what can I do with one battery?

[K1ngN0thing]

I'd eventually like to down-size my current stock fridge to a more compact, energy efficient one. I only have one deep cycle battery at the moment, and I plan to install more in the extra space a smaller fridge will afford me. For the time being, what can I run on one battery and inverter? Can I expect to be able to use a microwave or my current refrigerator if I have a solar panel to keep the battery charged? What about a handheld vacuum?

 

[1977dodge]

I'd eventually like to down-size my current stock fridge to a more compact, energy efficient one. I only have one deep cycle battery at the moment, and I plan to install more in the extra space a smaller fridge will afford me. For the time being, what can I run on one battery and inverter? Can I expect to be able to use a microwave or my current refrigerator if I have a solar panel to keep the battery charged? What about a handheld vacuum?

I recemtly had my truck out on a sunny  day rare in WA it charged my lap top 
which was down to 7% my razor ,and my phone plus getting my engine battery up to 100% from 50%
in around 3 hours .i just have 1 Renogy 100 watt panel with a small 10amp MPPT charger
i am extremely pleased with it ,My campervan relies on the suitcase solar kit i purchased from BOB  it also works very well.

 

[AuricTech]

What is the Amp*hour rating of your battery?

 

[LeeRevell]

Use search on this site. You need much more research.

 

[K1ngN0thing]

What is the Amp*hour rating of your battery?

It's the top one, so roughly 2-16? http://www.interstatebatteries.com/content/product_info/marine_f.asp

 

[LeeRevell]

Only the two lowest batteries on that chart show an amp/hour rating.  I'd go with two GC2 six volt batteries for any real load.  Even the Optima would be minimal.  I wouldn't try running a minifridge on it.  Absolutely no AC or heating.

 

[K1ngN0thing]

Is it safe to use two different types of batteries in an array?

 

[Bdog1]

Battery's should be matched. In design and age.

 

[highdesertranger]

the first battery on that list is a starter battery. what type of refer are we talking about? 12v compressor or absorption? what I the power draw of the refer? as far as a microwave I would say , no. highdesertranger

 

[K1ngN0thing]

the first battery on that list is a starter battery.  what type of refer are we talking about?  12v compressor or absorption?  what I the power draw of the refer?  as far as a microwave I would say ,  no.  highdesertranger

I think it's a compressor. I plan to eventually replace it with a smaller, hopefully more energy efficient model. I've seen people with mini fridges running who only have one battery, but don't know if they're using it for the fridge.

 

[K1ngN0thing]

Looks like I have a lot of reading to do.

 

[AuricTech]

If you go to the forum to which my signature links, you'll find quite a few very knowledgeable folks who would be willing to help you design a photovoltaic system for your vehicle.  Keep in mind, though, that the first question they'll ask is what loads your planned system is intended to support....

ETA: They have a sub-forum dedicated to marine/RV systems.

 

[jimindenver]

Here is some reading for you

http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

http://jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm

Some say this guy is a bit out of date but it's still info.

https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/

Also check out the tech and truck camper forums of RV.NET.

 

[ccbreder]

Microwave will require at least 1500 watt PSW inverter. Larger inverters need lots of battery amps. One will not do it.

 

[jimindenver]

Our 8-d will run our 900w microwave pulling over 1300 watts for a few minutes on it's own, then again it is the size and weight of two batteries. With the solar helping it can run it for up to 10 minutes. When I replace it I will get multiple smaller batteries as I no longer am allowed to dead lift 160 pounds much less carry it.

 

[ccbreder]

I hear you on the weight issue. Also 6 volt GC batteries will last longer.

 

[jimindenver]

The 8-d can do what a pair of 6v can't because the 6v have higher resistance and will drop voltage under heavy loads faster. Because of this it is generally considered that 4 6v's are needed to run a larger microwave. On the other hand this 8-d is a semi truck starting battery and I didn't expect it to last as long as it has.

 

[MikeRuth]

I'd love to have 4 T-105's but I could only mange two fit two outside the van.
They can be man handled individually but not together as I have them mounted, so I need two jacks to install or remove them .

I haven't tried a Microwave, It's on my consider list, but my inverter is only a 1K so not until I get a larger one will I even try that.
My MW use would be max 5 minutes so I think I could pull it off with a larger inverter on the two 105's/.

 

[IGBT]

I have two 12V batteries (Lifeline 31XT 125AH) in series for my 24V input inverter.   The microwave draws 53 amps from the battery input to the 4kw max inverter (it is a small one, I think 700 or 800 watt IIRC).  It would run for about 30 minutes before the batteries were down to 50% DoD.   If the sun is out and I am down south, the solar panels provide 24V at 40ish amps, meaning I could run the microwave for around 6 hours straight.   That would be some well done pot roast!