(Part 2) Best rv parts & accessories according to redditors

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We found 694 Reddit comments discussing the best rv parts & accessories. We ranked the 334 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.

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Subcategories:

Camping furniture
RV awnings & accessories
RV appliances & ventialtion products
RV furnishings & interior accessories
RV freshwater systems
RV waste water & sanitation products
Motor home & RV tires
Motor home & RV wheels
RV cleaning & storage
RV hitching & towing
RV leveling & stabilization products
RV power & electrical supplies
RV engine & chassis parts
RV steps & ladders
RV electronics
RV lighting
Covers

Top Reddit comments about RV Parts & Accessories:

u/SunnySouthTexas · 17 pointsr/preppers

I am a r/VanDwellers and live from a van that has a fridge (cooler-shaped, 12v/24v/120v Dometic 65-quart fridge/freezer combo), a little Camco camp toilet, pressurized hot water tank for dishes and bathing,a Camp Chef dual-burner propane stove with oven that uses Coleman tanks or a white tank, and a modest ($1,300) solar setup...

I've lived completely off grid and mobile since August 20 17 until this past Winter because cold and snow!

With a double bed across the back with regular linens, storage for clothes and tools and cooking, power outlets, I have all the comforts of home.

Not counting the van, my complete setup was about $3,500.

The Prairie Schooner can be disassembled in a day and all the components can be applied to a cabin - as soon as I get some land (LOL!) for said cabin - leaving a regular cargo van for work or resale.

u/barrymccockner76 · 8 pointsr/TeslaLounge

I’m guessing it’s like this . There’s a few on there, just search model 3 air mattress.

u/DrunkMushrooms · 8 pointsr/INTP

Get some no-rinse body wash or body wipes used by athletes. You can stay pretty clean that way. They also make no-rinse shampoos, both wet and dry, though check the reviews if your hair is anything other than Caucasian.

You may wish to have a bucket with a lid. A bucket is an infinitely useful thing. You can do sponge baths in it, use it as an emergency toilet, wash clothes/dishes, etc. When not in use, you can store stuff in it. They make collapsible buckets that get quite small.

Bring a towel. Bring lots of paper towels.

You'll want eating utensils. A set of camp dishes for using on your stove. Salt, pepper, sugar packets, condiment packets (easier than storing bottles of the stuff). Figure out how you're going to eat without spilling food everywhere.

Bring a folding chair. You may want a pretty low one so you can sit next to your stove and cook.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077LP45FQ/

Sleeping bags give superior draft resistance. I say this as somebody who used to sleep in her car a lot. No matter how you tuck the blankets, something will be cold.

Stuff like this may make your sleep more comfortable:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HV47N3U/

Sort supplies into small crates so you can pack more efficiently.

Bring a paper map.

Truck stops were my preferred places to sleep. They have showers, and nobody minds if you park overnight.

Enjoy!

u/stonecats · 6 pointsr/GoodValue

depends what your water issues are. here in nyc the only issue are particulates and chloromines,
so i got a generic 10" cartridge housing and use appropriete chloromines absorbing carbon block.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013JVPN1M (all you need for now)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VC7CW (recommended cartridge replacement)

since this housing comes with an adequate filter cartridge, you can use that for the first 1000gal,
then replace it with the Pentech for the next 1000gal. if you have a lot of particulates such as mulm,
I would get a second stage filter housing and use one for particulates and the other for chloromines.

https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0014C0850

it's best to stick with the 10'|20' cartridge standards, not use any proprietary housing like culligan.
2 stages means you'll save on cartridge costs because particulate-only are much cheaper to replace,
thus extending the useful life of your other more expensive carbon block cartridge.

I brew 2L of tea daily, while removing chloromines has significantly improved the taste of my tea.
if you are a high end aquarium hobbyist, removing chloromines is a must for your invertebrates.

u/smorgi3 · 6 pointsr/vandwellers

So I believe the Wave heater aswell as the Mr.Buddy are Propane with no external intake/exhaust. I believe this means it is a wet heat and will not necessarily 'dry' things.


I have heard of people running their Fan-Tastic fans with their heaters to help push out the moisture. The Propex propane heaters have external intake/exhaust vents so there is no moisture build up.

I am perplexed as I was hoping the Mr.Buddy was going to answer all of my problems. I may have to invest in the propex to get the heat/dryness I need for the Winters in the Pacific North West.

u/super6400 · 6 pointsr/Jeep

I was about to go with one of the outside tailgate hinge mounts, but decided to do a tad more digging and found this:

https://www.amazon.com/Dominion-OffRoad-4-Door-Wrangler-Hi-Lift/dp/B00DPN5TYG

I love it. Subtle and secure and most importantly - keeps the jack out of the weather.

u/kramithefrog · 6 pointsr/GoRVing

No way running the furnace will keep your tanks from freezing in those extreme conditions. You’ll need 3 things.
Tank heaters.
A heated water supply hose.
RV antifreeze.

Facon 12" x 18" Holding Tank Heater Pad for RV Camper Trailer with Automatic Thermostat Control (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT9EUG9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BpkwCbPVC0C2K

Camco 25 25ft TASTEPure Heated Drinking Water Hose with Energy Saving Thermostat-Lead and BPA Free (22911) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ABONB0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NrkwCb85DA2HR

The heaters and a little anti freeze in the tanks as you flush and wash will keep them from freezing.

u/locoGoonie · 5 pointsr/vandwellers

If you get a fridge, pick one like this Dometic not the one you linked to.

You won't be able to keep a fridge going in the summer from the engine unless you drive a lot. I would suggest starting off with something like this Coleman


Save your money as much as possible and then see what you will need once you have been living in the van for a while.

u/java_230 · 5 pointsr/vandwellers

Here you go!

RV Boat Recessed Ceiling Light 4 Pack Acegoo Super Slim LED Panel Light DC 12V 3W Full Aluminum Downlights, Warm White (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012ZOI44C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tfOQybKENJ2DE

u/Full_Sprint · 4 pointsr/vandwellers

It is the ARB 2500x2500. We used the ARB brackets (not included with the awning) to mount on to our 80/20 rails as seen here.

u/duhalbs · 4 pointsr/SubaruForester

I would get a dash cam for starters. I personally like to keep my interior clean, aside from audio upgrade in the future, I only have all weather floor mats, collapsible cargo storage & cargo net for the trunk. However, I'm planning to do a lot on the exterior since I plan to do a lot of camping & off roading.

What it currently looks like right now: https://i.redd.it/k9lez1u607931.jpg

ARB Awning 2000: https://www.amazon.com/ARB-4x4-Accessories-Awning-2000/dp/B00MI3V7YA/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=arb+awning+2000&qid=1562902808&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Awning Clamps: https://www.gziladesigns.com/products/awning-mounting-clamps

Rola V-Tex Roof Basket: https://www.amazon.com/59504-V-Tex-Rooftop-Cargo-Basket/dp/B004R34HDC/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=rola+vortex&qid=1562902837&s=gateway&sr=8-2

u/piconet-2 · 4 pointsr/ibs

Reminds me of this.

Your body is more important than shame. :/ if they're decent enough, they won't give you grief. Or you could say you're terrified of restrooms in gas stations and diners.

Camping toilets seem to be a good option. These look pretty discreet (and even flush!)

u/cr0ft · 3 pointsr/vandwellers

Yeah but it's considerably more gross and inconvenient. I mean, yeah, you can have a shovel and go into the woods and dig a deep hole and then defecate there also, but a real toilet only costs a hundred bucks and if you need to go in the middle of the night, you can and the waste is safely in an odor proof tank you can empty into any old toilet when you have the time.

https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-92360-Porta-Portable-Toilet/dp/B006WPQNB2 is no doubt the best of the bunch. There was a thread about it the other day. If you want to really minimize space, Dometic has a great and very low model with 2.6 gallons of space that should be easy to stash. It's only 12 inches high.

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-301097206-Portable-Toilet-Gallon/dp/B00194F0CE

u/agent4573 · 3 pointsr/vandwellers

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Leveling-Blocks-Hydraulic-44505/dp/B00480BWCI

They're basically giant legos that you stack under the lower 2 wheels and drive on.

u/FunForFall · 3 pointsr/AmItheAsshole

I'm inclined toward YTA. I get that you wouldn't be replacing the car if it weren't for her, but it's really not cool to ask a non-cohabitating girlfriend to help you buy a vehicle. Either you want and can afford to upgrade, or you don't.

​

Could you use something like this to upgrade the sleep space without the expense of buying a new vehicle? I'm assuming, for the sake of discussion, that you have reasons for not using a tent.

u/rabidchinchilla · 3 pointsr/teslamotors

While not intended for this purpose, I have a setup I use for travelling that would take care of small scale emergency refrigeration/freezing. A 12v "real" portable refrigerator/freezer (compressor based) and a multi-purpose 225wh lithium battery. Depending on the temperature difference requirements between the internal temp and external, the unit can run just off the 12v port of the 225wh battery for up to 24 hours. The battery can be charged with a wall plug or with a 12v adapter straight from the car while its being used. Basically I can keep things refrigerated/frozen for extremely long periods of time by having the 12v of the Model S connected (via the standard 12v outlet) to the battery and have the battery connected (via it's standard 12v outlet) to the refrig/freezer.

Just rambling on, but thought it was a cool setup that would only require the Model S to be powered on "sometimes" to keep the 225wh battery charged.

These things:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005X9E6IK

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M45PI56

u/positive_pangolin · 3 pointsr/vandwellers

I just put a proper RV propane furnace in my build. I live mostly year round in a damp, cool climate. I used a catalytic heater (Mr.Buddy) in my old van and the condensation from the unvented propane was out of control. I couldn't use the Mr. Buddy here in the winter, it's just too damp and humid.

I haven't seen any builds that have installed a furnace that vents to the outside yet other than mine. I'd be interested in seeing some others.

I bought [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B2ATA1M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480098465&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=rv++suburban+furnace+nt-16seq)furnace on amazon for $350. It's 16,000 BTU and it's the smallest I could find. If you use a BTU calculator you can figure out how many BTU you need to heat your space. Mine only needs about 600 BTU but this is the smallest furnace I could find. It uses 2 watts to keep the fan running. I also had a horizontal propane tank mounted under the van. We installed the furnace ourselves and had to cut a hole for the vent into the side of the van. We still haven't hooked up the gas line, so I can't tell you how it works yet.

My old van had no opening windows and only one roof vent without a fan. It wasn't enough to vent the Mr.Buddy. Maybe the Olympian is better. Also, this climate is very wet (PNW), probably depends where you plan to spend most of your time.

u/WageSlaveEscapist · 3 pointsr/vandwellers



Breakdown in middle of nowhere: $70 will get you a tow to the nearest shop willing and able to fix it, unlimited miles. Get good sam roadside assistance. They will not hesitate to call out a flatbed and tow you across a whole state through the mountains at no extra cost, I hear.



Predators are easy to deal with if you have the right tools. A taser pulse makes a tiny lady much more powerful than any common predator out there and is unrestricted in 45 states. Only costs $350 and you can conceal it without a license. You will probably never need it but personally every day I have my defense tools nearby is another day they are used - because they give me peace of mind knowing I can deal with whatever comes up - Similar to the rational of having a fire extinguisher. You'll probably never need it, vandwelling is not dangerous and I don't mean to construe it as such. But you'll probably never need a fire extinguisher, too. Probably. But it would deal with one issue I see you have expressed - worry.



For the portapotty, I chose this one after a lot of research: https://www.amazon.com/Camco-41545-Travel-Toilet-gallon/dp/B018LBYCT4

Put the whole thing inside of a sealed container and your worries are over. It can dump into any old regular toilet you find (parks, outhouse pits, gas stations with an unlocked bathroom out back, etc).



For the heat, put a folded tarp on your roof when stationary and not in the city. If you can decouple the tarp from the roof that will work any better. A roof rack is handy for this. Safari vans have been using this low tech since forever. If your roof isn't white you should paint it so.



There are mobile internet solutions better than verizon, do some searching here.


If you really want AC, you can have it, for 1/3 gallon per hour or more, with a generator. A solution that works for many. Another solution is relocating to the climate.


You can bring your garden with you. Google "Dashboard herb garden".

u/censorinus · 3 pointsr/vandwellers

I have this one in my Toyota Dolphin, super sippy on propane and doesn't emit fumes like a Mr. Buddy. I also have a carbon monoxide detector/fire alarm mounted and test it weekly. Yes I do vent through the roof vent and yes I do turn it off at night. From what I've heard I may be able to get a month's worth of use from a 5 gallon tank before I need to re-fuel, so much better than using the small tanks on the Mr. Buddy that run out after six hours of use on low heat.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BUV1RK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

u/DMGUp · 2 pointsr/teslamotors

Got it off Amazon here.

u/SpawnDnD · 2 pointsr/GoRVing

I want to say years ago...when I was growing up, we have an older prowler.

I may be wrong, but I believe it did NOT have scissor jacks. It have something like those V's pointing down. I then used something like this (below link) to put under the V and screw it up to meet the V...making it a stabilizer

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Olympian-Aluminum-Stabilize-Position/dp/B000760FWU/ref=zg_bs_3147821011_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7CSVX602VG780PZ9NERC

u/velocipedic · 2 pointsr/skoolies

Fan-Tastic Vent 4000R Off White Vent with Reverse Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BRCGNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FUsEDb056YT3Z

u/jimsmithkka · 2 pointsr/Jeep

closest to a-typical i have done so far doesn't really count, but the Dominion OffRoad Jack Mount on my JK.

Its sort of a-typical as its inside and out of the way, and I don't see it used often. Works for me as i have a hard top, keeps it out of sight from thieves.

u/Flashguy · 2 pointsr/GoRVing

Most trailers only have stabilizing jacks. They just prevent movement while you are walking around the trailer. We bought these levelers. They are super easy to use.

Youtube video

u/geddy76 · 2 pointsr/RVLiving

I switched us over to the Anderson levelers and love them. FWIW, were in a 31’ Apex.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GC2LVM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_fH9MDbV7X16X9

u/MaximaHalen · 2 pointsr/Miata

Nice. I recommend getting some jack pucks makes it way easier to jack up without messing up your frame rail. I got these. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WRMSHP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RQLPBbR2K63NA

u/JordanFox2 · 2 pointsr/overlanding

Like /u/Herbie555 said they usually the same thickness and they snap together. Here is an Amazon link to a Camco set. Camco makes a TON of stuff for the RV world and a lot of it can be really useful for overlanding as well.

u/Dr_Pippin · 2 pointsr/TeslaLounge

Looks like there are some that flare a bit (or narrow a bit, depending how you’re looking at it) to get a better fit:

https://www.amazon.com/TeslaHome-Inflatable-Mattress-Camping-Travel/dp/B076H1NJDP

u/Chonky_Fire · 2 pointsr/VEDC

You could attach an awning to your roof rack. There are different sizes and styles available.

u/10speeddiesel3 · 2 pointsr/vandwellers

I am in trucking and a lot of drivers say this is the best thing out there, really odourless, http://www.amazon.com/Thetford-92360-Porta-Portable-Toilet/dp/B006WPQNB2/ , it costs more than a portapotty you might find at walmart, but its what I'd use in an self made RV Van, over a composting toilet. The base detaches and you can take it like a jug of water to a toilet or RV waste spot and dump your waste.

u/FreeBirdBen · 2 pointsr/RVLiving

For long term stabilization I would look at these- Stabilization Jacks

Clothes storage in the bunks is interesting. For folded clothes I would look at bins/baskets or lightweight plastic dressers. For hanging clothes I would look at installing removable clothes rod(s)

Hope these ideas help!

u/jcdv · 2 pointsr/vandwellers

We're installing one of these. Will let you know how it goes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2ATA1M

u/clutchthepearls · 2 pointsr/cars

POR15 is worth it.

Then buy some of these

u/OREGON_IS_LIFE_84 · 2 pointsr/camping
u/KaliMau · 1 pointr/LandRover

What's that? I've only had my rover for about a week, so I'm still new on all the options.

This is kind of the awning I was looking at for an awning. https://amzn.com/B00MI3V7YA

Any suggestion is appreciated!

u/bo4tdude · 1 pointr/vandwellers

I am using these round flush mount LED fixtures. I have seen numerous other builds with them as well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012ZOI44C/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am also using some warm led strip and red led strip in a few places

u/hungry_turtle · 1 pointr/vandwellers

About to start the real planning process after actually buying a van and I'm wondering if I can run a fan without a solar power or extra battery set up?

u/Earthserpent89 · 1 pointr/vandwellers

hey all,

I'm in my Ford Explorer currently, out of neccessity, but plan to move into a van out of choice at the end of October.

I was thinking of getting this Goalzero Solar Kit, a long with this 12Volt Dometic to store some cold items.

Do you think I'd be able t run that fridge off of the Yeti 400 and still be able to charge my laptop about once a day at least? I'm in Portland Oregon, so I plan to also charge the yeti off my vehicle engine when the weather goes to shit.

What type of Solar & refrigeration set ups do you all have?
My budget initially should be around 600-700 bucks.

u/superhash · 1 pointr/Homebrewing

This filter is what I use to eliminate Chloramine. I'm not sure what filter comes with the Midwest one, but since they both say 'carbon block filter' I would guess you're ok.

u/SpartanMonkey · 1 pointr/vandwellers

Swamp cooler if you're in a hot dry region. They don't work as well in hot humid weather.
Roof vents.
Lots of open windows, mosquito netting if needed.
Shore power and a 110v air conditioner.
Cool neck wraps

u/Delver-Rootnose · 1 pointr/GoRVing

For mattress ventilation go here:. https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=1818021

It's a mesh pad that separates your mattress from the platform.
Trade name Hypervent. MUCH cheaper than I had thought. Wish I'd read that better, would have ordered sooner. I'm flat broke now.

Falcon holding tank heater pads here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MT9EUG9/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A16G53YHOQFM2H&psc=1

u/VanLifeCrisis · 1 pointr/vandwellers

I bought a thetford curve for my van, tho i did the bucket too. The curve is the most like a regular toilet. It isn't hard to empty but it isn't exactly pleasant either but that goes for all rvs really. Thee bucket is easier to empty, you just toss in a trash can somewhere.

I shower by truckstop or in warmer weather solar shower (black bag). They make propane hot camp showers. If i need privacy, i make a tent with my tarp off my van, but normal sized people can get these cool little shower tents.

u/lowonbits · 1 pointr/vandwellers

Probably not, the only way to control humidity and condensation is going to be with really good ventilation. You would need to run fans to keep air circulating enough. It does start to negate the heat your creating by needing to ventilate so much. My Mr. Buddy does alright with my vent fan running but it's not a perfect setup. If your set on using propane with a heater that isn't vented to the outside consider the Wave heaters as they are catalytic and shouldn't produce moisture as much I believe. I'm sure someone can chime in about them relating to moisture.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-57331-Olympian-Wave-3-Catalytic/dp/B000BUV1RK

u/renational · 1 pointr/Brooklyn

you may want to read more on /r/tea which is a mix of snobs, newbies, and people in between willing to hold your hand through it all. if you are a member of meetup.com there are 2 active NYC tea meetups there.
i have tried many ceylons and the only one i can recommend is Dilmah loose;
http://www.amazon.com/Dilmah-Ceylon-Loose-4-41-Ounce-Boxes/dp/B00112GBO0
you will find it to be less chalky and leafy than Ahmad, and it come in foil vacuum packs for better freshness, however it's fanning bits so you'll need a paper filter when brewing it. I would NOT recommend other expensive Dilmah blends - they are really awful despite their glowing amazon reviews.
if you use your nyc tap water to brew tea, i strongly recommend filtering out Chloramines which do slightly alter any tea flavor being brewed. here is the cartridge i would recommend;
http://www.amazon.com/Pentek-ChlorPlus-Carbon-Filter-Cartridge/dp/B0051VC7CW
you can get a 1-2 stage counter top filter that attaches to a faucet for another $20-$40, well worth it if you use a lot of tap water for drinking, cooking, baking, aquarium hobbies, etc.

u/HikaruEyre · 1 pointr/OKmarijuana

I got a filter and holder from RedBud in OKC but it's basically a 1 micron filter like this. A lot faster than RO filter and you get to keep some of the minerals that can be beneficial.

u/icuddlekittens · 1 pointr/Advice

Sounds like a solid plan to keep busy during the day and stay on top of hygiene.

As far as sleeping arrangements, I don't know if this is an option for you, but...

Can you park your car in a friend's driveway at night so that you at least have somewhere safe to sleep? You could get something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Inflatable-Mattress-Back-Extended/dp/B00HV47N3U

u/WashedSylvi · 1 pointr/vandwellers

Thinking about getting this Camco toilet. Although I was also considering just doing the 5 gallon bucket with a trash bag and kitty litter. I like the Camco because the sealing bit seems to help reduce smell, being able to easily dump into toilets is great, and I think I can theoretically rig the flushing mechanism into some kind of low powered bidet, although I'll live even if I can't do that.

I know my body enough to know that I can't reasonably expect myself to be able to separate solid and liquid waste or sit once in the morning and be done with it. So I feel like the Camco might fit my needs better. If anyone also has thoughts on the tank size that'd be good, I feel like the smaller one would be easier to walk into a normal restroom with and dump it, while the bigger would mean less frequent dumping...I've never like measured my waste so I have 0 idea on how long or short that is.

u/Whatsmyfookinpasswrd · 1 pointr/vandwellers

The other popular ones seem to be the Olympic waves. They're a good bit more expensive though.

u/trshtehdsh · 1 pointr/camping

It's for under your tires. You still need a level to check level. But compared to the lego-like pads that you have to drive on and off, adding and taking away to get to level ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00480BWCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EzUjzb66YNF53) this is majorly easier.

u/geo38 · 1 pointr/vandwellers

I have a Dometic CF-35 that draws 4 Amps when running (48W) but it only runs 1/4 or less of the time, so that would come close to your requirement.

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-35US-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00T36NUYA/

But, it's pretty large.

The CF-18 is somewhat smaller outside: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018-D65-B-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B0136TQ65Y/

The CF-10 is smaller, still: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018-D65-B-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B005X97OHA/

u/sixup · 1 pointr/TinyHouses

I believe my house is approx 10,000 lbs. I was wrong about my jacks though, they are actually super-simple Camco Aluminum Stack Jacks, four of them rated for 6,000 lbs each;

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-44560-Olympian-Aluminum-Stack/dp/B000760FWU

They work very well at leveling my place. The house definitely does move in reaction to inside movement, and you can feel high winds and minor earthquakes.

That is advantageous to me, however, as if we get the massive subduction quake we are overdue for. A little bit of flex is better than none, as far as I can tell. Other than that, I don't know much about the various jack options, so hopefully someone with more info will comment.

u/eggs-benedict · 1 pointr/vandwellers

the furnace is a suburban 16k BTU RV furnace- This one

I really would love one of those propex heaters, their sized more appropriately for a van and draw less electricity for the fan but are soooo much more expensive. When i got mine it was about 320$ and I just decided it wasn't worth spending twice as much for a bit more efficiency.

This is also where the spray foam comes in, in my mind, closed cell spray foam is the best insulation option. R6 per inch and no moisture/condensation worries. However it is was probably 400$ to insulate the van which is probably 4x as much as it needs to be. That said, it feels pretty well insulated considering the doors dont have any and it does hold head fairly well as the furnace cycles.

The ford vans have such shitty wonky framing with openings and cavities that it was difficult to seal everything, which inevitably left gaps that moisture could get into those cavities which sorta defeats the purpose. However modern sprinter/transits or even the chevy cargo vans dont have that and would 'take' spray foam much better.

u/belt-beckle · 1 pointr/vandwellers

Olympian wave 3 heater. It's propane powered, safe and it's relatively cheap. It has great ratings on Amazon too! I'm think of getting it for my van.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BUV1RK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_.iUKDbK8Y2ME6

u/chasw98 · 1 pointr/GoRVing

Steadyfast and Camco Stack Jacks work for us pretty good. Not sure if it would ever get rock solid like a sticks and bricks.

u/mrCloggy · 1 pointr/batteries

That won't work, unfortunately.
A solar panels' 'nameplate' power is only produced in cool weather and the panel pointed to the (overhead) sun.

Enter San Diego into http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/, change "DC System Size (kW):" to "0.1" (100W), and change "Tilt (deg):" to "0" (horizontal), on the last page you'll see the monthly" production under "AC Energy (kWh)", divide by 31 to get the daily numbers (the juli/aug 16kWh is 500Wh/day), and your 60W cooler needs 60W x 24hr = 1440Wh/day (thermoelectric coolers are very inefficient).
More expensive are compressor coolers, 3A average according to "customer comments", and (they say) it will 'freeze' stuff in 1 hour, if your "need to keep something cool" can handle ambient temperatures like can/bottle beverages you can install a timer to run it only at let's say 11:00-13:00 for lunch and 16:00-22:00 for dinner.

>so I have decided to use whatever I will have for solar system as my starting battery

Bad choice, a 'starter' battery is designed to give a very high 500A? 'starting' current (thin plates for a very large surface area), a 'deep cycle' has fewer but much thicker plates for a current of ~1/10th the capacity (12A from a 120Ah battery).

There are ways to charge the 'domestic' battery from the car alternator, example (pdf) uses diodes, to find out if a particular setup will damage the deep-cycle I suggest you google-fu RV/boat-
users websites (the -shops* only want to sell things).

If you like electronics, or know someone (highschool tech dept.?), a small CC-CV buck-boost converter's input can be connected directly (via a fuse) to the (12V) panel, the output, via a diode, to the starter battery, the "CC" (constant current) will limit that to whatever you set it (0,5A?) and the "CV" can be set to 13.8V? (max starter battery voltage), that will keep it 'topped up' from the solar panel without draining the domestic battery.

You do need a 'battery charge controller', an MPPT is recommended.

Edit: word

u/MakeitReal22 · 1 pointr/TinyHouses

One thing to consider with the Dickinson is that it's a manual control furnace, that is, you have to constantly adjust the heat source depending on the heat level you want. It doesn't have a separate thermostat, like you have in a conventional house, where you can set it and forget it. Plus, the Dickinson is quite costly.

I put a Suburban Nt-16Seq furnace (16K btu) in my tiny house. It pulls combustion air from outside and vents outside, so only room air gets recirculated over the heat exchanger, no fumes inside. The BIG plus, it's controlled from a wall mounted thermostat, so if I want the house 70 degrees, it stays an even 70 degrees and I don't have to play with any other controls.

Here's a link, plus is less costly then the Dickinson:
https://www.amazon.com/Suburban-2438ABK-Nt-16Seq-Furnace-Black/dp/B00B2ATA1M

u/gregbelgum · 1 pointr/vandwellers

What fan did you get? I'm looking at the domitec 1250 but it's on the pricier side:
https://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-801250-RV-Roof-Vent/dp/B00IKMWQMK

u/mr_masamune · 1 pointr/overlanding

I have a Tuff Stuff RTT and this ARB awning

My plan is to take both vehicles out when I go camping. I can leave my truck behind and have it act as a "home base" and then derp around/drive to hikes with my Xterra.

u/HippySol · 1 pointr/adventuremobile

Put a 12v Fantastic Fan in the roof of your van. Just cracked open they will allow air flow but on a hot day, with the fan on high, they move a ton of air and it makes even a small space comfortable. Come highly recommended by all RVers.

http://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-Vent-4000R-Reverse-Switch/dp/B000BRCGNQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451925284&sr=8-2&keywords=fantastic+fan

There's also a free standing version if you dont want to cut your roof and it's cheaper. Hang it in front of a cracked open window.
http://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-01100WH-Endless-Breeze-Stand/dp/B0000AY2Z6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1451925284&sr=8-4&keywords=fantastic+fan

They're not cheap but you won't regret it. Beats all other fans with their efficiency and low power draw.

u/learntorv · 0 pointsr/GoRVing

Two options are:

  1. Valterra RV Stabilizer
  2. Camco Aluminum Stabilizer

    Tuck either one up under the frame of the camper. You might try different spots to see where they work best. Usually the corners are what get stablized in travel trailers.