at least for what I have planned over the next several years--is the relative ease of installation. No water supply to run for aid in flushing, no black water tank to install or empty, lack of odor when compared to most all other toilet types, and that I will be able to easily remove the complete unit to use in a base camp or off-grid cabin instead of the van, then put it back in the van when I hit the road again.

I've read more than one review from people who don't do the full install with fan and vent and have no complaints even in small spaces. It's the separation of urine and solids that makes it smell so much less and overall work so much better. Every time I flush a regular toilet now I am amazed at the huge amount of water wasted. As for fan/vent, I don't see that it would be difficult at all to have them in place in both van and cabin. This kind of multiple location usage makes sense to me and makes this type of commode a lot more appealing financially. I suspect it will outlast me, most likely. Additionally, other marine/RV toilet units have incinerators to burn waste, or moving parts that wrap and package waste, which to me just means more parts that could fail to work properly, break, or need replacing. Then you're potentially stuck with no ******tter for awhile.

As for water heater, I've been contemplating a propane-fueled on-demand unit like the Ecotemp (https://www.eccotemp.com/portable/), that can provide for both shower and kitchen, again, in a more portable style for vehicle, base camp and cabin/off-grid home. Mounted on one my my rear or side van doors as its regular place, I'll be able to use it for a number of things, in or out of the van. Might even rig up a simple diverter so it normally feeds a line to the kitchen area, then can be easily switched to feed a shower hose.

Another water heater solution I've been pondering are units like Espar or Webasto that can provide both heat and hot water. Espar may not be making the combo units anymore, not sure, as the main Espar guy I know is Espar of Michigan (http://www.esparofmichigan.com/products) and the only Hydronic units he has listed currently are for heating vehicle coolant. I know a slew of guys from my expediting days that run Espar air heaters that run off their diesel tanks and love them, though I don't personally know anyone who has a combo air/water heater. What I like about employing either an Espar or Webasto for heat and potentially hot water is that they draw directly from the diesel tank as I run a 6.6 diesel.

Here's a thread from a Sprinter forum a year and a half ago that talks about a few different hydronic air/water systems: https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41934

Efoy 210

Planning to order one next month for our Kimberley Kamper.

Here's an interesting article from Jan 2015 on hydrogen fuel cells, mentioning the Efoy 210 and the Dynad Hydrogen 150: http://www.yachtingworld.com/yachts-and-gear/fuel-cell-from-hydromax-61303 . I confess to knowing next to nothing about them, though am intrigued by the possibilities and look forward to seeing how yours works out, WanderingWhitlows.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

We are talking expedition trailer where it goes off road right?

My must have are -
Light weight
The ability for the trailer to go 90° to the tow vehicle
Zero offtracking so the trailer follows the tow vehicle exactly - If the tow vehicle clear so will the trailer.
High tongue to eliminate ground contact during breakover
Rear departure the same as the tow vehicle
Watertight for water crossing
Popup tent incorporated
Full set up in under 5 minutes
Ability to stand up to change cloths
Floor room for dog or porta potty

 

[xbombtek]

I spent a few weeks in the southwest last year in late June during the "heat wave" and now I want electricity because I want an AC unit, either shore power or gen set. It's no fun sleeping in 100+*, not just for me but my spoiled GSD really had a tuff time. Princess...

I live in NM. I get it.
We try to head north more than south on trips, and elevation sure does help with taking the heat off.

 

[xbombtek]

Xbombtek, so you want a double duty trailer. Say, a "416 style open bucket" design that fits a quad or lumber from Home Depot. And then the ability to go camping. Gotcha. What if you did have electricity to charge the batteries on a dewalt, or run a grinder or dremmel to sharpen the chain on a chainsaw or some other manly tool while out doing manly stuff? I guess cost would have to justify its presence. Thank you for the answer.

I have a 416 based open bucket (I like that imagery) right now. It's fine behind my CJ2A, but not big enough for a lot of chores. I'll build something more like a 5' x 8' with a removable/configurable sealed box that I can lay lumber on top of, and store stuff within. That way I can use removable stake sides for labor and swap the box on for camping leaving an apron around the box that'll hold all the exposable camping gear in easy to get places, or use it as a flat bed to haul something larger. Long trips for me are 300 miles or less. I'm not really going to be living out of a vehicle for more than 4-5 days occasional and more like 2-3 mostly.

There are a lot of fantastic ideas here, so thanks for getting everyone to spill the beans on their wants and needs.

 

[Albatross]

We are talking expedition trailer where it goes off road right?

My must have are -
Light weight
The ability for the trailer to go 90° to the tow vehicle
Zero offtracking so the trailer follows the tow vehicle exactly - If the tow vehicle clear so will the trailer.
High tongue to eliminate ground contact during breakover
Rear departure the same as the tow vehicle
Watertight for water crossing
Popup tent incorporated
Full set up in under 5 minutes
Ability to stand up to change cloths
Floor room for dog or porta potty

and:
- water tank large enough for the trip in the bush (rule of thumb: 1 gallon per day and person)
- possibility for breakfast inside (very bad weather)
forget AC if you camp in the bush. 220V and 17 A means at least 170 A with 12V.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

and:
- water tank large enough for the trip in the bush (rule of thumb: 1 gallon per day and person)
- possibility for breakfast inside (very bad weather)
forget AC if you camp in the bush. 220V and 17 A means at least 170 A with 12V.

Agree Im from Arizona so water is a given. I carry 13.5 gal in my Land Cruiser and 5 gal on the trailer. The trailer is a base camp for me. Dont need AC because in the summer I go for the high country.

 

[Buffalobwana]

Roaddude,

Thanks. Those two items (Natures head and ecotemp) are on my "gotta have list" I'll look into the other models as well. Putting a 10-15 gallon aluminum diesel tank on the trailer isn't a hard install either. Even though that's a lot of fuel for a heater, you don't have to fill it completely if you are watching your ounces.

What I liked about Natures head is the same as you. Ease of install, can move it to a different vehicle, trailer, no Blackwater tank issues (that's huge to not have a Blackwater tank and the wonderful problems associated with it). As you add up the "pros" the "cons" (price) seem to get outweighed.

Natures Head is in the "Must Have" column.

 

[Buffalobwana]

.
There are a lot of fantastic ideas here, so thanks for getting everyone to spill the beans on their wants and needs.

I agree, but, thanks to everyone who took the time to say what they wanted. It's no good without their input.

What I am finding is that everything that everyone wants is about what I was considering, except,there have been some real fantastic ideas, with links to the actual product, that I wasn't aware existed!

The battery charger Efoy is definitely very cool, but I'm trying to figure out how to charge a huge bank of 24v rigged batteries. I guess a marine battery selector would work. Charge one at a time and then just hit the battery selection switch to do the second one.

I am surprised that nobody has mentioned solar panels? Since I'm in TX, and have to go a long way to get into comfortable climate, some sort of air cooling device is necessary!

 

[ttengineer]

I am surprised that nobody has mentioned solar panels? Since I'm in TX, and have to go a long way to get into comfortable climate, some sort of air cooling device is necessary!

I'm in GA where you can cut the humidity with a knife. Going out in the summer can be a very miserable experience in a tent if it's not vented correctly. But at 90% humidity, you're still going to sweat.

Late Fall, winter, and early Spring are ideal times, but having an A/C in a trailer makes heading out year round far more enjoyable.

I've always said when it's cold you can always add more layers, but when it's hot you can only take off so much.

I often don't see the benefits of solar though, unless you set up a base camp to return to every night. If you're packing up every day, your alternator should be sufficiently charging your batteries.




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[Buffalobwana]

forget AC if you camp in the bush. 220V and 17 A means at least 170 A with 12V.

17 amp would be a lot, but I think that is 17 amp just start up. Running looks like 5-7amps.

With a two 24v inverters running 220v AC will need 4 12 v batteries (minimum).

Dometic Turbo plus 8000 btu
Input voltage (AC 230 V)
Input frequency 60 Hz
Starting current - max 17.70 A
Required AC circuit protection min 7.00 A
Required AC circuit protection max 10.00 A

Looks like it pulls maybe 4-6 amps continuous if it's minimum circuit protection is 7amps, that's telling me it can run on a 7 amp circuit.

I am no electrician, but with 4 batteries, I'm thinking that could work.

I need to call the company, speak with tech and ask them to be sure.

AC is a must have. It's no fun if I don't sleep well. I don't think a trailer requires 8000 btu. I'm sure someone makes a smaller unit. But it's a starting place to learn.

So who uses solar panels and which ones have the best reputation for not leaving you stranded? I see ones on Amazon that are reasonable. Obviously Chinese made to be lowest price, which is fine if they work!

Any experience with solar panels?

 

[High_Country]

Not sure if it goes without saying - given some of the other fancier or complicated suggestions, but my list of 'musts' would include:
On-board pressurized, on-demand freshwater system. I just built one using an RV on demand pump and it works great.
Convenience lighting - and while there's certainly romance to having fixed mounted lights with fancy switches and wiring system, don't discount the convenience of battery powered, magnetic base LED lights that you can move around to where you need light.
I guess on board 12v power with an inverter should be listed as well. My trailer battery is charged by the tow vehicle when hooked up and then I disconnect and run off the trailer battery.
I'd personally keep the fridge/freezer in the tow vehicle. It's nice to leave camp for the day with your food, refreshments, etc for your day trips.
Last - and it's subjective - is simplicity. Don't over complicate it or it'll take 45 mins or more to set up and break down camp.

 

[Buffalobwana]

Not sure if it goes without saying - given some of the other fancier or complicated suggestions, but my list of 'musts' would include:
On-board pressurized, on-demand freshwater system. I just built one using an RV on demand pump and it works great.
Convenience lighting - and while there's certainly romance to having fixed mounted lights with fancy switches and wiring system, don't discount the convenience of battery powered, magnetic base LED lights that you can move around to where you need light.
I guess on board 12v power with an inverter should be listed as well. My trailer battery is charged by the tow vehicle when hooked up and then I disconnect and run off the trailer battery.
I'd personally keep the fridge/freezer in the tow vehicle. It's nice to leave camp for the day with your food, refreshments, etc for your day trips.
Last - and it's subjective - is simplicity. Don't over complicate it or it'll take 45 mins or more to set up and break down camp.

Water - on demand - where and how big is your tank?
Lights - small led's I presume? Mounted on trailer? With battery op magnetic base to place as needed. Good idea.
12v battery with plug into vehicle - charge on the go - I have a similar setup with the big 2/0 wires like a Warn winch uses. I forgot to mention that.
110v AC power via inverter
Fridge/freezer/cooler in tow vehicle not in trailer - good idea.

Nobody has mentioned air compressor yet. So I will! Grabbed a smittybilt air compressor on Black Friday sale. At first, was upset at spending the money on it. Now I'm happy I did. Use it often.

How about an air tank? Aren't too heavy and uses are many. A little compressed air can do a lot of stuff. Not just tires.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Water - on demand - where and how big is your tank?
Lights - small led's I presume? Mounted on trailer? With battery op magnetic base to place as needed. Good idea.
12v battery with plug into vehicle - charge on the go - I have a similar setup with the big 2/0 wires like a Warn winch uses. I forgot to mention that.
110v AC power via inverter
Fridge/freezer/cooler in tow vehicle not in trailer - good idea.

Nobody has mentioned air compressor yet. So I will! Grabbed a smittybilt air compressor on Black Friday sale. At first, was upset at spending the money on it. Now I'm happy I did. Use it often.

How about an air tank? Aren't too heavy and uses are many. A little compressed air can do a lot of stuff. Not just tires.

Compressor should be on your vehicle only because your trailer is not always with you.

 

[High_Country]

Water - on demand - where and how big is your tank?
Lights - small led's I presume? Mounted on trailer? With battery op magnetic base to place as needed. Good idea.
12v battery with plug into vehicle - charge on the go - I have a similar setup with the big 2/0 wires like a Warn winch uses. I forgot to mention that.
110v AC power via inverter
Fridge/freezer/cooler in tow vehicle not in trailer - good idea.

Nobody has mentioned air compressor yet. So I will! Grabbed a smittybilt air compressor on Black Friday sale. At first, was upset at spending the money on it. Now I'm happy I did. Use it often.

How about an air tank? Aren't too heavy and uses are many. A little compressed air can do a lot of stuff. Not just tires.

I went with an 18 gallon tank positioned low inside the trailer just forward of the axle for tongue weight considerations. I also have 10 gallons of water can storage on the outside of the trailer to refill the 18 gallon tank should I need it.
Correct, LEDs are small.
As for an air tank, you could go with a power tank brand set up which is fairly pricey or you could convert a propane tank to store some amount of compressed air.