Frequently Asked Questions
Information on the Nomadic System and how it works
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The cost of the NS-1 is $75,000. This is a fully featured off-grid ready machine, there is no base model when it comes to the NS-1. Every camper we build is fully outfitted to perform without compromise. This means heated and cooled interior, induction cooktop, hot water, outdoor shower, and so much more. We made sure the Nomadic System is the perfect tool for adventure. Check out the NS-1.
If you love our adventure trailer and are interested in more info, please, Contact Us or email us at info@campworksco.com.
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Our campers are 100% battery powered. Meaning that your system doesn’t rely on propane, natural gas, or diesel. Your stove, heater, water heater, and everything else are all fueled by electricity and can be recharged by the sun.
To give some examples of power usage, we’ll list out a normal 24 hours:
• Refrigerated cooler for 24 hours (720 Wh)
• A/C for 4 hours (425 Wh)
• Water heater for 5 Minutes (600 Wh)
• Stove cooking for 1.5 Hours (1800 Wh)
• Outdoor lights for 5 Hours (180 Wh)
• One iPhone recharge (14 Wh)
• One camera recharge (10 Wh)
Total daily usage: 3749 Wh out of 12000 Wh
The large draws are anything with a heating element (water heater, stove and heater). A fire or charcoal grill can cut down on power usage significantly. Utilizing a passive solar water heater would also save significant power.
With 3749 Wh used, that leaves 69% battery capacity left; that’s a lot of energy used in one day. This is where solar comes in.
Here in Colorado, we get about 5 hours of peak charging sunlight per day. The onboard panel is 240 watts, so when positioned correctly, and at an average charge rate of 200 watts (clouds, panel efficiency), that’s 1000 watts of charge. For fully off-grid trips, the solution requires more solar input. All of our campers have the ability to plug in an extra 1600W of solar capacity. Let's say we had an extra 600 watt panel with us, so after charging for 5 hours at approximately 550w, we'd have 2750 Wh plus 1000 Wh from on-board solar, that’s 3750 Wh, or all the power that was used, fully recharging the battery.
If the full capacity of the extra solar charger is used, plus onboard solar (1600 + 240) 1840W at 1650W charge rate, that would produce 8,250 Wh per day (5 hours peak sunshine).
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We’ve done our best to prepare the NS-1 for all types of camping, but in extreme circumstances planning is key. In freezing temperatures, the battery will have slightly more energy loss when turned off and the camper will consume more power to keep warm. We add a self regulated heater to the water system to keep it operational and heavily insulate the camper on every side (bottom included). Heating is one of the most energy intensive things for fully electric vehicles. Knowing your energy consumption rate and what ability you'll have to recharge (less sunlight in the winter) is going to be key to having a comfortable camping experience.
In summer months, the sun that is heating your camper is charging your camper. This allows you to run A/C to keep yourself cool.
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We build your camper to get you further off-the-grid for longer. Our camper is robust and highly capable. That said, venturing into the backcountry and heading onto the trail is something inherently risky. For many of us, that’s the thrill. Each owner is different, so power consumption will vary. Learning the camper and how far you can push it will be a part of the adventure for many of us.
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If it breaks for any reason, we can fix it. We believe in keeping your camper in tip top shape and offer affordable repairs. Contact Us for repair quotes.
If the damage or failure is a result of our manufacturing, we will make the repairs at no cost.
Our thought is you build to pass the item on to the next generation. We hope our work stands the test of time, and are here to make sure your camper keeps its value, from day one, to year 20.
We will read through your warranty agreement, at the time of sale, and offer an extended warranty through our finance partner.
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LiFePO4 stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate, which is the chemical makeup of battery cells. We chose these specific batteries for a few reasons.
First, is safety. LiFePO4 batteries do not have an issue with thermal runaway, which can happen in extreme cases with other types of Lithium Ion batteries. AGM or Lead Acid can have outgassing as they are used from the electrolyte boiling off. This outgassing is hydrogen, which is flammable, and although this can be vented very safely (almost every car on the road does this) we chose to go with something that didn’t do this. The Mastervolt battery we use also has internal management and safety to prevent damage to themselves or the camper in a worst case scenario.
The next reason is these batteries have a long lifespan, and a high DOD (Depth of Discharge). These batteries cycle at a 80% DOD this means that they can use 80% of the available energy with no major change to lifespan, they can even be used at 100% DOD with a drop in their overall lifespan, but with no immediate damage. Compare this to a Lead Acid which has a recommended DOD of 50% before significant loss of capacity happens. High-end AGMs also have a DOD of 80% but will have outgassing and also have a significant capacity loss at 100% DOD.
Our batteries have a life of over 3500 cycles at 80% DOD before they lose 20% of their capacity and over 2000 cycles at 100% DOD before they lose the same 20% capacity.
The last benefit is weight. An AGM or Gel battery of comparable power weighs over twice as much.