An All Electric Camper

[bette hanson]

I thought I would add a little something to this topic. Last week we went on a 2 night trip up the North Shore in Minnesota for a color tour.. We knew it would be windy so what. We picked an electric site for watching tv-etc. The 2nd day boy it was windy. Trees in the campground came down. We lost power at 4:30 that afternoon and it was still off the next morning when we left. There were some poeple in a world of hurt because they didnt know how to use there propane furances. The temp was down in the 30's that night. You just never know what might happen. Bette

[Ron F]

Hi Jane,

Answers below.

Ron

Hi Ron F & Ray N. Thanks for your replies.

I had a long conversation with Jim at the beginning of the summer. The Egg Camper is on my short list for a number of reasons. It is light and airy inside and competitively priced.

Jim will build a propane version, but is very high on the all electric. So much so that you almost have to talk him into letting you purchase the propane version. He feels all electric is safer than propane, and as most dry campers will own a generator, propane is not needed.

Jim will charge several hundred $$ more for the Propane version due to increased costs to accommodate for the propane.

However, I will be dry camping a great deal - for maybe 7 - 10 days at a time. Most of my trips will be during the winter months in Northern California. And the lack of propane does concern me. Based on your experience, if you knew that you were going to dry camp for several days at a time, would you still order the all electric version?

[b]If my plan was to be off grid for 7-10 days, then propane is definitely the way to go. Most of my camping will be with hookups.

What is the heater like?

[b]With hookups, the electric heater is adequate down into the 30's. I don't really camp in the winter. I haven't been far enough south with the Egg to need the A/C. Most of the camping up here is very comfortable without A/C.

As an aside, I'm also a little disappointed that Jim does not wire the trailer for solar.

[b]I think solar would be nice. Perhaps he will in the future. I'm planning on a couple of panels on the roof, similar to Peter H's rig.

The other thing that I am worried about is the small refrigerator. I would like a lager freezer for frozen dinners.

[b]The fridge is small, especially if you're planning tv dinners for meals. However, it is one of a very few that operate with a compressor, which makes it pretty efficient.

What is your experience with the fridge?

[b]Because it's efficient, it'll go a couple of days on the battery.

Also, several Egg Camper owners previously posted that they had water leaks in the rear of their campers around the vertical running lights. Was that problem fixed by the manufacturers?

[b]I had a leak around one of the clearance lights. It was easily fixed with silicon sealant. It may be something that Jim needs to look at in future models. I just fixed it myself.

One more thing ... I do like the idea of the extra width. But ... how does the extra width and height affect gas milage on your tow vehicle? Do you have a comparison with Casita & Scamp for gas milage?

[b]I can't speak for Casita & Scamp. I tow with a 2002 Toyota Sienna, with a 3.0 liter v6. It tows beautifully. The Sienna gets about 22 mpg without the Egg in tow. I haven't measured it with the Egg, but it doesn't seem alarming, at least not enough to motivate me to record mileage. I'm taking a trip this weekend, so I'll try to remember to make a note of the mileage.

You continued input is much appreciated.

JMP

[Orlen Wolf]

Quote query from Jane P

As an aside, I'm also a little disappointed that Jim does not wire the trailer for solar.


Jane

Adding wiring and a controller for solar would be very easy on the EggCamper. Power wiring could be run up the wall in the closet and through a port (sealed of course) in the roof. Compression sealed feedthroughs for wiring are cheap and easy to come by. The run would be fairly short to a controller mounted near the converter box. I'm planning on installing solar charging on my EggCamper after I complete the initial buildout but that's a bit in the future.

Maybe we could convince Jim to add solar panel pre-wiring to the list of options available on the EggCamper. I think the folks at Bigfoot and Oliver offered it as an option. It's just a matter of how much you want to pay.

73
Orlen

[Ray N]

Driving the 1009 miles from Pensacola, FL to Grandville, MI without the trailer, our 4.3L S-10 averaged 21mpg. Coming back, WITH the EggCamper, we averaged 16mpg. I don't know how this would compare with other trailers, but we wouldn't trade the extra room for anything.

The battery will power the fridge, water pump, and lights for two or three days with no problem. If you used the microwave, AC, or heater, you'd be running out of juice real fast; however, you couldn't use the microwave or AC with propane either. We do most of our cooking with a Coleman stove outside anyway, so that isn't much of an issue. Because we live in Florida, we need AC more than we need a heater, so we never camp anywhere that doesn't have an electric hook-up available - at least for most of the year. If I lived "up north" and did much boondocking, I'd seriously consider the propane option.

[Jane P.]

Driving the 1009 miles from Pensacola, FL to Grandville, MI without the trailer, our 4.3L S-10 averaged 21mpg. Coming back, WITH the EggCamper, we averaged 16mpg. I don't know how this would compare with other trailers, but we wouldn't trade the extra room for anything.

The battery will power the fridge, water pump, and lights for two or three days with no problem. If you used the microwave, AC, or heater, you'd be running out of juice real fast; however, you couldn't use the microwave or AC with propane either. We do most of our cooking with a Coleman stove outside anyway, so that isn't much of an issue. Because we live in Florida, we need AC more than we need a heater, so we never camp anywhere that doesn't have an electric hook-up available - at least for most of the year. If I lived "up north" and did much boondocking, I'd seriously consider the propane option.

Thanks again, Ron and Ray for your replies.

Ray, the difference of 5 gallons per mile is excellent. About what the Casita and Scamp people have reported. I'd be very interested to hear about other Egg Camper experiences.

If I'm in a situation where I will be using the AC & Microwave, I will need a compressor. I understand that I can't use everything (TV, Microwave & AC) at the same time. There is just so much juice that you can pull out of a compressor.

However, when I am off the grid, I would want a propane furnace for those cold mornings.

One more question -- comfort. I am an average size female and my husband is about 6 Ft tall.

But I am concerned about posts that describe the Egg Camper seats as very high off the floor and somewhat uncomfortable for females, like me, with average length legs. What is your experience?

Also, the pictures of fiber glass seats look uncomfortable. How comfortable are you and your wives' in the trailers with cushions, etc. What little time I spend in the trailer I'd like to enjoy and feel physically comfortable.

Once again, thanks for your thoughts.

Jane P.

[Ray N]

We bought our EggCamper without any cushions because we have a fair amount of experience making our own cushions for furniture. So far we have only used "bare" 4" thick foam for the seats and have only spent three nights camping, so our experience is somewhat limited. However, my 5' 8" tall wife just told me to tell you that the seats seem "fine" to her and was somewhat surprised that some people found them otherwise. We can't speak for someone much shorter than that, however.

By the way, Jim Palmer, the owner of EggCampers will tell you that you are under no obligation and will gladly give you back your deposit if, for any reason, you decide the EggCamper isn't for you once you actually see one. He realizes that most people have never actually seen one of his campers and that buying one sight unseen can be a scarry proposition. Rest assured, Jim is a great person to work with and will treat you fairly in this (and any) regard.

BTW, if any of you live near Pensacola, or come here on a vacation, I will be glad to show you ours.

[Ray N]

As far as wiring the EggCamper for solar, or the availability of many other options, you must remember that Jim Palmer runs a very small operation. He is basically retired from his former occupations and builds EggCampers as a hobby. He’s 6’3” tall and after once owning a Casita (I think), decided that tall people needed a trailer they didn’t have to stoop over in. I believe he only has three employees and uses his old auto body shop for his factory. If I remember correctly, he only builds trailers in the summers, and spends his winters in Arizona. He told me he only builds a trailer when someone orders one and basically runs a debt-free operation. He simply doesn’t build enough trailers to make a bunch of options feasible.

[Ray N]

An update on the seating height. After reading what you said about the seats being "high" my wife went out and sat in them again. Yes, they are quite high. She said that when turned "into" the trailer, her feet don't lay flat on the floor, when turned to face the table, however, they are flat on the raised area under the table.

Hope this helps.

[Jane P.]

An update on the seating height. After reading what you said about the seats being "high" my wife went out and sat in them again. Yes, they are quite high. She said that when turned "into" the trailer, her feet don't lay flat on the floor, when turned to face the table, however, they are flat on the raised area under the table.

Hope this helps.

Thank you Ray, that does help! Please thank your wife for taking the time to check out the seat heights!

Regarding your previous posts, I did have a long conversation with Jim Palmer, and he is just wonderful! I would really love to do business with such a terrific person! He basically told me the same thing: that he doesn't want to offer many options that will slow down or complicate the manufacturing of these trailers.

Even so, an all electric trailer should have an option for solar wiring. I'd also like to see a door added to the bathroom as an option.

Thank you so much for your offer to come see your trailer. Unfortunately, I live on the west coast. But perhaps I should call Jim to see if he will be bringing a trailer to Arizona. I am about 3 inches shorter than your wife. I would like to sit on the bed and be able to [among other things] comfortably take off or put on my shoes. So I do need to think about the implications of the seat height. Sitting the an actual Egg Camper would help.

What I do like about the Egg Camper is it is wider than the Casita/Scamp. It also appears to be much more insulated and water tight.

The things that worry me:the seat heights, the floor air conditioner (doesn't always reach the sleeper on the inside of the bed). And the smaller fridge. I do need the ice chest for lots of things when on the road.

I would also love it if Jim -- or Casita -- would invest in a mold for a 19 foot trailer, a la the Escape. If they could put the side table up front ... and get a couple of more feet between the back bed and Kitchen/living area ... WOW!

Once again thanks for your input. There simply aren't many people who own these Campers and I need to learn as much as possible.

Jane P.

[Ray N]

And now for something only remotely related to the previous conversations:

Speaking of lack of head room - we just now returned from our local Camping World and they had a T[at]DA trailer in their lot. Even my 5'8" tall wife couldn't stand up straight in it without scraping her head on the ceiling! Also, there was no place to sit except at the dining table, which means you would have to make up the bed every night! I know that the $24000 list price is probably negotiable, but I just don't see it competing very well with the molded fiberglass trailers.

[Ron F]

Hi Jane,

We just got back from a weekend trip down to the Massachusetts coast to meet with a friend who also has an EggCamper. I computed the gas-mileage for the trip as 16.2 mpg with the EggCamper in tow.

Ron

Hi Ron F & Ray N. Thanks for your replies.

One more thing ... I do like the idea of the extra width. But ... how does the extra width and height affect gas milage on your tow vehicle? Do you have a comparison with Casita & Scamp for gas milage?

You continued input is much appreciated.

JMP

[Jane P.]

Hi Jane,

We just got back from a weekend trip down to the Massachusetts coast to meet with a friend who also has an EggCamper. I computed the gas-mileage for the trip as 16.2 mpg with the EggCamper in tow.

Ron

What do you normally get without the EggCamper in tow?

[Ron F]

I haven't measured it in a long time, but I think it's in the range of 22 - 23 mpg.

Ron

What do you normally get without the EggCamper in tow?

[Bruce Thomas]

I haven't measured it in a long time, but I think it's in the range of 22 - 23 mpg.

Ron

where in Mass did you go? I'm from southeastern CT, near the casino's..........bruce

[Bill Robison]

Very Interesting Discussion...

My wife and I picked up our 17' EggCamper a couple weeks ago - so we are yet looking forward to taking it camping.

I would like to add my two or three cents worth to this discussion:

1) Since the EggCamper is still relatively new to the market - the many queries and questions regarding various features are quite understandable.
2) 'All Electric' does seem a bit jarring to most of us who have camped for decades while taking along 20# to 40# of propane. I had to ask Jim Palmer about this myself. Once you consider the added cost for the propane appliances, regulators, lines and safety requirements - while also requiring the camper to have full 120v / 12v capability for our 'conveniences' - it began to make lots of sense (to me) to get an efficient genset (Honda EU2000i) and have the choice between 30 Amp shoreline or remote, dry camping w/ genset ...and still have the options of 12v from the tow vehicle - onboard battery - or future solar support.
3) For those who may not be aware - all generators are not created equal. You may want to research the Honda EU2000i - 2000kw - 46# - set on the EggCamper tongue - on ultra quiet ECO setting it can run the AC or heater (1000w) - ECO is only 51dB (that's nearly 25dB quieter than human speech) - full load is only 56dB - runs 8-10hrs on a gallon of gas - clean sine wave inverter... And you can use it in other situations in case of residential power outage, etc.
4) Others have commented about 'solar ready wiring'. The solar industry already presents us with nearly a hundred choices of panel sizes, types and outputs. It would be nearly impossible for a camper manufacturer to offer all that each of us would consider to be the ' ideal solar package'. The wiring connector location and type would typically be dictated by our choice of solar array. Once you see the simplicity of the EggCamper you will realize how easy it is to run a charge line from your array to the right from lower portion of the EggCamper where all of the electrical center is located (120v / 12v/ 30Amp converter / breakers / fuses and inverter) ...appears to be plenty of room for a larger inverter in that compartment, if determined necessary. Tongue has room for a second on-board battery also.

We are excited to see how all aspects of our EggCamper come together - the designer owner has not created a copy-cat egg style camper. We spent a couple hours with him at his factory and asked him dozens of questions regarding design features, efficiency, etc - he has hand selected appliances which are highly energy efficient, e.g. the A/C is under a seat so it does not increase exterior drag on the roof, draws cool(shaded) air from under the camper, is Energy Star rated and has a remote control; the fridge is a Norcold compressor type so it cools quickly, and only runs when necessary; the water heater is 2.5gal POU (Point Of Use) or on demand type ready in 5-10 minutes, turned off when not needed; the camper shell is insulated with two layers of reflective Mylar on either side of a blanket of plastic bubbles - inside two layers of gel-coat fiberglass.

I could go on, but my goal is not to offend or to become argumentive - only want to help other begin to think outside the 'box' - or 'egg' - as the case may be ;-)

I hope we continue to share each others experiences and needs - that's what makes life fun!

Bill

[Darald & Pat S]

Enjoyed reading the comments about "all electric" and about the EggCamper in particular. Had all of the same concerns. We picked up our EggCamper in May and have towed it over 5000 miles this seasons and spend 29 nights in it. Tows beautifully, no instability whatsoever. About a 6 mpg drop while towing which sounds like everyone else's experience. Except for one night in a Walmart, all camping has been with electric hookup. Whenever we get more serious about dry camping, the plan is to use a propane campstove outside and generator/solar as necessary. It seems that most campers migrate to hookup or non-hookup camping and figuring out which you really are will help figure out if "all electric" works for you.

The open feeling inside was definitely the deciding factor for us to go to the Egg. We felt that we would end up customizing the camper to our own desires over time anyway but space can't be added.

[Ray N]

We just returned from a weekend of camping in our electric EggCamper here in the Florida Panhandle. While there we met a couple who have had a large fifth wheel camper for about five years. They told us they have never filled their propane tanks because they never saw a need for it and didn't want to mess with it! HOWEVER, they did say they were overnighting at the state park instead of a Walmart because the weather was in the 40s, and they wanted to have electricity so they could have heat! Once again, two sides of the coin.

[Bill Robison]

Enjoyed reading the comments about "all electric" and about the EggCamper in particular. Had all of the same concerns. We picked up our EggCamper in May and have towed it over 5000 miles this seasons and spend 29 nights in it. Tows beautifully, no instability whatsoever. About a 6 mpg drop while towing which sounds like everyone else's experience. Except for one night in a Walmart, all camping has been with electric hookup. Whenever we get more serious about dry camping, the plan is to use a propane campstove outside and generator/solar as necessary. It seems that most campers migrate to hookup or non-hookup camping and figuring out which you really are will help figure out if "all electric" works for you.

The open feeling inside was definitely the deciding factor for us to go to the Egg. We felt that we would end up customizing the camper to our own desires over time anyway but space can't be added.

Darald and Pat -

Boy! You can say that again - we love the open space and are already making customizing plans ;-)

I bought a 15w solar panel and controller to experiment with this summer - I like it! I plan to buy a couple more and take an array of two or three along in the EggCamper. The most difficult part of charging batteries seems to be topping them off (80%-100%) and the solar controller seems to be a perfect match for it.

BTW - I'm not sure, but I think your Egg has SIX tail lights? Did you order it that way? Are they all LED? Any hints for DIY'er? I love the look and safety factor!

Would sure love to see more pics of your rig inside and out...

Bill
oceansalive (at) mac.com

[Parker Buckley]

3) For those who may not be aware - all generators are not created equal. You may want to research the Honda EU2000i - 2000kw - 46# - set on the EggCamper tongue - on ultra quiet ECO setting it can run the AC or heater (1000w) - ECO is only 51dB (that's nearly 25dB quieter than human speech) - full load is only 56dB - runs 8-10hrs on a gallon of gas - clean sine wave inverter... And you can use it in other situations in case of residential power outage, etc.

I could go on, but my goal is not to offend or to become argumentive - only want to help other begin to think outside the 'box' - or 'egg' - as the case may be ;-)

I hope we continue to share each others experiences and needs - that's what makes life fun!

Bill

Bill,

I appreciate your comments and your approach to the discussion. I understand your point about the Honda generator. We bought one for dry camping with our Scamp. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point of view) most places have quiet hours from 8 PM to 8 AM, meaning no generator operation. If we all had Hondas or Yamahas, it probably wouldn't matter, but some generators are exceedingly offensive. Anyway, have you thought of any work-arounds if you do want to dry camp in colder weather (Yellowstone in August!) and can't run a generator? Would it be practical to consider a portable catalytic heater? We installed a Wave 3 in our Scamp. While mindful of all the risks, it certainly made for a more comfortable experience in the mountains. I think I could go all electric except for the night-time heating issue. And maybe a portable catalytic heater would do the trick, even it means just warming up the place before bedtime and then turning it off.

Parker

[Bill Robison]

Bill,

I appreciate your comments and your approach to the discussion. I understand your point about the Honda generator. We bought one for dry camping with our Scamp. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point of view) most places have quiet hours from 8 PM to 8 AM, meaning no generator operation. If we all had Hondas or Yamahas, it probably wouldn't matter, but some generators are exceedingly offensive. Anyway, have you thought of any work-arounds if you do want to dry camp in colder weather (Yellowstone in August!) and can't run a generator? Would it be practical to consider a portable catalytic heater? We installed a Wave 3 in our Scamp. While mindful of all the risks, it certainly made for a more comfortable experience in the mountains. I think I could go all electric except for the night-time heating issue. And maybe a portable catalytic heater would do the trick, even it means just warming up the place before bedtime and then turning it off.

Parker

Well Parker, when I was a lad on the farm we didn't have ANY heat for the three bedrooms upstairs so I got used to waking to heavy frost on the windows. All the time I was 'snug as a bug in a rug' - I guess I would put one more blanket on, roll over and get some good shut-eye ;-)

I understand what you are saying - but 'one more blanket' - will be our approach for August or September in Yellowstone-type camping. Heck, we have been in the Hoback Canyon area, Tetons, Yellowstone and Beartooth Range many times just sleeping in our pop-up or van with no heat. We would wake up to frost on the picnic table and frozen water in our coffee cups. First on the agenda was - well quick trot to a little house - second was build a nice cooking fire and stand close as the coffee perked ;-) We like to be toasty warm too, but to wake up with a chill in the air and see those beautiful, snow-capped peaks and have a moose or bear wander through your camp - WOW - ain't nothin' like it! I guess that's worth being a little chilly to me, my wife and kids!

I know I have done a decent job of circumventing your thought - I have to continue trouble shooting how to create heat quietly and safely for longer term cold, like when when we head for Alaska...

Seriously, we have decent sleeping bags - nothin' special - and we bought two camo desert pattern poncho liners (military surplus) fold them in half inside the sleeping bag and we stay toasty warm. After a few weeks of that kind of camping we would probably head toward Mexcan border or Florida panhandle for a few weeks - then it is no longer an issue ;-)

I'll look up the 'Wave 3' - I'm not familiar with it. As far as using a catalytic with petro fuel, even for a short period, doesn't sound like anything but an emergency option for me. Again, not sure if you are aware, but the EggCamper has double-wall construction with Reflectix insulation between. I personnally think that two or three bodies generating about 400BTU each will tend to keep the chill controlled. I was doing some mods in the camper a couple weeks ago when it was in the low 40's - wanted to try the 1000w watt heater with my Honda 2000i so I fired it up! In about 4-5 minutes (literally) the camper was comfy and I shut off the heater. We had several neighbors stop over for a few free tours of the new EggCamper and all of us were unbelievably comfortable with no heater on.

Too be continued...

Bill