First off Grid trip

ScreenName6C413F338F replied on 04/01/2022 17:00

Posted on 04/01/2022 17:00

Hi all Happy New Year, 

After some advice wrt powering our van whilst off grid for a week next year. Currently weighing up options and any advice would be great!

 So I've got a few questions (apologies if these are basics but we are new to caravanning). We have a solar light system from our tenting days that we could use for lighting so that shouldn't be an issue, but we're going to need some power during the week to power up various gadgets etc. plus we want the fridge up and running. So:

Is it more cost effective to run the fridge off the gas or leisure battery if off grid?

If we were to run the fridge of the gas bottle how quickly would we run out of gas?

How long would the leisure battery last if we ran the fridge off it?

Is purchasing additional leisure batteries the way to go, or are there cheaper power alternatives that we could hook the van up to whilst we are away?

 

Thanks in advance 

DaveCyn replied on 05/01/2022 19:16

Posted on 05/01/2022 19:16

Loads of solar panels available on EBay. We were comfortable using a 100 watt suitcase panel but found it a bit lacking on really overcast days so added a 50 watt panel. Battery is class A 115amperes.

10 kg Safefill bottle takes care of our gas requirements at a much lower cost than rip off Calor.

young thomas replied on 05/01/2022 20:31

Posted on 05/01/2022 20:31

If you move around a bit, change sites every 3 days or so, OR use a MH regularly to visit places, then it's relatively easy to stay powered for many days as the batteries get charged that way...

the acid test, a fortnight or more on a THS type site without moving the van at all. You'll definitely need a good solar system and a couple of good batteries to be able to sit 'indefinitely' like that...it gets even harder when you change Ebike batteries every other day....

Lyke Wake Man replied on 06/01/2022 14:01

Posted on 06/01/2022 14:01

you need a good size solar to keep your battery topped up, I recommend 160 watt

but if you are going in the winter you will also need a generator as the solar puts out next to nothing at the moment

go for 7.5 kg . safefill  we use about 5 k.g. in a week, the larger one will be tight to get in your locker

Lyke Wake Man replied on 06/01/2022 14:06

Posted on 05/01/2022 19:16 by DaveCyn

Loads of solar panels available on EBay. We were comfortable using a 100 watt suitcase panel but found it a bit lacking on really overcast days so added a 50 watt panel. Battery is class A 115amperes.

10 kg Safefill bottle takes care of our gas requirements at a much lower cost than rip off Calor.

Posted on 06/01/2022 14:06

I wouldn't use ebay solar again, a lot of them are cheap ones from china

try Photonic universe, check if the club still gets you discount with them

SeasideBill replied on 06/01/2022 14:51

Posted on 06/01/2022 14:51

+1 Photonic Universe, Sunstore Solar are good too.

All solar panels (and controllers) aren’t the same, they vary in type and efficiency, it’s worth doing some research before you buy.

Generators are a contentious area…. a lot of folks don’t like them and you may find you don’t have too many admirers when pitched in peaceful off-grid locations!

 

eurortraveller replied on 06/01/2022 15:33

Posted on 04/01/2022 17:00 by ScreenName6C413F338F

Hi all Happy New Year, 

After some advice wrt powering our van whilst off grid for a week next year. Currently weighing up options and any advice would be great!

 So I've got a few questions (apologies if these are basics but we are new to caravanning). We have a solar light system from our tenting days that we could use for lighting so that shouldn't be an issue, but we're going to need some power during the week to power up various gadgets etc. plus we want the fridge up and running. So:

Is it more cost effective to run the fridge off the gas or leisure battery if off grid?

If we were to run the fridge of the gas bottle how quickly would we run out of gas?

How long would the leisure battery last if we ran the fridge off it?

Is purchasing additional leisure batteries the way to go, or are there cheaper power alternatives that we could hook the van up to whilst we are away?

 

Thanks in advance 

Posted on 06/01/2022 15:33

Why do you need a fridge for a week? Campers with tents live outdoors without one easily enough. Shop daily for perishables - or eat at a pub, but cooking on a gas hob for a week won’t exhaust a cylinder. Charge your phone in the car when you go out . Buy a portable Camping Gaz lantern. Live simply. Many of us caravanned for years before there was any grid for us to go off it. 

Boff replied on 06/01/2022 16:50

Posted on 06/01/2022 16:50

Nearly all solar comes from China.    So do controllers including those with fancy. Brand names.    A £6 controller won’t work as well as a £100 one but they still will come from the Far East.  

obbernockle replied on 06/01/2022 18:15

Posted on 06/01/2022 16:50 by Boff

Nearly all solar comes from China.    So do controllers including those with fancy. Brand names.    A £6 controller won’t work as well as a £100 one but they still will come from the Far East.  

Posted on 06/01/2022 18:15

Good point. There are many products sold all over the world by respected brand name companies, with products or components made from materials of undisclosed origin. You can get a Certificate of Origin in Europe, for example, for products containing entirely components made worldwide. China has many infant companies, it's true, but also great technology and manufacturing know how. Remember that a few years ago we spoke disparagingly of "Gerry built" products, but look at Germany now. 

brue replied on 06/01/2022 18:33

Posted on 06/01/2022 15:33 by eurortraveller

Why do you need a fridge for a week? Campers with tents live outdoors without one easily enough. Shop daily for perishables - or eat at a pub, but cooking on a gas hob for a week won’t exhaust a cylinder. Charge your phone in the car when you go out . Buy a portable Camping Gaz lantern. Live simply. Many of us caravanned for years before there was any grid for us to go off it. 

Posted on 06/01/2022 18:33

I think you'll find the average family unit in a tent will plug into the EHU and many take mini fridges and electric cool boxes with them. Some sites provide freezer facilities but if you're into very basic camping then I suppose you'll manage without although I think the OP wants a bit of comfort. wink

Wolfie1 replied on 08/01/2022 10:33

Posted on 08/01/2022 10:33

If you need to charge your caravans battery that week your away connect your car back up to the caravan and leave it running for a couple of hours to recharge your caravan battery

Near Malvern Hills Club Campsite by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook