Questions, our weekend wasn't good, need advice!

[Gone-Camping]

I doubt there is much to add to all the above, but there is a couple of things. First off, the battery you got with the trailer is likely a Group-24, you should consider upgrading to a Group-27 (better) or a Group-31 (much better). Also you could consider adding a second battery, I utilized a pair of Group-27's in my PU (still do the same thing with my HTT), and wire them in parrallel (pos to pos, neg to neg just like you would car jumper cables). The two batteries together would last several days if you follow the rest of the advice posted above.

The only other thing I can think of, would be to utilze 12v flourecsent lights instead of the incandecsent ones that came with the trailer. I had a 24" long 12vdc flourecsent shop light that I put a mono plug on the end, and could plug that puppy into the socket on the overhead light fixture by the bunk ends. The flourecsent uses more power to turn it on than it does to run it for an hour, so I'd fire that thing up and leave it burning all evening long...uses very little power, and provides enough interior light for all my evening needs, turning it off only at bed time. The only use I made of the factory incandecsent lights was bare minimum 'just for a moment' type of thing, nothing long term on them!
 
Oh, and a good battery charger as mentioned above is good advice, the cars charge line doesn't provide that good of a charge really, a good long deep low amp charge from a good quality battery charger once per month will keep that battery(s) in top shape!!

[Steve-o-bud]

Here's how we deal with the battery issue.
 
My # 1 priority is to have enough juice to run the heater fan. # 2 priority is juice for the water pump.
 
Based on advice seen on this site, I purchased a decent battery charger. I charge my battery for a couple of days prior to camping with no AC hookup.
 
The incandesent lamps (built in) draw a lot of current, so to avoid their use we use flourescent latterns in the trailer for lighting, except for short term use.
 
While traveling to the campground, I do run the fridge from the DC system.
 
I've been able to run for 7 days like this, with conservative use of the heater.

[MtnCamper]

I know a little about this. As Austin said, your battery may actually be draining on the way to the campground. Out here, and the distance we travel to the campground, we pack the second cooler with fridge stuff. Then transfer it to the fridge when we arrive. Fridge runs on propane. Even if you don't want to take a second cooler, pack the fridge with cold stuff and lose it up, it will be fine when you arrive at the campground.

Your battery will work much better, if you get in the habit of charging it as soon as you get home, unhook it completely from the camper, and pop  it on the charger again before you leave to freshen it up.

Now, if you really want to save your battery, set the finance on about 55, install some reflectix window inserts and hold the heat in, as best you can. We use them, and actually maintain good heat with a Coleman Blackcat heater, while we are eating or playing cards. It will heat the area under your table really well. If it gets too cold, go ahead and fire the furnace.

When we go to bed, we use good sleeping bags, sweats (pants and shirts) then turn the furnace off. It will fire up in the morning, and warm the trailer pretty quickly. Works well for us, you may be able to adapt some of these ideas for yourself. We have been down to 26 degrees using this, and it's not bad.

But, I did buy a Honda, and have been known to run it all night powering an electric blanket too. Gotta have a few comforts.......