generator charging 12V batteries
Going dry camping in two weeks. If I run my generator an hour in the morning and an hour in the late afternoon will that be enough to keep my batteries charged up. Two optima 12V batteries. Frig....
Forum Discussion
funpro wrote:
Thanks for all your advice. We will be out for 10 days, but don't plan on a lot of battery use. Mostly the occasional use of the pump, and lights in the evening.
Don't forget that there's still parasitic draw from the stereo and gas detectors. Also, fridge and water heater draw power. A good solar setup would be an excellent choice, IMO. It's charging all day long. I know that my el cheapo 45w solar charger from Harbor Freight gives me at least 1 extra day on our annual boondocker and we are fairly heavy users. Yes, we could change our usage profile (use water from the extra water jugs instead of the pump, use battery lights, etc.), but why? That's why we have the FW! :-) A 100w panel with a =good= charge controller and a couple good 6v batteries, and you'd be set. Generator use would be minimal.
Lyle
