Camping off-grid & batteries/propane/solar
A few of you are aware that I am picking up a Lance 1575 this weekend. I will, at time, camp in places where I will basically be off the grid in the sense that there will be no hookups. The dealer c...
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You might be able to save all that labor.
Look at Lifeline batteries. They offer 12v deep cycle in AGM. Compare the amp rate of them to using 2 , 6v's. I'll bet they are close.
I use 2 good hybrid agm grp 31 ( Deka Intimidator ) batts in 12v.
Mount one outside on the rack and one inside, keeping them separate.
AGM batts can be used/mounted inside the camper. They don't off gas like a wet cell does.
Dealers install them inside truck campers and can even stand them on end to make them fit into a cabinet, they do not leak. Read the truck camper section for info.
I use one grp 31 agm, outside on my trailer tongue OEM rack and the other AGM sits below my dinette on the floor. I have that battery dedicated to my PSW inverter that powers only the tv/dvd/SAT dish. I charge that battery every 2 days for a couple of hours on a separate smart charger. The TT converter charges the other one which is used for LED lights,water pump,furnace (if needed).
**i installed toggle switches on the tv/radio/detectors combined they draw over one amp sitting idle,not being used. I now use battery powered portable detectors that do not run off 12v.
Use an amp meter to check for draws , some ceiling vent fans draw 12v power while sitting idle. I forget the make, thats why i suggest using a meter to check. No point using up battery power when NOT using the item. 24 hrs in a day, it adds up real fast,depleting your battery.
I got rid of my solar set up because i dry camp in the woods under trees for weeks at a time without moving. Too much shade for solar, the genny is the better option for my use.
Sometimes solar does not pay. It depends on what part of the country you camp in. The arc of the sun only gives optimum sun power for a portion of the day. In the woods under the trees, its less of a portion. For me, the genny was the better bang for the buck.
Look at Lifeline batteries. They offer 12v deep cycle in AGM. Compare the amp rate of them to using 2 , 6v's. I'll bet they are close.
I use 2 good hybrid agm grp 31 ( Deka Intimidator ) batts in 12v.
Mount one outside on the rack and one inside, keeping them separate.
AGM batts can be used/mounted inside the camper. They don't off gas like a wet cell does.
Dealers install them inside truck campers and can even stand them on end to make them fit into a cabinet, they do not leak. Read the truck camper section for info.
I use one grp 31 agm, outside on my trailer tongue OEM rack and the other AGM sits below my dinette on the floor. I have that battery dedicated to my PSW inverter that powers only the tv/dvd/SAT dish. I charge that battery every 2 days for a couple of hours on a separate smart charger. The TT converter charges the other one which is used for LED lights,water pump,furnace (if needed).
**i installed toggle switches on the tv/radio/detectors combined they draw over one amp sitting idle,not being used. I now use battery powered portable detectors that do not run off 12v.
Use an amp meter to check for draws , some ceiling vent fans draw 12v power while sitting idle. I forget the make, thats why i suggest using a meter to check. No point using up battery power when NOT using the item. 24 hrs in a day, it adds up real fast,depleting your battery.
I got rid of my solar set up because i dry camp in the woods under trees for weeks at a time without moving. Too much shade for solar, the genny is the better option for my use.
Sometimes solar does not pay. It depends on what part of the country you camp in. The arc of the sun only gives optimum sun power for a portion of the day. In the woods under the trees, its less of a portion. For me, the genny was the better bang for the buck.
