have just purchased this van and very much "newbies". Looking to set up solar, so many ideas, but no practical knowledge. Plan off road camping. If anyone could head us in the right direction much appreciated. Thinking two deep cell batteries and portable panels but no idea of size, configuration etc. also looking to upgrade TV and install small bedside fans - sirococco? The van has a 3 way fridge/freezer. Any thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Jaahn said
08:37 AM May 11, 2021
Hi
A few ideas to start. Look at the threads here where people discuss what they use, and some people have put lists of power usage for their items like fridge, TV, pumps etc.
If you have a three way fridge then you should only use the gas while you are stopped. The 12V power usage is normally too big for running off batteries and is not regulated so continuous high current draw. You should only use 12V while the engine is running and have an automatic cutoff when the engine stops to prevent flat batteries.
Your car alternator is a potential big charger for any house batteries. It will charge the batteries while you drive and can be used for emergency charging in poor weather also. Look at how to achieve that. Modern vehicles with a 'smart' variable voltage alternator will normally require a DC-DC charger to work properly, older types may be easier to setup. Note large connecting cables are needed and probably anderson plugs to connect them between the van and the car.
Without running a fridge on 12V, possibly one good size battery might be Ok. More is better. Portable panels are OK and handy in some circumstances to chase the sun when power is needed. Roof top panels are just easier. Put as many on as you can fit is my suggestion. You need a regulator and should get at least a three stage unit with settings that can be changed to get good life out of the battery. The ones supplied on portable panels are usually poor quality and really should be mounted at the battery to work well. All wiring should be done with generous sized wiring to minimise power wastage on resistance. The small extra cost of better wire is only spent once.
There are some good books by Colyn Rivers available from libraries or for purchase from a lot of places that will give you all the information you need. I have a couple.
https://rvbooks.com.au/collyn-rivers/
Cheers Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 11th of May 2021 08:42:03 AM
Good morning All,
have just purchased this van and very much "newbies". Looking to set up solar, so many ideas, but no practical knowledge. Plan off road camping. If anyone could head us in the right direction much appreciated. Thinking two deep cell batteries and portable panels but no idea of size, configuration etc. also looking to upgrade TV and install small bedside fans - sirococco? The van has a 3 way fridge/freezer. Any thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Hi
A few ideas to start. Look at the threads here where people discuss what they use, and some people have put lists of power usage for their items like fridge, TV, pumps etc.
If you have a three way fridge then you should only use the gas while you are stopped. The 12V power usage is normally too big for running off batteries and is not regulated so continuous high current draw. You should only use 12V while the engine is running and have an automatic cutoff when the engine stops to prevent flat batteries.
Your car alternator is a potential big charger for any house batteries. It will charge the batteries while you drive and can be used for emergency charging in poor weather also. Look at how to achieve that. Modern vehicles with a 'smart' variable voltage alternator will normally require a DC-DC charger to work properly, older types may be easier to setup. Note large connecting cables are needed and probably anderson plugs to connect them between the van and the car.
Without running a fridge on 12V, possibly one good size battery might be Ok. More is better. Portable panels are OK and handy in some circumstances to chase the sun when power is needed. Roof top panels are just easier. Put as many on as you can fit is my suggestion. You need a regulator and should get at least a three stage unit with settings that can be changed to get good life out of the battery. The ones supplied on portable panels are usually poor quality and really should be mounted at the battery to work well. All wiring should be done with generous sized wiring to minimise power wastage on resistance. The small extra cost of better wire is only spent once.
There are some good books by Colyn Rivers available from libraries or for purchase from a lot of places that will give you all the information you need. I have a couple.
https://rvbooks.com.au/collyn-rivers/
Cheers Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Tuesday 11th of May 2021 08:42:03 AM