To DC or not to DC

[Mdrinnon]

That is the question lol

Seriously I was wanting everyone's experiences. I am running 110 in the Vardo for when there is shore power for the fridge, lights, and laptop (if I want the kids to camp with me lol). Solo I plan on doing a lot of dispersed camping in the remote as possibles.

My question is how much use do you guys really get from DC power??? I know it is useful but I'm thinking for a reading light, small fan, and general light it would make more sense from a time and economy stance to use a couple rechargable items instead of batteries, wiring, and outlets. A high end fan, light, lantern, and radio would cost less than batteries, provide a weekend or so charge with moderate use, and recharge on the road.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I would definitely make some sort of allowance for DC. On my first trailer I didn't have an onboard battery but I made all the accommodations to allow for one to be installed in the tongue box. I just ran a connection directly from my tow vehicle battery so that I could at least use a few built in LED lights and a Fantastic Fan.

Don't think about just what you need right now. Plan ahead. Its easier to install electrical in the beginning, rather than trying to retrofit it later. And also consider that there may be a day when you decide to sell your vardo. Having a DC system, even a very minimal one, will only increase the resale value.

[Dale M.]

IF you are off the grid, DC makes total sense and if you wire it in just like AC it is a no effort thing.... Convenient and wonderful....Who wants to deal with batteries and devices that move around and can never be found and always has to be put away.... I am going just the opposite way.... MINIMAL AC for when I do have shore power available (not likely in most cases) and almost pure DC.... Only real concession to AC will be for battery charging and a couple of receptacles ....

I would put in LED lighting for interior and galley and porch lights ... DC outlets to charge cell phones and run laptops, porch lights and skip these items on AC side If you can charge battery off AC when you have shore power (or charge while towing) then there is no need for doubling up for lighting....

I hate to pick up a flashlight and find batteries are about dead, and after rummaging around in cupboards and storage areas to find I have spare batteries of ever size except for the ones I need...

Having lights at the flick of a switch is a wonderful thing (and no flashlights) ...

Dale

[tony.latham]

I'm building tear number 2. It'll have a group 27 battery and no 120 system - just like my Hunter teardrop that I've had for eight years.

I have no idea how many nights I've spent in my Hunter, but it's a LOT and I can only recall staying at a place with a hookup once, so for my camping style there's no need for 120 volts.

There's been many a time where I've pulled off the road, read for a few minutes and fallen asleep. Can't imagine not being able to turn the light on.

I use my 12v system for interior/hatch lights, DVD player, heated mattress pad, and a place to charge my phone. What more could a guy want in the middle of nowhere?

[pohukai]

I have the ability for AC and DC, but the lights and fans all run off DC. When not hooked up, my 12v power comes from my drill batteries. It can power the the fan all night long OR I can use a light for about 1 hour. I have 4 small drill batteries, but have never used more than one. When it gets dark, we go to bed.

[GuitarPhotog]

I have a small 60 aH battery and with judicious use of my LED lighting, computer case fans, and USB charger, I can go 5-7 days away from shore power without the battery level getting below 60%.

I recently spent 3 weeks camping in my teardrop, about 1/3 of which didn't have hookups (state and county parks). I had plenty of electricity from my DC system.

<Chas>

[Shadow Catcher]

I planed on being off grid as much as on and this summer spent eight days on the north shore of Lake Superior. LED lights, computer case fans, Waeco refrigerator, XM receiver, TC/DVD all ran from the 12V system fed by the solar panel.
My strong feeling is plan for much more than you think you need.

[ParTaxer]

I am glad that I have both. I use my stereo quite a bit and it uses the 12V system. I needed the local radio the very first time that I camped for weather info. I am equiped for either type camping but prefer shore power.

Mike W