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Boondocking for the first time

Yahoo Message Number: 83709
We are planning to go to Quartzsite in January. I have never ran the refrigerator (residential) for an extended period on the inverter and was wondering how long the 4 8D batteries will last before recharging. And how long does it take for the generator to recharge the batteries?
Are there any rules/suggestions in running the generator while boondocking in Quartzsite?

Any suggestion on boondocking would be appreciated!

Thanks, John

2005 Allure #31242

Re: Boondocking for the first time

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83729
John,

For the 1st time boondocker, here's a link to a BLM brochure on camping in the Quartzsite area that has lots of good info along with the usual gov't. doublespeak.
http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/camping/LTVA/laposa.html (click on the Supplemental Rules part), and from that, here's the part that answers your particular question. "Section 8. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. under applicable state time zone standards, or as otherwise posted."
Hope this is helpful and hope you have a great time in the desert. It's a beautiful area where I'm hoping to avoid snow shovels this winter.

Jim Barber
'87 LTD 4223
~~~~~~~~~

Re: Boondocking for the first time

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83744
John,

I have boondocked quite a bit. Mine will be a little different because I have 4 solar panels and have made it 4 days before having to recharge the 4 8D AGM batteries. But even when there isn't enough sun for the solar, I can go all night long running the residential refrigerator, microwave, both TV's, lights and whatever but sometime after the Quiet time setting is reached it will start the generator in the morning. It takes about 3 - 4 hours to recharge the batteries depending upon temperature I think. I have my charge setting at 30 amp when I use the generator to charge them.
I also know that the generator will start again sometime around dinner for the top off setting and run the 3 hours it is set for unless I shut it down sooner.
Mine is all set and pretty much takes care of itself automatically, it even starts the generator in the summer to run the AC if it gets to that temperature setting.
Remember, I have AGM batteries. You can run them down a lot lower than lead acid batteries and not ruin them. My setting to start the generator is 11.9 volts, if I had Lead Acid batteries, I wouldn't run them lower than 12.3 or 12.4 before recharging.
Also, I have noticed that when I hit the 12VDC disconnect by the front door, I don't have any lights in the coach, but the refrigerator and tv's still work and there is about 3 - 4 amps less draw on the inverter. The refrigerator takes about 3 amps when the compressor is running and hardly any when it isn't. The LED TV's only take about .5 amps each. You can make the batteries last longer that way. Also, run the microwave when the generator is running. The microwave is about a 15 amp draw.

Mark and Helen Surber
07 Intrigue 12162
C13 Cat Allison
06 Rubicon LJ
 

Re: Boondocking for the first time

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83765
John

A big factor in the time to recharge your batteries will be the size of your inverter. I do not have the residential unit but I did add two 8 D's and until I upgraded to a 3800 Magnum it took forever.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348