The Camping Thread

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Its not the max power output of the inverter but the continuous rating it supplies which is important and be careful of powerpack inverters advertised as sinewave as a few I have come across will do more harm than good.

Oh? Thats interesting. I was hoping to get a unit that would charge laptop battery ok with something like this https://itechworld.com.au/collection...ging-itech300p

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Oh? Thats interesting. I was hoping to get a unit that would charge laptop battery ok with something like this https://itechworld.com.au/collection...ging-itech300p

I bought one like that from Jaycar (as I have a trade card) its a pure sinewave which will not damage the electronics in a laptop as thats exactly what I use it for.
I live offgrid and have found you can normally get everything which will power 12 24v devices. But my ASUS eep has this weird 18v power supply with a unique power plug no one sells so use this for said duties.

Powering a frig is the hardest thing to reasonably achieve with solar/battery unless to are moving most days.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

I bought one like that from Jaycar (as I have a trade card) its a pure sinewave which will not damage the electronics in a laptop as thats exactly what I use it for.
I live offgrid and have found you can normally get everything which will power 12 24v devices. But my ASUS eep has this weird 18v power supply with a unique power plug no one sells so use this for said duties.

Powering a frig is the hardest thing to reasonably achieve with solar/battery unless to are moving most days.

Laptops are normally 19v

[Trevor 57]

hahaha, I got banned from Caravaners Forum for a month Prydey - too political apparently

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Laptops are normally 19v

Yes and why its hard to find the odd square plug adaptor, Its technically not a laptop, 18v mate.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

I bought one like that from Jaycar (as I have a trade card) its a pure sinewave which will not damage the electronics in a laptop as thats exactly what I use it for.
I live offgrid and have found you can normally get everything which will power 12 24v devices. But my ASUS eep has this weird 18v power supply with a unique power plug no one sells so use this for said duties.

Powering a frig is the hardest thing to reasonably achieve with solar/battery unless to are moving most days.

Ok thats good to know. Am I better off getting a unit like this then?

https://www.goalzero.com/shop/last-c...power-station/

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Ok thats good to know. Am I better off getting a unit like this then?

https://www.goalzero.com/shop/last-c...power-station/

Actually there is a great comparison between the different models on youtube somewhere I view recently.
What the Yanks call Jackery's, shows the ones you linked here just gotta watch what you use them for.
The biggest problem with them is recharging them as via power they are slower to recharge than via a larger solar panel due to a panel supplying a much higher boost rate (with no controller) than the regulated power coming in from AC.
I can recharge mine in a couple of hours using an unregulated 64W Canon solar panel, where as I have used a 240v regulated socket (at a motel) to recharge, with it taking something like 6 hours.

Note.. the MPPT built in controller can regulate the boost charge from a unregulated solar panel, hence why they are more efficient at recharging than mains power. Normally for anything else, never use a unregulated solar panel over 40W.

[blueoval]

Well the laptop is an occasional item, the battery will mainly power a small waeco fridge, camera batteries and phone and a usb light. But getting the right unit is the thing Im having trouble with. I dont want to overkill the spend but I dont want to underdo it either.

I do intend on getting a portable solar setup though. So if Im off grid I dont mind setting that up and charging during the day while I still use the battery.

My laptop is a 17" HP unit. Im assuming its 18V. So I was hoping either the Goal Zero unit or can I get away with a smaller unit like this? https://itechworld.com.au/collection...-power-station

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Well the laptop is an occasional item, it will mainly power a small waeco fridge, camera batteries and phone and a usb light. But getting the right unit is the thing Im having trouble with. I dont want to overkill the spend but I dont want to underdo it either.

I do intend on getting a portable solar setup though. So if Im off grid I dont mind setting that up and charging during the day while I still use the battery.

My laptop is a 17" HP unit. Im assuming its 18V. So I was hoping either the Goal Zero unit or can I get away with a smaller unit like this? https://itechworld.com.au/collection...-power-station

Refrigeration is the hardest thing to achieve offgrid, all depends what type of current draw and how often the frig cycles. part of the reason why offgrid homes rarely have solar/battery powered refrigeration (gas frig)
Just an example....Some of those little camping frigs might consume 5 amps per hour, cycle on and off for upto 16 hours a day/night depend on ambient temps.
At 80amp/h from 100amp/h deep cycle LiPo 80% discharge and that just the frig. Something not possible with a lead acid battery bank.

Like others have said, you need to work out exactly what you might use and base your battery bank/ solar array to be capable to recharge the storage capacity then allow extra for cloudy wet days when the panels are deeply shaded.
Most appliances have there power ratings listed.

NB your laptop is probably like Pyrdey said a 19V unless its a goofy 12V, 18V EEpc or there is a 21V one floating around I've seen.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Refrigeration is the hardest thing to achieve offgrid, all depends what type of current draw and how often the frig cycles. part of the reason why offgrid homes rarely have solar/battery powered refrigeration (gas frig)
Just an example....Some of those little camping frigs might consume 5 amps per hour, cycle on and off for upto 16 hours a day/night depend on ambient temps.
At 80amp/h from 100amp/h deep cycle LiPo 80% discharge and that just the frig. Something not possible with a lead acid battery bank.

Like others have said, you need to work out exactly what you might use and base your battery bank/ solar array to be capable to recharge the storage capacity then allow extra for cloudy wet days when the panels are deeply shaded.
Most appliances have there power ratings listed.

NB your laptop is probably like Pyrdey said a 19V unless its a goofy 12V, 18V EEpc or there is a 21V one floating around I've seen.

Gotcha. The unit I have is a cooler type. Non refrigerator style from Aldi. Was told that will chew power as the fan is constantly on compared to a proper fridge which uses power only to maintain temp when needed.

I will probably get a small Dometic type fridge for the types of off grid camping I do. Probably better off getting that first then working out all my appliances and getting a battery to suit.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Gotcha. The unit I have is a cooler type. Non refrigerator style from Aldi. Was told that will chew power as the fan is constantly on compared to a proper fridge which uses power only to maintain temp when needed.

I will probably get a small Dometic type fridge for the types of off grid camping I do. Probably better off getting that first then working out all my appliances and getting a battery to suit.

Last 12v frig I bought for the motorhome, first thing I did was check it power consumption on the back but this is an 90lts upright built in unit.....and its still crap.
yep work out your power consumerables (is that a word) first.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

hahaha, I got banned from Caravaners Forum for a month Prydey - too political apparently

Haha, really? Not that you'll miss much

[blueoval]

Been reading up on the Wacaco Nespresso pod coffee unit Rob and the reviews arent great. Can you provide your review on it? Need to know if its worth getting or not. Anaconda are selling them for $56 at club prices.

Otherwise I'll just use the ROK unit Ive had.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Been reading up on the Wacaco Nespresso pod coffee unit Rob and the reviews arent great. Can you provide your review on it? Need to know if its worth getting or not. Anaconda are selling them for $56 at club prices.

Otherwise I'll just use the ROK unit Ive had.

image

Stick with the ROK.

I'm happy with my nanopresso, and have bought the pod adapter as well, but it's not as solid as what you already have. The downside is ones like yours need a bench of some sort.

What I have is very fiddly as well. There is one that is rechargeable and has a motor instead of a pump but I can't remember the name of it. Brother just bought a Flair one. Similar process to the Rok.

If I had my time again I wouldn't have bought the nanopresso... Not saying it's bad, just not as cheap as first thought once all the extras were bought (bigger baskets, water container, tamp, pod adapter...)

[Beastie]

Early tech here in Aus atm, but there is a lot of noise about 48V battery systems in caravans etc now...

https://www.safiery.com/mega-240v-power-RV-48V-lithium

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by prydey

Stick with the ROK.

I'm happy with my nanopresso, and have bought the pod adapter as well, but it's not as solid as what you already have. The downside is ones like yours need a bench of some sort.

What I have is very fiddly as well. There is one that is rechargeable and has a motor instead of a pump but I can't remember the name of it. Brother just bought a Flair one. Similar process to the Rok.

If I had my time again I wouldn't have bought the nanopresso... Not saying it's bad, just not as cheap as first thought once all the extras were bought (bigger baskets, water container, tamp, pod adapter...)

I read that the Nanopress has burnt a number of people due to the hot water segment not being able to full seal under pressure. Also, I have weak hands, and someone mentioned that it would be a double handed job to get the pressure up.

I think I'll stick with the ROK. Ive had it for years just never used it much.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I read that the Nanopress has burnt a number of people due to the hot water segment not being able to full seal under pressure. Also, I have weak hands, and someone mentioned that it would be a double handed job to get the pressure up.

I think I'll stick with the ROK. Ive had it for years just never used it much.

Never had those issues and the pump doesn't physically create the pressure...

The pumping action is pretty good. If it's too hard you just grind the beans slightly more coarse.

But yeah, don't buy one if you have a Rok already.

[BENT_8]

I cant fathom a discussion about coffee machines in the camping thread, harden the **** up ladies and grab yourselves a billy and jar of Nescafe..

As for the fridge, considered a 3way which will run on LPG?

The key to maintaining appliances on 12v isn't about how much reserves you have, its about how much generation you need to bring it back up as quick as possible.

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by prydey

Haha, really? Not that you'll miss much

in the Victorian COVID thread, idiots from interstate were posting what I thought was inappropriate stuff abut Victoria so I climbed into them - nek minit BANNED

I am debating whether I will actually go back - it doesn't add much value to my life

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I cant fathom a discussion about coffee machines in the camping thread, harden the **** up ladies and grab yourselves a billy and jar of Nescafe..

As for the fridge, considered a 3way which will run on LPG?

The key to maintaining appliances on 12v isn't about how much reserves you have, its about how much generation you need to bring it back up as quick as possible.

3 ways are the best, just don't sleep in a tent or camper without it being properly vented to the outside, and I mean PROPERLY vented. There has been deaths relating to them not being. A bloke died at Bathurst a few years ago, he slept in the back of his wagon with his fridge on gas

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Refrigeration is the hardest thing to achieve offgrid, all depends what type of current draw and how often the frig cycles. part of the reason why offgrid homes rarely have solar/battery powered refrigeration (gas frig)
Just an example....Some of those little camping frigs might consume 5 amps per hour, cycle on and off for upto 16 hours a day/night depend on ambient temps.
At 80amp/h from 100amp/h deep cycle LiPo 80% discharge and that just the frig. Something not possible with a lead acid battery bank.

Like others have said, you need to work out exactly what you might use and base your battery bank/ solar array to be capable to recharge the storage capacity then allow extra for cloudy wet days when the panels are deeply shaded.
Most appliances have there power ratings listed.

NB your laptop is probably like Pyrdey said a 19V unless its a goofy 12V, 18V EEpc or there is a 21V one floating around I've seen.

we bush camp 2 weeks at a time, in a caravan though, fridge is a 3 way, they use bugger all LPG when running on gas, it saves your batteries big time

I do have a 40ltr Engel in the back of the Ranger, I plug in a portable 250w solar panel to keep the battery at its peak

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I cant fathom a discussion about coffee machines in the camping thread, harden the **** up ladies and grab yourselves a billy and jar of Nescafe..

As for the fridge, considered a 3way which will run on LPG?

The key to maintaining appliances on 12v isn't about how much reserves you have, its about how much generation you need to bring it back up as quick as possible.

Was thinking the same thing.
1st world problem.
Gas or Kero frigs are they only real way to achieve true offgrid food storage. LONG TERM. Unless you are prepared to lug around huge solar arrays with matching banks.
Little top loading frigs in the back of your car are impossible to live with full time.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I cant fathom a discussion about coffee machines in the camping thread, harden the **** up ladies and grab yourselves a billy and jar of Nescafe..

To each their own. My taste buds still work so what you suggest will never cut it

Not relevant to off grid discussion but this comes with me whenever I have access to power. I don't care what other people think is right or wrong or 'proper' camping.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I cant fathom a discussion about coffee machines in the camping thread, harden the **** up ladies and grab yourselves a billy and jar of Nescafe..

As for the fridge, considered a 3way which will run on LPG?

The key to maintaining appliances on 12v isn't about how much reserves you have, its about how much generation you need to bring it back up as quick as possible.

Nescafe??? WTF? You're an animal

May as well fill the billy with dirt and sift the remains through a sock!

As for the fridge and battery setup. Been talking to the mrs on what we want and need. Plan is to get a Avan camper (the A frame units) with kitchenette etc all built in. If thats the case, they come with AGM battery, a/c, lpg and HWS built in, negating the need for a portable setup.

So I may hold off for now if that is the direction we will take in the next few months.

The information in this thread has educated me a lot though.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by prydey

To each their own. My taste buds still work so what you suggest will never cut it

Not relevant to off grid discussion but this comes with me whenever I have access to power. I don't care what other people think is right or wrong or 'proper' camping.
image

Well as far as I am concerned( which I,m not) parking your caravan or trailer next to a 240 v power outlet is NOT camping.Camping is parking way way from civilisation and lighting a camp fire to cook and boil water for your coffee.If you want machine coffee go to the cafe or servo.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Well as far as I am concerned( which I,m not) parking your caravan or trailer next to a 240 v power outlet is NOT camping.Camping is parking way way from civilisation and lighting a camp fire to cook and boil water for your coffee.If you want machine coffee go to the cafe or servo.

to some significant others, this style of caravaning is all they will entertain if we are to get them out. My mrs is the same, but I prefer to go off grid. But having the option to go to a CP is good too.

To each their own.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Well as far as I am concerned( which I,m not) parking your caravan or trailer next to a 240 v power outlet is NOT camping.Camping is parking way way from civilisation and lighting a camp fire to cook and boil water for your coffee.If you want machine coffee go to the cafe or servo.

The beauty of choice

Camping to me isn't some competition as to who is more genuine or authentic. Just get out and enjoy the country.

And to clarify, never camped in a caravan park except in halls gap, and plenty of space there with no neighbours.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Well as far as I am concerned( which I,m not) parking your caravan or trailer next to a 240 v power outlet is NOT camping.Camping is parking way way from civilisation and lighting a camp fire to cook and boil water for your coffee.If you want machine coffee go to the cafe or servo.

Ah, the Aussie resort er caravan park, nothing like looking at the vans next door crammed in like sardines with their outside awning light and A/C left running all night.

Hows that serenity.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by blueoval

As for the fridge and battery setup. Been talking to the mrs on what we want and need. Plan is to get a Avan camper (the A frame units) with kitchenette etc all built in. If thats the case, they come with AGM battery, a/c, lpg and HWS built in, negating the need for a portable setup.

So I may hold off for now if that is the direction we will take in the next few months.

The information in this thread has educated me a lot though.

Don't rush in to buying anything. Some caravan rental places may even have a small avan type van to try so you can see if it's for you.

Not sure if you are planning to tow with your subie (if you still have it) but some cars are limited with how much they can have on the ball so check that out too... I know avans don't weigh much so should be ok on that front but always cheaper to check everything out first.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Don't rush in to buying anything. Some caravan rental places may even have a small avan type van to try so you can see if it's for you.

Not sure if you are planning to tow with your subie (if you still have it) but some cars are limited with how much they can have on the ball so check that out too... I know avans don't weigh much so should be ok on that front but always cheaper to check everything out first.

He might have to rush in as its a sellers market ATM according to other threads. With the limited travel Australian's are going to enjoy for quite a while I don't reckon there will be much of a choice.