smifee
Guest
Having MH'd for many years when I got this van it was definitely going to be my last van. So I was going to get it right this time.
I knew I didn't like campsites so wanted to be as self contained as possible. Decided I didn't want to have to keep plugging in & unplugging appliances. Asked a company if I could have a system where I just press a button and all the vans 230v sockets have 230v.
The system is 4 x 125Ah elecsol batteries, 2 x 75W solar panels through 2 regulators, 40amp mains charger, Sterling B2B charger and an inverter.
The original inverter was a Mobitronic 3Kw peak, 2Kw for 30mins & 1.6Kw as long as there's enough juice in the batteries. I managed to fry the inverter with a faulty RCB recently and it has been replaced with a similarly rated Sterling inverter.
I don't have a battery monitor or solar panel readout. When I want to know if the batteries are charging I just use the Hymer control panel.
What do I run off it? Sat TV, breadmaker, toaster, Tefal Actifry, Gaggia Bean to Cup coffee maker, vacuum cleaner, car polisher, computer, battery charger ( AAs etc ), phone charger.
I could run the mini washing machine & domestic spin dryer as well but I use a Honda suitcase generator for them. I got the generator for when I ran out of power but it hasn't happened yet in 5 years. Doing the laundry with the generator means it gets used which I think is good for it.
The batteries etc are in the van's garage and are not vented to the outside. In the 5 years I have had the van I have used 7.5 litres of battery top up water. I think this is because the charging systems are multi stage and use a higher initial charging voltage than standard chargers and this leads to gassing off. I check the battery levels every 6 months.
Did I get it right with this van? No I should have got a 3 axle van for the extra payload
How big a battery bank would I have then
I knew I didn't like campsites so wanted to be as self contained as possible. Decided I didn't want to have to keep plugging in & unplugging appliances. Asked a company if I could have a system where I just press a button and all the vans 230v sockets have 230v.
The system is 4 x 125Ah elecsol batteries, 2 x 75W solar panels through 2 regulators, 40amp mains charger, Sterling B2B charger and an inverter.
The original inverter was a Mobitronic 3Kw peak, 2Kw for 30mins & 1.6Kw as long as there's enough juice in the batteries. I managed to fry the inverter with a faulty RCB recently and it has been replaced with a similarly rated Sterling inverter.
I don't have a battery monitor or solar panel readout. When I want to know if the batteries are charging I just use the Hymer control panel.
What do I run off it? Sat TV, breadmaker, toaster, Tefal Actifry, Gaggia Bean to Cup coffee maker, vacuum cleaner, car polisher, computer, battery charger ( AAs etc ), phone charger.
I could run the mini washing machine & domestic spin dryer as well but I use a Honda suitcase generator for them. I got the generator for when I ran out of power but it hasn't happened yet in 5 years. Doing the laundry with the generator means it gets used which I think is good for it.
The batteries etc are in the van's garage and are not vented to the outside. In the 5 years I have had the van I have used 7.5 litres of battery top up water. I think this is because the charging systems are multi stage and use a higher initial charging voltage than standard chargers and this leads to gassing off. I check the battery levels every 6 months.
Did I get it right with this van? No I should have got a 3 axle van for the extra payload
How big a battery bank would I have then
smifee
Guest
Father Christmas gave me The WoodGas Campstove XL but I haven't fired it up yet.
Will take it to Portugal next month and hope to get some use out of it.
Woodgas Stove Camping Equipment
Will take it to Portugal next month and hope to get some use out of it.
Woodgas Stove Camping Equipment
tresrikay
Guest
I think George should have stuck with his ukelelle and his wonderfull repetoire of songs............. " turned out nice again ...... HeHe "