Battery for Camping

[Huck]

I already have 2 batteries in my Parkliner. I bought a tent (about 10' x 10') to use for additional living area. I have a 45 watt solar setup I'm not using and can grab another 15 watt panel for total of 60 if I need to.

I want a battery to use in the tent. I want to be able to carry it inside the tow (Blazer) and then put it in the tent when it's set up.

Someone suggested that with only 45 watts, I need a battery that is rated 35 - 40 ah or the battery would experience sulfation and not last very long.

So I don't know what's best to do. I also have a 100 watt panel (portable) that I connect to the trailer's 7 pole connector. I could alternate days - one day connect to trailer and next day to tent battery. That way I could buy the same type of battery I have in the trailer so it would be a spare if needed. Those batteries are 75 Ah.

Ideas?

Is it dangerous to carry a marine deep cycle battery in the SUV or keep in the tent?

Can someone recommend a battery if I go with the 45 watt system?

[Perry J]

In the last 6 or 7 years I have installed and used 5 50W and one 60W solar systems.
I use group 27 or 29 12 V Deep Cycle batteries from Wal Mart.
I have never regretted a 50W system.
The only reason I went with the 60W panel is Solar Blvd. had them on sale so they were s little less than the 50 W.
When it's cold I run the furnace at 55 and have changed all lighting to LED and have never run out of power.
A 45W system will supply all of the power you need from an ordinary group 27 Deep cycle battery.
I'm assuming you not going to be running a Ham Radio or a 50" Flat Screen.

You will have plenty of power for lighting, a radio or a small 12v TV.

Buy an appropriate battery box and you should have no problem with it in the SUV or tent.

John

[beemerphile1]

Sounds like you will be creating a lot of extra work. I run a cord from our canopy back to the trailer where I installed 12v receptacles on the outside of the trailer.

Unless you go big bucks for an AGM or gel battery you take a risk of acid getting on you, the SUV, the tent, and anything else that comes in contact with it. Do you like acid holes in everything you own?

[Timber Wolf]

Originally Posted by beemerphile1

Sounds like you will be creating a lot of extra work. I run a cord from our canopy back to the trailer where I installed 12v receptacles on the outside of the trailer.

I don't understand why you need ANOTHER battery myself. Why not just cord over from the two you have on the camper? If I did anything it would be to upgrade my camper's batteries (when they died) before I added any more. It does not sound like you are jump starting Cat Diesels, a smallish extension cord should be fine.

[Huck]

I'm seriously thinking about going full-time. The main obstacles right now are making some home repairs, selling the house, and getting rid of everything. I have been taking steps to get there, but it is a fairly long road.

For this year, I hope to do a 2 month trip in the fall and then a 3 or 4 month trip over the winter. The tent is part of my plan for full-timing.

I hope to supplement my income with a blog and need to make sure my camera, cell phone, video camera, computer, etc stay charged. I figure an additional solar panel and battery are a relatively small price to pay to guaranty I have enough power available. And the more I can do without electrical hookup, the quicker they pay for themselves.

I'm planning a 10-14 day trip in a couple of weeks and wanted to try out a separate battery for the tent. Since I already have a 45 watt solar setup (minus battery), there is only the cost of a battery involved.

This is just another step in my education before I go full-time. Do I need another solar panel and battery right now? No. Will I need it when I go full-time? Probably, unless I stay in campgrounds with electrical hookups.

[Dave Fish]

I have used an xPower 450w battery since 2004 for extra power. It is sealed, has an invertor, includes a 12v plug, has a radio and light, came with jumper cables and a double ended plug for charging from the lighter. I use it to run my CPAP when we dry camp, then plug out into the car when we move or to AC when we have power. They make one with a solar panel for about the same price as I originally paid for mine ~ just I've $200.

2009 Casita FD - Sold

[War Eagle]

A battery sitting out in a tent can be easy prey for grab-and-dash thieves looking to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, stuff like can happen. So I agree with others who suggested just running a power cord out from your camper batteries that are likely easier to secure. Just my opinion....

[Glenn Baglo]

Dashing with an 80 lb. battery isn't that easy.

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Dashing with an 80 lb. battery isn't that easy.

Just a 10 yard dash to throw it in the bed of their buddy's idling pickup - along side a cooler full of beer and bicycle they just stole from another campsite - then off they go in the dark of night. I hate to be pessimistic, but even nice rv campsites can have midnight trolls cruising for the spoils left out by overly-trusting guests. An ounce of caution goes a long way - even when you think you're just out to enjoy a weekend with Mother Nature. Sorry for the downer, but it happens...

[Jared J]

If it was me, I would set the camper up with all power requirements, and just run a cord over to the tent. Some Andersen connectors would make it really simple.