Power

[les2476]

Hi guys,

Thank you for all your great info.
I'm getting a 100amp battery and a 90w solar Panel and am wondering how it all works, how long will it last if I'm free camping. Sorry to be so vague I have very little understanding and my van is coming at the end of July..

 

[Xpandafan]

Dont stress, it's just like magic, les2476. Your solar panel will charge your battery nicely during the day and give you enough power for all your 12v stuff (LED lights, TV, charging phones/tablets etc) overnight, even if not bright and sunny all day. I still have very little understanding, and used almost identical set-up on my Flamingo OB and never had an issue. Panel should last as long as you van, a decent battery lasts 5-6 years or more.

 

[Andy & Leesa]

Good onya Les. It will depend on what appliances you try to run. Just make sure you have power and your fuse hasn't tripped out (se above)
Andy

 

[les2476]

Dont stress, it's just like magic, les2476. Your solar panel will charge your battery nicely during the day and give you enough power for all your 12v stuff (LED lights, TV, charging phones/tablets etc) overnight, even if not bright and sunny all day. I still have very little understanding, and used almost identical set-up on my Flamingo OB and never had an issue. Panel should last as long as you van, a decent battery lasts 5-6 years or more.

Thanks Expanda, I'm just itching to get going, we are going to go to Wombian caves for our first trip and then down to the sapphire coast and to the Great Ocean Road in December.

 

[les2476]

Good onya Les. It will depend on what appliances you try to run. Just make sure you have power and your fuse hasn't tripped out (se above)
Andy[/quote
thank you.

How would you trip a fuse, by overloading?

 

[relgate]

Thanks Expanda, I'm just itching to get going, we are going to go to Wombian caves for our first trip and then down to the sapphire coast and to the Great Ocean Road in December.

Sounds like some fun times ahead!
I hope you've got some heating worked out for the Wombian caves trip. It should be !!!

I have the same Solar set up and like Xpandafan says, its just like magic. I've tried but never succeeded in flattening the battery. I'm not sure about your set up, but I dont actually use much power when free camping. Fridge, cooking and hot water are all gas, so that only leaves lights, accessories (phones etc) and water pump. The pump can draw a fair bit, but not enought to cause any dramas with the battery.

Good luck with the new van.

 

[les2476]

Sounds like some fun times ahead!
I hope you've got some heating worked out for the Wombian caves trip. It should be !!!

I have the same Solar set up and like Xpandafan says, its just like magic. I've tried but never succeeded in flattening the battery. I'm not sure about your set up, but I dont actually use much power when free camping. Fridge, cooking and hot water are all gas, so that only leaves lights, accessories (phones etc) and water pump. The pump can draw a fair bit, but not enought to cause any dramas with the battery.

Good luck with the new van.

LOL. Yeah I heard its pretty cold. We've actually booked cabins this time round as our van is a few months away. Good to hear about the power lasting, Im just so eager to get out there and see this great country, sit around a fire with the family and enjoy!