Another Battery Question plus more
I am new to the forum but not new to camping ?? I just purchased a used 2007 Keystone Outback 27' with two slides. This was an upgrade from our 2006 TrailSport Hybrid that we simply out grew. We ...
Forum Discussion
Anecdotal reference to use can only point out the large draw items so that battery use can be extended. To really nail down what is happening with your 12 V system, measurements is what's needed. I think you know this.
I'd suggest , as others do, if you do a lot of off grid camping, install two 6V golf cart batteries. They will allow you to use your 12V system with more reserve power and are more durable when discharged to a low level. Using any other battery to complete discharge and then charging it up half way or even fully, is a recipe for battery demise. You will also first loose battery capacity before the battery dies. The cheap marine hybrid batteries can't endure many cycles like that before they die.
With the trailer you have, you're always going to be discharging power because of parasitic loads.Even if you pulled all the 12V fuses, there will be some draw on the system. The best cure for that is installing a disconnect switch in the circuit from the battery to the distribution panel. If the emergency break switch is powering the breaks, it will very quickly drain the battery as there is a lot of draw with that. That circuit, however, should not be closed with the disconnect switch. There is usually a separate wire for it so it isn't a problem to have it always powered. The reasoning is that if you forget to enable the disconnect switch before travel, the emergency braking is still enabled.
Solar charging and off grid camping is like peanut butter and jelly. You should do some research and you can post over in the Tech Issues section of the Forum where us sun lovers hang out. I've had solar for three years, operate a 120V fridge and entertainment devices, power all the typical 12 V things and have not used a converter, battery charger or any other besides the solar panel to keep two battery banks charged and ready for use. I only camp off-grid.
Welcome to the Forum and keep posting. Members here can help you with anything RV, and any problems can be sorted. Happy trails!
I'd suggest , as others do, if you do a lot of off grid camping, install two 6V golf cart batteries. They will allow you to use your 12V system with more reserve power and are more durable when discharged to a low level. Using any other battery to complete discharge and then charging it up half way or even fully, is a recipe for battery demise. You will also first loose battery capacity before the battery dies. The cheap marine hybrid batteries can't endure many cycles like that before they die.
With the trailer you have, you're always going to be discharging power because of parasitic loads.Even if you pulled all the 12V fuses, there will be some draw on the system. The best cure for that is installing a disconnect switch in the circuit from the battery to the distribution panel. If the emergency break switch is powering the breaks, it will very quickly drain the battery as there is a lot of draw with that. That circuit, however, should not be closed with the disconnect switch. There is usually a separate wire for it so it isn't a problem to have it always powered. The reasoning is that if you forget to enable the disconnect switch before travel, the emergency braking is still enabled.
Solar charging and off grid camping is like peanut butter and jelly. You should do some research and you can post over in the Tech Issues section of the Forum where us sun lovers hang out. I've had solar for three years, operate a 120V fridge and entertainment devices, power all the typical 12 V things and have not used a converter, battery charger or any other besides the solar panel to keep two battery banks charged and ready for use. I only camp off-grid.
Welcome to the Forum and keep posting. Members here can help you with anything RV, and any problems can be sorted. Happy trails!
