Scotty I need more power!

Cptnvideo wrote:
I hate to put a damper on your thinking. But more amp hours can help you get thru the night, etc. But those amp hours still need replaced. In other words, generator run time (or some other means like solar) will still be the same.

What? You mean batteries don’t just run forever without getting charged again? Sorry for the sarcasm, but really? You really think I don’t know that?

That's what you said. You said you wanted more amp hours so you only needed to run the generator 2 to 3 hours per day instead of 4 hours.

The more amphrs you use the more recharge time needed Not less recharge time,
I don't see where adding amphrs so the heater can be used is going to reduce generator recharge runtime, 270 amphrs will take longer to recharge than 200 amphrs

msmith1199 wrote:

Well, when I ran the generator four hours a day the batteries last through the night without a problem and still had plenty of power to start the generator the next day. So I guess you’re wrong. I’m hoping to find a way to run the generator 2 or 3 hours a day when dry camping and not have to scrimp on power overnight. I think another 70ah would do it.

I wouldn't say I am wrong. I am trying to understand what you said. so if you barely made it through the night and you don't change anything but adding 70AH to your battery capacity then ya, that first night you will make it through no issues, the second night just barely and by the third you will be in the same boat. What I would suggest in that case is to go ahead and upgrade your battery but also add a 350-to-400-watt solar panel with a mppt controller. This way the solar will add charge all day and you only have to run your genny if needed for AC or an emergency top up. for example, when my 325watt panel is charging at full it is putting 22AH into the battery per hour for a good 4 hours a day then smaller amounts for the morning and evening. I estimate on a good day it can recharge 120 to 160AH and that's being conservative. So, with a 350-watt panel or better yet, two 350-watt panels you may never have to use your genny against 100% . the panels are cheap if you have no issues dropping 2400 on a 270AH battery you could probably do two 350watt panels and a controller for 600US (guessing but I know they are cheaper than here and I can get that panel for about 240 cdn and the controler for 200.00 so I figure it's got to be under 600US) only other cost would be install if you can't do it yourself.

The good thing about this kind of setup is you already have the genny so if you notice it's a cloudy day and your panels aren't preforming quite good enough then start up the genny and add a bit more charge.

Cptnvideo wrote:
That's what you said. You said you wanted more amp hours so you only needed to run the generator 2 to 3 hours per day instead of 4 hours.

Yes, that is exactly what I said. That isn’t what your post said.

StirCrazy wrote:

msmith1199 wrote:

Well, when I ran the generator four hours a day the batteries last through the night without a problem and still had plenty of power to start the generator the next day. So I guess you’re wrong. I’m hoping to find a way to run the generator 2 or 3 hours a day when dry camping and not have to scrimp on power overnight. I think another 70ah would do it.

I wouldn't say I am wrong. I am trying to understand what you said. so if you barely made it through the night and you don't change anything but adding 70AH to your battery capacity then ya, that first night you will make it through no issues, the second night just barely and by the third you will be in the same boat. What I would suggest in that case is to go ahead and upgrade your battery but also add a 350-to-400-watt solar panel with a mppt controller. This way the solar will add charge all day and you only have to run your genny if needed for AC or an emergency top up. for example, when my 325watt panel is charging at full it is putting 22AH into the battery per hour for a good 4 hours a day then smaller amounts for the morning and evening. I estimate on a good day it can recharge 120 to 160AH and that's being conservative. So, with a 350-watt panel or better yet, two 350-watt panels you may never have to use your genny against 100% . the panels are cheap if you have no issues dropping 2400 on a 270AH battery you could probably do two 350watt panels and a controller for 600US (guessing but I know they are cheaper than here and I can get that panel for about 240 cdn and the controler for 200.00 so I figure it's got to be under 600US) only other cost would be install if you can't do it yourself.

The good thing about this kind of setup is you already have the genny so if you notice it's a cloudy day and your panels aren't preforming quite good enough then start up the genny and add a bit more charge.

Yeah, I know all that. I get it. I rarely dry camp for more than three days and it’s usually the third day before I kill the battery. Extra AH will get me through that third day. I’m good there.

:h :S

Then go get the expensive battery…..to be fair I think your only question was what is the expected resale on your used batteries.
And appears your mind was already and still is made up.
None of us GAF how you spend your money, just trying to be helpful. Which is appreciated by some and lost on or blocked by others.
Since you’re determined to be in the “others” category, just stop replying and folks will stop trying to help you. It’s a win win for everyone except your wallet.

The only way to cut generator recharge runtime. While still using the same amphrs of power is to use a bigger charger/converter that can supply more amps up to max amount the batteries can absorb , replacing 200ampHrs with 270Ahrs, might allow you that third night with heat, but it is Not going to shorten your generator runtime, replenishing the planned for battery ,
capacity , replacing what was used the night before, will require the same amount of time. Unless a stronger charge system is used
I'm assuming that you think that with a 70 amphrs increase, you have a buffer where you can run the generator less and not go back to full charge on Day #2 and #3, and still have n enough battery power for heat on night #3,
You have not provided info to show this is possible,
How many amphrs is used overnight, how many amphrs will a 2 hour or 3 hour charge return to the batteries,
Do you have a battery power monitor that will track battery capacity , track power out and back in , show you the "state of charge percentage" , the amphrs remaining in your batteries

That's what I tried to tell him, but my wording wasn't as clear as yours, MrWizard.

Cheaper clones. Will Prowse has a great vid review on Queen & Ampere Time (now Li Time) These are up to 460 at reasonable prices.
Will Prowse review