Outfitting the Ute for Bush Camping - Newbies to the Forum

neridas · Newbie

Outfitting the Ute for Bush Camping - Newbies to the Forum

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang neridas, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I haven't heard what you say but will sit back and see the responce you get form those that know.

Running a gas fridge, gas stove and gas hot water, I get 13 days out of a 9kg bottle. This will lessen if I use my gas heater on a regular basis. Having said that though, I don't intend to be around the cold weather that much.

neridas · Newbie

Thanks Doug, thats an indication. Better than the specs

chopit · Senior Member

We regularly get 4 weeks of fridge ( and the occasional meal cooked ) out of a 9kg bottle.
We carry a spare 9kg bottle & mostly cook outside on gas from a 4.5 kg bottle.
The fridge is a 90 ltr. Electrolux upright. ( 36 years old & working a treat )

Bent Axle Bob · Senior Member

A not so effective regulator is better than no regulator at all. After 2 trips around australia with roof mounted panels (2), 3 months parked up in Yeppoon and the same in SA during the summer, I had no problems with panels or batteries. Panel efficiency does reduce with higher temps but I had no problems with my power requirements. Ensure your cabling is sufficiently heavy and yes, keep your regulator as close to your battery(s) as you can. Remember, your regulator is the heart of your system, so choose wisely. Happy camping!!!!

-- Edited by Bent Axle Bob on Tuesday 14th of April 2015 06:00:04 PM

-- Edited by Bent Axle Bob on Tuesday 14th of April 2015 06:37:13 PM

Brenda and Alan · Guru

Neridas it is the panels that reduce in efficiency with temp but not radically. A regulator is always required to control the charging of the battery and to protect from overcharging.

Baz421 · Guru

Hi lived in the top end for over 20 years and camped with a Chescold (same as yours) and on gas 100% of the time it averaged 1lb of gas (in those days) per day used as fridge and usage varied very little in wet and dry seasons. we sued to freeze things and put them on the bottom and as we needed to thaw out meat moved to the top. On really hot days we used to cover the fridge with wheat bags (NOT THE GAS FLUE THOUGH OR YOU WILL HAVE A FIRE) held down with house bricks - it all helps, plus leave in the shade and not in back of ute..

Yes regulator required and solar most efficient around 22-24 deg C (someone will give you exact). I have 180W panel that feeds a standard Century N70ZZ which is an engine starting battery BUT I need this for winch if required rather than a deep cycle battery. This solar panel/battery powers a Waeco 50 L fridge OK.

Regulator can be near panel or near battery BUT cable must not allow voltage drop. See these links:

http://www.lets-getaway.com/battery-charging.htm

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/amps-wire-gauge-d_730.html

Hope this helps Good luck

Cheers Baz

-- Edited by Baz421 on Tuesday 14th of April 2015 10:46:10 PM

Jaahn · Guru

neridas wrote:
Hi All, we are about to take off bush camping as much as possible. We currently live in the NT and a lot of our travel initially will be across the top. Can anyone clarify some information regarding Solar Panels.
I have heard you need a regulator attached close to the battery, to achieve maximum effectiveness. Then I read that in the higher temperatures that a regulator is no use at all as the hotter the panel gets the less the regulator is effective.
Please, can anyone clarify this for me?
Also with a 2 way fridge, 50 litre Dometic, if I am using it as a holding area, with an Ice Box as my go to fridge during the day, how much gas am I looking at using. The specifications say 9 litres a fortnight but I am sure I have read 1 to 2 litres a fortnight. Has anyone got a similar setup? If not how much gas are you using on your fridge without using an ice box?

Hi neridas,

Get out there and enjoy biggrin

Others have said it too, a regulator is definitely required and best is close to the battery. Good size cables also as has been said. wink

I have an old three way chest fridge, works well ! However it is not so hot down here confuse It uses about 5kg over two weeks plus, when in continuous gas mode. However when driving I put it on the 12volt power and it also works well. But it must be in the ignition switched socket as it draws a bit of current. I replaced the original cord with a heavier longer type (years ago) and that improved it 100%. We also use the 240V if available so the gas goes a long time usually, much more than the two weeks, up to a month . I use a 5kg bottle as it is easier to handle and fits in the space better. I also fitted a longer hose to make it more convenient to move it around. hmm

Jaahn

-- Edited by Jaahn on Wednesday 15th of April 2015 09:12:42 AM

neridas · Newbie

Thanks people for the helpfull info.