First time "off grid"

Gollom

Gollom

Free Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2014
Posts
206
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Location
Preston, Lancs
Funster No
30,866
MH
Hymer B534 (1994) - Hetty
Exp
Since 2014
Sue and I are going to the Southport meet in June (sounds like it will be a total blast!) from Friday lunchtime to Sunday lunchtime. This will be our first time without hook-up so:
  • Using just lights and water pump (the fridge, water heater and heating - if needed - will be on gas of course), how long can we expect our leisure battery to last?
  • I hear that we must not let the leisure battery discharge below 50% - is this critical?
  • Would the power sockets work? If so, how much does a 22" LED TV draw?
  • Should I run the engine at some stage? (I assume that will top up the leisure battery a bit?)
  • Anything I have not anticipated?

Many thanks

Steve & Sue
 
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The 12v power sockets will work but not the 240V ones unless you have an inverter fitted and even then not advised without a means of recharging. Once a battery discharges below 50% it starts to sulphate and lasting damage is done how much depends on how low you take it and how long before it receives a charge. if your heater is blown air then it will use a fair bit otherwise just gas. We just use the gas and don't switch the blowers on at all. Should be minimal lights at that time of the year. If it is a 12v TV could be anything from 4-6amps per hour if 240V via an inverter a little more. But the funsters will keep you locked up in the hospitality tent and be forcing drink down you until the early hours so no problem there either. You should be fine. Sa for running the engine unless you have a B2B charger you will use more power from the engine battery to start it than you can put back an an hour or two.
Solar is KING
 
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Running diesel engines at idle while stationary is not good for them & it will annoy all your neighbors & it won't put much charge into your battery unless you intend to leave it running for 6 -10 hours.
Assuming your battery is in good condition and fully charged two nights will not be a problem.
 
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Wildman said:
The 12v power sockets will work but not the 240V ones unless you have an inverter fitted and even then not advised without a means of recharging. Once a battery discharges below 50% it starts to sulphate and lasting damage is done how much depends on how low you take it and how long before it receives a charge. if your heater is blown air then it will use a fair bit otherwise just gas. We just use the gas and don't switch the blowers on at all. Should be minimal lights at that time of the year. If it is a 12v TV could be anything from 4-6amps per hour if 240V via an inverter a little more. But the funsters will keep you locked up in the hospitality tent and be forcing drink down you until the early hours so no problem there either. You should be fine. Sa for running the engine unless you have a B2B charger you will use more power from the engine battery to start it than you can put back an an hour or two.
Solar is KING
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I think I'll be looking into solar, any recommendations from where to buy and are they a DIY fit or a specialist job
Dave
 
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Can be DIY but worth doing lots of reading on the subject and match the system to what you want, plus what you want to spend.. :)

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Dave K said:
I think I'll be looking into solar, any recommendations from where to buy and are they a DIY fit or a specialist job
Dave
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If you are in Somerset I guess Vanbitz would be a good starting point for having Solar supplied and fitted, they have a forum discount I believe...
 
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Dave K said:
I think I'll be looking into solar, any recommendations from where to buy and are they a DIY fit or a specialist job
Dave
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We only started motorhoming in September and going off hookup was a major worry for us, continually worrying about running out of power. We looked into doing a DIY fit solar panel and extra battery, but had such a good price from Vanbitz decided to go there. I know hubby could fit it, but so much less stressful to let a professional do it and know you have the peace of mind of warranty. Our motorhome is our pride and joy and I certainly felt happier! Fabulous job done by Vanbitz, now so much more relaxed off hookup! Best thing we've done so far. Definitely recommend! (y)
 
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fitting solar is a very straight forward diy job you just need to chose a route for getting from panel to controller and from controller to battery ,usual place is down through a wardrobe panel is glued to roof and one hole drilled down to take the cables
 
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Gerri19 said:
We only started motorhoming in September and going off hookup was a major worry for us, continually worrying about running out of power. We looked into doing a DIY fit solar panel and extra battery, but had such a good price from Vanbitz decided to go there. I know hubby could fit it, but so much less stressful to let a professional do it and know you have the peace of mind of warranty. Our motorhome is our pride and joy and I certainly felt happier! Fabulous job done by Vanbitz, now so much more relaxed off hookup! Best thing we've done so far. Definitely recommend! (y)
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Thanks Gerri, always good to hear recommendations
 
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Gerri19 said:
We only started motorhoming in September and going off hookup was a major worry for us, continually worrying about running out of power. We looked into doing a DIY fit solar panel and extra battery, but had such a good price from Vanbitz decided to go there. I know hubby could fit it, but so much less stressful to let a professional do it and know you have the peace of mind of warranty. Our motorhome is our pride and joy and I certainly felt happier! Fabulous job done by Vanbitz, now so much more relaxed off hookup! Best thing we've done so far. Definitely recommend! (y)
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Can I be so bold to ask what are we talking about in terms of price? Even ballpark is fine - low, mid or high hundreds?
 
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Gollom said:
Can I be so bold to ask what are we talking about in terms of price? Even ballpark is fine - low, mid or high hundreds?
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I've just looked on vanbitz website, £549 for 100w panel supplied and fitted

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Gollom said:
Can I be so bold to ask what are we talking about in terms of price? Even ballpark is fine - low, mid or high hundreds?
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As per the price list on Vanbitz website, we had the 100w solar panel, battery master (sorts out topping up vehicle/leisure batteries) and an extra leisure battery fitted. As a Fun member you also get 10% discount, and a free night staying at their fabulous campsite! We were given a courtesy lift into Taunton to sightsee whilst the job was done. All in all top service!
 
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Gerri19 said:
As per the price list on Vanbitz website, we had the 100w solar panel, battery master (sorts out topping up vehicle/leisure batteries) and an extra leisure battery fitted. As a Fun member you also get 10% discount, and a free night staying at their fabulous campsite! We were given a courtesy lift into Taunton to sightsee whilst the job was done. All in all top service!
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Seconded again!(y)
 
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I'd second or third solar panels but you didn't say in your original post what battery you had or if you have LED lighting. If you don't have a TV you could be ok for quite a few days.
We have an 85 amp gel battery & 160 watts of solar. run for weeks without EHU.
Barrie.
 
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I think it was about 495 with my fun discount hope this helps

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Dave Newell, another Funster member fit my 100 wt solar at a Warners outdoor show. The cost was just over £500 and a great job.
 
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