Two questions

[danrn]

Two questions I have been wanting to ask. One is about propane generators, and the other is about independent suspension. This is for the 5th wheels.
1. I have researched propane generators and from what I learned they burn a lot of propane. Basically a propane generator can burn through two 30lp tanks in 14 hours. I have been thinking about signing up for Harvest Host, but many of these locations don't have any hook-ups and with a residential fridge that may not work. Even if I ran the fridge on battery for as long as I can before using the generator I would still have to get propane constantly. Yes, I could look into solar, but that is not an expensive I was looking into doing. So the question is, what are people with a residential fridge in their 5th wheel doing if they are using Harvest Host? I'm thinking I will have to invest in solar, or not sign up for Harvest Host.
2. My other question is about the independent suspension. Over all I have heard great things about the IS, but does IS stop porpoising? I can see how it would be great over bumps in the road, but in my mind if the bed of the truck goes down the rear of the 5th wheel will go up, and vice versa. Or am I over thinking this?

 

[ghnl]

I don't have any experience with a propane powered generator. Are you researching RV size units or a whole house size units? It seems likely the latter would use a lot more propane but you wouldn't need such a large unit for the average RV.

We have a gas powered generator in our motorhome. I've run it all weekend and use way less then 1/4 tank (OK, an 80 gallon gas tank...). I've seen claims that a small Honda generator will run for 6 - 8 hours on a gallon of gas. Even if it's half that, a 5 gallon gas can could give you 20+ hours run time.

 

[16ACE27]

Yes, propane generators use a lot of propane (relatively speaking). For just recharging your battery bank you can do two things:

Get a small (2K) gasoline inverter generator and a 10 to 12 gallon gasoline tank that will fit in the bed of your truck (with the 5th wheel attached). Little electric fuel transfer pumps are well made and inexpensive these days that you can use to refill the generator.
Get a 30 amp DC-DC converter to connect to the truck to use to charge the 5th wheel batteries from the truck's alternator when towing.

IS will not stop porpoising. Proper loading and good shocks is the cure to that issue.

 

[Robert H.]

Living near Los Angeles, we have recently spent a number of days without power. I converted my Honda 2000i to propane. It powered our home refrigerator, chest freezer, computers, large TV, and Ham radios for 4 days and consumed about 1 1/4 BBQ tanks of propane. I never measured the actual current draw, but I will if they shut us down again this week.

 

[Lt Keefer]

You could go with a portable panel for recharging your batteries or just not use Harvest Hosts. I have heard many have ended up spending more for a stay at Harvest Hosts than staying in a campground.

 

[danrn]

You could go with a portable panel for recharging your batteries or just not use Harvest Hosts. I have heard many have ended up spending more for a stay at Harvest Hosts than staying in a campground.

That's interesting. Is it because many feel obligated to buy stuff while they are there?

 

[Mag-THOR]

Two questions I have been wanting to ask. One is about propane generators, and the other is about independent suspension. This is for the 5th wheels.
1. I have researched propane generators and from what I learned they burn a lot of propane. Basically a propane generator can burn through two 30lp tanks in 14 hours. I have been thinking about signing up for Harvest Host, but many of these locations don't have any hook-ups and with a residential fridge that may not work. Even if I ran the fridge on battery for as long as I can before using the generator I would still have to get propane constantly. Yes, I could look into solar, but that is not an expensive I was looking into doing. So the question is, what are people with a residential fridge in their 5th wheel doing if they are using Harvest Host? I'm thinking I will have to invest in solar, or not sign up for Harvest Host.
2. My other question is about the independent suspension. Over all I have heard great things about the IS, but does IS stop porpoising? I can see how it would be great over bumps in the road, but in my mind if the bed of the truck goes down the rear of the 5th wheel will go up, and vice versa. Or am I over thinking this?

Danrn, instead of Harvest Hosts, join Boondockers Welcome, a separate part of HH. You can pick who to stay with along your route and see what amenities they offer. From nothing but a safe place to park to a 15amp or 30amp or 50amp outlet, water, wifi, dog runs, different people offer different things. I've been a member for a few years now and find it extremely useful. A friend of mine did HH for one year and didn't find it as useful, nice places to stay but he also wanted some amenities. Give er a look.

 

[Mag-THOR]

That's interesting. Is it because many feel obligated to buy stuff while they are there?

That is part of the idea. With BDW the host will sometimes ask for $$ for electricity or whatever.

 

[Robert H.]

I know some friends that stayed in a winery and spent a lot of money on wine. Not because they were obligated to, but because they really liked the product.