Dual Battery Management System

Submitted: Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 12:19

ThreadID: 85627 Views:4615 Replies:6 FollowUps:1

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louise s

Hi everyone,

After some advice/help on getting a second battery system in my vw caddy.

i do not understand watts and amps etc, but want to be able to power my fridge, and power lights, fans, laptop etc when camping.

i have been told i cannot get a second battery installed under the bonnet as it wont fit, and have been recommended that i get a battery pack.

i would like to have several cigarette lighter outlets, as well as standard power sockets for laptop etc.

i have come across this system on ebay, and would like to understand how it works, how easy to install, and basically any comments, so i can try to wrap my head around how these work.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Dual-Battery-System-CARAVAN-100amp-240V-1100-WATT-4X4-/110638617477?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19c2935385

And does anyone know of a workshop that will install something like this on the South side of Sydney.

thanks in advance.

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Reply By: Member - John and Val - Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 12:41

Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 12:41

Hi Louise,

You may find our blog on Electricity for Camping useful to help you get your head around what you need and how it all works. Its very easy to spend a lot of money on electrical stuff, so its worthwhile getting it right so that it works as you want it to.

Cheers,

Val

J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

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Reply By: br218885 - Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 13:13

Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 13:13

that ebay site has been removed for some reason. maybe a bit sus

AnswerID: 451301

Reply By: Member -Dodger - Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 15:50

Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 15:50

Have a look HERE
You can contact this business and I assure you get the best advice.
Nothing to do with the firm just a happy customer.

I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

Cheers Dodg.

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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 16:00

Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 16:00

ditto

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Reply By: ABR - SIDEWINDER - Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 17:26

Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 17:26

Hi Louise

You need to look at this article first. Battery-Power

Once you have read the article then give us some details on your accessories and how long you camp and drive each day etc.

Regards

Derek from ABR

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AnswerID: 451324

Reply By: Member - Lewis Lee (WA) - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 08:41

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 08:41

Hi Louise

Have you thought of a Portable Battery System. We have a 105 Thumper and are very happy with it. Go to www.australiandirect.com.au Good Luck
Lewis

AnswerID: 451383

Reply By: Bueff - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 12:32

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 12:32

Hi louise,

I just had a second battery fitted to my hilux, same thing it would have been a mission to fit it under the bonnet, so I bought a 100ah AGM battery (they are sealed and don't release gas, so they are safer in the car), a relay that automatically charges the battery when the driving battery is full, and a KEMO battery guard of ebay,

(http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Battery-Discharge-Protector-12v-20amp-/220734463939?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3364cc9fc3#ht_500wt_922)

They are adjustable to the voltage you want the battery to go down to and then they shut off to protect the battery from discharging, also I bought a Landcruiser power panel that has voltmeter and AMP meter inbuilt and 4 cigarette lighter sockets. Also I had a anderson plug fitted to connect a solar panel later on.

All the bits except for the KEMO have been purchased from a local battery world franchise, all including installation I paid about $1200 for the lot, I thought that was a good deal,

My wife and I went camping the other week, using 1w LED lights in the canopy and a 40l Weaco fridge we got about 2 days out of it before the switch cut the power off, still plenty left for lights.
Hope that helps a bit, I decided to go to someone and get it fitted, power is a weird thing for me, and these guys seemed to know what they are talking about.

Have a great Sunday

Jens

AnswerID: 451531