Hi folks, new to the forum and enjoying the read and usefull info. Me and the girl are planning an extended trip this time next year. Linda is taking long service(12 mnths 1/2 pay) and we'll be heading off in the van.
What are the basic power requirements re communication devices etc.
Communications devices.... A mobile phone and a UHF two-way radio is all that is needed unless you're really going "off the beaten track". The UHF is not absolutely essential but very handy and I think most on this forum would have one, they draw very little power when in receive mode (which is almost all the time) so no special power requirements, likewise the mobile, a plug-in (cig lighter socket) charger is all that's needed for this.
re other power requirements.... how long is a piece of string???? very much depends on your travelling needs...
I assume from your post you're talking about a caravan (as distinct from a motorhome/campervan) I assume also it's fitted with a three-way fridge (gas, 12v, 240v)
Do you intend to mainly free-camp or mostly powered sites in caravan parks.
If free camping or bush camping is this likely to be just for a night or two before moving on or do you plan extended stays in the one (unpowered) place.
At this stage I think a jump starter (Repco, Super Cheap, Battery World etc supply these) will be all you'll need. They come with a cig lighter socket as well as the jumper cables so you can plug in your 12v stuff as well as having it as an emergency jump starter.
I do however think that no fridge and relying on eskies and ice to keep food and drinks cold will soon prove to be a pain in the "you know where"
At this stage I think a jump starter (Repco, Super Cheap, Battery World etc supply these) will be all you'll need. They come with a cig lighter socket as well as the jumper cables so you can plug in your 12v stuff as well as having it as an emergency jump starter.
I do however think that no fridge and relying on eskies and ice to keep food and drinks cold will soon prove to be a pain in the "you know where"
Jim
Yeah Jim, not much in the way of charging apart from the fridge issue.
Dave.
-- Edited by eagles on Monday 25th of April 2011 07:05:42 PM
If (when?) you decide on installing a fridge, the power requirements will depend on whether you go for a 3way (gas/240v/12v) "absorbtion" type or a 2 way (240v/12v) Engel/Waeco style "compressor" type.
If the 2 way, you'll need to have a proper dual battery system installed. Motorhomers/campervanners usually refer to this extra battery as the "house" battery.
If the 3 way you'll need to have gas installed (you may already have this), note that regulations will require this to be professionally installed unless it is one of the portable ones. Note also that a 3 way can only be run on gas (or 240v mains if available) when stopped and "in camp". It is illegal (and foolish) to run it on gas while on the move, also running it on 12v other than when the engine is running is a lost cause as they draw too much current.
2 Way (compressor type) fridges are much more efficient but require either 12v or 240v to operate, hence the need for an auxiliary battery although I see many caravanners who mostly only camp at powered sites just relying on plugging into the 240v mains power when in camp.
Jim
(PS: the piece of string is getting longer! )
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 28th of April 2011 06:23:43 AM
very much depends on your travelling needs...
