Monarch SE 2004 - Dry Camping

Monarch SE 2004------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ S e ction 2 Driving & Safety | 51
• Hook-up the sewer hose. Sewer drain pipe diameters are generally either
three or four inches. Proper sewer hose adapters will ensure against
leaks or spillage. Check to make sure all hose clamps are tight, with the
sewer hose properly connected open the grey water valve. The black
water valve remains closed until the tank is full or until time of
departure.
NOTE: When filling the fresh water tank watch for water to
come out of the overflow. Turn water off before a full blast of
water comes out. The fresh water tank overflow is located at the
curb side rear of the motorhome.
The key to a successful dry camping trip is having a reasonable understanding
how the different electrical systems work and interface. Each electrical system
operates as a single entity but is usually connected or dependent upon operation of
another electrical system. If one electrical system malfunctions, it generally effects
the operation of another electrical system. To obtain satisfactory performance, all
electrical systems must be in proper working order and operated in the parameters
for which they are intended.
When it comes to dry camping, the state of the charge of the house batteries is
going to determine how long the interior lighting will last or how long the TV
operates from the inverter. Starting a dry camping trip with batteries in a low state
of charge, or one battery in the battery bank that is damaged, will ultimately result
in a disappointing time. There are several different charging systems, all of which
are designed to either charge or offset battery draw. There are three basic charging
systems on the motorhome: inverter/converter, alternator and solar panels.
Each charging system performs a specific type of charge profile. The inverter/
converter is the preferred method to charge the house batteries. The
inverter/converter uses 120 Volts AC supplied by either shore power or the
generator. It converts 120 Volts AC to 13.5 to 14.5 Volts DC, depending on state
of charge of the batteries and the load placed on them. The alternator maintains
battery voltage while traveling and supplies the current necessary to operate various
loads placed on the engine and house batteries. Solar panels offset various
parasitic loads that are on the house batteries.
Begin with a full fresh water tank and empty waste holding tanks. When the
fresh tank is low, the waste holding tanks will more than likely be full. Empty the
waste holding tanks before refilling the fresh water tank. Learning ways to save
water will ease the burden of camping without hookups. Bottled water is a good
alternative for you and your pets to eliminate demands put on the fresh and grey
water tanks. By placing a small plastic tub in the sink, grey water can be collected
and recycled for use in the toilet. Instead of rinsing dishes under a running faucet,
use two plastic sink tubs - one for washing and one for rinsing. When possible,
take advantage of campground facilities offering restroom, shower and laundry
service.
DRY CAMPING