An opinon on powering a tent trailer

[Gerr]

OK so we own a tent trailer and I have decided to install a inverter. What id like help in deciding is do I use 1 large industrial battery or 3 smaller deep cycle batteryies (combined size, weight and power are all about equal to the industrial)


We are planning on a few 3 and 4 day trips this summer so being able to not recharge every day would be a plus

[JeepFreak21]

How about a large industrial deep cycle battery? That's what it would come with if the factory put one in. Ask for a deep cycle group 27.
Billy

[cdhowell]

Use an isolation switch and keep one seperate. It will help you to know how much drain is there and still have a back up. Optima is not needed but a quality deep cycle should be used

[Gerr]

I already have the batteries mentioned. just trying to decide which will be better

[old_man]

The best way to conserve battery is to use 12v florescent lights instead of 120v tungsten. What are you going to use the power for?

[Gerr]

power is for 2 12v floresent lights, a 12v heater (wife made me do it) and a power inverter for charging the VX-170's and possibly a cofee maker (my idea)

[DrMoab]

If you wnat the "best" battery for an RV go with Golf Cart batts.

I know you said you had the others...if it were me and I had to use them I would use the blue tops.

[OverlandXJ]

Consider adding a solar panel for battery replenishment. Couple hundred could get you a rollout panel that would keep the batts maintained.

I'd like to pick one up eventually.

[Gerr]

Consider adding a solar panel for battery replenishment. Couple hundred could get you a rollout panel that would keep the batts maintained.

I'd like to pick one up eventually.
Ive actually been thinking of that too but funding is limited before the trip next week

[old_man]

Generating heat from a battery is very inefficient. Gas is way better for heat. To boil your coffee will use up around 20 amp/hrs. @12v. Space heat is even worse. A good propane heater that has external venting and forced air can be had for less than $200 and comes with a thermostat.

[Gerr]

Generating heat from a battery is very inefficient. Gas is way better for heat. To boil your coffee will use up around 20 amp/hrs. @12v. Space heat is even worse. A good propane heater that has external venting and forced air can be had for less than $200 and comes with a thermostat.
good points indeed. ill keep it in mind

[ChiXJeff]

What old_man said.

I've got a pop-up, and I can get at least 3 days out of a single 12v Blue Top. Propane heat, stove and fridge. Electric heaters and coffee makers will really do a number on storage batteries.

[MudDawg]

Tom is absolutely right about the heater.....as for lights....nowdays you can get LED light bulbs....they are by far the most efficient form of lighting. I'm voting for the 3 battery gimmick, hooked in parallel.

After the hurricanes I was without power 11 days the first time and 9 days the next....I used 3 deep cycle batteries (group 29) (trolling motor batteries from my bass boat) in parallel to operate a 2000 watt inverter...for lighting I used LED gang bulbs which draw extremely small current loads....and used the inverter to power the small TV and microwave and small fan.. the system would go for days before needing a recharge with sensible useage....but damn I missed my A/C :(

But THIS season I have a 15KW natural gas genset with switchgear. :woohoo:

[Gerr]

ok I went with 2 blue tops and solar charger(as well as vehicle power charger) to power 2 inside floresant lights and 4 out side LED floods and a 12v water pump. Just need to find time to install the stuff now

[OverlandXJ]

Have a link to the solar charger you decided on?

[Gerr]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599
Got it yesterday havent tried it yet