We have recently purchase our first caravan but are now thinking about getting battery pack put in. Can anybody let us know how long it can sit unused before going flat eg 3 mths, 6 mths & then how can it be recharged. We should have done it when the van was built but have now decided we need the Eco mover to put the van on the front slab.
Greetings Griswald - Can't give you a technical answer to your question - but I know a lot of people have batteries under the dinette seat, or in the front boot, if you have one.
I am sure someone will come along with wisdom - but you could also post your question in the "Technical" sub forum - lots of knowledge on there!!! Possible the first question they will ask will be - what caravan have you got? and other stuff about the van - ie does it have a front boot. And how are you going to power the batteries, etc.
Good luck - and enjoy your travel, and this forum - read the whole of the sub-forums (or ones that interest you) you will learn heaps!
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Griswald I have recently purchased a camper trolley to move my van about might be worth looking into, as it does not have to be fitted to the van and if you sell the van you can use it on the next. Regarding battery's our first van had the battery fitted under the bed and out current van has them fitted in the front boot.
The trolley is a little out of our price range but it is a good suggestion. I am not really about the location of the battery pack. Thanks for the advice.
We thought of something like that this morning. We spoke of getting portable solar panels & maybe once a month setting them up to make sure it stays charged.
Thanks again for you help with this. Hopefully it won't take us long to learn what is needed & what to do.
Hi, You can get a smart charger that you mount permanently near the battery (AGM deep cycle maintenance free). This maintains a constant trickle charge to the battery. Whenever your van is in storage plug in the charger & leave for as long as you like. Batteries fully charged whenever you need them. Alternately make sure your battery is fully charged then connect a small 20w solar panel. Provided you have full sun most days this should keep your battery charged. Works for our solar fencing. I would prefer the first as this system also works whenever or where ever you plug into 240v power.
Our van has a similar system but have 180w of solar for bush camping. Bill
Hi bill , we had to get new batteries when the trogans packed up (2x250Ah 6v in series) which in my view was a waste of time and never worked well . I bought 2x 12 AGM and a 7 stage Projecter charger and couldn`t be happier.
Stroll into Battery World, and ask them, They can show you all the different types of gear, You may or may not need, They also have the folding solar panels on display,
So you can see it all set up ready to work in their stores,
Hi Guru. We have videos of the camper mover you suggested & does look like it makes things a lot easier. The only thing it doesn't say is how much the mover weighs. Do you know how heavy it is all up.
