Thoughts

[u/bowtieguy1991]

I’m looking into solar systems for (almost) full home backup. Kits are expensive on that scale to say the least. Even as an electrician so 0$ labor and can source misc parts here and there, got me thinking. Would it just be easier/cheaper to get a camper? From what I’ve seen they run off propane and the on board 12v battery, and possibly a 30amp plug (still would do solar setup to power this but on a way smaller scale) anyone doing this? To me it’s a win win. Can keep it I. Driveway for short term situations while the rest of the supplies are in the house, can double up as a GTFO situation. This is I have a 25’ Tacoma on paper hauls 6k lbs with a max hitch weight of like 600lbs. Kinda limits my options for a family of 4. Obviously not looking to stay in a Hilton style camper in that situation, but space seems limited. Any thoughts input advice?

[u/Casiarius]

I'm not sure how the camper is a solution to the need for a solar system. Especially with a family, I would think that bugging IN would be the preferred option, and the admittedly expensive solar system would make that more feasible. Since you can get the solar system more cheaply than most people, that seems like the more attractive option. Since you can do the electrical work yourself, you can start with a small system and scale it up as you have the money.

How much does a camper cost that can house a family of four anyway?

[u/silasmoeckel]

Both.

Camper is a quick and cheap house redundancy. But with you tow vehicaly limits your talking about pretty cramped I would say a simple toy hauler with some beds dropping down from the ceiling. Kitchen and bathroom up front.

PV as a sparkie you can do all the work. Prices have gotten very cheap for the gear. The savings can get rolled into other preps.

I got a 30f bunkhouse it's a decent amount of space. When I replace it will get a toy hauler for the cargo capacity. The stock 12v etc sucks expect to throw in a 3kva inverter and some lithium into it biggest upgrade ever to usability.

[u/Ryan_e3p]

With propane, you're at the mercy of supply. If you're comfortable with that, have at it.

[u/Normal-Special-8694]

So you’d move into the trailer if the power goes out? Or are you talking about back feeding power into your house from the trailer?

[u/Internal_Raccoon_370]

campers don't run off of propane. Yes, some appliances can work off propane like water heaters, cookers, refrigerators, etc. But you still need electricity for lights (unless you use candles, oil lamps, etc.), charge phones, laptops, etc. run a TV. So you still are going to need some kind of source of electricity. Most, but not all, may have some kind of built in electrical system that runs off batteries that may or may not include a 120V inverter or may run off 12V. But you still need to keep the batteries charged so that means charging them off of some kind of generator or solar charging system.

What it boils down to is that you're still going to need some kind of power source to charge the camper batteries.

Sidenote: I have no problem at all with having some kind of RV/camper for use in an emergency situation or just for fun for that matter. However note that some jurisdictions have strict rules about keeping RVs and campers in driveways. Most of the towns around here prohibit having one parked on a residential property for more than 48 hours to a few days.

[u/SheistyPenguin]

Kits are expensive on that scale to say the least

What if you shrink the scale to exclude HVAC and only include a few essentials: fridge/freezer and a few gadgets? Then keep a few propane camping appliances for emergency heating and cooking.

Then your needs can be handled by a much smaller system, or even a standalone portable one.

I have heard that RVs are a maintenance headache, kind of like boats on land. The more full-featured the RV, the more maintenance involved: plumbing, septic, electrical, etc. And they are not well-insulated, so in extreme hot or cold weather you wouldn't really be better off than camping indoors.

[u/SecondhandStoic]

I would say look at larger or modular solar power systems, stuff thats meant for emergencies, but can be scaled up. I am going the ecoflow route with an additional battery to start and a 500 watt panel, with the intent to scale up to 1600 watts total, and 11kWh storage. Right now, all of that was about 2600 to start, but keep in mind depending on your state, as long as the system is above 3kWh or 3000w you can get a manual switch to “install” it to your home, and you can get a credit for the total cost including installation. For me its an additional 30% credit on the overall cost

[u/hexiron]

For the cost and longevity of a camper, you could just have the resources to stay in a Hilton if necessary.

If you want a energy backup, a generator would keep you in your house, your belongings cared for, and could me moved with your Toyota if you did need to GTFO and be far more mobile than a Toyota+Camper that will limit your speed/maneuverability, greatly increase fuel consumption and risk of mechanical error, increase the amount of emergency supplies you need tho then maintain a camper.... Etc etc etc.

Fine if you actually plan to utilize the camper frequently. But the ROI is often in the negatives for a lot of people.

[u/0Fucs2Give]

Starter system, panels, inverter and battery should run you about 8k-10k, expandable from there. What is your entry budget price?

[u/Human9651]

Keep it portable, smaller 200w panels.

Can pack it up.

[u/TrilliumHill]

I have both solar and a camper. Go with the solar setup with a battery.

Total cost of ownership for a camper is relatively high, even buying used. Over the last 5 years, we've had the heater, water heater, AC and thermostat go out, not to mention re-caulking and dealing with water.

Solar on the other hand will pay for itself in a couple more years.

[u/Asz12_Bob]

It sounds like a good plan OP. If it gets to the point where actually need it the grid will probably be down and you'll appreciate having a low footprint energy wise.