Solar panel recommendations
Thread Starter
|
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 669
From: Sioux Falls Area
So I measured the current draw on the heater. It averaged around 3.5 amps.
worst case scenario is running about 12 hours off the battery during quiet hours, so around 40ah from the battery. The battery is optimistically rated at 176ah. So I’ll be using between 25-50% of the battery reserve every night to keep the camper warm, depending on duty cycle.
what are your thoughts on using the converter and a 10a smart battery charger to charge the battery?
worst case looks like it will take about 4hours to recharge the battery using just the charger. If using both won’t fry that battery, I can probably cut that time down.
it don’t need to be 100% every night either, but I don’t want it going flat over several days of not getting fully recovered.
worst case scenario is running about 12 hours off the battery during quiet hours, so around 40ah from the battery. The battery is optimistically rated at 176ah. So I’ll be using between 25-50% of the battery reserve every night to keep the camper warm, depending on duty cycle.
what are your thoughts on using the converter and a 10a smart battery charger to charge the battery?
worst case looks like it will take about 4hours to recharge the battery using just the charger. If using both won’t fry that battery, I can probably cut that time down.
it don’t need to be 100% every night either, but I don’t want it going flat over several days of not getting fully recovered.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,707
Likes: 12,846
From: Wyoming
Before you hit the real world, draw down the battery and then fire up the generator using both chargers to charge the battery. I doubt you'll get a perfect doubling of amps, but it should be better than one device by itself.
Thread Starter
|
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 669
From: Sioux Falls Area
Not sure I understand.
you are saying to let it draw down at home and then use the genny at home as a test?
I can do that. Just not sure how to draw it down. I guess I could leave lights on or something. Or use the fridge in DC for a while.
any idea how much the fridge draws in DC mode? I’ve got it on propane right now getting the setting dialed in.
you are saying to let it draw down at home and then use the genny at home as a test?
I can do that. Just not sure how to draw it down. I guess I could leave lights on or something. Or use the fridge in DC for a while.
any idea how much the fridge draws in DC mode? I’ve got it on propane right now getting the setting dialed in.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,707
Likes: 12,846
From: Wyoming
Not sure I understand.
you are saying to let it draw down at home and then use the genny at home as a test?
I can do that. Just not sure how to draw it down. I guess I could leave lights on or something. Or use the fridge in DC for a while.
any idea how much the fridge draws in DC mode? I’ve got it on propane right now getting the setting dialed in.
you are saying to let it draw down at home and then use the genny at home as a test?
I can do that. Just not sure how to draw it down. I guess I could leave lights on or something. Or use the fridge in DC for a while.
any idea how much the fridge draws in DC mode? I’ve got it on propane right now getting the setting dialed in.
How are you checking the state of charge of the battery?
Thread Starter
|
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 669
From: Sioux Falls Area
I guess I haven’t put that much thought into it.
i have a standard digital VOM and that’s about it. Other than that, when my charger says it’s full, it must be full.
I don’t really care if it gets 100%, so long as it doesn’t go flat during quiet hours. In fact, I’m not expecting it to ever be 100%, that will take far too long. I’m really happy with “good enough”
I’m treating the battery like a consumable for this trip. If it is complete used up at the end of this 2week adventure, then it has done its job and I’ll be happy.
i have a standard digital VOM and that’s about it. Other than that, when my charger says it’s full, it must be full.
I don’t really care if it gets 100%, so long as it doesn’t go flat during quiet hours. In fact, I’m not expecting it to ever be 100%, that will take far too long. I’m really happy with “good enough”
I’m treating the battery like a consumable for this trip. If it is complete used up at the end of this 2week adventure, then it has done its job and I’ll be happy.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
joe blow
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
15
Jun 26, 2012 12:21 PM
wosborn
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
19
Sep 29, 2002 07:10 AM
