Battery Systems

Hi everyone,

My first time on the site. So glad I found it - finally, a good resource on these issues!!!

My parent's, my partner and I share a lot of camping equipment. They've just purchased a fantastic trailer, fridge and "portable" power pack though. Linking them all up has been a bit of a mystery. We've always camped on bush sites without power, but we've never really needed it. Parti and Techni Ice, lots of gas, a pouring water tank that can be hung and solar showers have kept us comfy.

However, now that they've bought all of these power related things, we need to set them up the best way we can for our kinds of trips. My parents are likely to do three day trips most of the time. We tend to go for the five to seven. Ideally, we'd all like to be able to run it for a week withought too much of a drama.

I had leaned toward dual battery systems in both cars (we drive a Jackeroo and they a Futura station wagon). But, as stated, they've purchased a Waeco "Urban" Battery Pack. It came with a "Fast Charger" also. "Fast" translates into 3 - 4 hours of driving required to re-charge after only 24 hours of fridge powering time (3 days in 25 degree temperatures) though??? The charger also needs to actually be installed into a vehicle, which defeats the "gimmick" of its "portability". Unfortunately this was what attracted them to it most, as we thought it would enable us to share the one product.

From the minimal reading/discussing that I did do about dual battery systems, this product doesn't appear to be as sustainable???

Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaase help us out. They may still be able to return it.

Otherwise we'll just have to set the Jackaroo up differently and swap cars for long trips I guess. The trailer's not set up for 4WDing either so it's no major disruption - except for the embarressing part about driving a Ford!!! Hahahahahahaha

Appreciate any advice,

TA