Inaugural run

mandt

Taking our 2016 Max S out for the first time today.  Going to a rustic camp site - no services. Thinking about the battery. Stock battery. No solar. We will need power for the furnace - down to 40 degrees tonight. And power for the pump to flush the toilet. We are starting out charged at 12.6 volts. As I understand we should go no lower than 12.1. Is that correct?

Thanks

ericnliz

@mandt, Couple questions first. Does your 7 pin connector allow for re-charging the battery? How long do you plan to stay? You can run the Alde on battery & propane. The pump you should ONLY use when needed. Do you plan on using the fridge? If so, propane would be my choice, it's a battery hog! Set at 3.5 to 4 and you should be good. 12.1 is the lowest I would let it go, although mine has been down to 11.8 with no issues. Use your SEELEVEL monitor to keep track of your usage. If your 7 pin allows for re-charging, you can simply plug in, and re-charge the battery that way, just make sure to rev up the motor a little to allow for the extra charging needed. You can see what the charge is through the monitor as well. Hope this helps, and have fun!

ericnliz

@mandt, Couple other things came to mind. Make sure when you're NOT using things, you shut 'em off. Alde, left hand "power" button. Stereo, use the dimmer, and shut the light off (top left). Anything else you can turn off, do so. When you use your Alde, make sure you leave the window open (first notch), and the top vent where the fan is open a little, or it will look like a rain forest in the morning!

mandt

We will use the furnace on propane of course, but the furnace pump will need some battery - not sure how much. Probably not run the frige because it uses a fan. We will use it as an ice chest. Yes,the car can charge the battery, but don't really want to run it while camping because of exhaust. 

ericnliz

@mandt, When using the pump on your Alde, scroll through the "tool" menu, and make sure it is set on thermostat, not continuous. There are only two settings.

Homebodyatheart

@mandt on my maiden voyage I unwittingly ran on only battery and propane the first two days. After 48 hours my battery was at 12.3. My food was in a cooler till the last half day of that time period, which probably made a difference. BTW, I now know to turn the shore power switch on at the pole plug in... Have fun with your new T@b!

ColoradoJon

If you are miserly with the power you can get two days, two nights, possibly more.  Our maiden voyage with the stock 12V battery got us through a full weekend - headed out Friday morning and broke camp Sunday morning.  We used the fridge on propane almost the whole time and the Alde kept us warm each night.  We were at 12.2V on the meter the morning we left.  You are correct, don't go too much lower than 12.1V.  You can, but it may affect the life span of your battery.

marknjudy

Just a note: everyone is focusing on battery, but if this is your first time, don't forget to mind your water tanks. The gray water fills a lot faster than you'd think with the black not far behind.

mandt

Off we go.... thanks everybody

ericnliz

Have FUN!

dmerzbac

Have a great time. You're going to love it!

Photomom

If you're trying to squeak every electron out of the battery that you can, try to avoid using the fan, the lights and the charging ports. You can use solar lights (like Luci) inside and a propane lantern outside. You shouldn't need to run the aux fridge fan if it's 40F at night - the fridge will help to heat the cabin. And check your Alde manual for how to set standby brightness so the display isn't on all night.

pthomas745

Think like you are in a tent...you will be surprised how well a single flashlight pointed up to the Tab's vaulted ceiling spreads a pleasant, usable light all around.  A flashlight sitting on the kitchen counter facing up lights up that area very well. 

Verna

Wrap a headlamp around a plastic bottle of water and a soft glowing light is lighting up the interior. (I used a gallon milk jug with a head lamp when I lost power at the house for two days--best night light I've ever had!)

ontheroad

we got some cute little plastic lanterns for inside our trailer, they use AA batteries (6 or 8) I've been using them for over 6 months, got them at the dollar store (dollarama)

mandt

Well our first outing went well. We used all the TAB systems except the shower and everything worked great. Had enough power, but might look into solar for longer stays. Probably our biggest issue was organization with very little cupboard space for dishes and kitchen utensils we were a mess. And very little counter space for food prep we were a bit lost, but we just need to put some thought into it and figure it out. 

Also, we stayed at a very nice rustic campground on a sweet little lake here in Michigan and get this - we were the only ones there! Got down to 40 degrees at night so I guess it scared everyone away. 

Going out out for a longer stay at a different campground next week. Can't wait,

jgram2

Your own private forest! What a rare find! So glad it went well. Yeah, you'll figure the storage thing out with time and trials. Congrats.

ericnliz

As far as I'm concerned, boondocking is THE ONLY way to learn your way around these great little trailers! Sounds like 'ya had fun, Adventure on!

Homebodyatheart

Congratulations Mandt! What a great first trip for you both! Who habitats in the crate? I also love your T@ b colors! Thanks for sharing.