Thread: 12v Set Up - what are my options?

i'm going to sprengers at tingalpa to look at 12v options for my camper, they are a low voltage specialist

Hi Cameron, what do you already have at this time because there a number of options open to you and set ups that can be installed step by step but it depends on what you have and what you want to get first.

It sounds like you already have a battery charger, if so what is the info about your charger?

Hi Cameron. I agree with Drivesafe – start with what you already have.

LED lights can be a minefield, I’ve seen strip lights that are not worth a pinch of --- and owners have paid quite big $ for them. Problem is that unlike fluros or incandescents, a Diode has a narrow spread of light out put and a lot of these strips (especially the cheaper ones) only light up a very narrow strip. Best LED I’ve seen is the one bellow (assume due to the defuser), I fitted one on the aft targa of the boat and it easily lights up the BBQ, dingy and both set of steps on a 6m beam, since set up 2 for the camper.
http://www.biasboating.com.au/p-2615-48-led-cabin-lights.aspx

The Marine outlets, BIAS, Whitworth ect have an excellent range of lighting for a reasonable price, Drivesafe is you man for controllers, wire and fittings ect. Springers are very expensive.

You're welcome to drop around and have a look at my camper, it’s 12v is comprehensive but reasonably simple. Invite goes out to Bigcarl as well, as a local I don’t remember seeing that blue disco around…

ou're welcome to drop around and have a look at my camper, it’s 12v is comprehensive but reasonably simple. Invite goes out to Bigcarl as well, as a local I don’t remember seeing that blue disco around…

well since Sunday it is dirt brown from driving on the dirt roads around the back of Moogerah dam through to Maroon dam on the Croftby and White Swamp rds.
i might have to take pity on it and give it its first wash

Battery charger is just an old Arlec 8amp 12v battery charger like this Arlec Australia - Product Details.

I'm really starting from scratch so appreciate any advice.

Thanks

OK your battery charger does not have a float charge.

Here is a suggestion that could give you what you want and save you some money, BUT, this set works better with a battery charger that has a float charge but you could use your existing battery charger, you will need to keep an eye on the charging of the battery.

If you set up your tow vehicle with a dual battery system in the engine bay and an auxiliary battery first, you would also need a 12v to 240VAC inverter.

What you would then do is when you set up at your campsite, after you have been for a drive and you are not planning to drive till the next day, you can connect your inverter to your auxiliary battery in your tow vehicle and then run an ordinary 240VAC extension cord to your battery charger in your camper trailer.

You can literally continually top up your camper trailer battery and never move your camper trailer.

With this initial set up, you do not need to run any cable through your tow vehicle and you don’t need to run cable through your camper trailer and best of all, you won’t have to bust a gut moving the camper trailer battery back and forwards between your CT and tow vehicle.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

If you set up your tow vehicle with a dual battery system in the engine bay and an auxiliary battery first, you would also need a 12v to 240VAC inverter.

Thanks Drivesafe. I'd love to do this but wouldn't I be looking at $150 for dual battery set up plus ~$250 for another battery plus ~$100 for the inverter?

I'm happy to move the battery around for charging at his stage to save some dollars and that was what was attractive about those ARK power packs.

Am I best starting with some sort of smart charger that will maintain a float charge?