Motorhome Battery Box

Motorhome Battery Box

RV Living: Why you should consider solar energy

Half a life, when my wife and I first got a taste for RV life distance decided early on that solar power had to be the way forward. Despite the rapid advances in solar technology - and even at that time - many travelers colleagues were surprised when they learned of our RV was "powered by solar energy.

Of course, the little house on wheels was entered years, and there was a general belief among motorhomers caravans and that solar energy was "too expensive" and "too technical." But whatever their reasons, I am here to tell you that solar energy, battery charge 12 volts was then, and remains worthy of consideration seriously - no matter the size or age of your trip rig.

In fact, even the most basic system - like ours was then - not only provides a significant increase in self-sufficiency, but also saves enough money to recoup their investment in less than three months. Even today.

For example, a 30-watt, self-regulating solar panels cost about $ 280 to $ 350 here in Australia. If after a maintenance factor no-show deep cycle batteries for at least a capacity of 75 amps / hour - to be installed in the RV - perhaps $ 180, plus the proper wiring, a plastic box for the sale of the battery (vented to the outside), and various hardware for, say, 50 dollars, its total expenditure should not be much more than $ 600.

After that, every night to make use of its energy on board in a "no hook-ups camping, you stand to save between $ 15 and $ 25 in fees tourist park. Sometimes more. In these figures, the form of organization has depreciated over perhaps 30 nights or less!

True enough power normally available from the standard battery of your vehicle towing more than one or two nights, but if the vehicle is not moving for two or three days the engine will almost certainly need lasted one hour or more "top" in charge of removing the battery. And with the system of a drum solo-ups, there is always a risk of abusing their power, leading to a flat battery!

On the other hand, if you prefer overnight security and companionship of a tourist park, a place without motor - stains nice and quiet in the back - save maybe $ 3 - $ 8 per night. This means that your investment could still be back in the bank within six months.

No matter how you look at solar energy was - and is - the way forward. It is clean, efficient, quiet and requires almost zero maintenance. And once the initial outlay has been covered, to meet the basic needs thereafter are free.

However, there is a downside. (Is not it always?) A fixed solar array - in the RV roof, for example - have to be on the sun's rays long and strong to adequately replenish the battery charge. Parked too long the shade, or suffering through a long stretch of rain-filled skies, you can remove a single battery power supply in two or three days, even with judicious use. For that reason, some additional people, portable solar panel that can be constantly in position to capture most of the direct rays of the sun, for as long as possible.

However, in the four years that we had traveled little good will had very few problems. (That yes, we have always carried "Conventional" backup in the form of a small gasoline generator, and our car has always been dual battery equipped to share the campsite food needs.)

And as for the complicated technology? Well, if a techno-slouch as I can have all the system up and running in less than two hours, anyone can!

What we did was: (1) mount the solar panel directly on the roof of the RV (with carefully applied sealant in and around holes for screws), then (2) run the wiring down panel in the truck (through the corner of the hatch of all-seasons) in a closet. Be solar self-regulatory group, a controller was needed between the panel and the battery, so the cables are attached directly to the battery.

The battery is in a storage bin with a sturdy plastic lid on the box, I still sealed with silicone. Two lengths of 6 mm perforated plastic hose outside the box through the caravan floor (inside the cabinet). Battery terminals were equipped with belts of heavy duty extension that ran through the side box to the outside for easy connection via standard alligator clips, a portable 12 volt socket, or sometimes a low-capacity inverter. All holes in the floor and the battery box were sealed in its entirety (both sides) with silicone sealant.

As for maintenance, all that is needed is a occasional wipe down the solar panel and an overview of the cables and occasionally seals. I also put a multimeter across the terminals of the battery from time to time to see how was tracking. (Of course, this reading is correct only after the battery has "rested" for half an hour or less, ie without charge in or out.)

OK, we've learned more about solar energy, since then, so we did some things so different time runoff. But these differences were, in essence, because our full-time trip now takes more than twice the power, with much more in reserve. So gizmos and gadgets are scattered throughout. But when I think that the small, drag-it-anywhere "the caravan, with its most basic form, DIY solar energy design, has come to feel warm and fuzzy. (Self-sufficiency in the forest to do that!)

For our money, energy solar and recreational vehicles are for each other, it is impossible to imagine a life without any wandering.

About the Author

Bill Revill is an Australian freelance writer, fulltime RV traveler, and remote lifestyle expert. For further information go to:
http://www.livingontheroad.com

http://www.authorsden.com/billrevill
Copyright 2007 by W.V. Revill.

Why not draw power from the motor battery?

I've been slowly rebuilding a 1973 Winnebago Brave, and just when we finally got the job of the engines, which stopped receiving battery juice. I have there with a voltmeter and it seems that nothing is getting power the fuse box. Is there a security system that could cause this? I've been trying to follow the wires again, but the man who had before I made a cabling work at home with nothing but red cables, making it impossible to limit any further back. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

Check the battery relay. Which looks like an old Ford starter relay.

9. Battery box, Smev combi kitchen, preparation for floor fitting.