How much for the toys?

[Odd-no-more]

Now we're going back to a MOHO I've been thinking about the toys that go with it. I'm thinking of self-leveling, enough solar and lithium to not need EHU with air-con and possible a 12 volt compressor fridge,
Without any figures I have mentally put £10k aside. Is this about right?

 

[Lenny HB]

At bit low we have spent about £15k on our van but I saved a few grand doing all the electrics myself.

 

[NR]

Another £5k +

 

[Jon Stewart]

I suspect that's not even close.

... Oh, Lenny has just posted what I was thinking.

 

[CazPaul]

Forget the self levelling that will save you over half your accessories budget.

 

[AlunandFelicie]

Forget the self levelling that will save you over half your accessories budget.

The number of times we’ve been on sites where self levellers have needed blocks of wood under them I’d rather spend the six grand on beer to forget not being level(beer the great leveller ,until you fall over).

 

[TheLargays]

Our budget figures for similar last year were £6k for levelling, £5k for lithium/inverter/solar and £2k for fridge swap to T2152 compressor. With nothing planned to be done DIY. The £13k proved pretty solid but we then found other stuff to spend more on…….

 

[AlunandFelicie]

Our budget figures for similar end last year were £6k for levelling, £5k for lithium/inverter/solar and £2k for fridge swap to T2152 compressor. With nothing planned to be done DIY. The £13k proved pretty solid but we then found other stuff to spend more on…….

Beer?

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[herald_400rl]

Air con and off grid doesn't just mean substantial batteries, it means substantial charging infrastructure.

Possibly a generator if things get hairy. I reckon with 10k, doing everything but the self levelling yourself and making some compromises, you could get close. But you wont be able to be off grid indefinitely running high current things like air con. 15k would get you much closer.

 

[KASPAR]

Should be sufficient using the respected WattGuardz AshWattGuardz and Off Grid Power Solutions nigelivy RogerIvy of this parish.

We had M-Level levellers and Inverter fitted by Ash.

Lithium, B2B and wiring for portable solar panel by OGPS.

Both give a MHF discount, mention at enquiry.

As advised by Nigel in discussions using a portable solar panel means you can put it in the sun whilst the roof of the MH is in the shade, and use year round. We got a Renogy 400W panel on an Amazon deal for not very much. The B2B charges yer battery/ies on the move.

 

[d95gas]

We got a Renogy 400W panel on an Amazon deal for not very much

Which one did you go for? I have been looking at several and decided on these as i am in the throws of looking at a new van, and means I can just take it as part of my normal camping kit rather than fixed to the van and have to replace when I move to another van?

 

[Odd-no-more]

Air con and off grid doesn't just mean substantial batteries, it means substantial charging infrastructure.

Possibly a generator if things get hairy. I reckon with 10k, doing everything but the self levelling yourself and making some compromises, you could get close. But you wont be able to be off grid indefinitely running high current things like air con. 15k would get you much closer.

My thinking is , the air-con will be used when the sun is shining, so hopefully power itself.

 

[G1969]

We did our upgrades in phases
1- lithium/b2b/multiplus/controler etc, ceramic coating
2- more lithium/ more solar
3- levelling system
4- to be continued

I can honestly say, yes it’s all expensive, but for us worth every penny, not only gives flexibility but make live less stressful- pull up level with ease, kettle on via induction hob- job done.

 

[herald_400rl]

My thinking is , the air-con will be used when the sun is shining, so hopefully power itself.

You would need 2 x 400w panels that could be placed in the sun (foldable type), as the AC will pull up to 60-80a depending on which you go with.

And on days where its humid/muggy/"just bloody hot" with no sun about/overcast, you will be in battery debt.

This is all on top of your normal usage of TV, fridge, hair dryer, charging ebikes, air fryer, induction hob, etc.

 

[TheLargays]

My thinking is , the air-con will be used when the sun is shining, so hopefully power itself.

That’s a really big ask. It obviously depends lots on the weather, how cool you want inside etc. Our aircon draws around 1kw/hr when it’s working hard then drops back if conditions allow. Inverter efficiency, overcast skies, tree cover etc do not help. Without EHU, a big battery bank with a load of solar would be needed - also being mindful of the weight of all that kit! Alternatively, the B2B could be run for hours to replenish the batteries. I’ve seen some effectively diesel powering their aircon - thankfully not on pitches next to us!

 

[Skibumfish]

Should be sufficient using the respected WattGuardz AshWattGuardz and Off Grid Power Solutions nigelivy RogerIvy of this parish.

We had M-Level levellers and Inverter fitted by Ash.

Lithium, B2B and wiring for portable solar panel by OGPS.

Both give a MHF discount, mention at enquiry.

As advised by Nigel in discussions using a portable solar panel means you can put it in the sun whilst the roof of the MH is in the shade, and use year round. We got a Renogy 400W panel on an Amazon deal for not very much. The B2B charges yer battery/ies on the move.

Is this working out well for you as we have very limited roof space so was thinking about portable? Thanks

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[Purrfecttune]

Our budget figures for similar last year were £6k for levelling, £5k for lithium/inverter/solar and £2k for fridge swap to T2152 compressor. With nothing planned to be done DIY. The £13k proved pretty solid but we then found other stuff to spend more on…….

We had fitted by Offgrid Power Solutions:
280aH Fogstar lithium
180w solar panel (to go with existing 100w)
1200w inverter
B2B
With Funster discount £2,200

For our requirements perfect for being offgrid, we have currently been touring Ireland for 10 weeks and never needed EHU, thus saving campsite fees and also saving LPG.
We
Charge two e-bikes, iPads, kindles, vacuum cleaner, phones
Use air fryer, electric kettle, toaster, hair dryer, microwave
Didn’t want a bigger inverter mostly because of size and partly because of weight (it sits comfortably behind the drivers seat base, directly next to the battery - perfect )

 

[Lenny HB]

My thinking is , the air-con will be used when the sun is shining, so hopefully power itself.

I really don't see the point of aircon in a Motorhome we find we soon aclimateise after a few days and a Maxx fan works pretty well at keeping the van cool.
Unless you are going to go to Southern Spain in July & August Europe rarely gets above the mid 30's.

 

[Purrfecttune]

I really don't see the point of aircon in a Motorhome we find we soon aclimateise after a few days and a Maxx fan works pretty well at keeping the van cool.
Unless you are going to go to Southern Spain in July & August Europe rarely gets above the mid 30's.

We bought a Meacofan 1056 a few years ago for the bedroom (anything above 20 degrees at night and Julie gets her ‘hot flushes’) and it works so well that now we have offgrid capabilities we take it with us

 

[Buddy1012]

I really don't see the point of aircon in a Motorhome we find we soon aclimateise after a few days and a Maxx fan works pretty well at keeping the van cool.
Unless you are going to go to Southern Spain in July & August Europe rarely gets above the mid 30's.

Having had it on previous 4 MHs that was my view. However the latest one came with it already on (factory fitted). It is integrated with the Alde heating system, works off the inverter if you need it to and with the help of the Victron Multiplus you can use it on EHU rated as low as 6 amps which you get in some of the hotter places we have visited. Overall it has been a bit of a game changer based on our previous AirCon experiences.

 

[TheLargays]

We had fitted by Offgrid Power Solutions:
280aH Fogstar lithium
180w solar panel (to go with existing 100w)
1200w inverter
B2B
With Funster discount £2,200

For our requirements perfect for being offgrid, we have currently been touring Ireland for 10 weeks and never needed EHU, thus saving campsite fees and also saving LPG.
We
Charge two e-bikes, iPads, kindles, vacuum cleaner, phones
Use air fryer, electric kettle, toaster, hair dryer, microwave
Didn’t want a bigger inverter mostly because of size and partly because of weight (it sits comfortably behind the drivers seat base, directly next to the battery - perfect )

Great that meets your needs but OP said he wanted to run aircon off grid and that setup would struggle.

We do similar so needed a bigger battery bank etc to suit.

As off grid users have different needs, it’s good that much of the kit is modular so the spec can be set to meet various loads and budgets.

 

[Purrfecttune]

Great that meets your needs but OP said he wanted to run aircon off grid and that setup would struggle.

We do similar so needed a bigger battery bank etc to suit.

As off grid users have different needs, it’s good that much of the kit is modular so the spec can be set to meet various loads and budgets.

It’s definitely a ‘how long is a piece of string’ thing. That’s why when I post about our set up I always describe our usage to give some idea of what a certain level of set up can provide.

I know that Lenny HB has loooaaads more back up and has things like an induction hob.

 

[Lenny HB]

I know that Lenny HB has loooaaads more back up and has things like an induction hob.

I've only got 460 Ah of Lithium, the induction hob is mainly used for cooking outside on sunny days.
Have just bought a 200 watt portable panel as we only have 350 watts on the roof.
But can only really use it at rallies in the UK as we don't do sites. Have started heating the hot water on electric if it's sunny.

 

[mikecoo]

Vb full air £9,500, solar system about £7,000, 12 v air con(for the dog, can now leave him when shopping etc without worrying) £2,500. Plus sundry items, diesel heater, back up generator(very rarely needed), induction hobs(fantastic)sit on top of the gas hob(now back up)perfectly, alloy wheels etc.

Justify the cost due to living in the van so why not have it as I want.

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[NR]

My thinking is , the air-con will be used when the sun is shining, so hopefully power itself.

Even on the most efficient days that will never happen, we have 600w of solar and 680Ah and it’s remarkably easy to burn through and time consuming to replenish. However, we are now much more adept at management now.

 

[Crismo]

I fitted these..an easy self fit for a competent DIYér. Less than £2000 and they work well, no hiccups. Not quite as high as hydraulic ones but good enough, I´ve not yet come across the site that they wouldn't level up on, but I don´t wild camp in them there hills.

SELF-LEVELING LEGS FOR MOTORHOME, AUTOLIFT, KIT WITH 4 LEGS AND 4 with Supports - Ref. ATF001 | Mi Tortuga

www.mitortuga.shop

Autolift System - Tesa Italy

The only electromechanical leveling system in Europe, 100% MADE IN ITALY, AutoLift System is the great alternative to expensive and heavy hydraulic actuators.

www.tesaitaly.com

I don´t know if there is an UK importer...

 

[mikecoo]

Even on the most efficient days that will never happen, we have 600w of solar and 680Ah and it’s remarkably easy to burn through and time consuming to replenish. However, we are now much more adept at management now.

I have 12 volt indel b plein air con, draws 40 amps max. 750w solar and 600ah never had a problem with power. Doesn’t chill the van like a bigger unit but makes it comfortable enough(for the dog)and takes the humidity out of the air. As I’ve never hooked up 12v was the only option. If necessary I have a generator and would park somewhere where I wouldn’t annoy anyone and run it.
6.5 metre A class using a polar thermal exterior screen cover makes a big difference.

 

[KASPAR]

Which one did you go for? I have been looking at several and decided on these as i am in the throws of looking at a new van, and means I can just take it as part of my normal camping kit rather than fixed to the van and have to replace when I move to another van?

Renogy 400W Portable Solar Panel Lightweight Solar Suitcase Foldable with Solar Connectors Compatibility w/Generator/Power Station, Outdoor Camping RV Off-Grid​

 

[KASPAR]

Is this working out well for you as we have very limited roof space so was thinking about portable? Thanks

It works great for us. We don't have power anxiety at all. It's become second nature to pop the folding panel out on arrival, figure out where the sun will rise and set the panel to recover used power before getting out of yer pit in the morning. We run air fryer, hair dryer, TV, charge e-bikes.

Joint bestest thing we've added to the MH, the levellers being the other. And the Camos camera system.

At the forthcoming Lyndon Top meet up, doubtless the electrickery wizards funflair lorger will be hacking into the Victron set ups to measure things Can't be arsed myself as retired and put all that behind, but it keeps us in electrickery for our needs.

 

[Nanniemate]

Now we're going back to a MOHO I've been thinking about the toys that go with it. I'm thinking of self-leveling, enough solar and lithium to not need EHU with air-con and possible a 12 volt compressor fridge,
Without any figures I have mentally put £10k aside. Is this about right?

It all depends on what you need/want and what others think.you need.

I manage quiet well on Solar and refillable gas.

I don't need/want air friers / microwaves although the van did come with one it's been used once on the drive to check it works.

I thought seriously about air con but as it needed to be on hook up could not see the point.

Only used ramps 3 times in 7 years and one of those was to keep warden happy.he could not understand that if it stopped one way I would sleep the otherwise around.

Get your van go for the neccesties and then add any extras. You never know you might change your mind and want a caravan .....