Electrical Electrical hook up

[Drover]

We aim to please here at this place.........................................................my old Jayco Expanda I was very familar with the wiring in it as I pulled most of it apart now Big Mal is a 22ft Coromal so no Setec, a Projecta charger mounted but rarely used as the 120w (might be 150w) panel on the roof keeps everything charged up and when we are free camping (as we are now ) I plug the portable in to van via an Anderson which is direct to the battery and it gets the battery up to speed quickly, and keep the juice flowing to run an invertor for the laptop and camera batteries to charge up, in emergency I can just fire up the Honda for 240 which is easier actually as I don't have to move the panel around.
I have found the volt meter I fitted inside the van gives me all I need to see what doing, after weeks on the road I know when the panel is in the shade or we have some loss of power.............and my portable does have a better reg than original as sometimes I like to see whats going on, especially when seeing if I'm making more than I'm using.................

I have a reputation ...Don't let @bigcol know or he will want one too.............

 

[Drover]

Hmmmmm, me thinks @Boots in Action you are using a small device with big digit and tapping quote instead of like, lol,lol,.

 

[Boots in Action]

Hi Mike, still finding my way around this site, but starting to go to the right page to reply. Our Penguin was built in July 2013 and was set up with all 12 volt LED lighting inside and out. As we do mostly bush camping to areas where there is no power, we needed to be totally independent. Have been away recently into the Connondale Ranges (inland from the Sunshine Coast QLD) for 8 days and had no problems keeping the power up with the solar panels - just had to keep them moving at times as van was in shade and panels had to be in sun. I am aware of the device that connects between the solar reg and battery and it is good to know what is happening, even though your use is small. However, there will come a day when the sun God is not kind to you over a few days and that is when it is good to be prepared for these events. Being reasonably knowledgeable with 12 volt electrics (most times), I was able to do most of my modifications myself - customize you might say!! One of the things I found out was that my solar regulator had been set up to charge GEL type batteries and not AGM battery which was installed in van originally. After reading regulator booklet, I was able to adjust charging voltage up to 14.7v from 14.1v. This picked up my capacity a fair bit. You might like to check that YOUR solar reg is set for GEL battery - bulk/absorb charge no higher than 14.1 volts and float charge at 13.3 volts. Gel Batteries are more efficient that AGM type but you must make sure that the charging system matches the battery - too dear to stuff up!! Using the SETEC on board charger will be fine with your GEL battery, but if you happen to use an outside "smart" charger, make sure it is set to GEL or do not use it!! I have also installed 2 x 120mm computer fans behind the fridge vents at the side and also have another 3 way fridge running on gas outside. It also has the same fan cooling for greater efficiency. Hence our Penguin is far from standard - all to make my life much easier when out in the bush. We also fitted LED strip lighting at the head of our bed as there was no way we could read otherwise. A 12 volt rechargeable fan and LED tube light is another item. As you can see, we are set up for 12 volt including volt meter (or gas) in most areas. Too easy and very comfortable. Hope you like your Penguin. We saw the 2016 model at the caravan show in Brisbane last year. Happy and safe camping.

 

[Boots in Action]

Hmmmmm, me thinks @Boots in Action you are using a small device with big digit and tapping quote instead of like, lol,lol,.

Yes Drover, you could be correct. Still stumbling from one page to another!! Please be patient with my failures as I mean well. Hopefully I will improve before you kick me out!!

 

[Boots in Action]

Don't worry about @Drover ....he's responsible for many digressions as well.

He can take it on the chin.

Re 12v (just to prove I can keep to a topic). ....our new setup is working brilliantly with two 125 AGMs controlled by Projecta 25 amp charger and Projecta DC to DC for solar. We had the extra Anderson wired directly to the battery but the onboard 120 w panel has kept it all ticking over well. Haven't had to use the portable panel, with its own regulator, at all.

The next few days will be a good test...bucketing rain, no sun at all and an unpowered site. All in the interests of testing it out.

Thanks Dobbie, I need all the help and sympathy I can get and it is very kind of you to put up with me. Looks like you and Drover have known each other on this forum for some time, so I hope both of you are able to continue to be of assistance to me. Nothing is as good as "experience"!! With 2 x 125 AGMs, you should be able to last out a few days unless you are running a heap of inverters etc. Good luck in your test. We are waiting for it to rain here in Brisbane, so send it up here please!!

 

[mikerezny]

We also fitted LED strip lighting at the head of our bed as there was no way we could read otherwise..

Hi,
what a great idea! We have the same problem and haven't yet found anything suitable. There is no room at the bedhead of a Penguin to use any of the more conventional lights.

I will investigate this idea further. How did you run the 12V up to the light?

We think the interior lights are very bright and use quite a bit of power. We fitted a remote controlled inline dimmer and just insert it between the 12V socket and plug for the roof lights. If you are interested here is a link to the thread about it:

http://expandasdownunder.com/threads/dimming-interior-lights.9641/
http://expandasdownunder.com/threads/dimming-interior-lights.9641/
cheers
Mike

 

[Drover]

Ha, ha never get kicked out for trying, just poke along there's all sorts of things hidden away, I find using a laptop or desktop is way better than bluddy touch screens, they drive me nuts, almost as much as @Dobbie , he is always wandering off topic and takes us serious forumites like myself and @bigcol ages to get him back on topic.............................whats the topic ???????
If you want to use naughty words just spell them slightly incorrect then the IT censor wont spot them.


Oh and watch out for @mikerezny he will pick up on the most inocuious post and stir things up.

 

[Boots in Action]

Hi,
what a great idea! We have the same problem and haven't yet found anything suitable. There is no room at the bedhead of a Penguin to use any of the more conventional lights.

I will investigate this idea further. How did you run the 12V up to the light?

We think the interior lights are very bright and use quite a bit of power. We fitted a remote controlled inline dimmer and just insert it between the 12V socket and plug for the roof lights. If you are interested here is a link to the thread about it:

http://expandasdownunder.com/threads/dimming-interior-lights.9641/
cheers
Mike

Hi Mike, you are very fast on the keyboard. Our Penguin has the bed on the left as you enter the van door. The 12 volt connector for the lights is just by the sink in front of entry. Different layout to your 2016 model. Using a double 12 volt adaptor (other for overhead lights), I used a cigarette lighter connector and some light wire to a small switch which I glued (Velcrode) to wall at bed height. From there, ran a continuous LED strip from switch along wall at bed height (small indentation helps protect it) to wall at front of van (draw bar end). Bought 5 metres of White led waterproof strip for about $7.00 on Ebay. Has about 300 LEDs on it!! You can cut it to size at different points which are marked. I think you have a cupboard over your bedhead, so it may be possible to stick it there (adhesive backed). The problem then would be to would be to run the wire which would not get in the way. It will probably be easier to attach it just behind your head on the wall just below the metal plate that the top folds down on. I can take a photo, scan it and send it down to you if you like. Just need to work out how to attach photos. Easy and really good. Do not worry about the amount of power the overhead lights use. They are all LEDs and I am sure you do not have all three on at once. We usually only need one most times and another one when washing up. The one over the bed is seldom used as we use the LED strip light!! Let me know what you think.

 

[Dobbie]

Thanks Dobbie, I need all the help and sympathy I can get and it is very kind of you to put up with me. Looks like you and Drover have known each other on this forum for some time, so I hope both of you are able to continue to be of assistance to me. Nothing is as good as "experience"!! With 2 x 125 AGMs, you should be able to last out a few days unless you are running a heap of inverters etc. Good luck in your test. We are waiting for it to rain here in Brisbane, so send it up here please!!

Hey @Boots in Action ...I guess you're a bush walker with that name?

We do have a habit of experimenting with power and water and I outlined our successful three weeks off grid...totally..with one 100 Deep cycle battery, 150 w of solar and the two 65l water tanks.

No inverters or generator...hate the things.

With the Two 125 AGMs we may never leave the free camp.

Good luck with your fine tuning....it's great fun!

 

[Dean Anderson]

There is always different ways of looking at the battery drama..

Don't discharge your AGM/gel battery too deep because you will reduce the cycles.. and blah blah blah..
Realistically for two adults and two kids a caravan park is going to cost you $40 a night when your woopwoop... A 100A/Hr battery is only about $230....

6 nights free camping and you have paid for a new battery..

So the way I look at it, it's not about the money so much as the camping lifestyle...

If lifestyle/lazy is the issue...........

Get as much solar as possible, and get at least 2x 100A/Hr batteries for a 2A+2C situation. It's better to not have to worry about running out of power.

Throw at least 300W of solar on your caravan roof, and take some portable units for when you park in the shade......

But NEVER NEVER EVER TAKE A GENERATOR.......................................:fencing:UNLESS you need it for your dialysis machine.

Water is almost always the main problem, and that can be solved in the two ways below.

 

[Drover]

Unless you want a generator then its okay, sort of like taking dogs and kids on holidays, some don't like 'em, same with trail bikes and fires.

 

[mikerezny]

Unless you want a generator then its okay, sort of like taking dogs and kids on holidays, some don't like 'em, same with trail bikes and fires.

and .... fishing gear :fencing:

cheers
Mike

 

[Bellbirdweb]

Unless you want a generator then its okay, sort of like taking dogs and kids on holidays, some don't like 'em, same with trail bikes and fires.

I never take a generator, I usually take 2

 

[Dobbie]

Ah well.....to each his own.

re water supply when free camping.....we really needed to fill our tanks last night but forgot, deferred because of rain etc....forgot, really.

then trundled up from wet and even more wet near Coffs today in appalling conditions to Red Rock which didn't have easy water fill options. So....we used a funnel and our 20l water containers and filled the tanks in no time.

I'll try to get a photo tomorrow but I'm happy with the method....rain, lots of it, helps..

Easier than our previous method.....

 

[Dobbie]

There is always different ways of looking at the battery drama..
View attachment 48366

Don't discharge your AGM/gel battery too deep because you will reduce the cycles.. and blah blah blah..
Realistically for two adults and two kids a caravan park is going to cost you $40 a night when your woopwoop... A 100A/Hr battery is only about $230....

6 nights free camping and you have paid for a new battery..

So the way I look at it, it's not about the money so much as the camping lifestyle...

If lifestyle/lazy is the issue...........

Get as much solar as possible, and get at least 2x 100A/Hr batteries for a 2A+2C situation. It's better to not have to worry about running out of power.

Throw at least 300W of solar on your caravan roof, and take some portable units for when you park in the shade......

But NEVER NEVER EVER TAKE A GENERATOR.......................................:fencing:UNLESS you need it for your dialysis machine.

Water is almost always the main problem, and that can be solved in the two ways below.
View attachment 48367View attachment 48368

300w of solar.....why?

You need only about 120 -200 to keep things ticking over, in normal conditions and the extra must be for things you don't really need....maybe I'm wrong but I can't see the need for overkill.

 

[Dean Anderson]

@Dobbie 200W...........Ticking Over??? I wish.............With 240W on an overcast day when your camping in the trees with a 15m 6B&S extension lead so I could keep the panels out of the shadow of gum trees?

Kids with Tablets, and computers that are left on, a TV that is running even if no one is watching it, charging my batteries for the chainsaw, and all the rest of the little drains.......

Maybe I'm going overboard for a nice sunny day. But I want to make the overcast drizzly days more sunny for my family.

240Watt of solar on the roof of the car for my (water) esky (105A/Hr AGM). NEver have to plug it in to 240V.

300Watt on the roof of the van with 2x125A/Hr AGM...

What I do with the portable panels from the present van....I dunno..............will have to see how our usage is.....

All I know is I am going to do everything I can to not take a generator with me...........

 

[bigcol]

I have a reputation ...Don't let @bigcol know or he will want one too.............

oh I have one alright, just not printable in mixed company eh @dagree

I also have to agree with @Drover

Unless you want a generator then its okay, sort of like taking dogs and kids on holidays, some don't like 'em, same with trail bikes and fires.

I dont see a problem with carrying a genny for power if needed

 

[bigcol]

Ha, ha never get kicked out for trying, just poke along there's all sorts of things hidden away, I find using a laptop or desktop is way better than bluddy touch screens, they drive me nuts, almost as much as @Dobbie , he is always wandering off topic and takes us serious forumites like myself and @bigcol ages to get him back on topic.............................whats the topic ???????
If you want to use naughty words just spell them slightly incorrect then the IT censor wont spot them.


Oh and watch out for @mikerezny he will pick up on the most inocuious post and stir things up.

never be afraid to ask any question @Boots in Action
and never be afraid of the thread meanderings of some, sometimes they are far more informative (or entertaining) that the original post

the motto of this forum should be :-
"We Aim to please
but miss frequently"

also, yes, be aware of that @mikerezny he has been known to remind (@Drover ) of something he has typed...........

 

[Dobbie]

@Dobbie 200W...........Ticking Over??? I wish.............With 240W on an overcast day when your camping in the trees with a 15m 6B&S extension lead so I could keep the panels out of the shadow of gum trees?

Kids with Tablets, and computers that are left on, a TV that is running even if no one is watching it, charging my batteries for the chainsaw, and all the rest of the little drains.......

Maybe I'm going overboard for a nice sunny day. But I want to make the overcast drizzly days more sunny for my family.

240Watt of solar on the roof of the car for my (water) esky (105A/Hr AGM). NEver have to plug it in to 240V.

300Watt on the roof of the van with 2x125A/Hr AGM...

What I do with the portable panels from the present van....I dunno..............will have to see how our usage is.....

All I know is I am going to do everything I can to not take a generator with me...........

I must have things totally out of perspective but I really can't understand how or why you need so much solar.
I also sit in caravan parks and wonder when I see vans festooned with multiple panels.

My take on it, after over 20 years of using solar in many camping setups, is that if you have some clear idea of your power needs off grid with a margin for error then an increased margin for days of drizzle, and so no input.....then look at what you're using it for.

Both input and output should be carefully considered. If they don't gel, then adjust...

I can't see the need for a battery powered chainsaw and why leave a 12v tv on if no ones watching?

Maybe I'm thick or slow but isn't camping about keeping things simple, but comfortable and not necessarily replicating all the comforts of home?

Generators have their place but they're not a necessity, as you agree. As said, I just have a thing about the effect on others.

(I can attest to the fact that that the 240 coffee machine is a necessary item when on 240v but the Bellini gas stove model is almost as good.) that's a necessity, imho.

 

[Dean Anderson]

Lets say you can get 7Amps out of a 100W panel (in perfect conditions). My fixed panels are at the wrong angle so lets cut the 7 Amps down to 5 Amps/100W panel. Now take into consideration peak hours of sun per day from the table below..

Not hard to see why you need so much to be confident in supply, especially when you have two compressor fridges (one in the car and one in the van (on top of the absorption fridge).


I don't want a generator, or chainsaw that needs petrol....I don't want to carry fuel cans around with me, or have the noise....

And I don't want to have to park in the heat of the full sun all the time to keep batteries charged to a level where they have an acceptable life span. It's possible to stretch things out....but it is so much simpler if you don't have to..