Believe it or not, DH and I still haven't purchased a new car to replace his old one. Luckily, he's getting a ride to work with a fellow employee - who also has his old car and is going to repair it for himself.
We have settled on getting a Toyota Highlander, either hybrid or regular, or possibly a Toyota Sienna. We've asked different salesmen about putting a second battery in the car and connecting a refrigerator/freezer/microwave to it. Most of them have looked at us like we have two heads.
But...today we talked to a Toyota sales rep in a town that has a huge lake and caters to the boating crowd. This rep had been the service manager for a marina prior to becoming a Toyota salesman. He knew exactly what we were talking about, and was excited about researching the setup. He said people were always asking for similar setups for their boats. He still has contacts in the town and is going to talk to them. Plus, the previous owner of the Toyota dealership is now the owner of a RV/trailer dealership, and he still visits the Toyota dealership frequently. He's going to talk to him about the setup, too, and also about the feasibility of towing with a Highlander. Can you believe our fortune at finding this rep?
He asked if I minded telling him why we wanted such a setup. I told him that I have colitis and I have to be very careful about what I eat. He said he understood because he has a friend with colitis.
We're going back to the dealership on Friday, and he will be talking to his contacts in the meantime. We said we'd be willing to pay someone to set up the system for us. We also said we want the option to tow in case this setup doesn't work well for me.
I can't believe how much my MC condition is dictating the type of vacations I take, but I tell myself that I'm fortunate I have a choice.
I'll let you know what the rep finds out.
Gloria
A Vehicle for Travelling
Moderators: Rosie, JFR, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh, mbeezie
This may or may not be an important consideration, but are you aware that alternators on most foreign cars, (especially Japanese models), are extremely expensive, compared with the alternators on most American makes? You can almost buy an engine for what some of them cost. My concern is that they are designed to fit the demands of a normal automotive system, and will usually last a long, long, time, in that application, with any luck at all, (they are precision machines). The question is, what will happen when a lot of extra demand is imposed on them? (And the appliances that you are considering adding, will indeed impose a huge amount of additional demand on the charging system).
I'm concerned about it's longevity, and long-term performance. If such a "package", (with an oversize alternator, and upgraded, related components), is available as a factory option, then I wouldn't hesitate, but if you place that additional demand on a stock system, I'm afraid that the alternator especially, will have a very short life, (and as I mentioned, repair/replacement is very expensive, in most cases). In addition, the non-standard usage may void the warranty on the charging system, (but I'm just guessing there - it probably depends on the dealership/brand).
When you look at trucks, RVs, etc, (including many/most pickup trucks), such options are readily available, (including an oversize radiator, and fan, (which is necessary, if you are likely to do much towing), and an oversize transmission cooler, engine oil cooler, etc., (IOW, a towing "package"). Also, towing a trailer may require a bigger engine, and oversize brakes, if you're considering a vehicle built for fuel economy, (but those options are sometimes included as part of a "towing package").
This doesn't just apply to cars. I own a Toyota forklift, and I once made the mistake of telling a service manager to send out a mechanic to replace the starter on that forklift.
I won't make that mistake again. 
To add insult to injury, as soon as it was out of warranty, it was worse than the original starter after it headed south. Instead of calling the Toyota forklift service center again, though, I took that sucker off myself, and took it to a local autoelectric repair shop, and they overhauled it for about a fifth of what the Toyota place charged me, and it's still working, years and years later. 
Anyway, you may want to check on the price of a rebuilt alternator, before you make a final choice.
Tex
I'm concerned about it's longevity, and long-term performance. If such a "package", (with an oversize alternator, and upgraded, related components), is available as a factory option, then I wouldn't hesitate, but if you place that additional demand on a stock system, I'm afraid that the alternator especially, will have a very short life, (and as I mentioned, repair/replacement is very expensive, in most cases). In addition, the non-standard usage may void the warranty on the charging system, (but I'm just guessing there - it probably depends on the dealership/brand).
When you look at trucks, RVs, etc, (including many/most pickup trucks), such options are readily available, (including an oversize radiator, and fan, (which is necessary, if you are likely to do much towing), and an oversize transmission cooler, engine oil cooler, etc., (IOW, a towing "package"). Also, towing a trailer may require a bigger engine, and oversize brakes, if you're considering a vehicle built for fuel economy, (but those options are sometimes included as part of a "towing package").
This doesn't just apply to cars. I own a Toyota forklift, and I once made the mistake of telling a service manager to send out a mechanic to replace the starter on that forklift.
I won't make that mistake again. To add insult to injury, as soon as it was out of warranty, it was worse than the original starter after it headed south. Instead of calling the Toyota forklift service center again, though, I took that sucker off myself, and took it to a local autoelectric repair shop, and they overhauled it for about a fifth of what the Toyota place charged me, and it's still working, years and years later. Anyway, you may want to check on the price of a rebuilt alternator, before you make a final choice.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex,
No, I wasn't aware that Japanese alternators were a lot more expensive. I don't understand why. We've been buying American-made cars almost exclusively, so we're not familiar with foreign-made car idiosyncracies. The only non-American car we've ever owned was a VW bug which we bought used 40 years ago. I thought almost all Japanese autos are manufactured in the U.S., but I guess the parts are manufactured in Japan, from what I hear in the news.
We will be buying a car with the V6 Towing Prep Package -- "includes 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water and air cooler, 150-amp alternator and prewired harness." I'm guessing that means that the alternator is upgraded for towing. I have no idea what amps a normal alternator has.
Thanks for pointing this out. I'll bring it to DH's attention.
Gloria
No, I wasn't aware that Japanese alternators were a lot more expensive. I don't understand why. We've been buying American-made cars almost exclusively, so we're not familiar with foreign-made car idiosyncracies. The only non-American car we've ever owned was a VW bug which we bought used 40 years ago. I thought almost all Japanese autos are manufactured in the U.S., but I guess the parts are manufactured in Japan, from what I hear in the news.
We will be buying a car with the V6 Towing Prep Package -- "includes 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water and air cooler, 150-amp alternator and prewired harness." I'm guessing that means that the alternator is upgraded for towing. I have no idea what amps a normal alternator has.
Thanks for pointing this out. I'll bring it to DH's attention.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Gloria,
Those specs sound pretty good - that should work fine for what you want to do. A couple of decades or so ago, cars used to come with 35 to 55 amp alternators as standard equipment, but as electrical usage has increased, over the years, alternators have been steadily upgraded, also, so they're more expensive than they used to be, for just about all makes and models, (simply because of the increased capacity).
With 150 amp capability, you shouldn't have any problems keeping everything charged and working correctly, and part of the reason for the higher cost of the Japanese-designed components, is not because of where they're manufactured, but because of the built-in closer design tolerances and higher reliability. IOW, they're designed to last longer, and perform better, under typical operating conditions. Because of that, with those specs, you should be good to go. That rig should do what you want it to do, and it should do it well, for many years to come.
Tex
Those specs sound pretty good - that should work fine for what you want to do. A couple of decades or so ago, cars used to come with 35 to 55 amp alternators as standard equipment, but as electrical usage has increased, over the years, alternators have been steadily upgraded, also, so they're more expensive than they used to be, for just about all makes and models, (simply because of the increased capacity).
With 150 amp capability, you shouldn't have any problems keeping everything charged and working correctly, and part of the reason for the higher cost of the Japanese-designed components, is not because of where they're manufactured, but because of the built-in closer design tolerances and higher reliability. IOW, they're designed to last longer, and perform better, under typical operating conditions. Because of that, with those specs, you should be good to go. That rig should do what you want it to do, and it should do it well, for many years to come.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thank you for your feedback, Tex. I'm relieved to know that the equipment will be up to the task.
The sales rep is going to check with the marina and camping people to see how large the inverter and isolator need to be. We'll probably be using our plug-in cooler for the refrigerator. The marina should be able to recommend a freezer. Our microwave uses 1,000 watts, which seems a lot for it's small capacity. I told the sales rep that we're not wed to this microwave - we bought it strictly for this purpose and could purchase a different one, if necessary.
Gloria
The sales rep is going to check with the marina and camping people to see how large the inverter and isolator need to be. We'll probably be using our plug-in cooler for the refrigerator. The marina should be able to recommend a freezer. Our microwave uses 1,000 watts, which seems a lot for it's small capacity. I told the sales rep that we're not wed to this microwave - we bought it strictly for this purpose and could purchase a different one, if necessary.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
I don't recall how efficient inverters are, but if they were perfect, 1,000 watts would take 80 amps, at 12.6 volts, or about 74 amps, with the alternator running, so that's certainly easily doable. Since energy conversion is never perfect, (at least not with conventional equipment, here on earth), it will obviously take more current than that, but still, it should work OK.
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8330
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Gloria
there are hardly any cars 'made in australia' the parts and the construction occurs overseas, and near all the major sea ports there are huge holding yards of all the new cars unloaded from the shipping vessles, fords, holden (general motors), toyota, mazda, nissan.
some of models are designed for australia, they are just not made here.
there were some issues years ago that the fuel quality is not the same worldwide so the cars were built to specs based on fuel in the country it was built.
i think those issues are fixed now.
there are hardly any cars 'made in australia' the parts and the construction occurs overseas, and near all the major sea ports there are huge holding yards of all the new cars unloaded from the shipping vessles, fords, holden (general motors), toyota, mazda, nissan.
some of models are designed for australia, they are just not made here.
there were some issues years ago that the fuel quality is not the same worldwide so the cars were built to specs based on fuel in the country it was built.
i think those issues are fixed now.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Hi Gloria,
To go with our Waeco fridge, we are getting a special power pack like this one:
http://www.waeco.com.au/products4.asp?i ... bCatId2=71
We borrowed one of these from a friend the other weekend and it worked a treat. Basically, you charge it up at home using normal power (240V here, 120V in the US). When you are driving you can plug it into the cigarette lighter or other 12V power source to keep the fridge powered. When you stop, you use the power pack to continue to run the fridge. One like this will give up to 2 days use out of our size fridge depending on how low the temperature is set and the outside temperature (our fridge can be set from below freezing up to warmer than a normal fridge depending on what you need). If you run low on charge you put it in the car and go for a drive. Or find a power point.
You can get bigger ones than these as well. DH has been talking about one that will last for 4 days - but it has a price tag to match.
BTW, I have no trouble picking up my (quite bulky) fridge when it is empty, but once it is full DH finds it takes a bit of muscle to put it in and out of the car. That is fully stocked with wine, beer, milk, OJ, food etc so no wonder it weighs.
Also BTW, I know you have been talking about a microwave. You might find it tricky to power one of those and they take up a lot of space. Around here you can get a little single burner butane gas stove in a carry pack for $15 and a four pack of gas for a similar price. Try a hardware or camping store if Walmart don't have them. Takes up almost no space. Just watch the location of smoke detectors if you use in a hotel room.
http://www.gasmate.com.au/SCats.asp?SCa ... 55&CatID=4
Lyn
To go with our Waeco fridge, we are getting a special power pack like this one:
http://www.waeco.com.au/products4.asp?i ... bCatId2=71
We borrowed one of these from a friend the other weekend and it worked a treat. Basically, you charge it up at home using normal power (240V here, 120V in the US). When you are driving you can plug it into the cigarette lighter or other 12V power source to keep the fridge powered. When you stop, you use the power pack to continue to run the fridge. One like this will give up to 2 days use out of our size fridge depending on how low the temperature is set and the outside temperature (our fridge can be set from below freezing up to warmer than a normal fridge depending on what you need). If you run low on charge you put it in the car and go for a drive. Or find a power point.
You can get bigger ones than these as well. DH has been talking about one that will last for 4 days - but it has a price tag to match.
BTW, I have no trouble picking up my (quite bulky) fridge when it is empty, but once it is full DH finds it takes a bit of muscle to put it in and out of the car. That is fully stocked with wine, beer, milk, OJ, food etc so no wonder it weighs.
Also BTW, I know you have been talking about a microwave. You might find it tricky to power one of those and they take up a lot of space. Around here you can get a little single burner butane gas stove in a carry pack for $15 and a four pack of gas for a similar price. Try a hardware or camping store if Walmart don't have them. Takes up almost no space. Just watch the location of smoke detectors if you use in a hotel room.
http://www.gasmate.com.au/SCats.asp?SCa ... 55&CatID=4
Lyn
Thank you for the information, Lyn. I've forwarded it to my husband. I have a couple of burner plates that I'll bring along for cooking in a hotel room. The microwave would be used to heat my lunch on the road. I'm hopeful that we'll be able to create a setup similar to Joe's where we can use the microwave in the car.
Our big decision right now is whether to get a car with a decent towing capability. Neither of us wants to tow, but I don't want to leave myself with no options if this setup of having a "kitchen in the car" doesn't work out.
Gloria
Our big decision right now is whether to get a car with a decent towing capability. Neither of us wants to tow, but I don't want to leave myself with no options if this setup of having a "kitchen in the car" doesn't work out.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Well, we bought a Toyota Sienna with a tow package. We're picking it up tomorrow. DH is going to be driving a mini van after all. 
We went with the van because it had more storage in the back, and with all of my cooking equipment, I'll need the space. The sales rep took the vehicle to the RV shop this week and they said they would be able to set up what we need. If we put a second battery in the vehicle, they think we could install it between the second row seats and vent it through the floor. I'd rather have a sealed battery that I could remove when I'm not travelling. It sounds like that's what Joe set up.
This is the equipment that I expect to operate as we travel: thermoelectric cooler, two-way freezer/refrigerator, microwave and maybe a crock pot. The cooler and freezer can run off the car battery, but the microwave and crock pot would need a second battery with an inverter. I use a microwave for almost all of my meals.
My son-in-law won a propane stove/oven at a fly-fishing Expo this year. DD says we can have it because they already have one. I can't decide if I should have her ship it to us. I love the idea of having one, but I'm not sure I'd use it when we travel. I guess we could operate it when we stop to eat.
We need to talk to the RV shop to see what options we have. I will let you know what he says.
Gloria
We went with the van because it had more storage in the back, and with all of my cooking equipment, I'll need the space. The sales rep took the vehicle to the RV shop this week and they said they would be able to set up what we need. If we put a second battery in the vehicle, they think we could install it between the second row seats and vent it through the floor. I'd rather have a sealed battery that I could remove when I'm not travelling. It sounds like that's what Joe set up.
This is the equipment that I expect to operate as we travel: thermoelectric cooler, two-way freezer/refrigerator, microwave and maybe a crock pot. The cooler and freezer can run off the car battery, but the microwave and crock pot would need a second battery with an inverter. I use a microwave for almost all of my meals.
My son-in-law won a propane stove/oven at a fly-fishing Expo this year. DD says we can have it because they already have one. I can't decide if I should have her ship it to us. I love the idea of having one, but I'm not sure I'd use it when we travel. I guess we could operate it when we stop to eat.
We need to talk to the RV shop to see what options we have. I will let you know what he says.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
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MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Great for both of you and congratulations! Happy travels and keep us posted on how everything works out. Been there and done that but in a past life and Frank is just a real hotel and restaurant guy. Oh well - one of his quirks I have learned to live with.
Love, Maggie
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
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irisheyes13
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 212
- Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:46 pm
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Congrats on the new ride Gloria. It sounds like you both are ready for lots of traveling and are not letting this MC monkey hold you back. Keep us posted on your itinerary...and your traveling menu. I love how innovative you are in the kitchen despite your limitations. I'm sure you will come up with lots of safe and tasty meals while seeing the world!
Kelly
Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things~ Joe Paterno
Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things~ Joe Paterno
Yesterday I tested my low-voltage (75 watt) crock pot at home and in the car. It's a one-quart size and is basically good for warming, not cooking. But I usually cook everything ahead of time, freeze it, and reheat in the microwave, so I only need a warmer.
I was eating my lamb tortilla lunch yesterday, so I put the lamb pieces in a rigid plastic container into the crock pot plugged into my kitchen outlet and it warmed the lamb nicely after about 45 minutes.
Next test was plugging it into the 100 watt outlet in the van. It heated quickly after just a few minutes and the car kept running without a blip. I think this crock pot will work to heat my lunches, which presently consist of lamb or pork with tortillas, soup or a turkey sandwich.
We'll need to find a motel by dinnertime so I can cook my vegetables in a microwave.
I'll have to do a final test to determine if the 150 amp alternator can handle the thermoelectric cooler, AC/DC freezer and crock pot all at once. DH says if we don't start them all at the same time, he thinks it will work. We need to talk to the technician at the RV first to see what he says.
I'm ready to take a road trip! The van also has a built-in GPS system, which makes travelling even easier.
Gloria
I was eating my lamb tortilla lunch yesterday, so I put the lamb pieces in a rigid plastic container into the crock pot plugged into my kitchen outlet and it warmed the lamb nicely after about 45 minutes.
Next test was plugging it into the 100 watt outlet in the van. It heated quickly after just a few minutes and the car kept running without a blip. I think this crock pot will work to heat my lunches, which presently consist of lamb or pork with tortillas, soup or a turkey sandwich.
We'll need to find a motel by dinnertime so I can cook my vegetables in a microwave.
I'll have to do a final test to determine if the 150 amp alternator can handle the thermoelectric cooler, AC/DC freezer and crock pot all at once. DH says if we don't start them all at the same time, he thinks it will work. We need to talk to the technician at the RV first to see what he says.
I'm ready to take a road trip! The van also has a built-in GPS system, which makes travelling even easier.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.