Trouble Running High-Wattage Appliances Off Solar—Battery or Wiring Issue?

[JTFeyder]

On our 2024 Geo Pro 19FD we have:

• 2 – 200W solar panels
• 2 – Trojan T-105 6V batteries - Trojan Battery | T-105 6V Flooded Lead Acid Battery
• WFCO WF-5318 1800W inverter - WF-5318 Inverter – WFCO Technologies
• Go Power! GP-PWM-30-UL solar controller

On our recent (and first) dispersed camp in the Utah desert (plenty of sun), we were able to run a 1520W Keurig K-Mini Go single serve coffee maker for the first couple of days. It would, however, drag the batteries down and the inverter control panel would sound an alarm almost immediately. After the brew cycle was done, the alarm would stop and the battery power would come back up to 100%. We would wait 2-3 minutes between brewing consecutive cups. A Starlink Mini is also drawing from the inverter at up to 40W.

After about the 3rd day, the coffee maker would trip the GFCI in the camper, about 5 seconds into the brew cycle, and we could no longer use the coffee maker on the trip. The ‘surge power’ on the WF-5318 1800W inverter is stated at 3600W for 2 seconds.

Being electronically challenged, I’m looking for a simple solution to keep this from happening in the future. I’m thinking it’s the batteries, but they’re only 1-year old. Could this be possible already?

If I were to upgrade to LiFePO4 battery(s), can I go with 1 or should I go 2? If 1, what would be a good Ah for working with my inverter? If 2, what would be a good Ah (each) for working with my inverter? What total Ah would be going too large for my current system?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and shared knowledge.

 

[RobbieH]

I'd simply switch from Keurig to something such as a percolator that will work on your propane stove.

 

[Aussieguy]

Switch to a mppt controller you’ll get better performance

Check how tight and clean the battery cable lugs are especially the negatives

On the solar controller look if you can increase the wire gauge to the battery

All of the above do before you start thinking about lithium
Removing losses …… may just be enough.

 

[latner]

Sure sounds like undersized or too long of a run of wires between batteries and inverter. Low DC voltage will sound the alarm on an inverter.

 

[tomkatb]

The really high wattage devices like coffee makers and microwaves are hard on batteries.

Likely it is wire as well.

Can we assume you ran 2/0 wire as was recommended for high wattage appliances? You are drawing over 100 amps DC for the coffeemaker.

 

[Aussieguy]

Extra solar panel or two won’t hurt either
19foot roof should be able to have 600-800w of panels. Decide the maximum panels you can put on roof and add controller to suit the max . Mayb even some more wiring if you need it



Plenty people got good results on Trojan batteries along with solar takes a little bit of science and plenty of can do

You could always install a shunt with screen so you can see what is going into battery and if any modifications you do is working

 

[tomkatb]

A 1800 watt inverter is also too small. Folks forget that the inverters are only 80-90% efficient.

We use the go jo for coffee. Uses the K cups.

 

[Aussieguy]

I need percolator as the K cup is too flavorless

Must be getting old

 

[JTFeyder]

The really high wattage devices like coffee makers and microwaves are hard on batteries.

Likely it is wire as well.

Can we assume you ran 2/0 wire as was recommended for high wattage appliances? You are drawing over 100 amps DC for the coffeemaker.

Thx for your reply. It's all factory wiring, but could be undersized. Not sure why it worked for 2-3 days, then stopped.

 

[Aussieguy]

Do the little things before spending the big $$

 

[tomkatb]

The go jo for $25 or so will take care of your issue.

With your system I suspect any item using over 1200 watts will be iffy.

Under ideal conditions the coffee pot will likely work.

$50 worth of wire might help. Welding wire with properly crimped connections.

A $1000 battery would do it.

 

[bikendan]

A 1800 watt inverter is also too small. Folks forget that the inverters are only 80-90% efficient.

We use the go jo for coffee. Uses the K cups.

x2 for the My Jo coffeemaker for Keurig.
Doesn't cost much and doesn't take up any counterspace.
Just heat some water and it works like a French Press.
NO electricity needed.

 

[JTFeyder]

x2 for the My Jo coffeemaker for Keurig.
Doesn't cost much and doesn't take up any counterspace.
Just heat some water and it works like a French Press.
NO electricity needed.

Thanks Dan, just ordered an Aeropress. My son swears by his. Do you know any Raley's in the CDF or USFS firefighting world?

 

[bikendan]

No, didn't know any Raleys. I was on a small FD, in Ventura County and Napa County.
Doesn't mean I wasn't on a campaign fire with them.

 

[JTFeyder]

No, didn't know any Raleys. I was on a small FD, in Ventura County and Napa County.
Doesn't mean I wasn't on a campaign fire with them.

My wife's uncle (Terry Raley) was a Former Battalion Chief at USFS and for awhile was head of the weed-abatement program for the Ventura County Fire Department, early 90's I think.

 

[Chuck_S]

K cup is too flavorless

K-Cup holds enough coffee to brew a six (6) ounce cup of coffee. It's right there on the size selector switch on mine. After those 6 ounces the flavor is gone. Any expectation to magically get 8 or 10 ounces from the same little Kcup is delusional. Trying to squeeze blood from a stone doesn't work either. <-- Note the smileys.

The olde Mr Coffee-type machine makes the best coffee but only if you use a full filter of coffee (designed for 10 or so cups) and grab the very first coffee as it comes out of the filter. Getting caught doing this (at the office or at home) will make you very unpopular but you got a good cup of coffee.

-- Chuck

 

[Aussieguy]

I got a slow brew / strong setting on my K cup machine
And I use refillable K cups which I fill right to the top

Just not got that full aroma and flavor any more

Getting old

 

[Bob K4TAX]

On our 2024 Geo Pro 19FD we have:

• 2 – 200W solar panels
• 2 – Trojan T-105 6V batteries - Trojan Battery | T-105 6V Flooded Lead Acid Battery
• WFCO WF-5318 1800W inverter - WF-5318 Inverter – WFCO Technologies
• Go Power! GP-PWM-30-UL solar controller

On our recent (and first) dispersed camp in the Utah desert (plenty of sun), we were able to run a 1520W Keurig K-Mini Go single serve coffee maker for the first couple of days. It would, however, drag the batteries down and the inverter control panel would sound an alarm almost immediately. After the brew cycle was done, the alarm would stop and the battery power would come back up to 100%. We would wait 2-3 minutes between brewing consecutive cups. A Starlink Mini is also drawing from the inverter at up to 40W.

After about the 3rd day, the coffee maker would trip the GFCI in the camper, about 5 seconds into the brew cycle, and we could no longer use the coffee maker on the trip. The ‘surge power’ on the WF-5318 1800W inverter is stated at 3600W for 2 seconds.

Being electronically challenged, I’m looking for a simple solution to keep this from happening in the future. I’m thinking it’s the batteries, but they’re only 1-year old. Could this be possible already?

If I were to upgrade to LiFePO4 battery(s), can I go with 1 or should I go 2? If 1, what would be a good Ah for working with my inverter? If 2, what would be a good Ah (each) for working with my inverter? What total Ah would be going too large for my current system?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and shared knowledge.

View attachment 1109486

That is a lot of demand (1520 watts) in terms of amps (~135 amps @12.6VDC) required. Keeping in mind that one should only discharge FLA batteries to no less than 50% of their capacity.

One needs to make sure all connections are clean and tightened to torque specs. This includes terminals on the batteries, the negative connection to the trailer frame, and all connections to the inverter.

My suggestion, use a different type of coffee maker, one that requires much less power or the old fashion percolator on the LP gas cooktop. Or a 2.5KW inverter generator.

To run the appliances in your trailer as you run your appliances at home will require a LOT more battery capacity, and a LOT bigger inverter, and a LOT more solar panels. This translates to a LOT more money.

Bob

 

[escape pod 47]

We use a pour through coffee maker with hot water from the C3 stovetop. We like it.

 

[JTFeyder]

That is a lot of demand (1520 watts) in terms of amps (~135 amps @12.6VDC) required. Keeping in mind that one should only discharge FLA batteries to no less than 50% of their capacity.

One needs to make sure all connections are clean and tightened to torque specs. This includes terminals on the batteries, the negative connection to the trailer frame, and all connections to the inverter.

My suggestion, use a different type of coffee maker, one that requires much less power or the old fashion percolator on the LP gas cooktop. Or a 2.5KW inverter generator.

To run the appliances in your trailer as you run your appliances at home will require a LOT more battery capacity, and a LOT bigger inverter, and a LOT more solar panels. This translates to a LOT more money.

Bob

Thanks Bob. I did end up pulling the 3KW inv/genny out of the truck for morning coffee.