Page 1 of 1

Dual battery options...

Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2020 10:36 am
by Jonny72
In preparation for the days ahead when we can eventually make it out to some of the Land Rover shows / camping weekends, I’ve been looking at options for installing a dual battery setup and testing out one of of the new all-in-one rechargeable batteries and portable solar panels with my small (18l) Dometic compressor fridge.
Image
The battery is about 41Ah and runs the fridge for almost 2 days. It’s almost equivalent to an 80Ah lead-acid battery in terms of accessible power, but weighs just 6Kgs. It’ll charge from the solar panels in about 4-5 hours (a bit longer in the Winter sun or not at if there’s no sun), and from the 12v socket in a vehicle in about 6-7 hours. It’ll run the fridge while accepting a charge at the same time, has multiple USB outlets to charge phones etc. as well as 2 x 220-240v outlets for appliances up to 300W (mine has European sockets, but these vary according to market).

The fridge I’ve had for a couple of years, is very robust and draws very little power. A good size for a few days, and doubles as a freezer.

The four panels by Power Oak fold to about the size of a carrier bag, and charge at 120W in full sun.
Image
Solar and rechargeable batteries are still evolving technologies, but already useful kit that becomes more affordable. Of course, not everyone will want to add such tech to their camping set up - content with traditional options to run fridges, lighting etc. - it’s part of the charm of camping in a low tech Classic vehicle.

Of the several options out there, the ‘Power Oak’, ‘Jackery’, Bluetti (see Amazon et al) seem to have good write ups / youtube recommendations.

Re: Dual battery options...

Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2020 10:45 am
by RMS
Hi John,

I can see why you might want a set up like that to swap between your different 'campers', but I can't help thinking a permanently mounted leisure battery, solar panel and split charger might be less messing about each time you stop :shrug:

That power pack does look good though - technology does move on at a pace :cheers:

Cheers,
Robin.

Re: Dual battery options...

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2020 7:12 pm
by RobW
I've got separate solar panels as I didn't want them bolted on the Dorma roof. Given it's the panels that cost fitting a charger in each vehicle with a long cable may be a better option?