I am not afraid of propane! Just running the options thru my brain. What if I decided NOT to get propane on my 13' new order? I think that I could still cook inside, with an electic induction burner. Heat water with electric HWH. Water pump, electric portable heater, ? ceramic.Elec fridge/freezer. I plan on camping 99% of the time with at least shore power. Without the propane tank I may be able to add a second battery, or just go with 2 6volts?
I know there are some Scampers who are already going propane less. Any suggestions?
Mark
First, you always want to consider the resale value of the Scamp you are purchasing. If you do not have Propane Systems in place you will lower the value of your Scamp when it comes time to sell it.
Second, you can always have it and not use it, however, you might consider that having Propane onboard can act as a very good back-up system if the campsite's electricity should fail. Power poles in campsites fail all the time and at the worst possible times (just ask me, I was standing out in the cold at 3:00 am wearing a blanket and shorts trying to get the power back on in my camper, Entertaining, BUT NOT VERY FUNNY !!!)
Personally, from a safety standpoint, I don't want to sleep while an electric heater is operating. I think there is too much fire risk to use a ceramic heater unattended, or while sleeping.
Additionally, by not having Propane on board you miss out on some special Boondocking opportunities like the Balloon Festival, local Concerts, or even RV shows. We recently spent two days Boondocking at the Tampa RV Supershow and had a GREAT Time !!! By-the-way, the RV Supershow is only about 10 minutes from our house and we went Boondocking anyway !!
Many Scamp Owners have figured out how to mount a pair of 6-volt batteries while still having Propane available.
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
ManWithaVan, thanks, some very good points!
Mark
Thanks for making us feel so welcome.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"
Mark,
You did the process correctly of determining how you will camp before looking at a decision on something like propane. With a Scamp 13, while you think now you will always have hookups, my money is on that you end up doing more and more dry camping. Many times you arrive at a campground, it is full and they are turning RV's around. They see the 13 Scamp and offer you a tent site since they'll fit anywhere. We had this happen numerous times, and while others got turned away we were given a site. Of course, no utilities on a tent site so an all electric camper suffers.
The 13 Scamp will go almost anywhere, so why limit yourself to where you can comfortably camp?
The resale point is a good one as mentioned above as well.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Just food for thought:
When I travel to Florida, I usually do this around January. It never fails, I drive until I’m ready to stop at a REST AREA. Last year, it was around 30 degrees… I stopped at a REST AREA (around 1:00am) and parked for the night. I shut down everything in the van and jumped into the camper with my dog after I turned on the gas. I cranked up the propane heat and watch a little TV before calling it a night (and yes, a snack too). Having that option (propane heater) made it SUPER nice and toasty. Again, food for thought…
Plus if you are still not into propane, get that option anyway but don’t fill your tank…
PS: So far, I’ve only used the propane for heating (at REST AREA's) but it’s sure nice knowing that it’s there for my hot water heater and gas range someday if needed.
Like you, I normally do the electric heat, electric hot plate etc while at the Campsite (shorepower)...
Greg & Scott, yes versatility is a major plus. I am glad I have some sounding boards to bounce off my ,"sometimes wacky", ideas.
I found myself going to 2 RV parts stores today, just to LOOK! I feel like a fish looking for bait!
Mark
Thanks for making us feel so welcome.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"
To us the most important use of propane is for the refrigerator. The refrigerator works very well on propane and does not need to be plugged in to shore power. You can use a "Coleman" camp stove to cook with and some other type heater may work but I agree with ManWithaVan. I don't like the the safety issues of "portable" heaters.
Athearn, thanks. Yes I have read that the fridge works best with gas. I have also read the difference of opinion as to whether the fridge should have propane on while driving. Obviously there are different opinions about many things. I am glad the fridge works on 12v while driving and will most likely power it with LPG while parked.
I guess I should withdraw my question, but someone else may benefit from all the experienced Scampers.
Mark
Thanks for making us feel so welcome.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"
Just speaking for myself only:
I put my refrigerator on AC while at the camp ground with great success. I usually put the controller knob at near max until the temp in the refrigerator is down to 39 and then back off to about to number 3 on the knob. It really depends on the temperature outside.
I plan to add a fan or fans to the FINs located on the back of the refrigerator. I’ve read that many found that very helpful as to faster cooling and a more constant cold temperature during the summer.
I’ve also read (and plan to this myself someday) is to use the 12V option on the refrigerator while traveling. They first use the AC to get the refrigerator to its nominal temp and then switch off to 12V when the trip begins.
PS: To keep an eye on the workings of the refrigerator, I use a WIRELESS thermometer in my refrigerator. They are cheap and it’s a great way to monitor the temperature in the refrigerator 24/7 without opening the refrigerator door.
Scott, it does seem logical to use shore power to run the fridge, if it works well? I need to do more research into the reasons folks say the fridge works best on propane. I did go to the Dometic site and could not find any recommendation regarding a power source. Perhaps one of the more knowledgeable members here would be willing to explain the reasons that "propane works best" with the Dometic fridge in the Scamp?
I do like the idea of using the wireless thermometer in the fridge. I use one in my smoker and it has worked well for many years!
Mark
Thanks for making us feel so welcome.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"
I did not mean to imply that the 120 AC was not a good choice for running the fridge. It works fine. But there are many places/times where you will not be plugged in. Rest area or store parking lots etc. and if boondocking. I think it is good to have as many options as possible. The fridge while on 12 volts will drain the battery very quickly if you're not hooked to the TV with the engine running. If you are stopped in a rest area for more than a few minutes you should either turn off the fridge (if the weather is not too warm) or turn it on with propane. The fridge in our 2015 13 ft standard will stay cold at least a couple hours (door kept closed) with the fridge tuned off. We have started trips, after getting the fridge and contents cold a day or so before, and traveled up to 4 hours with no problems keeping stuff cold with the fridge turned off. We do live in Maine so I'm talking about 70º to 80º Temps.
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