camper trailer

G'day, I would consider mounting a deep cycle battery in the trailer for running lights etc while away from 240v, and connect it through the trailer plug so it recharges from the alternator while you're driving. I'm not sure what circuit would be best for connecting the battery to, but I've run accessories off the sidelight/taillight circuit before now without ill effects. Cheers, Alex.

G'day Jason, I had the same problem prior to a 3 month trip up North. As I have a Chescold 3 way fridge I simply installed a deep cycle battery with plugs throughout the trailer. I found that using it only for lighting and using two twin tube 12 volt fluoros it would last at least three weeks without charging. For charging I would get a powered site every couple of weeks and charge it up with the battery charger I have allready. It was suggested that a wire direct to the live wire of the trailer plug would also do it, but, someone suggested that you could cook the wire if your main battery was a little down on charge and your vehicle tried to start of the auxilary battery in your trailer. It got too complicated for me at that stage so I went KISS (Keep it simple stupid). Good luck.

Inside our camper trailer we have a set of 3 LEDs on the highest point that provide sufficent light inside and use very little power.

There is another set outside near the kitchen, but we use a bushlite fluoro when cooking as it can be hung higher and provides a better light. We turn the fluoro off once the meal is finished and make do with the LEDs

The set of 3 LEDs provides about 30 candlepower (candela) which is not really enough to read by, but sufficient for most things.

If charging a battery from the vehicle it's far more efficient to use heavy cable and a dedicated 50 amp plug to avoid voltage loss. Using the standard trailer plug will not give as much charge as a low loss plug like an Anderson plug.

If you get a deep cycle it's best to charge it up well before a trip rather than relying on the vehicle to charge it. It's still very handy to have it connected to the vehicle but deep cycles also benefit for a slow charge (approx 10 amps) from a 240v charger when possible.

Jason, Rotronics make a Dual Battery unit that can be supplied with a wiring harness for 2nd batteries fitted to trailers and caravans. (from memory the harness makes use of the Anderson plug mentioned earlier) should this method be an option, check out www.rotronics.com.au. cheers,Sam.

Just recently had same sort of delima ,no room for 2nd battery under bonnet,,our solution was have shortend one drawer in storage drawers and 2nd battery in case mounted there, controled charge by Rotronics ,then mounted 3rd battery in case inside trailer, wired to 2nd battery thru ex large 7pin ,[as used on semis] , normal 5 core wire to female socket + 2 heavy gauge +,-, from 2nd bat ,same deal on plug,,voltage drop 1st to 2nd is nil and 2nd to 3rd is 1/10th of a volt,,,,,hope this gives you some ideas you can use,,Axel.

Thanks everyone for responding,
You've all had some good idea's which has given me food for thought.

Regards

Jason

Jason , It is still posible to fit a 2nd battery in your engine bay, usualy 2nd battery in petol GQ is fitted near the firewall ,However like myself in My GQ the LPG converter sits in this location, I have fitted a Battery bracket that suits a diesel ,fits next to your radiator overflow bottle, you only have to relocate your coil assy . which was simple by reversing the bracket the coil sits on. All the best with any of the options you choose to use Regards Craig.