how many people can avoid 12 volts or 120 volts.

[Squareback]

I designed and built my "Squareback" to be used off grid . It has 200 watts of solar, 2) 6v Trojan 145+ batteries series wired, 12v LED lights, 12v water pump to power insta hot shower unit and a couple 12v outlets to charge iphone, ipad, laptop, etc. It's still a work in progress but is almost complete, about a week away from using.

It also has shore power capabilities with 2) 120v outlets, one in cabin and one in kitchen area. Just in case I find myself at a campground. Depending on power consumption I may add an inverter but I kinda doubt I'll need one.

Interior views.

[MtnDon]

[Woodbutcher]

Nice set up. You did a great job.

[dales133]

Nice work

[Tortoise]

the topic poped up a few of us are camping in our teardrops with out the deep clye battery just flash lights and coleman stoves and lanterns with out using or 12 volt sytems and yea we are out west here so we are not even pluging a drop cord in any where.

how many folks have even gave up using the 12 volt sytm on your teardrop as well as the juice cord or the 120 plug ins??????? just courus how many flash light users like me are out there.

slow

How do you recharge your flashlights? I've been procrastinating my wiring project and just using headlamps/flashlights for now, but my truck has a little inverter that I use to recharge my phone and 18650 batteries that I use for my LED flashlights - so I don't qualify.

[canned o minimum]

I currently am campin in a 1946 aluminum, home built teardrop. I use candles,flash light and camp fire fer lighting. Ain't no wires IN this one...I camp year round ( In SoCal) and do jus fine without any electric. I turn OFF my phone when I go campin...cause I'M CAMPIN !!

[Mukilteo]

I don't qualify either.
I went with a Honda EU2000is converted to propane for when I'm out boondocking and no one near by that it might bother.
It's actually trifuel. Gasoline, propane or natural gas.
Wasn't cheap but it's more than enough and being propane powered I don't need to worry about the carburetor gumming up.
I've had it for many years now and think it rocks every time I need to use it.
I got it here.
http://www.centralmainediesel.com/order/Honda-EU2000i-Tri-fuel.asp?page=EU2000i_Tri_Fuel

[fm-usa]

Has anyone, or know of, who installed a peddle generator in/out/on their Teardrop?
If so, was it worth it?
I've used a generator that rubs on a bicycle wheel but those were really poor and slowed the bike down a lot.
After all these decades, mmm no... 1/2 century, I'm sure the newer ones are better.

I'm curious about alternative backups.

[booyah]

I'm adding a 100w flexible solar panel to mine this year (for alternative backups) so I can boondock without concern for longer.

I do have a small 900 watt 2 cycle generator that can run an air conditioner or small heater if needed (or recharge the batteries if needed) but I haven't had to use it yet with the camper. It fits right in the tongue box, but donest really leave any room for fuel (that has to come along in the T.V.

[pete49]

After giving it more thought and checking things out I can honestly say that I never use 120v 12v yes but never 120v
Pete

[Wolffarmer]

Hey Slow. I built my teardrop with a 12v battery, several lights inside. A low watt porch light and a light in the galley. Winter of 2014-15 I pulled the 12v battery out and have not missed it. I have plenty of Coleman lanterns. And I have a selection of LED flash lights of various kinds. Am getting more that recharge from USB. I do not run any kind of entertainment system, radio, TV, CD, DVD or what have you. I like to try to get away from most of that kind of stuff. I have a laptop or 2 I can play a movie on. Have to do it in 7 years of camping in the teardrop.

Randy

[capnTelescope]

I've got both. Mostly, I use the 12V for the usual reasons, light and electronics recharge. I'm set up so 12V is the primary source for everything, and I'm completely off-grid unless I choose to plug in. I have cabin, galley, porch, find-it-in-the-dark, night light and area lighting, all 12V. No obnoxious Coleman lanterns for me.

The 120V is primarily for the on-board charger and (coming soon) Air Conditioning. I don't have *any* 120V-only appliances, although a dual voltage fridge was a recent upgrade.

My electrical system is set up for maximum convenience. I don't have to remember to flip switches, disconnect or hop on one foot for things to work. This starts with my Charging While Towing system. The TV powers an on-board inverter that powers the on-board smart charger and whatever is plugged into the Tow Power 120V outlet (like the dual-voltage fridge). Turn off the TV, and everything reverts to 12V. Plug into shore power, and all 120V outlets are on. Charger, fridge, A/C, and whatever (nothing) else. If it's a drive-camp-drive trip, I can go without shore power indefinitely.

At home, I connect to shore power to keep the battery maintained. No muss, fuss or bother.

[booyah]

I've got both. Mostly, I use the 12V for the usual reasons, light and electronics recharge. I'm set up so 12V is the primary source for everything, and I'm completely off-grid unless I choose to plug in. I have cabin, galley, porch, find-it-in-the-dark, night light and area lighting, all 12V. No obnoxious Coleman lanterns for me.

The 120V is primarily for the on-board charger and (coming soon) Air Conditioning. I don't have *any* 120V-only appliances, although a dual voltage fridge was a recent upgrade.

My electrical system is set up for maximum convenience. I don't have to remember to flip switches, disconnect or hop on one foot for things to work. This starts with my Charging While Towing system. The TV powers an on-board inverter that powers the on-board smart charger and whatever is plugged into the Tow Power 120V outlet (like the dual-voltage fridge). Turn off the TV, and everything reverts to 12V. Plug into shore power, and all 120V outlets are on. Charger, fridge, A/C, and whatever (nothing) else. If it's a drive-camp-drive trip, I can go without shore power indefinitely.

At home, I connect to shore power to keep the battery maintained. No muss, fuss or bother.

Very similar to how mine is. I'm actually adding 110v outlets, and I do have an inverter that I can use to power them if needed (so I can use the blender to make margaritas in the galley rather than run it from the tongue box aka battery location). I also have the option to bring along a small generator incase electric heat or AC is needed.

I dont charge off the TV, but am adding a 100w solar panel which should more than make up for my normal draw.