Section 2 --- Driving & Safety
Cayman 2005
52
Suggestions for Dry Camping:
• Switch refrigerator operation from Auto to LP-Gas.
• Open windows during the day and reduce use of the roof air conditioner.
• Turn off interior 12 Volt DC power whenever possible. The refrigerator is designed to
operate with the power off.
• Turn on the water heater about twenty minutes before hot water is needed. Once heated,
turn it off. Water will remain hot for several hours.
• Turn off small items that use battery power, such as porch lights, bay lights, engine com-
partment lights, etc. Turn off the 12 Volt antenna boost when not viewing the television.
• Monitor battery voltage. Do not allow batteries to fully discharge (lights dim) before start-
ing the generator. If possible, run the generator twice a day, morning and afternoon, to
charge the batteries.
• Use the inverter for AC power when time does not permit running the generator. Turn off
the inverter when not in use.
• Avoid accidents at night when walking outdoors by using a flashlight. Use a flashlight
inside the motorhome at night to avoid turning on interior lights. When interior lighting is
desired, use one light in a central location, such as the vanity, unscrewing all but one or
two bulbs to reduce battery drain.
• Turn on the water pump only when using water.
• Plan what is needed from the refrigerator prior to opening.
• If weather does not permit eating at the picnic table, or no outdoor table is available, eat at
the dinette table by candlelight.
• Frequently monitor holding tank levels. Careful management of water is critical when dry
camping. Conserve water when showering. Turn water off when soaping then back on to
rinse. Take a sponge bath when water conservation is critical. Do not fill the sink full of
water to wash only a few dishes. Use disposable dishes when possible. Chances are a
campground without hookups will also lack showers or bathrooms and may only be
equipped with primitive facilities. However, if it helps to conserve water and holding tank
capacity, use them.
• Conserve propane and electricity by cooking dinner over a campfire. Try to operate the
microwave with the generator.
• To avoid tracking in dirt, leave shoes outdoors or at the entry step. Get back to nature and
still enjoy the comforts of the motorhome. With a little, imagination, there are endless
ways to conserve resources while dry camping.
Typical Current Draw
Item Amp Draw
Interior house power (turned on)
13” TV
Rope Lights
Porch Lights
Fluorescent dual bulb
Halogen celing light
1.5
1.7
1.3
2.0
2.1
.09
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