other battery options
Submitted: Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 at 12:59
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Darren
any thoughts on using a waeco power pack with a solar panel as an alternative to a dual battery system. We intend to
camp for up to 7 days at a time running only our bushboy fridge. Like ideas on value for money and longevity of both systems. We are tired of wading through all the sales talk and would appreciate some unbiased
views.
Reply By: shaky - Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 at 15:09
Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 at 15:09
Darren
from what I understand on this topic, you need a battery to run the fridge and the solar panel to charge the battery. If you go to www.otherpower.com and ask your question again you will get heaps of help from people who are not on a
grid (mains) system and have to make all their own power for everyday use.
I made my own portable power packs which are the same as Waeco's for far less than retail. If your interested, I made a basic calculator which I can email to you. It allows you to enter info like solar panel size, peak sun hours, battery size, power consumption, etc and shows when you'll run out out of power with your setup. (it's an Excel file).
AnswerID:
17466
Follow Up By: PETER - Monday, Apr 14, 2003 at 07:08
Monday, Apr 14, 2003 at 07:08
Shakey i would like to learn more about the power packs you make please email me if possible pw@alphalink.com.au regards peter
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Follow Up By: phil - Monday, Apr 14, 2003 at 12:13
Monday, Apr 14, 2003 at 12:13
Shakey, I would also like to know what batteries you use in the portable pack. phil.irvine@tpg.com.au
Regards, Phil
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Follow Up By: Paul - Monday, Apr 14, 2003 at 13:19
Monday, Apr 14, 2003 at 13:19
Shaky, I would also like to know what batteries etc you use in the portable pack, as I am thinking of making one myself. valentyn@airnet.com.au
Regards
Paul
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Follow Up By: PETER - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 07:21
Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 07:21
G'day Shakey i would like to learn from you how i might construct a portable battery pack or else buy one from you pwalphalink.com.au
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Reply By: Davo - Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 at 15:56
Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 at 15:56
Darren,
I recently had a dual battery system installed in my 1992 4 runner. The system consists of a 'gel' technology 100 a/h battery which is in a battery box in the rear of the wagon.The box is fitted with 2 x 12 volt outlets. The battery is connected by means of anderson plugs which allows it to be removed from the vehicle if required. I also use a 42w Unisolar panel to supplement power to the battery.
The panel allows me to extend the time that I can
camp without starting the vehicle. To date the longest stay has been 6 nights, running a Waeco 50l fridge, without any problems.
Talk to Birkenhead Batteries &
Solar Power at Drummoyne in
Sydney.
AnswerID:
17468
Follow Up By: Member - Des - Sunday, Apr 13, 2003 at 11:55
Sunday, Apr 13, 2003 at 11:55
Darren,
Can you give some more detail? Did you use a battery box like those from SupaCheap Auto or Marlows, or something different? What brand of battery is it? Can you charge it in car? Can you charge it from the mains with a normal 240v battery charger? Size & weight? What did it all cost?
Cheers,
Des
FollowupID:
10976
Reply By: David N. - Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 at 19:53
Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 at 19:53
If you do the sums you can have a good deep cycle battery plus battery box either far cheaper for the same capacity or far greater capacity for similar money then the Waeco power pack.
There's nothing wrong with the Waeco- but it all boils down to $$$$$
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