camper trailer
Submitted: Tuesday, May 28, 2002 at 00:00
ThreadID:
1216
Views:
2367
Replies:
7
FollowUps:
3
This Thread has been Archived
Jason
Hi Guy and Gals,
Just finished modifying a 6*4 camper trailer with kitchen, water storage and gas bottle holders, have also extended the draw bar for a tool box and jerry can holders and boat rack above, but have come to a bit of a dilema on which way to go with lighting, and battery support. Plan to stay at some caravan parks but also intend on going bush were no 240v is available, has anyone got any suggestions or ideas.
Probably going solo for a week at a time in some
places.
Towing vehicle is a Nissan Patrol GQ short wheel base on gas so have limited space in the engine bay for a second battery and space is a valuable asset.
Regards
Jason
Reply By: Nigel - Tuesday, May 28, 2002 at 00:00
Tuesday, May 28, 2002 at 00:00
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.
AnswerID:
3881
Follow Up By: Ray - Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at 00:00
Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at 00:00
Hi,
I like your idea on the LEDs, I've just looked at the highest output LED in a dark room and they are great considering the low current draw. I'll be doing the same as you have for general low light needs and run a 12v fluro for other needs. They will definitely be the new future in lighting.
Ray
FollowupID:
1656
Follow Up By: Axel +karen - Sunday, Jun 09, 2002 at 00:00
Sunday, Jun 09, 2002 at 00:00
Nigel,we love the idea of the LEDs,,can you post some more info as to purchase cost and availability ect,,, axel
FollowupID:
1753
Reply By: Axel +Karen - Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at 00:00
Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at 00:00
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.
AnswerID:
3897