E3 Camping Association

E3 Camping Association

From RV newbies to camping experts, join the E3 Camping community of likeminded people, ready to have fun and prepared for the next adventure! There is no better way to explore and make amazing memories than traveling by RV! Join a close online community of Camping Enthusiasts and beginners. Follow our E3 Camping co-founders Marc & Trish Leach’s adventures, connect with them in ways only E3 members can. RVing won’t always be easy, but you’ll never regret making it happen! With the proper training, you can be prepared and make the road a little smoother. Discover what really works (and doesn't work) on the road based on real world experience and expert insights. Have a blast online with our fun, entertaining and high-quality content. Then head out and apply it all offline.

Episodes

  1. 11/04/2025

    Advanced RV Power: A Deep Dive into Lithium Batteries, Solar, DC Charging, and Inverters

    This instructional audio material provides a comprehensive look at upgrading and managing advanced portable power systems for RVs, focusing on components necessary for dry camping and off-grid travel • Lithium Battery Implementation: Discussion covers the considerations for switching to lithium batteries how to calculate the number of batteries needed using an energy audit based on desired wattage (e.g., running an air conditioner or TV), and the potential high cost of a comprehensive system (ranging from $7,000 to $16,000) • Charging Systems: The material contrasts the limitations of alternators, which do not provide constant voltage with dedicated charging devices. The benefits and technical workings of a DC to DC charger are detailed as a preferred alternative to a Battery Isolation Manager (BIM). The DC to DC charger takes variable alternator voltage and steps it up to the 14.4 volts required for optimal lithium battery charging. Installation considerations, such as running extra cables from the vehicle's battery to support adequate amperage flow, are  • Inverter and Transfer Switch Technology: The function of inverters in converting 12 volts to 120 volts is explored Modern inverters feature sophisticated functions like the pass-through function, which automatically switches from shore power to battery power in a fraction of a second when the 120-volt source fails, and the hybrid function, which can supplement limited 15-amp shore power with battery charge to run high-draw appliances like an air conditioner • Solar Power: Solar panels are discussed alongside the necessary component: the solar controller The controller is described as a DC to DC converter that takes high voltage from the panels and steps it down to match the battery voltage (e.g., 12 volts), thereby increasing the available charging amperage (Watts Law) • Practical Tips and Installation: The discussion offers practical advice, including the importance of using a battery maintainer for lead-acid batteries during cold-weather storage  and the management habits required for large systems to prevent accidental battery drain. Listeners are cautioned that investing in RV power can be a "gateway drug" leading to further upgrades, and that aftermarket systems are generally recommended over initial OEM packages due to better scalability and component sizing

    19 min
  2. 04/05/2021

    Kris "Tanto" Paronto

    In this podcast, Trish speaks with Kris "Tanto" on his journey through life, how his experiences taught him perseverance and determination through hard and trying times. Get advice from Tanto about facing change and taking the first step in life. He also gives us his full story, where he was born and raised. Why he decided to join the army and all the curve balls that life threw his way. Hear all the things that had to happen to land him in Benghazi as a military contractor, listen to his funny stories from filming 13 Hours, and how he views the movie. His immense bravery and strength are something to aspire to in day-to-day life. "You won't get the momentum until you take that first step" Kris Paronto - “Tanto” as he is affectionately known in security contracting circles - is a former Army Ranger from 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and private security contractor who has deployed throughout South America, Central America, the Middle East, and North Africa. He also worked with the US Government’s Global Response Staff conducting low profile security in high threat environments throughout the world. Kris was part of the CIA annex security team that responded to the terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, September 11th, 2012, helping to save over 20 lives while fighting off terrorists from the CIA Annex for over 13 hours. Kris’s story along with his brothers in arms from that night is told in the book 13 Hours, written by Mitchell Zuckoff.

    50 min
4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

From RV newbies to camping experts, join the E3 Camping community of likeminded people, ready to have fun and prepared for the next adventure! There is no better way to explore and make amazing memories than traveling by RV! Join a close online community of Camping Enthusiasts and beginners. Follow our E3 Camping co-founders Marc & Trish Leach’s adventures, connect with them in ways only E3 members can. RVing won’t always be easy, but you’ll never regret making it happen! With the proper training, you can be prepared and make the road a little smoother. Discover what really works (and doesn't work) on the road based on real world experience and expert insights. Have a blast online with our fun, entertaining and high-quality content. Then head out and apply it all offline.