Buffalobwana
Observer
Nice organized setup. I like.
Expedition Trailer "must have" and "wish list" items
- Thread starter Buffalobwana
- Start date
Albatross
Member
If you really need and want an AC, you should think about an electrical portable genarator
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors...t-Generators-Portable-Generators/N-5yc1vZbx9n
Buffalobwana
Observer
I have two generators. They are obnoxious, but, you are right. If you want AC, a generator is a necessary back up. But solar panels are also a big piece of the puzzle. Some form of battery charging is necessary.
My inverters have 30 amp plugs as shore power hookups to run the devices hooked to the inverter and that run a battery charger for the batteries that run the inverter so, if you have to spend the night at a KOA campground, or whatever, batteries get, topped off, and you run on pure shore power.
I have two of the Outback 24v inverters
http://www.outbackpower.com/outback...application-inverter-chargers/item/obxic2024s
My inverters have 30 amp plugs as shore power hookups to run the devices hooked to the inverter and that run a battery charger for the batteries that run the inverter so, if you have to spend the night at a KOA campground, or whatever, batteries get, topped off, and you run on pure shore power.
I have two of the Outback 24v inverters
http://www.outbackpower.com/outback...application-inverter-chargers/item/obxic2024s
Albatross
Member
If your AC needs 5 Amps at 220V, then it will need approx 100 Amps with 12V or 50 Amps with 24V (with 92% efficiency).
If you have the AC on for 8h (one night) then you will a 12V-battery capacity of at least 800Ah (better 1000 Ah), that's 10 times a 100Ah 12V battery. And don't forget to have thick enough cables (for example those used for winches)
If you have the AC on for 8h (one night) then you will a 12V-battery capacity of at least 800Ah (better 1000 Ah), that's 10 times a 100Ah 12V battery. And don't forget to have thick enough cables (for example those used for winches)
Buffalobwana
Observer
Thanks. I do run 2/0 wire to the inverters, with the required 75 amp D.C. breaker, but, Maybe that isn't the route to go then. Wrong AC, (I just grabbed that one because someone suggested it) or just bad idea.
What systems do they put in these large expedition vehicles? They advertise being able to run all kinds of stuff full time. They do have a roof full of solar panels though.
What systems do they put in these large expedition vehicles? They advertise being able to run all kinds of stuff full time. They do have a roof full of solar panels though.
WanderinWhitlows
Observer
Agreed, getting anxious to fiddle with it and test it under load to help prepare fuel consumption predictions.
I don't know if a 24v unit is offered in their consumer line but they may have something in their industrial line. Just don't know if they would be as compact. We ordered our trailer with one but they never shipped it. Found out that I can get it for less here in the States so I asked for a refund which is what I'm waiting on now before I order. With the discount I intend to order it, a considerable amount of fuel, and a pile of raw material to finish the FlipPac interior on the Tacoma.
The NaturesHead is really cool. We love ours but do recommend making a plate to bolt it to when in use as it can be a little bit unstable due to the narrow base. The lip material at the bottom is very thick so add a rivet nut on each side and coinciding tabs on the plate and some hand tightening hardware and you'll be grand.
One word of advice, use plain Jane, no special ingredients peat moss. If it has anything else in it your results will be unsatisfactory.
Buffalobwana
Observer
The vagueness of that comment makes it even more funny. Will most definitely take note of that. Thank you.
WanderinWhitlows
Observer
We chuckle about it now but it was very frustrating until we figured it out. If you are traveling everyday and setting it up with camp in the evenings mind the liquid container. We had some folks with us that we forgot to remind about it and had to deal with an overflowing container. That was also classified as a "less than ideal situation."
Thinking about a wish list item brings me to batteries. When mine are ready to be recycled I intend to replace them with lithium types to deduct weight and hopefully increase capacity at the same time.
TroySmith80
Adventurer
So have you built a trailer? How's it going?
A must-have feature for me is the ability to go inside it and stand up. I want to be able to have the bed fully accessable/made up and still have some room to stand and change, make coffee if it's nasty out, etc.
Curious why you keep talking about 24v DC instead of the normal 12v? Seems like it wouldn't have much benefit over 12v (save a couple bucks on wire sizes?) and would lose compatibility with the plethora of inexpensive 12v gadgets, lights, inverters and chargers that many road-trippers use.
As far as A/C, running it off-grid is a tall order, gonna require a lot of money, weight and space in batteries. You can use more money to get lithium batteries and save weight and space... adds some complications though. Remember, you can only use 50% of the energy capacity of lead acid batteries without seriously affecting their lifespan, so you need to carry twice as much capacity as you intend to use.
A must-have feature for me is the ability to go inside it and stand up. I want to be able to have the bed fully accessable/made up and still have some room to stand and change, make coffee if it's nasty out, etc.
Curious why you keep talking about 24v DC instead of the normal 12v? Seems like it wouldn't have much benefit over 12v (save a couple bucks on wire sizes?) and would lose compatibility with the plethora of inexpensive 12v gadgets, lights, inverters and chargers that many road-trippers use.
As far as A/C, running it off-grid is a tall order, gonna require a lot of money, weight and space in batteries. You can use more money to get lithium batteries and save weight and space... adds some complications though. Remember, you can only use 50% of the energy capacity of lead acid batteries without seriously affecting their lifespan, so you need to carry twice as much capacity as you intend to use.
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Brianj5600
Member
When I first read the thread title I thought titanium and carbon fiber. I think it all comes down to where you plan to take your trailer. If you plan on sticking to well traveled gravel roads then weight does not matter much and pack all the creature comforts you can. I am going to be more conservative vs pack everything possible. I didn't order a small RTT, but sleeping comfortably is a good thing after a hard day of playing. A toilet and shower is about the only other splurges. I might try a filtered fan to keep dust out. That doesn't seem too hard fab or heavy. If your trailer gets too heavy, even a minor obstacle can be a major delay.