Yahoo Message Number: 56554 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/56554)
Alex,
I have 500 watts of solar. I used to have four sets of 6 volt batteries, but now have three sets of Trojan batteries. There are several thoughts about the size of battery banks, but after many years of boondocking I have come to the conclusion that whether using solar or generator to recharge your batteries, it takes less time (and energy) the recharge three pair than four pair of batteries. It is important to fully charge your batteries at least once a week or more often to get the maximum length of use out of them. Of course, you don't want to run them down too low. If I am going to use my microwave for more than 5 or 6 minutes to cook vegetables or heat something, I start my generator and cook using that (and turn on my hot water electrical switch at the same time to start heating the water), then turn off the generator immediately after I finish cooking. That way I haven't run my batteries down any and I have minimized the use of the generator (I can complete the heating of the hot water with a couple of minutes of propane for a shower and to wash dishes.)
I think the 22" deep oven/three burner stove top combination would be fine. It will still leave some cabinet space underneath for pot and pan storage.
A word of caution when researching a coach. Check carefully to see if and how well the floor of the coach is insulated. If you spend very much in your coach you will find yourselves in area where the temperature gets below freezing at night (even in the desert) and some expensive coaches are poorly insulated, especially the floors. Also, check the carrying capacity. I've seen high dollar American Eagle, Monaco, and even custom built coaches with only a little over 3,000 lb carrying capacity. By the time you get food, clothes, tools, cooking utensils, and fishing equipment aboard, you are over the safety limit!
Consider buying J. D Gallant's "The R. V. Rating Book" (book or CD before making this significant investment.
Gene Merryman
2000 Allure #30496
Yahoo Message Number: 56589 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/56589)
Gene,
Thanks. I think I've memorized the RV Consumer CD of weights. We're looking at a tag axle l MH, either a CC (allure) or a Monaco Dynasty in the 03-05 range. When checking the floor insulation, is the R value the one to use or do you study the actual layers that comprise the floor. I, unfortunately, do not have the building skills to assess a good or bad construction plan when I see one, so I have to use the R value.
Your solar advice is most appreciated. It will be one of the first 5 upgrades we plan to make to our coach. 500 watts and 6 batteries does sound very workable and user friendly, and I know what you mean about making sure they get fully charged once a week. I'm curious as to what kind and size of charge controller you use for 500 watts, and what do you have it set at to charge the batteries.
My wife appreciated the oven advice.
Again, any tidbits of wisdom thrown my way we be absorbed and reabsorbed many times,
Alex
alexpeters2@... (alexpeters2@...) if you wan t to go out-of-the-group.