The Housing Disaster Conundrum
| Device | Power (W) | Current (A) | Duration (h) | Consumption (Ah) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 16 W | 16 W :12 V = 1.3 A | 2.5 h | 3.25 Ah |
| Pressure water pump | 25 W | 25 W: 12 V = 2.1 A | 1.5 h | 0.5 Ah |
| Compressor cooler | 45 W | 45 W : 12 V = 3.75 A | 10 h | 37.5 Ah |
| Webasto heater | 35 W | 35 W : 12 V = 2.9 A | 24 h | 69.6 Ah |
| TV/Satellite | 60 W | 60 W : 12 V = 5.0 A | 2.0 h | 10.0 Ah |
| Hair dryer (via inverter) | 1500 W | 1500 W :12 V = 125 A | 0.1 h | 12.5 Ah |
| Chargers/Power supplies | 90 W | 90 W : 12 V = 7.5 A | 4.0 h | 30.0 Ah |
Part 2. Basic Supplies for RV/Caravan living: Understanding Power, Water, and Gas Systems
When it comes to camper technology, understanding the basics of power, water, and gas onboard is essential. Without these essential resources, your camper experience may be compromised. In this tutorial, we'll explore the fundamental aspects of camper technology, focusing on power systems.
Power: In a camper, power is primarily supplied by onboard batteries, providing 12-volt direct current (DC). These batteries power essential appliances such as lights, water pumps, TVs, satellite systems, receivers, and sometimes even compressor refrigerators. Additionally, devices like laptop chargers and camera chargers draw power from these batteries. Charging your smartphone directly via USB ports in the camper is also convenient.
Operating devices that require 230-volt alternating current (AC) presents a challenge in a camper. However, there are two main solutions:
- Shore Power: Connecting your camper to a power pedestal at a camping or RV site using a special cable with a CEE plug. This allows the camper's internal charger to replenish the onboard batteries. With this setup, several standard power outlets (Schuko sockets) inside the camper become active, enabling the use of appliances like hairdryers, coffee makers, and kettles.
- Inverter: Installing a powerful inverter onboard to convert DC from the batteries into AC power. This allows you to use standard *230-volt appliances. The inverter can either be integrated into the camper's electrical system, powering existing sockets, or it can have its own outlet. While the latter is a more economical option, it requires a robust battery setup.
Advantages and disadvantages of different battery types are listed below this tutorial. Additionally, the table provided above outlines the power requirements of various camper appliances.
Understanding the power system in your camper is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable living/camping experience.
By familiarizing yourself with how power is generated and distributed onboard, you can ensure that all your devices function as intended, whether you're connected to shore power or relying on battery power. Stay tuned for more tutorials on water and gas systems in campers.
Battery Types:
Gel Battery:
- Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Cycle-resistant
- Maintenance-free
- Low self-discharge
- Long lifespan
- Cons:
- High weight
- High internal resistance, leading to lower currents
- Vulnerable to cold temperatures
Lithium-Ion:
- Pros:
- Very lightweight and compact
- Highly cycle-resistant
- Installable in any position
- Long lifespan with proper handling
- Cons:
- Very expensive
- Highly toxic to the environment
- Vulnerable to mishandling
- Requires a special charger
AGM Battery:
- Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Leak-proof
- Lighter than Gel batteries
- Suitable for high currents
- Cons:
- Heavier than Lithium-Ion batteries
- Requires a special charger with 14.8V and constant charging characteristics
- Optimal discharge at around 30-50% of capacity