Post by Admin on Sept 10, 2008 7:19:10 GMT 10
From: Banjo520 (Original Message) Sent: 5/06/2008 8:17 PM
Hi all I have been doing a bit of thinking {yep I know that’s odd}, what has been on my mind is this. With so many members now into Vans and Campertrailers I was wondering what type of power supply you use when away from mains electricity? What is the best battery and size? And the best way of recharging? Cheers James
From: Spudseamus12 Sent: 5/06/2008 8:29 PM
iof you have [plenty of money go solar if ya have little money get a gen set lol
From: White_Eagle653 Sent: 5/06/2008 8:44 PM
generator is the way to go, or gas light, gas cooker, gas heater, gas all, oh yeah, for all that you need plenty of Onions and Baked Beans, lol
From: Sigron2 Sent: 5/06/2008 8:46 PM
Wot Spud said .
From: Banjo520 Sent: 5/06/2008 8:47 PM
I have a system over at the creek, Solar panel 80-watt through a regulator charging a deep cycle batt. I use an inverter for my 240. It has been working well now for over 12 months I reckon it would work on a Van or trailer just as well, but as with every thing the more you pull them around the more chance of them not working. James
From: Crusingguru1 Sent: 5/06/2008 9:00 PM
Jim don't buy a campertrailer they are a pain in the but your
better off with a van like Ron &Spud
From: Banjo520 Sent: 5/06/2008 10:56 PM
Doug mate nar, I not getting a Van or Trailer, just got a new tent! but power is a issue not matter we use. James
From: andy_pippin Sent: 6/06/2008 6:57 AM
As you know, I lived along Reedy Creek for near on 4 years which meant not having mains electricity. I've also spent a further total of about 15 years in the same situation over the years so I'm used to it.
Haven't set it up in the poptop as yet, but the system I was running in the van along the creek is going in after the October Eldorado trip. That comprises a 200 watt deep cycle battery to run an 11 watt fluro light & a car radio, with the battery recharged through a 5 watt solar panel. As the light draws less than 1 amp & the radio only slightly more, I never run out of power, even through winter.
I've always used gas for cooking & refrigeration, & had 2 9kg gas bottles to change over when the one connected ran out, then got it filled next time I went to town within the week. Likewise for winter, I use a gas heater on a 2 kg bottle, with another 2 kg bottle to change over to when the first one runs out.
Of course, through end of spring, winter & early autumn, cooking & heating was handled by open fire wherever I was camped.
From: Bbbungy2 Sent: 6/06/2008 10:01 AM
Hi James.
Reckon you're 80 watt panel and a deep cycle battery is a pretty good general solution to camping power - a caution on deep cycle batteries though is that you must be careful not to discharge them too deeply without the facility to recharge them quickly and float them as your battery plates may become sulphated which is difficult ( not impossible) to correct.That's why a supplementary small engine powered generator is a good idea if you intend spending some time in country.A good quality smart charger/regulator is also necessary with deep cycle batteries which can all add up to a few dollars in total but if you do a lot of camping out and want your creature comforts then it's possibly worth it - if you just want a bit of light at night and a small car fridge then the panel should suffice most of the year(even in Victoria).Similar problems are encountered in yachts - how to keep the beer cold.Very important!
Regards.
Geoff/bbungy2.
From: Hadagrog Sent: 7/06/2008 8:09 AM
I use a small Gen to charge a car Battery, works well. Cheers
From: Banjo520 Sent: 7/06/2008 7:35 PM
Geoff/bbungy2 dose this sound right? While I am away I have setup up a timer which runs a small light for 4 hours a night. The idea been to keep the battery active while I am not using it, instead of just letting it sit. Seems to be working ok but would it help prolong the life of the battery? James
From: Bbbungy2 Sent: 8/06/2008 10:20 AM
Hi James.
Not certain that the light burning for 4 hours would contribute much to longevity of battery life - the type of battery,capacity,level of discharge and ability to recharge quickly and fully without damage to the plates and separators would be the main considerations.
Batteries will self discharge any way - at a rate of about 1%.
Best thing is to regularly charge the battery when stored rather than giving it a kick when you suddenly decide to go bush.
With the correct type of charger you could keep the battery on a regular trickle charge but get some expert advice before keeping deep cycle batteries on constant trickle charge as there's a right and wrong way of doing that.
With my caravan deep cycle battery I also have fitted a "Megapulse"
device between the terminals which seemingly helps keep the battery in better condition,it's now 5 years old and still going strong (They cost about $100.00 and should be available at most specialist battery suppliers).
Regards.
Geoff/bbungy2.
From: AlluvialRic Sent: 8/06/2008 2:55 PM
Here is some links to Megapulse website.
Interesting concept. (I have heard of their rust prevention system before)
I notice they offer a 7 year Warranty
www.megapulse.com.au/
www.megapulse.com.au/commerce/search/index.php3?merchant_id=2420&keywords=&search_type=ANY&custom_store_category=1&by_category=+++GO!++
From: Banjo520 Sent: 8/06/2008 9:04 PM
Thanks guy's I check it out let you know what I find out. James
From: Sigron2 Sent: 8/06/2008 9:32 PM
Have been using one for a few years now , gave me 7 years on the ute battery . Put it on the battery in the van and the plates inside look like new .Have also had one of the rust prevention type and do not have any sign of rust despite living close to the coast and having the occasional flood .
Ron
From: Banjo520 Sent: 8/06/2008 10:05 PM
occasional flood Ron ? dose it ever stop raining up there? James
From: Sigron2 Sent: 8/06/2008 10:08 PM
Not very bl....y often .
From: Banjo520 Sent: 8/06/2008 10:13 PM
James.
From: Bbbungy2 Sent: 9/06/2008 10:36 AM
Hi Ron.
Don't actually know why the Megapulse works but in practice it seemingly does a good job.Your 7 years with battery still in good condition is pretty typical.When I sold a yacht some years ago the two AC Delco batteries fitted were at the 6 year mark and I'm told they were still doing their job at least two years further on.
Must follow up Ric's info' and see what they have to say.
I was first made aware of them by an earthmoving contractor/plant operator who swore by them.
Regards.
Geoff/bbungy2.
Hi all I have been doing a bit of thinking {yep I know that’s odd}, what has been on my mind is this. With so many members now into Vans and Campertrailers I was wondering what type of power supply you use when away from mains electricity? What is the best battery and size? And the best way of recharging? Cheers James
From: Spudseamus12 Sent: 5/06/2008 8:29 PM
iof you have [plenty of money go solar if ya have little money get a gen set lol
From: White_Eagle653 Sent: 5/06/2008 8:44 PM
generator is the way to go, or gas light, gas cooker, gas heater, gas all, oh yeah, for all that you need plenty of Onions and Baked Beans, lol
From: Sigron2 Sent: 5/06/2008 8:46 PM
Wot Spud said .
From: Banjo520 Sent: 5/06/2008 8:47 PM
I have a system over at the creek, Solar panel 80-watt through a regulator charging a deep cycle batt. I use an inverter for my 240. It has been working well now for over 12 months I reckon it would work on a Van or trailer just as well, but as with every thing the more you pull them around the more chance of them not working. James
From: Crusingguru1 Sent: 5/06/2008 9:00 PM
Jim don't buy a campertrailer they are a pain in the but your
better off with a van like Ron &Spud
From: Banjo520 Sent: 5/06/2008 10:56 PM
Doug mate nar, I not getting a Van or Trailer, just got a new tent! but power is a issue not matter we use. James
From: andy_pippin Sent: 6/06/2008 6:57 AM
As you know, I lived along Reedy Creek for near on 4 years which meant not having mains electricity. I've also spent a further total of about 15 years in the same situation over the years so I'm used to it.
Haven't set it up in the poptop as yet, but the system I was running in the van along the creek is going in after the October Eldorado trip. That comprises a 200 watt deep cycle battery to run an 11 watt fluro light & a car radio, with the battery recharged through a 5 watt solar panel. As the light draws less than 1 amp & the radio only slightly more, I never run out of power, even through winter.
I've always used gas for cooking & refrigeration, & had 2 9kg gas bottles to change over when the one connected ran out, then got it filled next time I went to town within the week. Likewise for winter, I use a gas heater on a 2 kg bottle, with another 2 kg bottle to change over to when the first one runs out.
Of course, through end of spring, winter & early autumn, cooking & heating was handled by open fire wherever I was camped.
From: Bbbungy2 Sent: 6/06/2008 10:01 AM
Hi James.
Reckon you're 80 watt panel and a deep cycle battery is a pretty good general solution to camping power - a caution on deep cycle batteries though is that you must be careful not to discharge them too deeply without the facility to recharge them quickly and float them as your battery plates may become sulphated which is difficult ( not impossible) to correct.That's why a supplementary small engine powered generator is a good idea if you intend spending some time in country.A good quality smart charger/regulator is also necessary with deep cycle batteries which can all add up to a few dollars in total but if you do a lot of camping out and want your creature comforts then it's possibly worth it - if you just want a bit of light at night and a small car fridge then the panel should suffice most of the year(even in Victoria).Similar problems are encountered in yachts - how to keep the beer cold.Very important!
Regards.
Geoff/bbungy2.
From: Hadagrog Sent: 7/06/2008 8:09 AM
I use a small Gen to charge a car Battery, works well. Cheers
From: Banjo520 Sent: 7/06/2008 7:35 PM
Geoff/bbungy2 dose this sound right? While I am away I have setup up a timer which runs a small light for 4 hours a night. The idea been to keep the battery active while I am not using it, instead of just letting it sit. Seems to be working ok but would it help prolong the life of the battery? James
From: Bbbungy2 Sent: 8/06/2008 10:20 AM
Hi James.
Not certain that the light burning for 4 hours would contribute much to longevity of battery life - the type of battery,capacity,level of discharge and ability to recharge quickly and fully without damage to the plates and separators would be the main considerations.
Batteries will self discharge any way - at a rate of about 1%.
Best thing is to regularly charge the battery when stored rather than giving it a kick when you suddenly decide to go bush.
With the correct type of charger you could keep the battery on a regular trickle charge but get some expert advice before keeping deep cycle batteries on constant trickle charge as there's a right and wrong way of doing that.
With my caravan deep cycle battery I also have fitted a "Megapulse"
device between the terminals which seemingly helps keep the battery in better condition,it's now 5 years old and still going strong (They cost about $100.00 and should be available at most specialist battery suppliers).
Regards.
Geoff/bbungy2.
From: AlluvialRic Sent: 8/06/2008 2:55 PM
Here is some links to Megapulse website.
Interesting concept. (I have heard of their rust prevention system before)
I notice they offer a 7 year Warranty
www.megapulse.com.au/
www.megapulse.com.au/commerce/search/index.php3?merchant_id=2420&keywords=&search_type=ANY&custom_store_category=1&by_category=+++GO!++
From: Banjo520 Sent: 8/06/2008 9:04 PM
Thanks guy's I check it out let you know what I find out. James
From: Sigron2 Sent: 8/06/2008 9:32 PM
Have been using one for a few years now , gave me 7 years on the ute battery . Put it on the battery in the van and the plates inside look like new .Have also had one of the rust prevention type and do not have any sign of rust despite living close to the coast and having the occasional flood .
Ron
From: Banjo520 Sent: 8/06/2008 10:05 PM
occasional flood Ron ? dose it ever stop raining up there? James
From: Sigron2 Sent: 8/06/2008 10:08 PM
Not very bl....y often .
From: Banjo520 Sent: 8/06/2008 10:13 PM
James.
From: Bbbungy2 Sent: 9/06/2008 10:36 AM
Hi Ron.
Don't actually know why the Megapulse works but in practice it seemingly does a good job.Your 7 years with battery still in good condition is pretty typical.When I sold a yacht some years ago the two AC Delco batteries fitted were at the 6 year mark and I'm told they were still doing their job at least two years further on.
Must follow up Ric's info' and see what they have to say.
I was first made aware of them by an earthmoving contractor/plant operator who swore by them.
Regards.
Geoff/bbungy2.