This is my first post, but I've spent a lot of time reading through the posts on this site. Ben tells me my Bobcat will be delivered next weekend. Looking forward to seeing the camper, and getting used to how it works on the Tacoma. The last detail we have been working through is the battery. As always, Ben has been more than helpful, emailing me a pdf file of the battery, and offering to substitute something else. But, as usual, AT's choice is pretty solid and I can't come up with anything better.
I started out with a shell, adding just the sofa. No matter what, you have to sit somewhere, and the sofa also provides storage. I have used an Olympian catalytic heater in a Lance camper. The Lance was so leaky that ventilation was not an issue. I guess one of the problems with the catalytics is that as the oxygen depletes, they get dirtier. I finally decided to go with a vented heater, which requires a battery and a basic electrical system. On balance, I can do without the stove, fridge, sink, and water supply, but I want some form of safe heating. The price, in dollars, is fairly high, and I really don't want any excess weight.
The actual battery AT uses is an Interstate SLA. Since it's approved for air travel, it's a safe battery in the camper. The capacity is fine, although with my Engel DC fridge, it won't last long. But 75 amp hours for about 50 pounds is about as good as you can do. The premium batteries are heavier. There are valid reasons not to go with the very best battery in terms of longevity.
Here's a pretty good link on deep cycle batteries.
http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm#Using%20a%20deep%20cycle%20battery%20as%20a%20starting%20battery
I'm hoping adding 35 pounds of furnace, 30 pounds for a propane suppy, and 60 pounds for the electrical, to have heat, doesn't affect too much. If so, I guess I can remove the propane tank and the battery when there is no need. I've made some LED lights that work well off their own supplies. It's like the camper jacks, which should probably come off because of the weight. But maybe they won't make enough difference to matter.
I guess that's why you never know until you have lived with the thing for a while.
I started out with a shell, adding just the sofa. No matter what, you have to sit somewhere, and the sofa also provides storage. I have used an Olympian catalytic heater in a Lance camper. The Lance was so leaky that ventilation was not an issue. I guess one of the problems with the catalytics is that as the oxygen depletes, they get dirtier. I finally decided to go with a vented heater, which requires a battery and a basic electrical system. On balance, I can do without the stove, fridge, sink, and water supply, but I want some form of safe heating. The price, in dollars, is fairly high, and I really don't want any excess weight.
The actual battery AT uses is an Interstate SLA. Since it's approved for air travel, it's a safe battery in the camper. The capacity is fine, although with my Engel DC fridge, it won't last long. But 75 amp hours for about 50 pounds is about as good as you can do. The premium batteries are heavier. There are valid reasons not to go with the very best battery in terms of longevity.
Here's a pretty good link on deep cycle batteries.
http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm#Using%20a%20deep%20cycle%20battery%20as%20a%20starting%20battery
I'm hoping adding 35 pounds of furnace, 30 pounds for a propane suppy, and 60 pounds for the electrical, to have heat, doesn't affect too much. If so, I guess I can remove the propane tank and the battery when there is no need. I've made some LED lights that work well off their own supplies. It's like the camper jacks, which should probably come off because of the weight. But maybe they won't make enough difference to matter.
I guess that's why you never know until you have lived with the thing for a while.
