Best Of
A really basic electric question.
Okay, I'm working with a 2020 T@B 320S Boondock with a solar panel from the factory. I'm still using the original 70ah wet battery.
I'm finding that the solar from factory is enough to support the fridge on a low setting in Spring and early summer. Later in the year, or in shaded locations the fridge will pull that battery down below 12v over night. This should surprise no one here, I'm sure.
I'm considering buying an inverter generator to supplement the electricity and allow the occasional microwave use while boon docking. The models I've been looking at are: Energizer EZV2200P or the Champion 1600W / 2000W Inverter Generator.
This is all well and good BUT...
1. If my battery is down 50% (or to 12v) and I plug in the inverter generator to the trailer, how long will it take to charge the battery back up? An hour? Two hours? 10?
2. Is there a better way? Should I be plugging a battery charger into the inverter generator and boosting the battery directly?
Any thoughts on this are appreciated. We are just looking at keeping the fridge running and enough power to run the tap now and again. When day length is limited we aren''t at that level right now. I know a change of battery is probably warranted, but one small step at a time.
Thanks for your help.
...Doug
I'm finding that the solar from factory is enough to support the fridge on a low setting in Spring and early summer. Later in the year, or in shaded locations the fridge will pull that battery down below 12v over night. This should surprise no one here, I'm sure.
I'm considering buying an inverter generator to supplement the electricity and allow the occasional microwave use while boon docking. The models I've been looking at are: Energizer EZV2200P or the Champion 1600W / 2000W Inverter Generator.
This is all well and good BUT...
1. If my battery is down 50% (or to 12v) and I plug in the inverter generator to the trailer, how long will it take to charge the battery back up? An hour? Two hours? 10?
2. Is there a better way? Should I be plugging a battery charger into the inverter generator and boosting the battery directly?
Any thoughts on this are appreciated. We are just looking at keeping the fridge running and enough power to run the tap now and again. When day length is limited we aren''t at that level right now. I know a change of battery is probably warranted, but one small step at a time.
Thanks for your help.
...Doug
Re: Replace refrigerator with cooler
Replaced with a 54qt chest type freezer / fridge. Like @webers3 said, so much better than the 3-way!
Re: Propane Level Indicator
In the spring many Costco stores have the 20# tank with the built-in float gauge. But it might be too late to get your hands on one this season. IMO the float gauge is the most reliable and accurate. But it's not a good option for people who use tank swaps to get propane.PNWtabber said:I am looking on Costco website today (6/09/2022), they have a propane tank with a gauge, but they describe it as a 5 pound tank. Doesn't provide dimensions. That isn't the right size, is it?
https://www.costco.com/5-lbs.-steel-propane-cylinder-with-opd-valve-&-built-in-gauge.product.100734956.html
Re: Leveling question...
I absolutly love the BAL leveler. I've used it for 7 years on a 320 and a 400 and can't imagine using anything else. You park then slip this around tire. Then I use my drill with the same bit you use to raise and lower the stabilizers legs......by the way....do not use the stabilizers to level the camper. They should only just kiss the ground.
The BAL is great because you don't need someone to help you drive up on the block type Levelers. It's a little harder to get around the Boondock style tire but it fits fit.
The BAL is great because you don't need someone to help you drive up on the block type Levelers. It's a little harder to get around the Boondock style tire but it fits fit.
Check this out on Amazon
BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BH5MAA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_RCM1589F78ANMZH0NV1A
![[Deleted User]](https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/applications/dashboard/design/images/defaulticon.png)
Re: Tub lock 320 Boondock
They look like a better option than finding your locked boxes pried open and ruined by a thief. I still think locking a box that's way more expensive than anything in it is a bad idea.
Re: WaterLeaks Power Rinsing/Flush Any Suggestions 2021 Tab 400
Use a pressure regulator
Re: Do I Need a Drop Hitch?
The only reason I can see to have an adjustable hitch insert is if you’re towing with more than one vehicle. Otherwise, it makes sense to simply get the correct rise or drop for your tow vehicle/trailer combo.
I left it up to the dealer to figure out on my arrival to pick up my trailer; they knew more than I did about correct sizing and about how to compensate for how much sag the added tongue weight might add to my car. It was one less thing for me to worry about.
I left it up to the dealer to figure out on my arrival to pick up my trailer; they knew more than I did about correct sizing and about how to compensate for how much sag the added tongue weight might add to my car. It was one less thing for me to worry about.
Re: Maxxair MaxxFan Upgrade
@Gherzig The framing of both fans is the same, using the same cutout through the trailer roof. The 4-5” extension you see behind the fan frame (left side of image) is part of the MaxxFan’s built in weatherproof cover, which it allows it to be open during rain, but collapses down as shown when the vent is closed. This makes it far more compact than the traditional fan + tall vent cover.
Re: Leveling question...
I don't know why you bottomed out leaving a gas station, but in my experience that kind of bump can happen if there's no curb cut. Or maybe your hitch height is too low?Jake_Elwood_and_us said:When I turned 19 I slept on the continental divide in the Wind River range in Wyoming. It was probable uncomfortable but I didn't care. Now many years later I want a level trailer so I can sleep. This isn't a post about what brand of level to use, that's easy. I bought a 400 Boondock so I could have creature comforts while still pretending to be roughing it. My first indication that I might have too high of expectations from the T@B was leaving a gas station and bottoming out the hitch in the gutter. The next was trying to level the trailer at a boondock camping spot. There was no way. The way I figure it, one only has about a level to a little less than 5 degree give before it is too steep to adjust front to back. Anymore with the slope going downhill behind the TV and the tongue can't go low enough. I didn't buy a boondock to stay at a KOA, even if they would have me. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
If it's a steep downslope towards the back of the trailer, how about running the tires up on blocks to reduce the height difference between the back and front of the trailer? I would back down the hill, then arrange a bunch of lego-style leveling blocks in front of the tires and pull forward onto them. If one side is lower (side-to-side) you should also take that into account when building your block stacks.
This isn't the greatest picture, but you can see that I have leveling blocks under the tires on both sides (because of the downslope).
