The Camping Thread - Page 21

Tassie f100 · 13-08-2020, 11:11 AM

[QUOTE=blueoval;6478099]Thanks for your help mate. What you say makes sense.

The power I need has to be at least 1500w. That unit you linked was 1000w. The coffee machine is 1200w. Would the unit you mentioned be good enough for what I need or should I go the next one up?

Is there an all in 1 battery and inverter unit on offer rather than a separate one QUOTE. If you are going to do bush camping,you really have to go basic.Use a gas burner to heat water and use either campfire or gas bbq for cooking.240v kettles etc can use 2000w or more which means big inverters and big batteries for extended use.A 2000 w kettle requires not much less than 200 amps out of the 12v battery.Doesn’t take very long to flatten a 120ah battery.

prydey · 13-08-2020, 11:26 AM

The benefit of lithium is depth of discharge. AGM should never be taken below 50% regularly. Some even say 70%. This means 100ah battery is good for about 30-50ah of use. Regularly taking it lower will shorten its life substantially. Lithium can go 80-100% depth of discharge so you only need about a third the capacity of AGM.

It's expensive though however if you invest in a decent setup it should last many many years.

roKWiz · 13-08-2020, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

Thanks for your help mate. What you say makes sense.

The power I need has to be at least 1500w. That unit you linked was 1000w. The coffee machine is 1200w. Would the unit you mentioned be good enough for what I need or should I go the next one up?

Is there an all in 1 battery and inverter unit on offer rather than a separate one?

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.

blueoval · 13-08-2020, 01:52 PM

Quote:

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

blueoval · 13-08-2020, 11:56 AM

Thanks Gents.

This is all a learning curve for me. My mate has a an Aeropress unit. Looks nifty and a little backpacker style butane gas bottle and burner which packs away light which doesnt do a bad brew.

I also have a ROK lever press machine which I could also use. Crema is harder to create with that, but it works similarly to a manual machine in that it plunges the brew at reasonable pressure but manually.

I also cook with the camp fire and can boil water with a cheap stove top kettle I bought.

I guess if I settle for that style of coffee while Im out bush, then all I need is power to run the fridge for a number of days and charge devices and such.

Here is a unit I dont mind the look of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYUmV1I6jjk

Also, I want to be able to charge the battery when the car is running/moving via an anderson plug if that is viable. I can buy a 200w solar panel setup from 4wd SC fairly cheap too for added convenience.

The reason I want to go the Lithium battery is reducing weight. My upper body strength is not good and lifting a regular AGM battery in an out is not as easy as it once was.

Just contemplating whether this unit https://itechworld.com.au/collection...watt-itech1000 will be enough for what I need it for or if I should opt for a higher power option.

Ultimately, less attaching units is a good thing due to space and weight.

Trevor 57 · 13-08-2020, 03:11 PM

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

prydey · 13-08-2020, 04:28 PM

Quote:

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

Trevor 57 · 14-08-2020, 05:46 AM

Quote:

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

blueoval · 13-08-2020, 03:52 PM

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 · 13-08-2020, 04:14 PM

Quote:

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 · 13-08-2020, 04:21 PM

Quote:

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 · 13-08-2020, 04:27 PM

Quote:

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.

Trevor 57 · 14-08-2020, 05:50 AM

Quote:

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

blueoval · 13-08-2020, 06:21 PM

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 · 13-08-2020, 07:26 PM

Quote:

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** · 13-08-2020, 07:41 PM

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 · 13-08-2020, 09:53 PM

Quote:

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 · 13-08-2020, 09:58 PM

Quote:

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 · 14-08-2020, 02:31 AM

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.

Tassie f100 · 14-08-2020, 01:55 PM

Yeah I reckon if you have a van but don’t really have intentions of using it for the next year or so,probably a good time to sell,but don’t expect to be able to get a new one for several months at least.Most caravan makers are either closed or working on skeleton staff at present

Trevor 57 · 16-09-2020, 05:56 AM

We are currently planning our next trip out of lock-down, thank goodness I live in regional Victoria and not Melbourne

ThePursuit · 16-09-2020, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

We are currently planning our next trip out of lock-down, thank goodness I live in regional Victoria and not Melbourne

That’s the way Trev, can only imagine the relief that comes with being set free...

I applaud the efforts of most of you victorians, all I need is the mob building my van to get back to work now and I’ll be one happy camper. Still made a mess of my planned 6months off work with these restrictions but best that everyone is doing what they can to stay safe at this point in time and our trip can always wait.

Where you off to?

Trevor 57 · 17-09-2020, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePursuit

That’s the way Trev, can only imagine the relief that comes with being set free...

I applaud the efforts of most of you victorians, all I need is the mob building my van to get back to work now and I’ll be one happy camper. Still made a mess of my planned 6months off work with these restrictions but best that everyone is doing what they can to stay safe at this point in time and our trip can always wait.

Where you off to?

Looking at 2 trips, one up the Buckland Valley, a favourite jaunt and the other up to where the Murray River kinda starts

BENT_8 · 17-09-2020, 12:40 PM

Ive been doing a bit of glamping this past 4 weeks, first trip was a couple of nights in the camper on an ensuite site at the Barmera caravan park to give the Pajero a run, backed it up with 3 nights at West beach park again in the camper and enjoyed it so much i went back last weekend for 3 nights in one of their eco tents.
I like staying in these local parks as i can go mid week and still commute to work during the day, then kick back at night talking to randoms.

**Beastie** · 19-09-2020, 03:58 PM

A sneaky weekend away at Myall River Camp.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

ThaFlash · 19-09-2020, 04:12 PM

LOL great photos to show us Melbournians

BENT_8 · 01-10-2020, 04:33 PM

Righto, who's heading out for the long weekend?

prydey · 01-10-2020, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Righto, who's heading out for the long weekend?

Not us. Maybe a day trip or two, but no camping.

BENT_8 · 01-10-2020, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Not us. Maybe a day trip or two, but no camping.

ive been looking for somewhere close to home but its packed out almost everywhere.
Might just stay home and do my dual battery install, spent last weekend fitting the rear drawers and wings.

prydey · 01-10-2020, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

ive been looking for somewhere close to home but its packed out almost everywhere.
Might just stay home and do my dual battery install, spent last weekend fitting the rear drawers and wings.

I looked at big 4 at 'the bend motorsport park' just out of curiosity, even just a cabin rather than taking the van, and it annoyed me they had a 3 night minimum on nearly all the options. I know if you ring up they may choose to ignore that depending on demand but those types of things annoy me.

We are booked in to halls gap in November but even if borders open by then the family is no longer keen. I reckon my van will be parked up for a while, possibly Easter next year.

Good chance to get a couple of jobs done as you say. Outlet on water tank underneath has always had a drip and I wouldn't mind fitting a proper water level gauge so might pull the tank out and have a play.