Batteries/Inverters..needed for extended camping

[Kennyscott]

How many batteries and size inverter needed for extended camping. AGM batteries, what size and where did you get them, Price$$$. What inverter do you have and size. I've got a generator but trying to be nice to fellow campers and probably shut it down after 6-8pm. Not trying to run everything just the TV's and microwave for short periods. What are you using or suggest?
THX

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by Kennyscott

How many batteries and size inverter needed for extended camping. AGM batteries, what size and where did you get them, Price$$$. What inverter do you have and size. I've got a generator but trying to be nice to fellow campers and probably shut it down after 6-8pm. Not trying to run everything just the TV's and microwave for short periods. What are you using or suggest?
THX

You really need to do an audit of what you want to run off of it. such as how many amps with all on. Then you can size the inverter. There just to many different styles and voltages they produce and what will be drain on your batteries for that period of time. Then look for what you need and also IMO get the pure sine wave not the mod.

[Kennyscott]

Micro is 950 with peak to 1300, Both TV's total <300 watts. I could work around the micro though. Looking at running the TV's 4 hrs max.

[Kennyscott]

Looking at pure sine inverter, maybe 1500 or 2000 watt. Also am currently using the group 24 RV batteries (2) that came with the unit. Would use the stock batteries for a while if they work. Any sugestions on batteries and inverter

[bikendan]

Unless you can find a place for 4 batteries, along with a big inverter, forget the microwave.

we have two 12v deep cycle batteries and a 400w inverter on our Rockwood.
We can easily run our tv for 4 hours with our setup.

[Flybob]

Have a look at the technical information at windsun.com. Most people over estimate the capability of inverter and battery systems. Running a 1000W microwave means you are drawing approximately 100A DC from your batteries. If you have 2 group 24 ( approx 150 AHr total ) and never draw them below 50% capacity, you can run the microwave for about 45 mins max. Keep in mind that that assumes no other demand, lights, water pump, furnace, fridge, monitors.

[2ramblers]

What sort of set-up would I need if I wanted to run an air conditioner, a CPAP machine, one or two lights and TV?

[Flybob]

A small generator 1KW-2KW to charge batteries during the day and two good batteries and a 500-1000W inverter for all but the AC You can not run an AC on Battery/inverter.

[2ramblers]

Thanks Flybob. Do you happen to know what solar panels I would need?

[rzrnaz]

Originally Posted by Kennyscott

How many batteries and size inverter needed for extended camping. AGM batteries, what size and where did you get them, Price$$$. What inverter do you have and size. I've got a generator but trying to be nice to fellow campers and probably shut it down after 6-8pm. Not trying to run everything just the TV's and microwave for short periods. What are you using or suggest?
THX

Complicated question, but the answer that would work for most people is 4 batteries and 2,000 watts of pure sine inverter.

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by 2ramblers

Thanks Flybob. Do you happen to know what solar panels I would need?

Depends on where you are camping. My main reason for suggesting Generator vs Solar is the CPAP. If that is mandatory, generator is best solution as you could get 3-4 very cloudy rainy days and get little charge or be on a very shaded site.

[2ramblers]

Thanks for your information Flybob.

[rthomaslyons]

If you really want to run off the grid use a car type battery charger and run it off your generator and charge it up several times faster at 10, 12 or more amps. Also a couple of 60 watt solar panels or larger will make dry camping almost seamless as they charge your batteries as long as there is daylight while you are sitting or travelling. When I am going to be dry camping for awhile I also set up a 3rd deep cycle battery particularly if its colder and I need to run the furnace overnight, that sucks the juice out of your batteries more than anything.

[2ramblers]

Thank you rthomaslyons that is very helpful.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by 2ramblers

What sort of set-up would I need if I wanted to run an air conditioner, a CPAP machine, one or two lights and TV?

For all that, forget solar and inverters, you'll need a generator.
if you leave the a/c off your list, then a couple of deep cycle batteries and an inverter would work. You could use solar to recharge the batteries.

[palmetto rogue]

rzrnaz has it right 4 6v batteries and 2000w inverter to run everything including the microwave but not all together (excludes ac and hot water). you must consider installation costs also as correct battery wiring sizing, battery enclosure,transfer switch, fusing and disconnect and likely a sub panel would be needed for this setup

[Henboy]

We would like to be able to add some "Boondocking" capability to our Micro-Lite. After reading countless posts I think I have a 3 step plan:

1. Most folks seem to recommend replacing the standard 12v battery with two 6v golf cart batteries, and, upgrading the WFCO converter with a Progressive Dynamics 4600 kit to get a 4 stage battery charger. This should give us 2-3 days with 12v only, NO 120v.

2. Add an Inverter to get minimal 120v (TV and computer) from the battery bank.

3. Add a generator or solar (or both) to get full 120v. No A/C unless we go with a 3000+ watt genny.

Am I on the right track?

[rana]

Originally Posted by Henboy

Am I on the right track?

Yup. That'll do.

If you are planning on going with an inverter at some point, I might recommend upgrading to 4 x 6v batteries now. Typically you want to have the batteries in your bank to be of the same type and age.

You might also consider 2 x 2000 watt genny's over a single 3000 watt. For the most part, you really only need a single 2000 watt for day to day use. You can always parallel an additional unit for your A/C. A single 2000 watt like the Honda or Yamaha will be more fuel efficient over a 3000 watt genny. They are easier to carry and give you the added benefit of a backup.

[Henboy]

What do you know about replacing the Converter with a Inverter/Charger?

[rana]

Originally Posted by Henboy

What do you know about replacing the Converter with a Inverter/Charger?

That's actually the way I went. I carry a magnum 2000w inverter/charger, but still have my stock converter as a backup I can wire in to if need be. Actually... I also carry a second 600 watt PSW inverter as well that I use strictly for the entertainment center (TV, satellite receiver, DVD, etc). The overhead is lower and not much point running 2000 watts just to watch some TV. Of course, I also prefer "using up" a $200 inverter over my $1800 magnum.

The magnum runs into a subpanel and powers the entire rig with the exception of the A/C and the electric side of my water heater.

If you just want something dedicated to plug into, it's not all that difficult. Tying it into your entire rig is a bit more involved, but gives you the most versatility.

On edit: I forgot to mention that the entertainment center is also on a transfer switch so it will run hot from either of the inverters or shore power.