Posted 2012-03-18 7:49 PM (#142248) Subject: 1 or 2 batteries
Member
Posts: 15
I am starting a weekender for our horse trailer and I need some advice. I wonder if I need 2 batteries or can get by with one? I am going to install a converter with charge wizard, but I do not plan on installing many electrical components. A few lights, a radio, and a couple 110 outlets that we won't use unless there is power. We do camp remote about half the time, but have been getting by with battery lights so far. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Posted 2012-03-18 10:06 PM (#142252 - in reply to #142248) Subject: RE: 1 or 2 batteries
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Follow the eight step program...:) http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html Switch reefer to LP and turn off unnecessary 12V appliances. Fully charge battery(s). Record the time. Shut off converter or battery charger (or unplug your RV if it's a cheapo with no way to switch it off). Run off 12 volts for 24 hours (or some convenient time) using appliances and lights as you would normally. Occasionally check a digital volt meter (see later) and record time when meter drops to each % Of Charge setting on chart (later in this poop sheet). Don't, though, go below the 50% level in this test. Simultaneously record the appliances you have running and how many minutes they run (that's each appliance, including number and type of lights, if you really want to do this right). When you reach the voltage that approximates 50% Of Charge (on chart later in this sheet), turn your battery charger back on. You now know how long you can run the house, in "normal" use, without charging, before chancing a "deep cycle." Do some simple math (below) to refine this and calculate where you can conserve electrical use to extend your time.
Posted 2012-03-18 10:24 PM (#142255 - in reply to #142248) Subject: RE: 1 or 2 batteries
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
It all depends on how much and how long you will be using the DC. Our weekender has one battery, a common wet cell marine deep cycle type. Running interior lights, a water pump, water heater and fridge ignitions, it will last a couple of days.
Our other trailer has two larger batteries, the kind used in marine diesel installations. If we run the furnace all night along with the other appliances, the blower motor can draw both down in about a day. Not using the furnace can increase the useful battery life to four or five days.
When we last built a LQ, we installed one battery. The owner is a weekend warrier, and with three seasons under his belt, one battery has sufficed quite well. By judiciously using only the lights and water pump when they are needed, the batteries' working life can be extended.
Posted 2012-03-24 10:15 PM (#142459 - in reply to #142248) Subject: RE: 1 or 2 batteries
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Paulden Arizona
We only camp in remote (no electricity at all) areas so a solar panel was a must. Can get an 85 watt kit for around $350 and worth every penny. Most of our riding buddies do the same and one battery is just fine.
1 or 2 batteries
