Van deep cycle AGM vs WET cells ? ? ?

[judygirl]

<font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">Hi Willy and Bob- thanks both for your input. I think I have to listen to Bob on this one, because I know my entire RV was cobbled together (89 Ford Telstar.) The electric has given me nothing but trouble- faulty and sloppy wiring frying boards left and right.&nbsp;</font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1"><br></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">I think I have to wait on the solar (if I don't have a real need at this point) and build the system with better components from the start.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1"><br></font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">The inverter will be installed next Wed. While he's at it, I will have him move the under hood battery to the floor at the passenger area (I removed the pass. seat last week.) Hopefully, this will improve things. Will also upgrade the wiring to 2 gauge.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1"><br></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">I had already resigned myself to not using the convection oven (not a fan) and I am making good coffee using a filter and drip method boiling water on the stovetop (LP).</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1"><br></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">I'll be working with CLM at a remote campground East Fork near Pegosa Spring, CO. I was told that people do use solar there, but…</font></div></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1"><br></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">My question is then, how will I keep my batteries charged if I cannot plug in to shore power. It is remote campground with no electric. I have an onboard Ohnan genset. Run it daily? &nbsp;</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">Do I invest in a good Honda generator/inverter? (I need electric start- no strength.)</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">Can I maintain the charge if I run the engine daily? My understanding is that 10W solar battery chargers are pretty useless. Would one help at all if I'm running lights, etc.? Water pump, refrigerator, hot water heater?&nbsp;</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1"><br></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">LP can heat water on the stovetop, and run the refrigerator, but there is some electric involved…no?</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1"><br></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">I get into a bit of a panic when thinking about all of this. I am getting an extend-a-stay for LP. Not worried about heat or AC- shouldn't be an issue- I should be comfortable.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1"><br></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">I think I will wait even to buy new batteries. Things will become more clear as time goes by, and I will know more, and things will make more sense. I'll slow down now and see if I can not panic.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">Thanks guys, you're great-</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">Judy</font></div>

 

[SoulRaven]

JudyGirl... i think Bob made a typo with the gauge of wire, I am sure he meant 12 gauge or 10 gauge wire... Wire gauge is measured from small wire like speaker wire at about 14-16 gauge to huge wire bigger than you batteries wires at around 6-8 gauge... The higher the gauge the smaller the wire...<br>

 

[Willy]

One thing I saw some people use down in Arizona at the LTVA's was a portable wind generator. I think that the smallest unit puts out something like 200-300W, but it might be 600W.. can't remember. ..Willy.<br>

 

[judygirl]

<font class="Apple-style-span" size="1" face="Arial">

JudyGirl... i think Bob made a typo with the gauge of wire, I am sure he meant 12 gauge or 10 gauge wire... Wire gauge is measured from small wire like speaker wire at about 14-16 gauge to huge wire bigger than you batteries wires at around 6-8 gauge... The higher the gauge the smaller the wire...<br>

</font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1" face="Arial"><br></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1" face="Arial">Well, Soul Raven, I think Bob was speaking about battery wires when he suggested no.2 gauge wire- that would be a very heavy wire indeed. Perhaps Bob will clarify.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1" face="Arial">JudyGirl</font></div>

 

[SoulRaven]

Willy i also saw one at the RTR, thought it was looking into... man they were expensive... to be honest if there was a choice I would stick with solar... But i really dig the idea...<br><br>The other things were they really made it hard on sleeping as they whirred loud in the wind... Then it is the storage of the system, i just don't have the room... factors to think of...<br><br>

One thing I saw some people use down in Arizona at the LTVA's was a portable wind generator. I think that the smallest unit puts out something like 200-300W, but it might be 600W.. can't remember. ..Willy.<br>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Yeah, the first one I saw, 'bout a decade ago, sounded like one of those RC hobby aircraft.. the ones with the little Cox engines; what a racket! Probably better by now. <br>

 

[SoulRaven]

Not by much... it was a racket, and well not taking into consideration the others camped around him..<br><br>

&nbsp;Yeah, the first one I saw, 'bout a decade ago, sounded like one of those RC hobby aircraft.. the ones with the little Cox engines; what a racket! Probably better by now. <br>

 

[romani10]

I think that Bob meant "2/0 (2 ought) gauge when suggesting wire gauge.

 

[akrvbob]

When you wire a 1500/3000 watt inverter to your battery bank, you want a BIG wire. I wouldn't use anything less than 2 gauge. When you wire the batteries in parallel, you want to wire them the same same as the heaviest draw on the bank, in this case 1500/3000 watts. So use 2 gauge everywhere in the battery bank out to the inverter. Also, you want to ground the batteries to the frame using 2 gauge wire. Bob<br>

 

[akrvbob]

I think wind generators are a very viable option. My solar panels give me all I need because I use very little power. If I wanted more, I would get a wind gen. Their biggest problem is the noise, and I think I could live with it. After working nights (midnight to 8) for decades, I actually like to sleep with white noise.&nbsp; <br><br>Here is an article on setting up and using wind gens:<br>http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/Wind_Gererator.html<br><br>

 

[judygirl]

<font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">

When you wire a 1500/3000 watt inverter to your battery bank, you want a BIG wire. I wouldn't use anything less than 2 gauge. When you wire the batteries in parallel, you want to wire them the same same as the heaviest draw on the bank, in this case 1500/3000 watts. So use 2 gauge everywhere in the battery bank out to the inverter. Also, you want to ground the batteries to the frame using 2 gauge wire. Bob<br>

</font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">Thanks, Bob for the clarification- I thought you meant 2 gauge wire- and everywhere.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">judygirl</font></div>

 

[judygirl]

<font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">So next question is how do I maintain the batteries without plugging in, if I don't have solar? Generator? or run engine? Won't I eventually have to plug in to keep them near full? (This is the scary part.) Do I test them daily? Thanks, judygirl</font>

 

[stude53]

<p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Judygirl,</font></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></font>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">For those of us visually challenged, could you please raise the type size on your posts? You may get more replies.</font></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></font>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Bob</font></p>

 

[judygirl]

<p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Judygirl,</font></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></font>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">For those of us visually challenged, could you please raise the type size on your posts? You may get more replies.</font></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></font>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><font size="3" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Bob</font></p>

<div>Is this better, Bob?</div>

 

[judygirl]

<font class="Apple-style-span" size="4">I see it is not better. Having trouble I have font at 3 (it was at 1) and it matches the size of the font I see you using. However, when I post message, I see it is miniscule. Sorry. Mac issue? &nbsp;Changed font in Safari preferences to Microsoft Sans Serif size 36- looks fine in my reply now- we'll see what happens when I post. If it still is &nbsp;wacky… Help? … No good….</font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="4">Now I have it set at 5 and in advanced in Safari Preferences I set minimum size to 24</font></div>

 

[judygirl]

<font class="Apple-style-span" size="4">On my screen, mine looks way bigger than yours. (sort of male enhancement for type- oops, sorry.) Let me know what you see.</font>

 

[stude53]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Judygirl,</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Yours is bigger than mine! <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"></p>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Can you also slow down the text a bit? I'm half Polish, ya know, and have trouble keeping up. ..Willy.<br>

 

[judygirl]

<font class="Apple-style-span" size="1">LOL&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"></font>

 

[DARKLINKS614]

<b><font size="4">How many amps well I get out of the car per hours or driving? I am don't think the 6 volts golf cart battery well cut it at all. I fear I well need a 8d wet battery(430 amp hours) and even then I don't know if just driving a hour or two a day well keep it topped up. I am starting to think that I cant do this. My needs are small but that amps draw well be nuts...<br><br>I am re added and double checked the amps I well use everyday and I am blown away by the amp draw<br><br>006 LAPTOP 2 HOURS PER DAY (12VDC) USED 45 WATTS ON AC<br><br>030 MICROWAVE OVEN 1/4 HOUR ON (INVERTER)1000 WATTS AC<br><br>036 MARPAC 980A NOISE MAKER 10 HOURS (INVERTER) 40WATTS AC<br><br>018 VENT FAN&nbsp; 10 HOURS ON (12VDC)<br><br>004 CELLPHONE CHARGING 4 HOURS ON (12VDC)<br><br>005 SMALL FAN10 HOURS (12VDC)<br>-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br>99 AMPS PER DAY&nbsp; ! ! !<br><br><br>Some one please tell me I am doing the math wrong and I am not going to be using this much in amps everyday in the van or that driving a hour or two well retop up the battery???</font></b><br><br><br>