The Grey Nomads Forum

Battery Systems Info for Beginners

Cupie said
10:42 AM Aug 17, 2017

Hi ..

From some of the posts that I've read on the forum over the years I get the impression that there are some members who do not have an understanding of caravan battery systems.

So I thought that it might be of assistance to post this explanatory video from Kickass that covers the subject in an easily understandable way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9c1hVXBggk

I hope that you find it useful.

Pls note that although I do have a technical background, I do not present myself as an expert on the subject.

Trevor law said
02:33 PM Aug 17, 2017

Thanks Cupie,as you say it is very informative. I will have a watch later and take it all in Safe travels

Possum3 said
05:39 PM Aug 17, 2017

Thanks Cupie, I've saved that file for future reference.

Ozlad said
09:08 AM Aug 18, 2017

And if you require a great little affordable Aussie book/ebook on the subject then I can recommend this one, lots of helpful info
www.warbonnet.com.au/store.html

Coyote said
03:13 PM Aug 18, 2017

Thanks

Cupie said
03:44 PM Aug 18, 2017

Ozlad wrote:
And if you require a great little affordable Aussie book/ebook on the subject then I can recommend this one, lots of helpful info
www.warbonnet.com.au/store.html

Thanks for that. A couple of interesting posts on the web site too, like the downloadable typical wiring diagrams & discussion on DC to DC Chargers.

Saved to my ever growing list of 'Favorites' & copies to my Caravanning/Technical files on the extl HDD.

edit ... Spelling again.

& ........ I just sat down with SWMBO & watched the Kickass video on the big screen. She seemed to understand. The first bit is good but it gets like a sales pitch towards the end. But they no doubt have great products. I was a bit disappointed that he didn't cover the old Accessory Relay approach.

I have just installed a relay that operates with the ignition in the accessory position & turns off when starting & back on when the engine is running. Just a $5, 30A relay (which includes a 30A inbuilt fuse) connected across the cigar lighter that switches power to the van via 6B&S (bloody thick .. 8M @ $70 incl Andersen plugs) cable. Got a spare relay just in case. Only issue is terminating the big cable onto the relay terminals, but I fixed that with home made connectors.

Probably an OK set up on a GQ Patrol. I'll need to check the charging V with the motor running.

If we take to 'off power' camping ... having a trial of overnighters on our way to Darwin next year ... I may look at one of their DC/DC chargers in the line to also connect Solar panel(S). I left a loop in the + cable in the truck so that I can bypass my relay & go straight to a fuse & battery.

Now all I have to do is check the TV on 12v & the easy one .. fix the water use issue.

-- Edited by Cupie on Friday 18th of August 2017 04:03:40 PM

-- Edited by Cupie on Friday 18th of August 2017 04:09:48 PM