[awheeler]

Originally Posted by jeffba

Hi Don,

Before you go boon docking the first questions you need to answer are:
• How long will I be boon docking?
• What can I live with and without? TV , Sat, AC, Micro……
• How long will you be owning your Monty?
Once you know or think you know you can start planning what you want to do.
I am thinking of setting up for boon docking also.

I already have 2 batteries. When I start I will start with adding batteries. Preferably AGMs (less off gassing and maintenance)
Second a generator. 2000 watt to just charge batteries or a second genny or something bigger to run AC. (still working on that)
DW’s thermostat runs hot so I need to plan for AC if I want to extend the BD season.

Then if we find we really like it then add Solar.

By doing it this way we cut the upfront expenses and if we change our minds it is easier to back out

Originally Posted by Hblick48

I have an Onan generator and 200 watts solar with 4 six volt batteries, 1200 watt inverter. We usually boondock at Walmarts in transit to our destination. If we need to run the AC, microwave, or coffee maker generator is only option. I find that the solar/battery setup provides enough to run satellite dish, 43 or 24 inch flatscreen, lighting, and heater for a night. 200 watts is enough to charge batteries during day when traveling. I fished extension cords from inverter to entrainment center and bedrooom TV. When boondocking, unplug power strip from shore power outlet to extension cord outlet. Also installed old fashioned 12 hour mechanical timer on inverter (it doesn't draw any additional power to operate). Set it to go off after TV puts us to sleep so inverter shuts down and stops drawing current during the night.

The longest we've boondocked is 4 nights. The bathroom grey tank is usually full by that time. Black and galley tanks gets to 40% during that time. Installed Seelevel gauge, so it's fairly accurate. In preparation for longer boondocking, I installed a 12 volt water pump and abs drain clean out on grey tank. Put suction tube through clean out to bottom of grey tank (Installed filter and fishing weight on that end). I can transfer grey water to either black tank (using rinse connection to black tank) or route pump output tube through window to kitchen sink (galley grey tank).

Thanks for your insight! Lot's to think about.