Let's talk BATTERIES & TV power

[Extreme]

So I have 2 questions and would appreciate any help you can give me because I'm SOOOOO new it hurts.

FIRST QUESTION
Which would be better for just starting out in the RV world of traveling.
I'm getting a 2021 2600rb and the wife an I are really excited about hitting the open road.
Now the trailer comes with ONE acid battery so what are your thoughts if I instead replace it with either:
(1) Lithium 12v battery or (2) two deep cycle 6v batteries or (3) One AGM 12v battery?

SECOND QUESTION
Since my wife and I enjoy watching TV 3-5 hours at night.
What would be the least expensive way to achieve that WHILE dry camping/boondocking.
I don't want to buy an expensive solar system just to watch TV at night while camping.
Inverter Generator? Personal Power Bank? 300 watt pure sine wade power inverter car adapter (plugs into your rigs).

Thanks again.

[jkwilson]

A Predator 2000W inverter generator is probably going to be in your future, depending on where you are camping.

No matter what kind of battery setup you get, you need some way to recharge it.

If you plan regular, long-term boondocking, solar is well worth considering.

[MoonShadow_1911]

So, it's not a simple answer. First, how many watts does the TV, lights, fans, (maybe AC) use in one hour? That will give you a watts-per-hour total. Then you need to divide that by 12v. That equals the amps you will use in 1 hour.

Now, how are you going to charge the batteries? Generator, solar, truck?

The other way to try and do it would be to look for a 12v powered TV. Then you wouldn't need a dc-to-ac inverter to run the TV.

It's really going to come down to your comfort level of spending.

At a minimum, I would look at 2 LiFePO batteries (Battleborn), two 100w solar panels, the charge controller, a 1000W inverter, and correctly sized wire. Please note that this is not a recommendation, only a theoretical outlay.

The cost of something like this will be around $3k.


The biggest difference is the battery types. LiFePO batteries will give you 100 amps until they are dead. AGM and lead acid batteries have a negative non-linear curve. As the voltage drops, the amperage drops in a helio type curve. So, the usable voltage and amperage for an AGM and lead acid battery is about 24% of the total battery capacity. The other thing is AGM and lead acid batteries don't do well after being drained that far to many times, and will take longer to charge back up.

So, as you can see, not just a simple answer. Continue to ask questions, and search the forums.

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[Extreme]

Thanks its really appreciated.
How quiet is the Predator compared to other 2000W inverter's?
And do any have a 30amp plug in on the inverter?

[Extreme]

You triggered another question.
If I use a quite inverter Generator at night for boondocking, is it allowed to be used in places like "Harvest Hosts"?
Just wondering........

[Ynot4me2]

You triggered another question.
If I use a quite inverter Generator at night for boondocking, is it allowed to be used in places like "Harvest Hosts"?
Just wondering........

The host will advertise if it allows or not gen and if there's a silent hire. They don't all do but most. Its common to see gen allowed till 10pm.

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[SolarPoweredRV]

Another viable option is to go ahead and get 2 Battle Born Lithium batteries (and upgrade your Converter) and buy a "Solar Generator" from Amazon (or somewhere else) to power your TV viewing. These come in different battery sizes and could easily power your TV for a few days without needing to be recharged. This is a simple way to accomplish what you want/need without buying (and running) a Generator.

[deeuubee]

I guess the first question I have is how many weeks a year will you be boondocking?
Ideally for boondocking, the lithium battery route is the way to go. It also has the highest upfront cost.
In the long run it is cheaper than equivalent amount of lead acid batteries over 10 or more the years.

Being new to RVing, don't be in a hurry to spend your cash. Enjoy the journey and then decide what needs upgrading.
Buy a second 100 Ah lead acid battery, the Predator 2K generator (it doesn't have a 30 amp outlet because it only puts out 13 amps).
If you have to have A/C while out there, make it the 3.5K Predator.
It will be enough for you to enjoy your first season. (Unless you are ridiculous with your battery usage)
Use the batteries at night, charge it during the day.
You can buy a cheap watt hour meter to see what you actually use in 24 hrs., and then you can decide what to do with real numbers.

My question is... where are you getting a TV signal from while boondocking

[Extreme]

Good questions!
On the TV signal if there is no signal we would be watching a DVD movie instead.
Boondocking would be between driving sites while going to a full hookup site.
3500 Predator looks like the hot tip for us too.
I guess what it boils down to is this....while I'm working over the next few months its easier to make the upgrades to the trailer before retirement.
The dollars it take to upgrade is much easier now than later.
That's why I ask all these questions.

[deeuubee]

I must admit, I'm in the same boat as you. I've been tent camping for over 50 years,
We just ordered a 25G for retirement use this spring. I can't wait to see what it's like to actually sleep in a bed

Since you're only overnighting for a few days in between camp grounds, there doesn't seem to be an immediate need for a full solar setup.
My vote is for 2 lithium batteries, lithium charger, and 12v TV. If you're a DIY guy, it should be a quick install.
Happy trails!