Lots of Question

[TopJimmy5150]

We're not newbies to Pop-up camping, but we are newbies to some of the features in our new Popup that we are taking delivery on Saturday.

Our old '88 Palomino was in pretty bad shape and we always pretty much dry camped.  I'm hoping these question will be answered when we take delivery (Cumberland Valley Camping Center, Carlisle, PA) of our new Fleetwood Element Graphite.  

1.  Would a Solar Trickle charger be enough to keep the RV battery charged during camping?  What kind should I look for an how many volts/watts/etc.

2.  Do I need to purchase an electric trickle charger for home when we aren't camping and does the RV battery need to be on it at all times when we aren't camping?

3.  Do I need a grey water tank or do just run grey water to the septic line?  No potty, so black water tank is not an issue.  

4.  When I reserve a site, is 20 amps enough to run A/C or do I need to go for the 30 amp sites?  I don't believe I need a 50 amp service.

I looked for an FAQ but couldn't find one.  Thanks.

[AustinBoston]

First, Welcome to PUT!

...new Fleetwood Element Graphite.  

1.  Would a Solar Trickle charger be enough to keep the RV battery charged during camping?  What kind should I look for an how many volts/watts/etc.

A solar trickle charger won't come close to keeping the battery charged.  Search this board for "solar charger" for more information, or wait for someone who knows more than I to point you in the right direction.  Solar power is free, but the required equipment is expensive.

2.  Do I need to purchase an electric trickle charger for home when we aren't camping and does the RV battery need to be on it at all times when we aren't camping?

The converter/charger in your Element will actively charge your battery, and will treat it better than any trickle charger.  If you plug in your pop-up while stored, you don't need to leave it on continuously, though it won't do any harm to do so.

BTW, true trickle chargers are bad news for the long-term life of batteries.

3.  Do I need a grey water tank or do just run grey water to the septic line?  No potty, so black water tank is not an issue.

There is no reason you can not run the grey hose directly to the sewer line, if you have the correct fitting.  But most of us camp in sites where we don't have to pay for sewer, use a grey tank, and then the dump station.  There are a variety of totes that people use, including a lot of options that are cheaper than anything Fleetwood will sell you.

4.  When I reserve a site, is 20 amps enough to run A/C or do I need to go for the 30 amp sites?  I don't believe I need a 50 amp service.

You are not equipped for 50 amp service.  Twenty amps would be enough if you are not using much else.  Add a microwave or a dorm fridge, and you will have to have 30 amp service (or turn off the a/c to use the microwave).

Enjoy your new Cobalt, and don't hesitate to ask about anything.  Even if we get in a big argument, it's all part of the fun!

Austin

[wavery]

There have been some lengthy discussions on solar panels lately and I assume there will be more as time goes on.

You may want to look at some of these posts. I think they may answer most questions that you may have about solar charging.
http://www.arveeclub.com/search.php?searchid=228406

However, the short answer to question #1 is a resounding "NO".

[chasd60]

If you trickle in at 45W or higher it will work

Harbor Freight has them here
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599
 
Great info on batteries here
http://www.batteryfaq.org/

[AustinBoston]

If you trickle in at 45W or higher it will work

So 3.75 amps is trickle charging but 1.33 ams isn't?  

Great info on batteries here
http://www.batteryfaq.org/

If you can get past the horrendous punctuation.

Austin

[dthurk]

Uh Oh.  Here we go again.

[AustinBoston]

Uh Oh.  Here we go again.

Chasd60 italicized trickle, by which he may have meant for the word to not be taken literally.

Austin

[jmckinle1]

I'm jealous.  I want a new Graphite too.