groomporter
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Post by groomporter on Jan 19, 2021 9:41:01 GMT -8
Grandpa's home-made pop-up that I'm working on doesn't have any utilities, so I've been thinking about a Jackery, Rockpals or similar portable power station with at least 300 or 500 watts. -Something that can at least power a 12 volt electric blanket for a couple nights along with some solar to at least partially recharge during the day.
The Rockpals 520 watt hour unit is currently on sale for $410. These power stations look pretty attractive for what I want based on the research I've done. But I haven't really researched batteries on their own since a more plug and play system seems so tempting. Is it possible to beat that price by buying some batteries and creating my own simple system? I'm not going to be powering a fridge or AC, just lights, recharging devices, and the electric blanket when it gets chilly (no winter camping).
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Post by vikx on Jan 19, 2021 20:55:59 GMT -8
I think the portable systems makes a lot of sense. They are made to do what you want and some come with solar panels. You might save a little doing your own system but having a system designed for your needs all in one is what I would do.
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Post by danrhodes on Jan 19, 2021 22:23:06 GMT -8
Grandpa's home-made pop-up that I'm working on doesn't have any utilities, so I've been thinking about a Jackery, Rockpals or similar portable power station with at least 300 or 500 watts. -Something that can at least power a 12 volt electric blanket for a couple nights along with some solar to at least partially recharge during the day. The Rockpals 520 watt hour unit is currently on sale for $410. These power stations look pretty attractive for what I want based on the research I've done. But I haven't really researched batteries on their own since a more plug and play system seems so tempting. Is it possible to beat that price by buying some batteries and creating my own simple system? I'm not going to be powering a fridge or AC, just lights, recharging devices, and the electric blanket when it gets chilly (no winter camping). I like the power stations but for the same $400, you could have a 12v battery, cheap solar and a 2000w inverter generator that is useful for many purposes. |
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groomporter
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Post by groomporter on Jan 20, 2021 9:41:13 GMT -8
I like the power stations but for the same $400, you could have a 12v battery, cheap solar and a 2000w inverter generator that is useful for many purposes. But can I run a 4.6 Amp draw (55 watt) 12 volt electric blanket overnight on a deep cycle battery? As far as I can tell if I need more than one I'll be approaching the cost of the power station. The pop-up is pretty small, just two beds and walking space, so I'm hesitant to use a small propane heater on the floor, hence the electric blanket. Although I suppose I could make a hanger for a Little Buddy Heater to keep it out of the way in the middle of the night. The roof/ceiling is aluminum so there's nothing to burn/melt up there except the exterior paint. |
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Post by danrhodes on Jan 20, 2021 11:37:39 GMT -8
I like the power stations but for the same $400, you could have a 12v battery, cheap solar and a 2000w inverter generator that is useful for many purposes. But can I run a 4.6 Amp draw (55 watt) 12 volt electric blanket overnight on a deep cycle battery? As far as I can tell if I need more than one I'll be approaching the cost of the power station. The pop-up is pretty small, just two beds and walking space, so I'm hesitant to use a small propane heater on the floor, hence the electric blanket. Although I suppose I could make a hanger for a Little Buddy Heater to keep it out of the way in the middle of the night. The roof/ceiling is aluminum so there's nothing to burn/melt up there except the exterior paint. Assuming an average deep cycle battery is maybe 80Ah, that's 12X80 = 960Wh, about double your power station. You could run your blanket for about 17 hours on a full charge. Personally, I'd just add a down comforter to the bed and save all the hassle. We use our battery mostly to charge devices and light up the camper. I like this Interstate from costco which has 88Ah capacity. www.costco.com/interstate-27dc-marine--rv-battery.product.100476408.html |
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groomporter
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Post by groomporter on Jan 20, 2021 13:23:10 GMT -8
Assuming an average deep cycle battery is maybe 80Ah, that's 12X80 = 960Wh, about double your power station. You could run your blanket for about 17 hours on a full charge. Personally, I'd just add a down comforter to the bed and save all the hassle. We use our battery mostly to charge devices and light up the camper. I like this Interstate from costco which has 88Ah capacity. www.costco.com/interstate-27dc-marine--rv-battery.product.100476408.htmlThanks! That was one of my problems, I wasn't seeing the Ah listed for the batteries I had seen. And based on that, lithium batteries have advantages, but aren't worth the extra expense based on my minimal needs. |
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Post by danrhodes on Jan 20, 2021 15:43:40 GMT -8
Assuming an average deep cycle battery is maybe 80Ah, that's 12X80 = 960Wh, about double your power station. You could run your blanket for about 17 hours on a full charge. Personally, I'd just add a down comforter to the bed and save all the hassle. We use our battery mostly to charge devices and light up the camper. I like this Interstate from costco which has 88Ah capacity. www.costco.com/interstate-27dc-marine--rv-battery.product.100476408.htmlThanks! That was one of my problems, I wasn't seeing the Ah listed for the batteries I had seen. And based on that, lithium batteries have advantages, but aren't worth the extra expense based on my minimal needs. Definitely a problem. You usually have to search the manufacturer sites for the actual datasheets. Deep cycle batteries are usually specified as cranking amps, but when used in a camper you are more interested in capacity. |
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jan 20, 2021 18:24:07 GMT -8
I just installed two, 100 amp lithium batteries, with a 200 watt inverter today, in my current project. I must say the batteries were a little pricy, hope they work? They will be supported by a full solar panel system hard wired into the trailer. Trying to keep everything as inconspicuous as possible.
It sure is expensive to save camp fees, by "dry camping".
John
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