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Showing content with the highest reputation on 04/10/17 in all areas

  1. Hi there Paul We recently replaced our 5 year old AGM batteries in our ATV for two. I am writing this so you can compare lithium battery systems so that when the time comes you make an informed decision that suits your needs. We replaced our 3 AGM 120 watt batteries with 4 Victron 90 watt lithium batteries. We also replaced the original Kedron installed AC battery charger with a Enerdrive 60 watt charger suited for lithium batteries. We also replaced the original 25 amp Redarc DC to DC charger with a Victron buck boost 50 amp DC to DC charger. Plus some other components to link the whole thing together to form a 'system'. We kept the original roof mounted solar system (130 watt panels x 4, plus a 80 watt panel). Out of $10 grand, I had just enough change to buy a burger and coffee at Maccas!!!!!!!!!! Our usage I similar to what Chris has said. We opt for unpowered sites, and use our 1800 watt Zantrex pure sine wave inverter to supply 240 volt throughout the van. We use the toaster, electric jug etc. one night we even used our electric blankets all night. However, we do monitor our battery status daily or several times a day. The 50 amp DC to DC charger is the key to success because it charges the batteries with a quick regulated charge. And with 600 watts of solar, we never seem to run out of power. We used Springer Solar here in Brisbane to do the work, and are very happy with the work they did. From what I see on different forums and from comments others have made, Terry at T1 has a very good reputation. Paul, whatever lithium battery system you choose, if it has the capacity you need and has a bit in reserve, caravanning is so much easier. Good luck Peter
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  2. As John and Jo have commented, the price will depend on what you currently have in place. Terry was able to set the system up with our current charger and Inverter, as well as some other minor items. It took a few days but he would not have been working on it all the time....I think he rests a bit between bouts of work! This is not cheap, you understand. You will probably be looking at over $7000, depending on the size of system. BUT you save money by having this system installed. For example: We don’t elect to use powered sites at parks very often, choosing cheaper non-powered. We can freecamp indefinitely if we choose, topping up water in various ways away from caravan parks We use less gas as we are using the electric kettle, toaster and coffee machine rather than the gas cooktop. One 9kg gas bottle last about five months. We only stay at a caravan park if we are sightseeing for a few days or visiting nearby friends. I much prefer the freedom of a spot on a river or up a gorge somewhere than crammed into caravan parks.
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