Advice on deep cycle setup?

[JohnnyGood]

Hello,

I have a Safari van that I've converted into a camper.

I replaced the starting battery with a Duracell Ultra Dual Purpose (Starting/Cycling) Battery that cost $105 (got it at batteries plus).

I'm running a multi-cooker (700 watts) with a 600 watt inverter (yes, I realize that there's a difference, but it seems to work fine (?).

I want to get another deep cycle house battery, as it seems to max out the battery after 5 minutes of use (the inverter starts beeping).

Does anyone have any suggestions on batteries to get, or how to rig this up? I'm a contractor and have some experience with electricity, but I don't understand all the ins and outs of a deep cycle power setup / battery power etc.'

I also want to get a heater installed for minimal use: http://www.my12voltstore.com/DC_Thermal_SA12_2000_12_Volt_Turbo_DC_Heater_p/sa12-2000.htm

Any tips welcome!

L

[JohnnyGood]

Hello All,

Another update - I did find a nice little cabin out in the woods that I'm moving to next week, and may be building out another solar system there or moving this one (or parts of it) to the cabin ...

Yours,

L

[JohnnyGood]

Hello All,

My apologies for not updating this thread in a more timely manner.

Back in May, I used the goop to seal up the battery. See pictures. I didn't do the precise process suggested by Mex - I couldn't seem to get that to work - so I just gooped it on the cracks. That seems to be holding.

Also, I did finally find a regular/permanent place to live (in a house), which has taken the "load" off my battery project etc.

I don't think I'll install the new alternator after all (may sell on ebay), as I think the panels + stock alternator are generating more than enough juice for my now occasional load.

I still haven't installed the fuse or charging solenoid ... these are on my extended to-do list, along with finishing the solar rack (it's up fine, but could use some modifications).

THANK YOU for all the help. I do hope to have this completely finished, and will plan to send you pics when done.

Thank you for helping me learn a lot and live like a king in my old glory days! I certainly plan to use the van as a camper for trips in the future, and use the charging system to charge my tools, etc.

Yours,

L

[JohnnyGood]

MrWizard wrote:
It's the resistance of the heating coil

Yes - that makes complete sense - thank you. I don't think there's a good swap available, as the leak is tied in with the coil.

What does using the 24 volt with a 12 volt system do? I'm imagining it might be quite inefficient?

Because it does work, although it does take quite a while.

Thanks.

L

[MrWizard]

It's the resistance of the heating coil

[JohnnyGood]

Hello All,

This is an issue that's somewhat related to this project.

I ordered a water heater that turned out to be the wrong voltage (24 volts). I tried it, not knowing it was the wrong volts, and it did heat the water, but it took forever.

So, I ordered another one at the right voltage. However, this second one started leaking.

So, I have a 24 volt that doesn't leak and a 12 volt that leaks. I did get a refund for the leaky one (Chinese company didn't want me to send it back).

Is there a way to swap parts on the 2 somewhat easily? What makes the 24 volt one 24 - is it in the plug, or in the resistor/coil within the casing itself?

Thanks!

L

[JohnnyGood]

pianotuna wrote:
JohnnyGood,

Don't fix what isn't broken!

JohnnyGood wrote:
The battery seems to be handling the loads I'm giving it fine. I'm happy to have the solar charging it daily.

Hi Don,

Just saw this (I seem to have problems with getting notifications).

I appreciate it. Yes - gotcha - I'm taking a middle road between fixing and leaving it alone - I will update y'all soon. Now that everything's working, it's been much harder to "find the time" to get everything finished.

However, I WILL finish this project. 🙂

L

[pianotuna]

JohnnyGood,

Don't fix what isn't broken!

JohnnyGood wrote:
The battery seems to be handling the loads I'm giving it fine. I'm happy to have the solar charging it daily.

[JohnnyGood]

Hi All,

I called lifeline yesterday and spoke with Justin. Excellent 8 minute conversation.

He said he thinks it's fine to re-seal the two side flaps with some kind of adhesive around the seam etc.

He said that the flaps were popped up a little because the heat deformed the plastic casing, which makes sense based on what I see etc.

He also said his best guess of a range of damage to the battery in terms of lost capacity and life was 15-20% min and 50% max (these were wild estimates - I had to push him a little to get him to put numbers to it).

Lastly, he said they'd be happy to test it. It's not really on the way to anything for me - we'll see what the future holds.

The battery seems to be handling the loads I'm giving it fine. I'm happy to have the solar charging it daily.

More maintenance and updates coming soon. Thanks Mex, John, Don, and everyone else for all your help.

Yours,

L

[JohnnyGood]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
It's a frustrating site error message seen after trying to post.

Gotcha - thanks. So, you're in danger of getting blacklisted/kicked out?

[JohnnyGood]

landyacht318 wrote:
Do I see stranded wire crushed under the bolt on the terminal?

If so it is unacceptable, even if just temporary

My apologies - I responded too quick. No - this is not a bare wire. I do have it on a terminal connector.

I'm still curious - what's unacceptable about a bare wire under a bolt? I'm sure there's a obvious reason. (I did have this setup before I got my new inverter)

Thanks,

L

[MEXICOWANDERER]

It's a frustrating site error message seen after trying to post.

[JohnnyGood]

Thanks Don and Mex. I appreciate it. I will give it a whirl and keep you posted.

L

PS Mex - what's this "If I get another INVALID FORUM OR TOPIC PASSED IN MESSAGE I'll have to stop posting"? I tried to look this up in help and couldn't find an explanation ...

[landyacht318]

Do I see stranded wire crushed under the bolt on the terminal?

If so it is unacceptable, even if just temporary

[MEXICOWANDERER]

• Once sealing wax pops because of high temperature the game is over
• If the cap sproings up with a thread of Goop use a 2nd or a 3rd. Those caps have to stay closed.

If I get another INVALID FORUM OR TOPIC PASSED IN MESSAGE I'll have to stop posting 😞