Thread: Second Battery Options

i think a solar panel would be worth looking into

A portable battery in a box something like this:

Power Battery BOX 12V 100AH 800CCA Deep Cycle AGM Dual System Projecta BPE330 | eBay

and a Traxide dual battery system from "drivesafe" on this forum. Connect an Anderson plug in the load space near where the battery will live for the trips to a matching plug wired to the battery box.

No battery is going to go for seven days unless you are camping at Antarctica.

As someone else suggested solar panels will be needed.

Do you park up for the whole time and not use the car? If you do go for drives I would recommend that you get a second onboard battery with a Traxide isolator.

Fridge size will dictate what size battery and solar panel but for the popular 40l fridges you would want an 80 watt solar panel.

If using a stand alone battery I would recommend an N70Z battery, but if you use a traxide kit with a vehicle mounted battery you could get away with a smaller battery.

[QUOTE=d2dave;2239226]No battery is going to go for seven days unless you are camping at Antarctica.

Good point.

We would cryovac meat + freeze as well as load the fridge and run off 240 to get temps down before going so the load on the fridge is reduced. We will also take a smaller eski for 'light duties'. Fridge would be in the shade and switched off over night. If I need to run the engine for an hour or so to run down the temp we can. Correct me if I'm wrong but it shouldn't tax the engine and use too much fuel.

Solar sounds like a good option but what use would the panels be between trips? If not too expensive (and efficient enough) it might be an option.

If I do all of the above (except solar panels) would a decent auxiliary battery work?

Appreciate the input - Cheers.

Originally Posted by 4xsama

Solar sounds like a good option but what use would the panels be between trips?

my solar panel at home connects to 12v battery which power 12 volt lights and laptop. reduces my electricity bill just a little.

For what a solar panel cost these days if it sits in the shed between trips it is no big deal. 80 watts for about $100 plus a bit for a reg and cable.

As for running the car. I assume you are just going to start it and let it idle for an hour? Might not use much fuel but not good for the engine and turbo.

If you are turning the fridge off at night I assume that you must be camping in a cold place.

When I camp in winter I turn the fridge down low in winter for over night but then use a lot of extra power next day to bring fridge back to temp.

I do this when the sun hits my solar panel or when going for a drive.

If I do all of the above (except solar panels) would a decent auxiliary
battery work?

IMHO unless you drive for several hours every couple of days , there is little chance of going 7 days even in cool weather.

An Engel uses about 1.5-2 amps per hour even in cool weather and more in hot , maybe up to 5amps per hour on a 23c night and 35c day.

If you idle your car for an hour it may replenish say 25amps x1 hour =25 amp hours vs fridge use of 24x2=48amp hours. Alternators do not give full amps when idling .
I have never managed more than a couple of days on a 95AH AGM battery and it is a PITA sitting in the car idleing for an hour, and many National Parks will make you move out of the camping area.
A 120 watt solar panel will give about 6 amps x6 hours or about 36 amp hours plus maybe 2 hours at 4 amps say 8. You can see you are getting closer to matching out to in.
Regards Philip A.

The best dual battery systems are made by member Drivesafe(Tim),Im about to fit a setup in my new D4,had is gear in 3 other vehicles.His kits are simple to instal and really well priced.
He looks after AULRO members too.
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