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14-04-2021, 07:27 PM | #1021 | ||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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I received my regular Snowy's email today and it includes an episode on 12v systems. Its a bit hard to follow as they use an analogy of rain, water tank and sprinkler to explain power generation, storage and consumption and find themselves flip flopping backwards and forwards between ah's and litres of water but the main points of how to pick the right componants for your particular needs and in what order is sound.
1, Work out consumption, 2, choose a battery which has enough capacity to keep up and 3, choose a panel big enough to fill it asap. More 'in depth' episodes to follow. Worth a listen if you can find it. |
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14-04-2021, 07:35 PM | #1022 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Posts: 3,381
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4wd Super Centre do a series of videos on it too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t6I...F0vAJarFz_fFgs 4wd 24/7 also have some videos on 12v systems, probably more geared towards the 4wd scene, but still plenty of info there too. Doesn't look like they have a playlist for that stuff so you're probably going to have to go and search for their vids on it. E.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRmadnYU-mE Edit: This is probably a better search: https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...4wd+24%2F7+12v
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15-04-2021, 09:50 AM | #1024 | ||
Critical Thinker
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 20,374
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Thanks heaps lads. Some weekend reading I'll do to get myself up to speed with this tech. Appreciate it.
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"the greatest trick the devil pulled, is convincing the world he doesn't exist" 2022 Mazda CX5 GTSP Turbo 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 1967 XR FALCON 500 Cars previously owned: 2021 Subaru Outback Sport 2018 Subaru XV-S 2012 Subaru Forester X 2007 Subaru Liberty GT 2001 AU2 75th Anniversary Futura 2001 Subaru GX wagon 1991 EB XR8 1977 XC Fairmont 1990 EA S Pak 1984 XE S Pak 1982 ZJ Fairlane 1983 XE Fairmont 1989 EA Falcon 1984 Datsun Bluebird Wagon 1975 Honda Civic |
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15-04-2021, 01:53 PM | #1025 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
The principal makes perfect sense, the delivery was lacking. |
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16-04-2021, 10:40 AM | #1026 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Port Lincoln, SA
Posts: 5,134
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Been doing a little reading. Am i right that i cun run solar panels into a smart solar controller and monitor usage/recharge with a BMS and convert 12v to 240v using an inverter?
I have an AGM battery at home, a 100 or 120ha, may need to buy a second, but i need to work out roughly how much power we will be drawing. Ill be converting all lighting to LED's. I will install a TV too. We do plan on installing an AC but that may draw too much power when off grid. was looking at this example as a guide, but the red arc gear is quite expensive.
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cheers Shaun Current SY FPV F6X Territory #214 Previous FG MkII G6E Turbo built by Heinrichs Performance and Tuning BFII FPV TORNADO #0021 351rwkw - Heinrich Performance and Tuning "Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer" - Arnold Schwarzenegger |
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16-04-2021, 10:54 AM | #1027 | |||
The Terrain Tamer
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 36,567
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Quote:
We run two solar panels into a controller and have two 100ah batteries. We run a 12v fridge, tv / dvd , lights (all led) and we have a 12v hot water system. I'll post up some pics tonight.
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16-04-2021, 11:04 AM | #1028 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Port Lincoln, SA
Posts: 5,134
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interested in the hot water system. Does that mean you run 2 taps or a mixer?
Im trying not to go overboard, and could just as happy boil water and add to the sink for dishes and camp shower.
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cheers Shaun Current SY FPV F6X Territory #214 Previous FG MkII G6E Turbo built by Heinrichs Performance and Tuning BFII FPV TORNADO #0021 351rwkw - Heinrich Performance and Tuning "Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer" - Arnold Schwarzenegger |
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16-04-2021, 11:11 AM | #1029 | |||
The Terrain Tamer
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 36,567
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Quote:
We boil water to do the dishes. If I did it over, I would install a gas hot water system.
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Current Ride : A Ford owned D3... |
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16-04-2021, 12:19 PM | #1030 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
Ontop of that, buying everything as individual items, battery box, dc-dc charger, invertor etc. soon adds up which is what was explained to me when i first investigated it and why i went down the Arkpak route as its all included in one easy to move/install package. It has its limitations, one being only a 300w inverter, but that will run smaller 240v items and wont have you killing your $300 battery in the first 10 minutes. For off grid use you really need to work out whats important to use and what you can do without before you start getting big idea's and spending even more only to discover it isnt that easy. Also, just looking at that link you provided, its ok to throw in 2 lithium batteries, a charger, an invertor and 4 panels on the roof but ALL of that reduces your available payload for other items like food, clothing, dinner and cookware, utensils etc. etc. so you need to workout your available weight capacities Last edited by BENT_8; 16-04-2021 at 12:42 PM. |
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16-04-2021, 12:30 PM | #1031 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
I just boil water in our van as im not prepared to start chopping up the walls and interior. I also have a portable gas hot water system for showering and keep it away from the van to avoid making a mess around it. |
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16-04-2021, 12:35 PM | #1032 | ||
Kicking back
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,675
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What about a petrol generator to plug into the shore power van inlet for 240v stuff, and use the 12v for lighting? On site at my old job we would use a portable honda genny to power lights and things like power tools and it was quiet and wouldnt use much fuel over 12 hours of getting worked pretty hard. So you'd only really need to run it when you need 240v. If the stuff like lighting is 12v, the battery can do that, also if say you have an overcast day and a solar setup wont charge the battery, a 240v battery charger could be used.
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16-04-2021, 12:40 PM | #1033 | ||
The Terrain Tamer
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 36,567
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A few pics from our resto.
Solar Panels Solar Controller Hot Water System To Sink To Ensuite Water Tank (80ltrs) 12V Fridge / Freezer And the finished product (well alomost)... It's a pretty basic caravan, but it does the job for us. We won't be travelling around Aus in it, but it's great for a couple of weeks away. We've done a few trips to QLD & VIC and our next trip is planned for the South Coast of NSW.
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16-04-2021, 12:53 PM | #1035 | ||
The Terrain Tamer
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 36,567
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Thanks Mate.
We are happy with it and considering it looked like this when we bought it...
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16-04-2021, 01:49 PM | #1036 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,878
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Quote:
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16-04-2021, 02:01 PM | #1037 | ||
Rob
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Woodcroft S.A.
Posts: 21,658
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On the topic of inverters, I recently looked in to what I'd need to run a small pod machine. Aldi are doing 100ah batteries for $199, and I thought it might be a good opportunity to increase my battery capacity given I've just bought a 110ah. Best to pair batteries when they are both new.
I asked the place I got my battery from and it can be done, even on a single battery. Given the very short run time of a pod machine, the draw on the battery is high but total capacity used is bugger all. I was recommended to run at least a 1600w inverter as close to the battery as possible using good thick cable. (0awg) Now inverters that size aren't cheap but quite a few members on caravanners forum have used cheap ebay ones (around $250 for 2000w continuous pure sine wave) for many years without problems. This is based on the fact that the appliances would be around 1400w or less and used sparingly, once or twice a day. I have 200w solar panel so battery would be replenished comfortably. Not sure if I will go ahead with something like that. It was more out of curiosity as to whether it was possible. Of course everyone's situation is different and it depends what other loads you have on your battery.
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UA2 TREND 4WD BI TURBO |
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16-04-2021, 02:23 PM | #1038 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
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16-04-2021, 02:23 PM | #1039 | ||
The Terrain Tamer
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 36,567
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Prydey, It comes down to usage like you said (a bit like our hot water system). If you use your high current draw appliances in the morning, then the battery / batteries have all day to receive a charge from the solar panels and be topped up for overnight.
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16-04-2021, 02:39 PM | #1040 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
People often mount them on frames and limit the roof holes. Working in a van yard ive seen so many that have eventually leaked through and ruined ceilings. when we were looking for a van we found a nice 1 owner, but whoever had replaced the awning guide on the pop top positioned it too far in and so the tek screws went on the inside of the skirt, didnt penetrate the inside ceiling skin but leaked through and destroyed the pannelling after only 2yrs. |
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16-04-2021, 02:56 PM | #1041 | |||
The Terrain Tamer
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 36,567
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Quote:
We have had it for 3 years now and so far so good, including the recent week long drenching we had in NSW.
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16-04-2021, 03:05 PM | #1042 | ||
Rob
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Woodcroft S.A.
Posts: 21,658
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It was explained to me that while the current draw is high, the drain on the battery for one coffee would be 1-2ah. The size of the cables to the inverter is critical though, given the current load. Hence keeping them short and 4AWG minimum, preferably 0AWG.
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UA2 TREND 4WD BI TURBO |
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16-04-2021, 03:12 PM | #1043 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
Even the silicone used can be critical so im told, the wrong type can cause other problems. That may just be an upsell thing that van repairers claim but not something id gamble with so if i ever go ahead with it i'll be paying their overs for what probably is just normal stuff in a fancy packet. |
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16-04-2021, 04:28 PM | #1044 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Port Lincoln, SA
Posts: 5,134
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Quote:
I'll be sure to keep weight in the back of my mind.
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cheers Shaun Current SY FPV F6X Territory #214 Previous FG MkII G6E Turbo built by Heinrichs Performance and Tuning BFII FPV TORNADO #0021 351rwkw - Heinrich Performance and Tuning "Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer" - Arnold Schwarzenegger |
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16-04-2021, 04:38 PM | #1045 | |||
The Terrain Tamer
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 36,567
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Quote:
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16-04-2021, 04:50 PM | #1046 | |||
Rob
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Woodcroft S.A.
Posts: 21,658
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Quote:
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UA2 TREND 4WD BI TURBO |
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16-04-2021, 07:08 PM | #1047 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
Great for storage but loaded with anything other than our BabyQ stand , awning anti flap kit and hoses/power cord and it seriously effects the way it tows, not to mention what it cuts into payload. I've gradually moved things like the battery permenantly and table, tv, forward of the axle line during transport which has fixed the towing issue and am still in 2 minds whether to ditch the storage box altogether. Only reason i havent yet is it doubles as support for the foldout rear bed base and as were both a bit tubby it has its benefits. Im taking it in for a wheel alignment soon and want to get the springs reset as the door side is 20mm lower so the plan is to discuss an axle weight upgrade. |
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16-04-2021, 07:12 PM | #1048 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
Doesnt happen often but if you knew my luck you'd understand. |
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17-04-2021, 03:51 AM | #1049 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,752
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that is why we run a CO meter in the van, they cost about $60 from Bunnings or Annaconda. If you are running anything gas or diesel in an enlcosed space, even though that it should be exhausting outside, you need to have one
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17-04-2021, 10:41 AM | #1050 | |||
BLUE OVAL INC.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,674
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Quote:
Cheap insurance really. |
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