GaryB
Well-known member
Hi ? I?ve been thinking about this RVing stuff too long!!!? Having never done it before, I came up with some simple (OK, dumb? ???) questions.? I checked the Library and searched the forums and found some similar discussion, but they didn?t answer my questions exactly:
1. When boon-docking, can all AC devices that normally run on shore power use the DC batteries instead (I know air conditioning cannot)?? Maybe a better question is: what cannot run on batteries (other than air cond. and propane devices)?? ?The reason I ask is because we?re late birds and may not want to run a generator late at night (even when dry camping).? So can things like water pumps, ceiling fans, TV, lights, microwave all run from the DC batteries?? Also, as I understand, water heaters and stoves will run off propane.? Also, as I understand, I can extend the running time of AC devices by installing an inverter with battery set?
2. What is required (equipment wise) to camp in the winter - just heated storage tanks?? It seems as though freezing could be possible at the campground water valve itself or somewhere between that valve and the RV inlet.? I?m sure it must not be a problem since full-timers do it, but I?d hate to go to Florida in December and find out I cannot camp since something is frozen (it?s been in the mid-20s before in Central FL when I?ve been there in Dec/Jan).
3. I?ve read that RV refrigerators sometimes have a problem keeping stuff cold enough.? Is that true?? What would happen if one plugged a small household refrig. into the RV 110/120 V outlet?? Would it work, with the exception of propane capability?? It seems like the refrig. should operate the same way as any other AC device in an RV.
4. Many of the ?mid size?, non-lightweight (30-32 ft) 5ers I?ve seen have GVWRs between 13000-15000 lbs (dry weights between 10000-12000 lbs).? Adding a 20% safety factor for mountain driving results in a towing req?t of 16000-19000 lbs.? None of the gas-powered Dodge Ram pickups (even one tons) have towing capacities that high.? Even the biggest Dodge Ram diesel only has a towing capacity around 16000 lbs.? Am I missing something here?? I hate to get a diesel since I?d only be an occasional RVer (of course, I?ll rent first before buying).
5. If not available through the manufacturer, it is easy (or even possible) to add ceiling fans and 15000 BTU air conditioning later on?? Is 13500 BTU air conditioning sufficient in most cases (assuming sun shades are used, etc.)?? I like to keep cool, although ceiling fans may help temper that.
6. Last question - I hear the front jacks of a 5th wheel are usually electric, whereas the rear jacks are the manual 'scissors' type. Can I use the front (electric) jacks to level the RV without messing around with blocks? If not, are auto/electric leveling kits available as add-ons? The block method seems cumbersome, but then again I've never done it.
Thanks again!
Gary
1. When boon-docking, can all AC devices that normally run on shore power use the DC batteries instead (I know air conditioning cannot)?? Maybe a better question is: what cannot run on batteries (other than air cond. and propane devices)?? ?The reason I ask is because we?re late birds and may not want to run a generator late at night (even when dry camping).? So can things like water pumps, ceiling fans, TV, lights, microwave all run from the DC batteries?? Also, as I understand, water heaters and stoves will run off propane.? Also, as I understand, I can extend the running time of AC devices by installing an inverter with battery set?
2. What is required (equipment wise) to camp in the winter - just heated storage tanks?? It seems as though freezing could be possible at the campground water valve itself or somewhere between that valve and the RV inlet.? I?m sure it must not be a problem since full-timers do it, but I?d hate to go to Florida in December and find out I cannot camp since something is frozen (it?s been in the mid-20s before in Central FL when I?ve been there in Dec/Jan).
3. I?ve read that RV refrigerators sometimes have a problem keeping stuff cold enough.? Is that true?? What would happen if one plugged a small household refrig. into the RV 110/120 V outlet?? Would it work, with the exception of propane capability?? It seems like the refrig. should operate the same way as any other AC device in an RV.
4. Many of the ?mid size?, non-lightweight (30-32 ft) 5ers I?ve seen have GVWRs between 13000-15000 lbs (dry weights between 10000-12000 lbs).? Adding a 20% safety factor for mountain driving results in a towing req?t of 16000-19000 lbs.? None of the gas-powered Dodge Ram pickups (even one tons) have towing capacities that high.? Even the biggest Dodge Ram diesel only has a towing capacity around 16000 lbs.? Am I missing something here?? I hate to get a diesel since I?d only be an occasional RVer (of course, I?ll rent first before buying).
5. If not available through the manufacturer, it is easy (or even possible) to add ceiling fans and 15000 BTU air conditioning later on?? Is 13500 BTU air conditioning sufficient in most cases (assuming sun shades are used, etc.)?? I like to keep cool, although ceiling fans may help temper that.
6. Last question - I hear the front jacks of a 5th wheel are usually electric, whereas the rear jacks are the manual 'scissors' type. Can I use the front (electric) jacks to level the RV without messing around with blocks? If not, are auto/electric leveling kits available as add-ons? The block method seems cumbersome, but then again I've never done it.
Thanks again!
Gary