| [GMCnet] Trip Report [message #179405] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 14:21  |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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Just wanted to report that Lisa and I had a great trip up to Michigan's U.P.
Spent 12 days boon-dock camping on Lake Superior.
The coach ran perfect! I installed an engine temp gauge prior to leaving, happy
to report that my engine stayed right at 190 to 195 degrees with the medium duty
fan clutch quietly kicking in as needed.
The best part of the trip was the performance of the solar battery charging
system I installed. I had mounted 1 - 100 watt solar panel flat on the roof,
ran #6 wire to a Xantrex Charge Controller and then to the batteries. The
batteries are 2 deep cycle 12 volt connected in parallel. I know multiple 6
volts would be better but I had gotten one battery free and only had to buy a
2nd, when these two crap out I'll switch to the 6 volt. I also installed a
Tri-Metric 2025RV meter. Although we were parked in partial shade, the solar
panel got about 5 hours of good sun per day. I'm happy to report that the
batteries never got below 11.9 volts our entire stay and by evening were back
close to 13 volts. We do manage our power usage well, all coach lighting is
LED, we use minimal lighting, the Shurflow water pump, my Cpap machine and the
electronic controller for the refrigerator. I have room on the roof for at
least another 150 watt panel which I plan to install, that should put us in
fabulous shape for future trips as boon-docking is our preferred way to camp. I
was really happy how this all worked out. Funny thing, several of the other
campers had solar panels that they just put out and just leaned up against
trees, etc., so as the costs come down it's noticeably becoming more popular.
Thanks to Dan Gregg for all of his great advice on the solar system install !
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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