Posted 2011-03-12 2:23 PM (#131568) Subject: Teach me about living quarters
Regular
Posts: 57 Location: Red Wing, MN
We recently bought a new trailer with living quarters (shower, toilet, microwave, range top, refrigerator, freezer, furnace, a/c, etc.) and since I've never had living quarters I'm a little in the dark about the electric/propane/batteries. I know that if we are somewhere where there's an electric plug in, we are good to go. And that we need electric or generator if we want to use the a/c.But how about when we are somewhere where we don't have electric hookups? Will the 2 batteries & 2 propane tanks last for a weekend away? If we decide to get a generator, what size do we need? Anything you can tell me would help. thanks!
Posted 2011-03-12 4:07 PM (#131569 - in reply to #131568) Subject: RE: Teach me about living quarters
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Sumas Washington
If you don't have a generator you will need to be FRUGAL in power usage. This does depend on the size and number of batteries your rig has The common setup is 2 12v RV batteries, these should see you through a regular weekend if you are just using lights, and fans and your water pump. When you run 110 volt item with a inverter the power usage goes way up That is if you need to run a TV VCR Disc player or computer .
The size of generator depends on what your comfort level is. If you are a rough it kind of person than a Honda 1000 will suffice This is just enough to keep the battery's charged with nominal power usage If you need to run a TV or other entertainment you can get by with something the size of the Honda 2000, this is still too small to run the A/C but will keep the coach charged really well and run lots of TV,computer type stuff. If you need your A/C and other power items to run at the same time than you need to step up to at least a 3000W gen or even a 4000W
Dual 20# propane bottles should last a weekend unless you are in REALLY cold conditions and run the furnace continuously As with the rest of us this is a trial and error process. GO HAVE FUN
Posted 2011-03-12 4:08 PM (#131570 - in reply to #131568) Subject: RE: Teach me about living quarters
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
You will definitely need shore power or a generator to run AC, microwave, and anything that plugs into a 110 v outlet (like the ones in your house). The batteries alone will run most of your lights, your furnace blower (if you have forced air heat), and water pump. Whether or not your batteries will last through the weekend will depend on how strong (new) they are, and how much you use them. If they are in good shape and used sparingly (don't leave lights on, etc.) you should be fine through the weekend.Have fun with your new trailer!I recommend you do a test run without shore power, even if its right in your driveway. Better to know at home what you can and cannot do and accommodate before you leave for a trip.
Posted 2011-03-12 4:32 PM (#131571 - in reply to #131568) Subject: RE: Teach me about living quarters
Regular
Posts: 57 Location: Red Wing, MN
thank you. The dealer is going to go through everything when we pick it up but I always like to hear from real live users. :) We only had a dressing home before so were used to roughing it. We bought the trailer so my husband would/could accompany us (his idea!) so I'm sure he's going to want the a/c going. ha! From what I've read, the important things to look at with generators is weight, gas tank size and how quiet it is. Anything else? Are generators something you can consider getting used or would you only look at new?A trial run at home is a great idea - thank you!
Posted 2011-03-12 9:29 PM (#131575 - in reply to #131568) Subject: RE: Teach me about living quarters
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Sumas Washington
I know that there are some that have had good luck buying a used generator, but there are some unscrupulous sellers out there. If you got by on the dressing room and did OK You are going to LOVE your new trailer. I hope that your dealer takes the time to give you a through walk through and is helpful in getting you started. This makes all the difference to have some initial help.
Posted 2011-03-13 9:15 AM (#131589 - in reply to #131568) Subject: RE: Teach me about living quarters
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Nashville, TN
Beware plugging the trailer into the house to power up anything more than the fridge. The AC runs on a 30 amp circuit. Mosrt garages are 15-20 amps so this will overload the garage circuit (learned this the hard way). I bought a Champion 3000 watt, 30 amp generator from Tractor Supply for $300 that powers everything in the trailer (lights, AC, pumps, coffee makers, everything). My trailer is not wired for it so I put it on the ground, grounded it and ran the trailer plug stright to it (it has an RV outlet on it). Works great in austere conditions.
We fill up the propane in the Spring and normally have to replace once during the season with us taking half a dozen 4-5 days trips. Your usage will vary. Whenever you attach to an electrical hookup, it will recharge your batteries via the power converter.
Posted 2011-03-14 7:47 PM (#131654 - in reply to #131568) Subject: RE: Teach me about living quarters
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Florida
My standard 20lb tanks (gas grill size) will last all summer with a fill up of the empty one for fall camping. We are not shy with the heater and use the stove top all summer.
I do carry a Yamaha 2400 generator because we like coffee in the am and AC and a nice shower on a hot summers day after a ride.
I have three batteries. 2 (type 24 to run the house) the one type 27 is reserved for my jack and emergency power.
Watering your batteries and proper charging in-between use is one of your most important chores.
There is as much to learn about a horse trailer Lq as any RV owner would have to learn about thier new RV.
Google / search this forum and ask questions. Use common sense and you will have a blast.
Here are a couple links that helped me in the beginning.
Teach me about living quarters
