Off Grid

[Othersharon]

Well, Ladies, as I mentioned in GM I hope to get away to Cape Hatteras in May for a few days. I started looking at rates in campgrounds and had to gulp! I would love to stay at one of the NP campgrounds, as I think I remember there were a couple right on the beach. But, I have never camped with no electric so I don't really have a clue. I know I can live without the microwave but wonder about running the generator if I need AC for the dogs. I'm hoping that this time of year I can get away with just the windows opens. Another question I have, how long will the (2) house batteries last if I don't move for a couple or more days? Will running the engine charge them? And what can I run on the batteries? I figure I might want a light in the bathroom or one over the couch if I'm reading. I think with propane I'm good, can use the stove, keep the frig going and have hot water as I need it. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone here but would really like to do this! Would appreciate any input from you more experienced gals!

[WickedLady]

Get yourself a solar light. The d.light (Amazon) is bright enough to read by.

[JudyJB]

I was on Okracoke Island two years ago in mid to late April, staying at the national park campground on Okracoke, and loved it! It was pretty cool, almost jacket weather. I checked on weather.com and it shows average highs in May to be low 70s.

Also, remember that the Outer Banks islands are located way out in the Atlantic Ocean--quite a few miles from the mainland--so there is a lot of wind. In fact, it was so windy when I was there that I can remember my motorhome rocking and rolling, and all the rocks on the beach were on little pedestals because the sand had been blown away. It is a beautiful wild and windy place.

You should do fine with just open windows. Nights will be cool, so make sure you have enough propane for heat. It sounds like you have a generator? You can run the generator several times a day if you need to, even to cool off the dogs. Your generator will power your microwave and recharge your batteries. I find I use so little power that less than an hour a day is plenty. Now would be a good time to invest in a couple of LED lights for the important places, like over your stove and couch for reading. They hardly pull any power.

[Bethers]

Back in the days when I only had one battery, I learned I needed to run the generator about an hour twice a day. Again, it depends on what all you're using, etc. And it is GOOD to use the generator. It needs to be exercised. Just pay attn if they have specific generator hours to use them then. And please realize that if you use your gas heater at night - it pulls a LOT from the batteries to run the fan.

[MandysMom]

Sounds like fun. Running generator each morning or afternoon for 30 min will charge batteries but remember to give it a load such as choosing that time to microwave something or run AC. Generators are meant to run loads. Go in with empty black and grey tanks and full water if they don't have spigots. It will be a good learning experience which will help down the road. Remember even on propane the fridge uses small amount of electric to run it controls. Check your various gauges once or twice a day and you will learn about capacities. I agree on having a few solar lights. We also always have a flashlight or two with good batteries just in case.
Velda

[Bethers]

And if you're like many of us, you'll start doing a lot more of it. The best places (and less expensive) are off grid, IMHO.

[Othersharon]

Thanks, Ladies! I didn't even think about the fan on the heater, Beth. And solar and led lights sound like a good idea too. I do have a generator and 2 house batteries so should have power enough for doing this! I remember there was a discussion about changing to led's a while back that I read. I'll check into that again. Seems I remember Amazon was the good prices. I should have done it last summer when I was thinking about it! I saw Liz's blog from Ocracoke and now I'm really getting excited! Thanks again for the tips! Finally getting my mind in gear here! This is doable!