batteries and generators (1 Viewer)

I M confused

Free Member
Dec 22, 2020
3
0
Funster No
78,566
MH
Mileo 201
Hi we have a Mileo 201 (2019) and want to use it for extended periods of time (weeks) off grid. We would be grateful for any advice regarding the following, as can get no response from Benimar:

Would like to have2 leisure batteries and wonder what people think about lead crystal batteries - whether they would significantly increase capability and if they would be compatible with the vans electrical system.

We would like to have a generator which could be connected directly into the side of the van to top up batteries etc. Would like to know if the van's electrical system will be compatible and what type/size of generator would be required (we do not run a television) to allow us to stay off grid.

Many thanks in advance for any help you could give us.
 

cmcardle75

LIFE MEMBER
Jun 8, 2012
2,666
3,446
Reading
Funster No
21,386
MH
Riot Van Conversion
Exp
Since 2012
Hi we have a Mileo 201 (2019) and want to use it for extended periods of time (weeks) off grid. We would be grateful for any advice regarding the following, as can get no response from Benimar:

Would like to have2 leisure batteries and wonder what people think about lead crystal batteries - whether they would significantly increase capability and if they would be compatible with the vans electrical system.

We would like to have a generator which could be connected directly into the side of the van to top up batteries etc. Would like to know if the van's electrical system will be compatible and what type/size of generator would be required (we do not run a television) to allow us to stay off grid.

Many thanks in advance for any help you could give us.
What sort of fridge do you have? What time of year do you intend to use it? Do you have solar panels, or space for them?
 
Apr 6, 2019
3,694
7,302
Eye, Peterborough, UK
Funster No
59,702
MH
RV
Exp
FourWinds Windsport 6.8L V10
I started a thread on Lead Crystal batteries and the general consensus on MHFun was its a bit new to tell if it is a more affordable step into Lithium batteries.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Lenny HB

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 18, 2007
52,710
147,676
On the coast in West Sussex
Funster No
658
MH
Hymer B678 DL
Exp
Since 2008 & many years tugging
Generators are only useful if camping miles from anyone else they are the most annoying things to other Campers.
Better to fit 1 or 2 extra batteries a few hundred watts of solar.
If your engine is Euro 6d it should have a B2B, if not probably worth fitting one, it gives you a higher charge rate when driving.

If you are going to be a high power user worth considering Litium batteries.
 
Jan 8, 2013
8,478
11,516
Dronfield - Derbyshire
Funster No
24,202
MH
Burstner Lyseo 690G
Exp
Happy FLT since 2011
Generates are mostly hated by the MoHo community. Plus you will need to find a safe place to carry a five gallon drum of petrol.

Fit as many solar panels as possible on your roof with a dual battery solar controller to suit.
Buy two large lead acid leisure batteries. Gel if you want to afford them.
 
Jan 19, 2014
9,322
24,581
Derbyshire
Funster No
29,757
MH
Elddis Accordo 105
Exp
since 2014
If you've got a decent amount of solar, you only need enough battery capacity to last from dusk to dawn, after that solar takes over and also charges the battery. We've got 1 85ah Gel battery and it's plenty for our use.

I can recommend getting a good quality battery monitor too, like the NASA BM1, you know exactly what the battery state is at all times 👌

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

irnbru

LIFE MEMBER
Jun 27, 2013
13,503
31,101
Glasgow
Funster No
26,684
MH
Benimar 264
Exp
11 yrs
I think all Mileos have a standard 150w solar factory installed. We dont have any fancy batteries , just two Banner 110s in our Mileo and we can easily stay off grid for 5 days in winter.
 
OP
OP
I

I M confused

Free Member
Dec 22, 2020
3
0
Funster No
78,566
MH
Mileo 201
Thanks for the replies. Mileo comes with solar panels and the fridge is a 3-way. Aim to use it all seasons, but panels especially in winter and in the North where it is mainly used not enough and even with driving will at present only last a few days off grid Where we aim to be a generator is unlikely to bother anybody. Just need advice regarding type of batteries and generator and compatibility with van electrics.
 
Jul 6, 2009
1,747
2,094
Funster No
7,383
I bought a Honda EU10i and converted it to run on LPG. saves carrying petrol and a bit quieter but you must consider others Re noise however quiet they are

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

SuperMike

Free Member
Apr 28, 2010
2,477
7,593
St Albans
Funster No
11,285
MH
Winnebago Sightseer
Exp
11yrs, but many years a tugger.
Unless you have a specific need, stay away from a generator it's sound will drive you crazy over a long period. If you can afford and can't manage with just battery and solar then possibly consider and eFOY. :gum:
 

TheBig1

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 27, 2011
17,509
42,755
Dorset
Funster No
19,048
MH
A class
Exp
many many years! since I was a kid
If you are insistent you need a generator, the most compatible to connect up is a pure sine wave inverter generator. The best being Honda with the eu10i or eu20i which can be converted to run on LPG from the bottles already in the van. This has the benefit of not carrying or having to top up petrol in the tank. On petrol you get about 3 hours run time to a tank but with LPG you are only limited by the amount of gas you carry. If off grid camping refillable LPG bottles or a tank are essential

Batteries are a major talking point here. Wet lead acid batteries have a very short life and can only safely be discharged to 50% of charge if you want them to last. Gel batteries last much longer and can be discharged lower. However they cost much more that wet lead acid. Lithium is the way many are going, but silly expensive still. The lead crystal technology is not well known yet
 

SuperMike

Free Member
Apr 28, 2010
2,477
7,593
St Albans
Funster No
11,285
MH
Winnebago Sightseer
Exp
11yrs, but many years a tugger.
Indeed, but if it has to, will deliver 8A for 24hrs per day, which knocks out around 192A. Enough per day for almost anyone and I did say if you can afford it. :gum:

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

two

Aug 4, 2011
4,901
4,560
West Midlands
Funster No
17,624
MH
A-Class Fiat
Batteries only hold a finite amount of power. A 100Ah battery bank probably equates to 1kWh of useable power at best, or 15p worth of electricity. Regard them as a modest temporary store between the times when you can top up again. B2B does this whenever you move on (but expensively by consuming more diesel). Solar is free but only practical in Summer.
You can get by without EHU so long as you are frugal with how much you consume and that modest supply (15p worth) can last a few days but not weeks.
If you are truly wild, generator noise should not be an issue. A gas-converted Honda eu10i should be your choice.
 
Sep 1, 2018
1,966
6,575
Strathaven
Funster No
55,963
MH
Pilote G741
Exp
Since 2018
here In the south of Scotland in winter our 200w of solar produce little to nil
I have a wolf generator producing about 700w , very light , small & quite , it cost me £158 new (also badged as other brands) , great for wilding , IMO gas conversions tie the genny to the MH , I use an extension lead & put the genny well away from the MH so little noise or fumes , works for me

522CECC6-EC7C-4B3C-B7C4-8D219FA3A03B.png
 

two

Aug 4, 2011
4,901
4,560
West Midlands
Funster No
17,624
MH
A-Class Fiat
You can use a separate gas bottle for the genny (or BBQ) and place it anywhere you like (just chain it up if you're "not that wild").

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Lucky

Free Member
Nov 9, 2019
532
1,055
Limousin France & Yorkshire UK
Funster No
66,709
MH
Sunlight Cliff 600XV
Exp
Since 2016
To add my experience, I bought a lightly used Honda generator from a lovely Funster and have used it on several occasions when off grid.

With regards to the noise, the Honda just purrs and is barely noticeable inside the motorhome. That's my experience anyway but obviously I can't say others are wrong if they have problems with noise.

Also, before dismissing the purchase of cheaper generators because they typically don't deliver pure sine wave electricity, I have read that if you buy a good (e.g. Voltronic) Battery to Battery charger, it will 'filter' dirty electricity and so protect your motorhome electronics. At least that is understanding after reading the B2B spec.
 
Sep 1, 2018
1,966
6,575
Strathaven
Funster No
55,963
MH
Pilote G741
Exp
Since 2018
You can use a separate gas bottle for the genny (or BBQ) and place it anywhere you like (just chain it up if you're "not that wild").
You could do 😁 , for me the extra £100 for the gas conversion then the cost & storage of a additional gas bottle ( unless removing from MH ) just wouldn’t work for me but each to their own
 

SuperMike

Free Member
Apr 28, 2010
2,477
7,593
St Albans
Funster No
11,285
MH
Winnebago Sightseer
Exp
11yrs, but many years a tugger.
Whatever, you win I give up. :xdoh:

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
OP
OP
I

I M confused

Free Member
Dec 22, 2020
3
0
Funster No
78,566
MH
Mileo 201
Thanks again for the comments. As new to this can anybody advise/explain how we would know if a particular battery type or generator would be compatible with the motorhome electrics (not cause damage)?
 
May 7, 2016
7,191
11,615
West Sussex
Funster No
42,951
MH
Carthago Compactline
Exp
Since 2003
I have an Efoy 140 the medium sized one and it is fine for my purposes, which include running a CPAP all night. The 140 stands for the number of Amp hours it can produce in a 24 hour period, it is therefore easily capable of keeping up with most peoples daily needs. Being near silent it can run day and night without causing any inconvenience to either occupants or neighbours. I use about 50Ah per day and reckon it costs me in the region of £5 in Efoy fuel, which is probably less than the cost a hook up adds to site fees. The initial cost of the unit is high and for those who camp in sunny places and lay up for half the year solar is probably a better option.

I stopped using my suitcase petrol generator many years ago because even I found it annoying.
 

TheBig1

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 27, 2011
17,509
42,755
Dorset
Funster No
19,048
MH
A class
Exp
many many years! since I was a kid
Thanks again for the comments. As new to this can anybody advise/explain how we would know if a particular battery type or generator would be compatible with the motorhome electrics (not cause damage)?
pretty much any suitable 12v leisure battery would be compatible, but not all vans come pre fitted with the option to select the different charging regime of Gel or Lithium batteries. Generators are a much trickier subject as the cheapest type can damage sensitive electronics due to spikes and a very unstable voltage. Those with inverter technology are better, but only the pure sine wave type. Which is basically the most expensive

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

ctc

Oct 12, 2015
1,502
2,507
Crowle
Funster No
39,408
MH
Hymer b680
Exp
New
We stayed next to a very elderly van, the couple came round one morning and asked if their generator had disturbed us. It hadn't but he then told me he used it every night to charge up and watch his 2 tvs. When I had a look it was mounted in a well insulated locker, polystyrene, with a powered air supply and the exhaust through the floor to what looked like a motorbike muffler. It was all homemade by the previous owner.
 
May 7, 2016
7,191
11,615
West Sussex
Funster No
42,951
MH
Carthago Compactline
Exp
Since 2003
Efoys are fine with Lithium, that is what I have. They now have a LiFePO4 profile and there are a whole range of adjustments available. The earlier models that preceded the Li profile are easily updated, it is just a software update which should be carried out from time to time anyway.
 
Oct 17, 2012
79
90
banks
Funster No
23,327
MH
mercedes vario youngs con
Exp
1978
how good are the efoy gennys as thinking of buying one

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Realist

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 4, 2018
1,746
2,660
Wales last time I checked.
Funster No
57,061
MH
Caravan: Buccaneer
Exp
Caravan before 2000 / Motorhome From 2018 to 22 / Now Caravan again.
I run the Briggs & Stratton P2200 Generator.

Quiet and plenty of grunt.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JJ

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top