DX grunt... in the flesh

[macca]

Thanks Rosco

[threedogs]

Plenty of batteries for you to choose from, just the price that makes the difference.
Could have 1 battery just for starting ute
2 battery for fridge only min 100 ah
3 battery for all other 12v duties like lighting for camp, inverter, winch,
Solar panels will make you fully self sufficient, where ever you camp

[Clunk]

It's called senile dementia mate!!!!!! Lol

[DX grunt]

Plenty of batteries for you to choose from, just the price that makes the difference.
Could have 1 battery just for starting ute
2 battery for fridge only min 100 ah
3 battery for all other 12v duties like lighting for camp, inverter, winch,
Solar panels will make you fully self sufficient, where ever you camp

Thanks. That's the intention.

One question......is it safe to sleep in the pod with a battery in the back (gel or some other closed type), or should the battery be external?

[Silver]

what can a battery do.
While charging, produce hydrogen gas, which is explosive?
Splash and spit a fine spray of acid once close to fully charged, depending on what is done with the caps and the 'smartness' of the charger
overheat and catch fire, releasing sulphuric acid.
What else?

In a suitable box ideally vented to the outside it would probably be fine - but that's not an expert opinion by any means. I reckon one will come along soon :-)

I confess to being pretty casual about 7ah sealed lead acids in tents over the years - only taking care to ensure the terminals can't be shorted. And I've not ever charged them in the tent.

[threedogs]

Hi DX cant you run any or extra AUX batteries you want under the tray? Heaps of room under there that usually goes to waste
Noticed you have room behind the cab under the chassis, nice ventilated lockable box there will house a decent aux battery.



I call it OFS or old fart syndrome

[DX grunt]

Hi DX cant you run any or extra AUX batteries you want under the tray? Heaps of room under there that usually goes to waste
Noticed you have room behind the cab under the chassis, nice ventilated lockable box there will house a decent aux battery.
I call it OFS or old fart syndrome

Thanks TD

Here's a probable solution.

My solar set up is wired into the second battery. If I put the 3rd battery into the vented, lockable locker under the front LHS of the pod and wire it up to the Anderson Plug in the24v panel in the pod and leave the key permanently in the 'on' position, the alternator should technically keep all 3 batteries on charge - with the assistance of the solar panels.

Do I need a 2nd/bigger alternator. My 2 x 125 watt solar panels are brilliant and my battery charges up in no time. Here's the pics. lol

[DX grunt]

Please read the above thread first.

I like my toys and creature comforts. I've got a HF radio, 'Handiwash' hot/cold water system, 95lt Evakool fridge/freezer that runs 24/7, a small DVD/cd player and more recently, a 1000w inverter.

The only real thing that will be continuous will be the Evakool - and sometimes the radio/cd player. Do I need another/bigger alternator? I'm outa my depth talking about this stuff.

The 3rd battery - away from the front end - sounds like the way to go. I'm thinking along the lines of 'what if' I hit a roo and it knocks the batteries out, I'll have Plan B to be able to call for help, etc.

The whole idea of my truck is to be independent, go remote camping and not have to cart a camper trailer around.

Comments please.

[threedogs]

If you have a 100 amp alternater you'll be right with a triple battery set up. What do your panels return each about 6 amps x2 is 12 amps an hour on a good day. you have nothing thats going to use that much power. You could do what you want with one panel. Out of interest add up what the amperage is of your accessories? Approx is ok if you don't know. I only use 80 watt panel and could stay a very long time in one spot , beer and food aside. changed all my camp lighting to LED to get a little extra out of the battery. Our camp is very bright music all day long etc etc. Pain in the butt fitting 2nd altenator.

[DX grunt]

If you have a 100 amp alternater you'll be right with a triple battery set up. What do your panels return each about 6 amps x2 is 12 amps an hour on a good day. you have nothing thats going to use that much power. You could do what you want with one panel. Out of interest add up what the amperage is of your accessories? Approx is ok if you don't know. I only use 80 watt panel and could stay a very long time in one spot , beer and food aside. changed all my camp lighting to LED to get a little extra out of the battery. Our camp is very bright music all day long etc etc. Pain in the butt fitting 2nd altenator.

Thanks mate. Will do. I'll need a few days. but I will get back to you. I got told that the HF radio and the hot/cold water system sucks up heaps of juice. Some people reckon just turn the Codan NGT AR on for the sked then turn it off again. I'd like to be able to leave it on scan during daylight hours - if I can.