Solar-Boondocking

[LJSantore]

What are your opinions on how much solar it takes to boondock? This question should have plenty of responses and answers. No answer is wrong,I know we have some pro's in the MOC. I got a laugh the other day from another RVer, He told me that Montana Owners don't boondock. I had to think about that as I sat in my unplugged-Montana with the Air conditioning on and eating from my residential refrigerator all while watching a movie on my TV. I cant be the only one.

[Foldbak]

I've heard of others with 600 AH lithium, 1000 watt solar, 3000 watt inverter minimum. And a generator for when there's no sun. They claim to boondock with no problems. Todd&Mary have 9 LIFPO4 batteries & 1700 watts of panels w/ Multiplus II 3K inverter and 30amp DC to DC charger from truck.

[AZ Traveler]

Lisa,

Kind of like asking folks how much they need in the bank to retire - you will get some wide variances.

Those that don't boondock miss some great opportunities to see the country.

I have 950 watts of solar, 400 ah of lithium battery and dual 2200 watt Honda gennys.

My rig also has wheels that enable me to move to a more favorable climate when it gets too hot or cold.

[Carl n Susan]

As for he Montana Owners don't boondock belief; don't ask the hundreds of members who come, or have come, to Quartzsite each winter for the last 19 years of the Western regions Circling of the Montanas gathering.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

As for he Montana Owners don't boondock belief; don't ask the hundreds of members who come, or have come, to Quartzsite each winter for the last 19 years of the Western regions Circling of the Montanas gathering.

Lol There it is!

[brenkco]

Just a bit of a prospective, your MOC number is 30,397. As Carl said, 19 years ago, 5 MOC members started an impromptu rally boon docking at Quartzsite. HAMRAD was one of the 5 and I believe his MOC number was 15!

Since the "Q" rally has attracted MOCers from all over the US and Canada. It is truly one of those life time bucket list items:

Here's an arial view of the 2012 rally. There are 68 rigs in the picture....more spread out that are out of view...

[suny07]

Not regretting our solar install on the new camper.
We had 400 amp and no solar on our previous Monty.
Mostly for Harvest Host setup and charging while driving with a DC to DC charger.
We always could make it through the nights in the norther USA. But we were limited with 1 x 2000 watt inverter and only wired 3 outlets in the rig.

Now with the 2480 watt Solar and 800 amp 2 x 3000 watt inverters and the whole rig wired this is a new level for us.
Basically only boondock limitation is fresh and waste water with all the amenities

If you like to watch a super clean installation from https://thedrycampers.com

https://youtu.be/580xhPVMuxc?si=V7Brx5sy32YN2BOQ

I can highly recommend them. They also offer now guided self diy installations.

Still like going just with a tent sometimes as well.

[rames14]

Boondocking means different things to different people. Some want to escape technology, brew coffee on the stove and don’t use their microwave or other AC devices. As such, you could boondock with little to no solar. For those that want to boondock with all the amenities, the new 1320i package is a great start. We boondock extensively and got by with 1200 watts Solar/540 ah lithium. After adding StarLink we added an additional 600 watts of solar. It all depends where and how you want to Boondock. So many people think everyone should have what they have. We’re all different and have different needs. And at MOC #1920/21, we’ve been doing it awhile. Hope to see many at Q next winter.

[Daryles]

This link goes to a Facebook group (sorry Carl).


2,200W system details $20K+. Runs everything.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sola...3439026473441/

[LJSantore]

That's what I wanted to see Montana Owners can and do boondock at all levels. Way to go MOC!!!

[Carl n Susan]

And here is a pic of the first boondocking MOC Circling of the Montanas in Quartzsite in Jan of 2006. Note the total lack of solar back then.

[scattershot]

We have 135 watts, and never had a problem. Of course, we don’t run A/C or arc welders,,etc. but 135 is adequate for our needs.

[AZ Traveler]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

And here is a pic of the first boondocking MOC Circling of the Montanas in Quartzsite in Jan of 2006. Note the total lack of solar back then.
Attachment 16861

Looks like there may have been alcohol involved in setting up the circle.

[bobbyhill4x4]

Dry Camping
Boon-docking
Tailgating

There are many terms used for getting away from the standard 30/50 Amp receptacle. As for me, I took the plunge into solar to support my Football Season tailgating requirements. 2000 watts to of Solar to keep up with A/C loads and 800 AH battery bank for reserve power. I find that I have to use the generate due to us pulling 3000 watts with the counter ice maker and margarita blender (Roll Tide)

[Mark7]

I’m planning my system. Heading to the SW for the first time in retirement in early 2025.

I’m planning on 100% Victron, going with a 48V multiplus II split phase inverter, a single 100AH (48V) battery and a cerbo gx to start. Obviously will need a smart shunt as well. Will use my generator to charge initially and eventually add a SCC and panels when I figure out what kind of capacity I want. I have a fair amount of real estate on my roof. Also have a wide open front compartment for equipment!

This will spread the expense out over time, but still allow some conveniences when generator is not running, ie during quiet hours.

I watch Will Prouse’s channel on YouTube and have purchased his book. I’ve learned a ton from Will and others.