Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I tow with a VW 1641cc TRIKE. So we have weight issues and everything has to be kept as light as possible.
My problem is I need to store a leisure battery in the mini caravan, just for 12v lighting and phone charging, iPod stuff etc
I need to find the smallest battery I can as space and weight is an issue.
If I use a leisure battery do I need to ensure it's in a sealed container with ventillation to the outside?
Is there a dry cell 12v battery I could use, as I have space to store inside the caravan but sealing to vent externally is going to be a problem


This was my first Sleeper, which is basically a bed inside a fibreglass shell

Now I've (with help) developed a 'dropped' box trailer to reduce the size and weight (for Trikes) but gives storage, somewhere to sit and a double bed. Easy access for wheelchair users, and it's just waiting for the full double glazed caravan windows to go in and the wiring to be finished when I get a resolution to the battery issue.

Have you looked into solar? I don't know anything about it, but a panel would have to weigh less than a battery...

Sealing an inside battery box that vents to the outside is easy. Just use caulking on the box and foam weather stripping to seal the access lid. Get a little aluminum, circular vent from the hardware store for the outside.

A solar (photovoltaic) panel won't give you electricity at night when it's needed for lighting.



Prem[/b]

Prem wrote:Sealing an inside battery box that vents to the outside is easy. Just use caulking on the box and foam weather stripping to seal the access lid. Get a little aluminum, circular vent from the hardware store for the outside.
Prem[/b]

That's fine if you're talking about a Tear that's large in size, being pulled by a car/van/truck, but my Teardrop is a modified small (very small) box trailer that's been dropped in height. Deliberately made for towing with Trikes or very light kit cars or micro cars. The seat/storage you can see is only as tall as a battery, so I can't fit it under there.
I'm trying to find a way of fitting or identify a very very small leisure battery which would go under and allow me to vent outside, or a dry cell battery that doesn't need venting. It's hard to tell how big my micro caravan is, but trust me. It jsut makes a bed 4 feet wide by 6'6" long.

Motorcycle batteries. Lawn mower starting batteries. Or if you want the exotic, explore www.batteries.com

Best wishes,

Prem

...and check out MARINE batteries, like this example:

http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/marineflyer.php?id=9

Happy hunting,

Prem

I would grab an AGM motorcycle battery. Small, light, and no fumes, or so they say. If all you need it for is lights, it should last all weekend without a problem.

It probably wasn't necessary, but I put a hole in the floor and in the sidewall, just in case.



mike...

TS, I am presently using 2, 6v, 33ah SealedLeadAcid batteries, which are designed for a backup power supply...they are 2.75"s thick and about 6"s square, giving a footprint of about a 6" cube...I paid 25USD each at www.batterymart.com ...I'm sure something similar is available on your side of the pond...........
madjack

Cheers Guys, I much appreciate the info

Thanks for all the help.
I'm now running a 17AH 12V (Golf Cart Battery) as I've found it can be put in any position and as the Teardrop only has LED lighting, it lasts for days and days. I then take it out to charge it. I don't need to charge whilst riding the Trike so its saved me a lot of wiring.
I appreciate all the guidance you lot gave.

What about one of those power paks that jump car batteries? I use one in the VW for (110v)lights. Can use a cig lighter adapter for 12v. Does have a low noise when on, but I don't have it in a cabinet.

Its all down to weight. With a 550Kg Trike, I'm limited to towing 250Kg

SO for Tirkes in the UK we have to go ultralight.

Prem wrote:Sealing an inside battery box that vents to the outside is easy. Just use caulking on the box and foam weather stripping to seal the access lid. Get a little aluminum, circular vent from the hardware store for the outside.

A solar (photovoltaic) panel won't give you electricity at night when it's needed for lighting.



Prem[/b]

It depends the quality and size. φωτοβολταϊκό πάνελ or photovoltaic panels and good batteries can give you more power to charge you phone, stoves and lights..

rebapuck wrote:What about one of those power paks that jump car batteries? I use one in the VW for (110v)lights. Can use a cig lighter adapter for 12v. Does have a low noise when on, but I don't have it in a cabinet.

I'm curious about this idea, can you tell me more about the battery pack you use? Why does it make a noise? Do you recharge it in your VW while underway? How long does a charge last to power your trailer, and what do you run off of it? Any problems with battery life given multiple charge/discharge cycles?

Thanks!