about running the refrigerator for days on that mode because it sips that fuel like a fine brandy .
As for cooking , we use a combination of our built-in propane stove and our microwave and portable induction burner when the generator is running .
We also carry quite a bit of canned food and the dehydrated food packets popular with backpackers . They ensure that we always have a backup supply of food that can get us through about a week should a resupply of fresh food suddenly become unavailable . We would carry more shelf-stable food if we could , but we just don ’ t have the shelf space for it . If you have a larger rig , consider stocking it with emergency food supplies and then rotating through them periodically to keep them fresher .
Heating & Cooling
We have a propane furnace in the van . That keeps it plenty toasty as long as it has propane for the flame and power to run the fan . Since we ran the generator to charge the batteries during the day , they had plenty of capacity to run the furnace fan overnight during the Texas winter storm .
During the day , we used the small electric heater that we carried with us since we knew the first few days headed south from Michigan would be in cold climates .
Summer storms can take out electricity , too , so then you ’ re faced with the opposite issue of too much heat . We have a roof-vent fan that can move quite a bit of air through the van while a window or door is open . To help with airflow , we installed a screen package on the van ’ s rear doors so we can leave those open to get plenty of air without bugs infiltrating our living space .
We also carry a small , rechargeable fan . It ’ s not going to cool down the rig , but when you ’ re sitting at a table , it ’ s large enough to keep the air around you moving enough to help you feel more comfortable .
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