12v questions for furnace in cold weather

[Redsand]

The first thing I did when we bought the rig last year was replace all the inside incandescents and running markers with leds. I didn't check how long to recharge from 30% loss but the next day after a four hour drive we were back at 100%. We have a 4k generator which recharges the house batteries in less than 30 minutes. I looked at lithium last year but appeared cost was way over benefit. In addition to batteries I would need a newer converter/charger system and chasis alternator. Granted one could just swap out batteries and hope for the best but seemed too many unknowns. I think I paid $200 ea on sale before the economy went wonky. My challenge was building another platform as it came designed for one battery. Tight fit but worked out well.

 

[TheLooks]

You may be right as you already had much of the system in place for LA or AGM. It cost $$$. But there is no comparison whatsoever with Lithium. People that like to live in a cave can make do and seem to enjoy the struggle with lack of power and the challenge of not using any power to live. Those that have been living in modern times and homes like the Lithium and large solar arrays along with a nice generator. Flip the switch and something comes on.....But it takes $$$ and maybe $$$$$.

 

[Redsand]

Amen

 

[gibsito]

Yep. It's nice that there are options for every kind of camper. I have a good friend who is comfortable in a mid-90s Ford van with a bed he made himself, an icebox, a camp stove and a modified insecticide sprayer for showers. Obviously, his power needs are about as minimal as you can get. I don't need much in my truck camper, but my wife and I are heading out in the 5th wheel next month for the first time, and I know we will use much more power than I'm used to. Time will tell how the system works.