We have finally got our camper up and running now for the fit out. We have a 12v system through the camper and I will need to charge the two 100amp batteries up when off the grid, I am thinking a 1kw genny would be more than enough to do the job, any advice would be appreciated. We have 2 jerry can holders at the front and being old skool I would lean towards the old metal jerry cans but someone said as long as the plastic ones were UV protected they are just as good, any thought and were would I get the better made jerry cans, I have looked at some in camping stores and the quality doesn't seem to be there,
Thanks in advance
martin
-- Edited by Martin_QLD on Sunday 22nd of January 2017 05:13:40 AM
Snippy said
07:49 AM Jan 22, 2017
Martin_QLD wrote:
We have finally got our camper up and running now for the fit out. We have a 12v system through the camper and I will need to charge the two 100amp batteries up when off the grid, I am thinking a 1kw genny would be more than enough to do the job, any advice would be appreciated. We have 2 jerry can holders at the front and being old skool I would lean towards the old metal jerry cans but someone said as long as the plastic ones were UV protected they are just as good, any thought and were would I get the better made jerry cans, I have looked at some in camping stores and the quality doesn't seem to be there,
Thanks in advance
martin
Hi Martin, Have you considered solar?
What you need will depend on what you will be running, e.g. type of fridge, lights etc.
We have 3x 300 watt Kickass panels and 315 AH batteries (3x 105ah)
On the road full time we have never come close to needing a generator, nor the agro that comes with it.
If you are mostly weekender camping with the occasional longer trip, solar is much more efficient and much cheaper.
More information would enable respondents to provide better info.
Hope you find a solution that suits your needs.
-- Edited by Martin_QLD on Sunday 22nd of January 2017 05:13:40 AM
Bagmaker said
10:54 AM Jan 22, 2017
a generator would be the last charging option...........
Dougwe said
12:23 PM Jan 22, 2017
I agree with the Solar set up. I have solar and good batteries and in over 2 years now have not needed the gene once to charge batteries.
As for jerry, well I carry 2x10lt metal for diesel and 2x10lt plastic for unleaded for the gene if I want to run aircon when not on 240v. They are all stored in the tub of the collie. I only carry the diesel when travelling and only have the unleaded if free/alternative camping so only 2 have fuel at any given time.
JeffRae said
02:11 PM Jan 22, 2017
Hello Martin_QLD, a 1kw genny will amply charge your batteries.
We have a couple of the Fuelsafe plastic jerry cans, we would have found them in a camping or auto store, these ones
Use the same as above but hell when I bought mine they were under $20 and I bitched then about the price.
Plain Truth said
02:59 PM Jan 22, 2017
Martin,when you are free camping in overcast wet weather for a week,that 1KW. Genarator last charging option will be most welcome.
Onedodger said
03:01 PM Jan 22, 2017
Get youself a folding 120 watt solar panel that way you can camp in the shade and have the panel in the sun connected to and charging your batteries.
I used this system for years without problems.
Just make sure you set the solar up even when you arrive fully charged as they will then replace any power used in daylight. It is not good to run batteries down before atemting to charge them.
The cost of a solar setup is approximately 300 dollars or less where a good 1kva genny will be double that.
Then there is extra fuel to carry and the list goes on with a genny.
Aus-Kiwi said
03:44 PM Jan 22, 2017
Have you considered wiring up to alternator and charge while driving ? A 200 watt solar on roof with battery reg will do it . Then generator for emergencies . Cloudy days . Just run it for a few hours through the day . They run much better with muffler removed !! Lol
Martin_QLD said
04:04 AM Jan 23, 2017
Thanks everyone for there comments. I do have an Anderson plug which charges while I am driving. The reason I was thinking about the genny option is because I do a lot of fossicking (and high banking) which takes me away from camp usually from before daylight to about lunchtime, I have heard that people have returned to camp to find they no longer own a solar setup as someone else thought it looked better in there camp. I run a 65 litre fridge freezer and I know from past experience it will slowly get on top of the battery, in this case an Ark Pak and I end up chasing my tail trying to keep it fully charged. I now have 2x100ah + the ark pack and will be off the grid for around a week without having access to 240v power to top things up, I do agree that solar would be the best, cleanest and cheaper than a genny just didn't want to be caught. Thanks again to everyone for your input
Aus-Kiwi said
10:13 AM Jan 23, 2017
Fixed solar if you can . Most closed geni's are pretty quiet ., btw I use outboard boat motor fuel tank . Fitted under floor with filler through floor to fill . They have all the venting and safety .
Jaahn said
04:12 PM Jan 23, 2017
Martin,
When I had portable solar panels I made up a stainless cable ~4mm at the marine store with an eye made and crimped on at each end. A bit longer than the electrical cable ++ and then you can lock it to the truck/van and put it through a hole in the panel frames. Stops the casual thieves.
Now I have the panels fixed on top but if I was doing what you do I would take another pair for portable instead of a genny. Or now I just start the motor and charge at 100amps if the batteries get a bit down!
Jaahn
PS panels are a lot cheaper now so the bastards are not so attracted to them as they were before.
-- Edited by Jaahn on Monday 23rd of January 2017 04:14:47 PM
Warren-Pat_01 said
06:22 PM Jan 23, 2017
Unfortunately unattended generators can be "borrowed" too (past Telstra experience). One can only do what is reasonable to protect their equipment from opportunistic thieves. The professionals go in with cable cutters! Did we have so many of these problems before large hardware chains started selling common "house-breaking" equipment (oops, unusual tools)?
Just be wary of discharging storage batteries below 50% capacity (or 12.6v for AGM) - their life will be reduced. The yellow Optima can go much lower but they are very expensive.
Warren
NannyJam said
09:32 PM Jan 23, 2017
Hope you don't mind me jumping in with a newby question but where do you buy solar panels, especially the foldup solar panels/system?
Does it take a Degree in Rocket Science to set them up and connect them?
Thanks!
macka17 said
11:00 PM Jan 23, 2017
Solar AND Genny. Most sensible ones do. It covers all ends of spectrum, Including tools, Microwave, Air cond, Electric frypan. Air Cond. Yea, I know A\C twice and thrice and fourth.
I'm on my third in 50 odd yrs and wouldn't go on any serious trip without it.
Plenty of info on google for Solar.
go the fixed NOT folding and a DECENT regulator
over a cheap one.
with HEAVY wiring. (think of thick, then double it)
OH. Jerry cans.
Boat fuel tanks as said for petrol,
and H\Duty Plastic for diesel.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 23rd of January 2017 11:03:20 PM
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 23rd of January 2017 11:05:22 PM
Snippy said
05:53 AM Jan 24, 2017
NannyJam wrote:
Hope you don't mind me jumping in with a newby question but where do you buy solar panels, especially the foldup solar panels/system?
Does it take a Degree in Rocket Science to set them up and connect them?
Thanks!
Australian Direct, online company. (Just google it)
They sell complete kits, plug and play and will give you advice on what you need.
Jaahn said
08:36 AM Jan 24, 2017
NannyJam wrote:
Hope you don't mind me jumping in with a newby question but where do you buy solar panels, especially the foldup solar panels/system?
Does it take a Degree in Rocket Science to set them up and connect them?
and browse and search there. But for the complete picture I would recommend you first purchase a book, such as published by Collyn Rivers. He has several books on the subject that will cover what you want to know. A small investment to get it right. Or use your local library for free and support it too.
I do not recommend purchasing those folding panels, as you pay three times as much for a poor system !! With a little simple work you can do a better job at less cost.
Cheers Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 24th of January 2017 05:25:34 PM
Hylife said
10:08 PM Jan 24, 2017
Martin_QLD wrote:
We have finally got our camper up and running now for the fit out. We have a 12v system through the camper and I will need to charge the two 100amp batteries up when off the grid, I am thinking a 1kw genny would be more than enough to do the job, any advice would be appreciated. We have 2 jerry can holders at the front and being old skool I would lean towards the old metal jerry cans but someone said as long as the plastic ones were UV protected they are just as good, any thought and were would I get the better made jerry cans, I have looked at some in camping stores and the quality doesn't seem to be there,
Thanks in advance
martin
-- Edited by Martin_QLD on Sunday 22nd of January 2017 05:13:40 AM
So you have a camper (trailer type?).
You really need to say what you are going to draw down on those batteries for. Time, effort, weight, mess, fuel, consumables, cost, reliability, noise, etc make generators an absolute last resort.
Therefore I am assuming you need it for a modern portable compressor fridge (>1amp/hour) and for LED night lighting 1-2 amps per night. Go solar on the roof of your camper. Secure and simple and 300watts will keep those batteries topped up even in southern shade and rain.
blaze said
11:08 PM Jan 24, 2017
7kva diesel genie would fit the bill nicely
CrashHD said
12:13 PM Nov 13, 2022
macka17 wrote:
Solar AND Genny. Most sensible ones do. It covers all ends of spectrum, Including tools, Microwave, Air cond, Electric frypan. Air Cond. Yea, I know A\C twice and thrice and fourth.
I'm on my third in 50 odd yrs and wouldn't go on any serious trip without it.
Plenty of info on google for Solar.
go the fixed NOT folding and a DECENT regulator
over a cheap one.
with HEAVY wiring. (think of thick, then double it)
OH. Jerry cans.
Boat fuel tanks as said for petrol,
and H\Duty Plastic for diesel.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 23rd of January 2017 11:03:20 PM
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 23rd of January 2017 11:05:22 PM
Cheers Macka
Thanks for this. It supports pretty much what folks have been recommending to me as well.
Cheers.
Aussie1 said
12:23 PM Nov 13, 2022
macka17 wrote:
Solar AND Genny. Most sensible ones do. It covers all ends of spectrum, Including tools, Microwave, Air cond, Electric frypan. Air Cond. Yea, I know A\C twice and thrice and fourth.
X2
yobarr said
12:32 PM Nov 13, 2022
Aussie1 wrote:
macka17 wrote:
Solar AND Genny. Most sensible ones do. It covers all ends of spectrum, Including tools, Microwave, Air cond, Electric frypan. Air Cond. Yea, I know A\C twice and thrice and fourth.
X2
This thread us iver 5 years old. Why bother with a generator? Do solar PROPERLY. Cheers
Mike Harding said
12:38 PM Nov 13, 2022
yobarr wrote:
This thread us iver 5 years old. Why bother with a generator? Do solar PROPERLY. Cheers
Won't help if you live in the forests of Victoria or Tasmania in winter Yobarr, even your impressive solar setup will run out of steam then.
PS. I once estimated your setup cost around $40,000 - you can buy a lot of generator for that! :)
Cuppa said
12:42 PM Nov 13, 2022
Fixed solar is unlikely to get pinched, & even it it were the solar panels themselves are relatively inexpensive these days. The battery & regulators are the more costly part of the system & can be locked away.
A well thought out solar system is a 'balanced' system. One which will supply sufficient charging input to return your batteries to 'float' every 24 hours (Talking lead acid batteries here not lithium)
To achieve this requires knowledge of what your appliances will use on average, & ensuring sufficient solar input to replace what is used, plus battery capacity to get you through a few days of poor solar weather. Alternator charging (Dc to Dc) gives a great back up, especially if poor solar weather sticks around for longer periods. A bit of a learning curve but well worthwhile.
We have had two travel set ups now, where we have never needed to plug into mains for years & when on the move we do often stay in places for a week or three at a time, out bush. We did buy a Honda EU10i years ago together with mains charger (& if you go the gennie path that is all you need so long as you keep your appliances to those which don't heat or cool) but the only time we used the gennie was when we had to travel for a month or two with a dead alternator in the vehicle. It was useful then, but for the last 5 years our gennie has stayed home.
It's hard to get a gennie quieter than an EU10i, but even with that, when we've used it in the past, we've sighed a sigh of relief every time it was switched off. Not noticeable in busier places, but very noticeable when out in the bush alone. We go bush to enjoy the peace as do many, something to be considered even if you don't mind the noise yourself. When we did use ours, if anyone was in earshot we would always speak to them first before firing it up.
Aussie1 said
06:38 PM Nov 13, 2022
yobarr wrote:
Aussie1 wrote:
macka17 wrote:
Solar AND Genny. Most sensible ones do. It covers all ends of spectrum, Including tools, Microwave, Air cond, Electric frypan. Air Cond. Yea, I know A\C twice and thrice and fourth.
X2
This thread us iver 5 years old. Why bother with a generator? Do solar PROPERLY. Cheers
No bother with a generator in my opinion, well not for us anyway. Our Honda genny is 14 years old and runs like new. I do both solar and generator very PROPERLY, thanks for your input just the same. Cheers
Dougwe said
07:00 PM Nov 13, 2022
My solar is done "properly" but have a generator for back up if needed. I only ever use it at 2.00am as everyone is asleep and won't hear it. I am very thoughtful if my neighbours.
Southern Cruizer said
07:31 PM Nov 13, 2022
Dougwe wrote:
My solar is done "properly" but have a generator for back up if needed. I only ever use it at 2.00am as everyone is asleep and won't hear it. I am very thoughtful if my neighbours.
Always considering your neighbours. You are such a kind bloke Doug
Plain Truth said
08:35 PM Nov 13, 2022
We cover all bases,a fixed panel on the roof,a 150 watt lightweight folding panel for the 60 litre Engel combi fridge and a EU 10i if it clouds over for to long.
We have finally got our camper up and running now for the fit out. We have a 12v system through the camper and I will need to charge the two 100amp batteries up when off the grid, I am thinking a 1kw genny would be more than enough to do the job, any advice would be appreciated. We have 2 jerry can holders at the front and being old skool I would lean towards the old metal jerry cans but someone said as long as the plastic ones were UV protected they are just as good, any thought and were would I get the better made jerry cans, I have looked at some in camping stores and the quality doesn't seem to be there,
Thanks in advance
martin
-- Edited by Martin_QLD on Sunday 22nd of January 2017 05:13:40 AM
As for jerry, well I carry 2x10lt metal for diesel and 2x10lt plastic for unleaded for the gene if I want to run aircon when not on 240v. They are all stored in the tub of the collie. I only carry the diesel when travelling and only have the unleaded if free/alternative camping so only 2 have fuel at any given time.
Hello Martin_QLD, a 1kw genny will amply charge your batteries.
We have a couple of the Fuelsafe plastic jerry cans, we would have found them in a camping or auto store, these ones
https://www.autobarn.com.au/fuel-safe-plastic-fuel-can-20l
Martin,when you are free camping in overcast wet weather for a week,that 1KW. Genarator last charging option will be most welcome.
Martin,
When I had portable solar panels I made up a stainless cable ~4mm at the marine store with an eye made and crimped on at each end. A bit longer than the electrical cable ++ and then you can lock it to the truck/van and put it through a hole in the panel frames. Stops the casual thieves.
Now I have the panels fixed on top but if I was doing what you do I would take another pair for portable instead of a genny. Or now I just start the motor and charge at 100amps if the batteries get a bit down!
Jaahn
PS panels are a lot cheaper now so the bastards are not so attracted to them as they were before.
-- Edited by Jaahn on Monday 23rd of January 2017 04:14:47 PM
Just be wary of discharging storage batteries below 50% capacity (or 12.6v for AGM) - their life will be reduced. The yellow Optima can go much lower but they are very expensive.
Warren
Hope you don't mind me jumping in with a newby question but where do you buy solar panels, especially the foldup solar panels/system?
Does it take a Degree in Rocket Science to set them up and connect them?
Thanks!
Solar AND Genny.
Most sensible ones do.
It covers all ends of spectrum,
Including tools, Microwave, Air cond, Electric frypan. Air Cond.
Yea, I know A\C twice and thrice and fourth.
I'm on my third in 50 odd yrs and wouldn't go on any serious trip without it.
Plenty of info on google for Solar.
go the fixed NOT folding and a DECENT regulator
over a cheap one.
with HEAVY wiring. (think of thick, then double it)
OH. Jerry cans.
Boat fuel tanks as said for petrol,
and H\Duty Plastic for diesel.
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 23rd of January 2017 11:03:20 PM
-- Edited by macka17 on Monday 23rd of January 2017 11:05:22 PM
Australian Direct, online company. (Just google it)
They sell complete kits, plug and play and will give you advice on what you need.
Hi NannyJam
You can go to ;Techies' Corner Sub Forum : Solar Power
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 24th of January 2017 05:25:34 PM
So you have a camper (trailer type?).
You really need to say what you are going to draw down on those batteries for. Time, effort, weight, mess, fuel, consumables, cost, reliability, noise, etc make generators an absolute last resort.
Therefore I am assuming you need it for a modern portable compressor fridge (>1amp/hour) and for LED night lighting 1-2 amps per night.
Go solar on the roof of your camper. Secure and simple and 300watts will keep those batteries topped up even in southern shade and rain.
7kva diesel genie would fit the bill nicely
Cheers Macka
Thanks for this. It supports pretty much what folks have been recommending to me as well.
Cheers.
This thread us iver 5 years old. Why bother with a generator? Do solar PROPERLY. Cheers
Won't help if you live in the forests of Victoria or Tasmania in winter Yobarr, even your impressive solar setup will run out of steam then.
PS. I once estimated your setup cost around $40,000 - you can buy a lot of generator for that! :)
A well thought out solar system is a 'balanced' system. One which will supply sufficient charging input to return your batteries to 'float' every 24 hours (Talking lead acid batteries here not lithium)
To achieve this requires knowledge of what your appliances will use on average, & ensuring sufficient solar input to replace what is used, plus battery capacity to get you through a few days of poor solar weather. Alternator charging (Dc to Dc) gives a great back up, especially if poor solar weather sticks around for longer periods. A bit of a learning curve but well worthwhile.
We have had two travel set ups now, where we have never needed to plug into mains for years & when on the move we do often stay in places for a week or three at a time, out bush. We did buy a Honda EU10i years ago together with mains charger (& if you go the gennie path that is all you need so long as you keep your appliances to those which don't heat or cool) but the only time we used the gennie was when we had to travel for a month or two with a dead alternator in the vehicle. It was useful then, but for the last 5 years our gennie has stayed home.
It's hard to get a gennie quieter than an EU10i, but even with that, when we've used it in the past, we've sighed a sigh of relief every time it was switched off. Not noticeable in busier places, but very noticeable when out in the bush alone. We go bush to enjoy the peace as do many, something to be considered even if you don't mind the noise yourself. When we did use ours, if anyone was in earshot we would always speak to them first before firing it up.
No bother with a generator in my opinion, well not for us anyway. Our Honda genny is 14 years old and runs like new. I do both solar and generator very PROPERLY, thanks for your input just the same.
Cheers
Always considering your neighbours. You are such a kind bloke Doug
We cover all bases,a fixed panel on the roof,a 150 watt lightweight folding panel for the 60 litre Engel combi fridge and a EU 10i if it clouds over for to long.
HI Plain Truth,
Out of interest what brand are your lightweight solar panels and what output do you get from them?
Cheers
Tim
-- Edited by TimTim on Sunday 13th of November 2022 08:57:56 PM