Very basic 12volt System

[etcret]

Okay, I have decided to use a PD4045 mostly just to be a bit neater and all in one package for my simple electrical system. We will be almost always plugged into 110v at state parks. But I know I need a battery installed to help keep the system “clean” and to run the 12volt stuff if I lose power. Not looking for a boondocking system. Basically I am wondering what the minimum I need to basically just run any lights, fans, and possibly a smaller 12volt refrigerator and possibly a 12v tv if the power goes out in a storm for a few hours to maybe overnight? That is all I really need. Thanks for your time.

[TimC]

Welcome etcret.

Basically you will only charge the battery with the PD. No other means to charge the battery?

If that is the case and you want one day's reserve battery for a fridge, lights, fans (depends what you've got, some are real energy hogs) and electronics charging I suggest you go with no less than a 50aHr "usable" battery bank. So in the AGM world that means no less than 100 aHr rating. Throw in a TV and play a couple movies and you risk having near zero real reserve for day two.

I'm going to assume you will not ever upgrade the battery to LiFePo4 which may not be compatible with the PD.

So bottom line is buy what you can afford as far as battery bank. I have 72 aHr usable but i have 200 watts of solar panels so recharging is constant throughout my day.

Consider solar back up. A decent sized portable suitcase panel will give you the ability to recharge some the next day.

Energy conservation is the key. When power goes out you should start thinking about what can I minimize use of or turn off.

[etcret]

Thanks TimC,

You are pretty much correct in my thinking right now. I do understand the conserving thing if power really goes out. Still on the fence about the solar. I will most likely not upgrade to lithium. I have researched it a lot and for how I will use it, I just can’t see spending that kind of money. I mean this is basically going to just be a glorified tent with a nice bed and air conditioning when needed. I want to go camping mostly a weekend to maybe a week fishing trip and not much more. Everything in the trailer is basically for sleeping. The TV thing is mostly just in case the weather is bad and we end up in the trailer too long other than sleeping. If it were just me, it would be different. But, others can bust my chops if they choose. I have to make it more bearable for my wife too. Neither of us really wants to sleep on a hard bed anymore or in the Texas summer heat. I’m of course assuming the power isn’t going out for long in the summer heat at least while sleeping.

[John61CT]

The best battery value by far is Duracell (actually Deka/East Penn) FLA deep cycle golf cart batteries, 2x6V, around $200 per 200+AH @12V pair from BatteriesPlus or Sam's Club.

NAPA relabels it here: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBP8144 Deka self-labeled also sold at Lowes.

[John61CT]

The best battery value by far is Duracell (actually Deka/East Penn) FLA deep cycle golf cart batteries, 2x6V, around $200 per 200+AH @12V pair from BatteriesPlus or Sam's Club.

NAPA relabels it here: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBP8144 Deka self-labeled also sold at Lowes.

[John61CT]

The best battery value by far is Duracell (actually Deka/East Penn) FLA deep cycle golf cart batteries, 2x6V, around $200 per 200+AH @12V pair from BatteriesPlus or Sam's Club.

NAPA relabels it here: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBP8144 Deka self-labeled also sold at Lowes.

[John61CT]

The best battery value by far is Duracell (actually Deka/East Penn) FLA deep cycle golf cart batteries, 2x6V, around $200 per 200+AH @12V pair from BatteriesPlus or Sam's Club.

NAPA relabels it here: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBP8144 Deka self-labeled also sold at Lowes.