How many amp-hours?

cewillis wrote:

Thank you for your input. I think we are going with a 200Ah battery... Now to find the "right" one :)

NRALIFR wrote:
Well,I would probably choose two group 27 or 31 AGM’s, and build a box that can double as a step up into the cab-over bed if possible. Those type batteries will fit in a step/box with a rise (height) that will feel normal to you when you are using the step. 6v golf cart batteries could be used if you want, But they are taller than the group 27 and 31 batteries, so if you made a step box for them, it would probably feel unusually tall to you.

Flooded batteries always need a sealed and vented compartment, but AGM’s aren’t as prone to that as wet cells. Technically, I believe all batteries can vent under the right conditions, but it’s pretty rare for AGM’s. They are more expensive than flooded deep cycle batteries, but if you compare quality flooded deep cycle to quality AGM deep cycle, they aren’t that much more.

:):)

Holy moley, Batman! That is a grand idea! We will need to move the cooler, but that placement below the cabover bed was annoying me anyway. having the battery there as a step is a bleeping GREAT idea!!!!!

srschang wrote:
For our use in the Northern U.S., 2-100 ah lithium batteries and 4-100 watt solar panels is a bit more than what we need. Spent a couple months traveling to Alaska and back last year, and didn't need to plug in the entire trip. We didn't have a generator. The batteries didn't charge from the truck either, as I have that wire disconnected. We did plug in a couple nights at campgrounds to run the a/c when it was too hot for us.

Our typical daily power usage:
- watch tv for 2-3 hours at night
- lights
- water pump for showers and stuff
- electric compressor fridge
- listen to music for an hour or so in the morning
- 3 or 4 cups coffee Keurig on the inverter every morning
- wife dries hair on the inverter every morning

Typically the batteries are at 60 - 70% in the morning before the solar starts charging them back up.

Wow! Alaska is on my To-Do list :) Thank you for all the detail about your panels and useage. Helps me make our decision. I think we might disconnect the truck battery too, if we already haven't. Might as well try it out before a huge trip. (Coffee that I don't have to wait for a boil sounds heavenly! Great info - thank you!!)