Camping Canopy Electrics

[Ranga]

At the moment, I have 2 cranking batteries in the Defender, with a simple but effective setup. Basically, each battery has a manual red isolator switch key. Both keys on means power is supplied by both batteries, and charges both batteries. Turn either of these keys off, and that battery is isolated from both supplying and charging. (Ron - let me know if this is incorrect!) I intend these batteries to only start the Defender. If 1 fails, I have the other ready to go.

I have 2 deep cycle batteries sitting at home, that I intend on putting in a camper canopy. This will be to run the Bushman fridge and LED lighting. Probably overkill, but I hope to get a week of power out of them. In hot conditions, this may be pushing it. What I need to do is fit these up to charge and supply power. Is the alternator capable of charging all 4 batteries (and maybe 1 in a camper trailer)? From my crude understanding, this is too much for 1 alternator to charge, but someone can correct here if necessary.

I'm willing to get solar panels if necessary.

I have a CTEK 15000 charger that can be used from a 240V power source at home and caravan parks.

I was thinking the Ark Powerpacks might be good options to mount the canopy batteries securely, keep them ventilated, show charge level, charge them properly keep them conditioned.

Anyone able to review this methodology and provide advice (in laymans terms!)?

[Hoges]

Hi Ranga

some thoughts:

1. to simplify matters, place the deep cell batteries next to each other and wire them up in parallel. They then represent a double capacity "deep cell".
2. you can then get one of Drivesafe's "Traxide SC80" devices and set it up to charge the camper batteries.
3. The alternator should manage the whole lot with ease given that all 4 batteries will not be discharged at the same time.

4. simply run 6 gauge pos & neg from under the bonnet to the rear bumper and mount a 50AMP anderson plug which you connect to the camper to charge the batteries. I have done this and actually mounted a 500W inverter in the camper in a ventilated wooden box complete with battery charger to take account of voltage drop.... works very well.

5. Depending on the capacity of the deep cell batteries you should be able to get 4-5 days from the Bushman without recharge. However, if you are on the move most days, this will not be a problem.

6. I discovered that setting my Bushman (with collar and hi-top lid =52L) at -15 degC it became more efficient. I am also experimenting with a very small computer cooling fan inside the Bushman to maintain a fairly even temp throughout. It does need a more effective external insulation jacket!

See the traxide website SC80 Isolator.html (http://www.traxide.com.au/trax1sc80_2.html) for the schematic

good luck!