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  1. #1
    Site Sponsor SueBane's Avatar
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    Dry Camping (No Electric) Transcend Xplor 200MK - Battery died

    Just home from our first camping trip in our new Transcend Xplor 200MK. Camped at Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park. They do not have any hookups. Our battery ran down in one day. The 165 watt solar panel on top did not seem to do much to keep the battery charged. We were fortunate to meet some great folks in the campground and one of them took our battery and lent us a fully charged one while he recharged ours at his campsite with his battery charger connected to his generator.

    Many discussions with this fine gentleman about what we need if we hope to dry camp again. He has suggested two 6 volt golf cart batteries, a battery recharger, and a generator as a minimum for dry camping.

    We ran the furnace briefly (big drain on battery), refrigerator was on and off (and finally off when the battery got down really low), water pump as well. We did not use the lights much at all. Water heater is gas.

    We had a good time anyway and learned a lot.

  2. #2
    Setting Up Camp
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    Quote Originally Posted by SueBane View Post
    Just home from our first camping trip in our new Transcend Xplor 200MK. Camped at Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park. They do not have any hookups. Our battery ran down in one day. The 165 watt solar panel on top did not seem to do much to keep the battery charged. We were fortunate to meet some great folks in the campground and one of them took our battery and lent us a fully charged one while he recharged ours at his campsite with his battery charger connected to his generator.

    Many discussions with this fine gentleman about what we need if we hope to dry camp again. He has suggested two 6 volt golf cart batteries, a battery recharger, and a generator as a minimum for dry camping.

    We ran the furnace briefly (big drain on battery), refrigerator was on and off (and finally off when the battery got down really low), water pump as well. We did not use the lights much at all. Water heater is gas.

    We had a good time anyway and learned a lot.
    What battery did you have?

  3. #3
    Site Sponsor SueBane's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by KORKORO View Post
    What battery did you have?
    We have the battery that was installed when we bought it. Husband says it is a 12 volt Interstate battery.

  4. #4
    Seasoned Camper
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    Gald you enjoyed your first trip! Great you had nice neighbors to lend a hand. Lots to learn about camping with no utilities.

  5. #5
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    Sounds about right for a single battery. However you solar panel should have kept up better. Did you happen to verify it was working and remember any of the readings on the solar control panel monitor?

    One other thing - the furnace fan will quickly kill the battery. Unless you have a generator (I like the little Honda 2200i) don't use it.
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th wheel with 6K axle upgrade. B&W 25K OEM Companion, Steadyfast system, 2022 F350 SRW 6.7 King Ranch 8' bed, Trailer reverse lights, rear spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, and Solar

  6. #6
    Site Sponsor SueBane's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by powerscol View Post
    Sounds about right for a single battery. However you solar panel should have kept up better. Did you happen to verify it was working and remember any of the readings on the solar control panel monitor?

    One other thing - the furnace fan will quickly kill the battery. Unless you have a generator (I like the little Honda 2200i) don't use it.
    Thanks for this information. We don't know where our solar control panel monitor would be located. Looking for the book now to see if we can figure that out.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by SueBane View Post
    Thanks for this information. We don't know where our solar control panel monitor would be located. Looking for the book now to see if we can figure that out.
    I am assuming you have the GD solar package. It says there is a controller. Look by your battery or in the pass through. Would have been nice if they had it inside the coach where you could see it. Did your dealer show it to you during the PDI. Also make sure it is actually connected to the battery. You dealer may have not done the connection when they installed the battery.

    BTW - You may get better help over at the GD place.
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th wheel with 6K axle upgrade. B&W 25K OEM Companion, Steadyfast system, 2022 F350 SRW 6.7 King Ranch 8' bed, Trailer reverse lights, rear spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, and Solar

  8. #8
    Site Sponsor SueBane's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by powerscol View Post
    I am assuming you have the GD solar package. It says there is a controller. Look by your battery or in the pass through. Would have been nice if they had it inside the coach where you could see it. Did your dealer show it to you during the PDI. Also make sure it is actually connected to the battery. You dealer may have not done the connection when they installed the battery.

    BTW - You may get better help over at the GD place.
    We just looked at the controller and there are no lights on at all. From reading the manual, I would expect a green light to be on unless it’s charging. We are wondering now if it’s properly hooked up.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by SueBane View Post
    We just looked at the controller and there are no lights on at all. From reading the manual, I would expect a green light to be on unless it’s charging. We are wondering now if it’s properly hooked up.
    Can you follow the output wires to see where they go?
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th wheel with 6K axle upgrade. B&W 25K OEM Companion, Steadyfast system, 2022 F350 SRW 6.7 King Ranch 8' bed, Trailer reverse lights, rear spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, and Solar

  10. #10
    Site Sponsor SueBane's Avatar
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    Probably but it’s dark out now. Will in the morning.

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