Batteries

[Daggles69]

Yes. The RanOx unit is $350. It's a new model and has the capacity to detect when engine is running. No need to have a relay.

I think I will make the Anderson Plug lead run the RanOx unit and leave the fridge to just run on the second battery in Car. I to have a Dometic fridge, really good on 240v/gas and great on 12V but I am sure the current is about 10A so I would only leave it running on 12V for a coffee stop etc.

Just a little worried I am spending $350 on keeping my van batts at 100% like the smart charger would on 240V.
I also carry a generator which is permanently mounted on Aframe. I suppose I could put $350 toward fuel which goes a long way to keeping my little gen running, however I will still get dissapointed every time I plug the van into car and watch my Van batts drop back down to the same level as car.

Just on the side at the Caravan and Camping Show I bought a Dometic Desiel heater with 2 outlets and heated towel rail for 2k.

Yet to install it, but with this we will use van all year round!

The towel rail sounds exotic however we plan to dry things on this.

Quoted to burn only 110ml/h on low.

[Daggles69]

I thought I would come back to this thread and tell you guys how it is going.

So I have the RanOx unit running on Anderson lead from Car. Fridge just runs on the old 7pin plug.

The new RanOx unit automatically detects when engine is running and then fires up its 3 stage charging process whilst you drive.

Well it is just fantastic. I arrive with fully charged batteries in the van every time! It may have cost a little, but it grouse!

We are still camping in the middle of winter in Victoria, we use a Dometic desiel heater, which is also grouse! We leave it on all night and with the batteries fully charged at the start we are set for a warm night no matter what temp it is outside. Just like central heating!

All thanks to the RanOx unit which gives me absolute peace of mind!!!

[Danield]

Hi folk,
I'm somewhat confused by all this talk of charging batteries. My Jayco has a place for a battery and a devise beside it that charges the battery from the car and runs the fridge. Admittedly I bought my van second hand, but I thought all modern vans had similar devises. Am I wrong?
Cheers, Dan

[MUDRATGQ]

Hi mate i run 3 battery's in my rig an an upgraded higher output alternater the a heavy duty main starter a 2nd deep cycle an a 3rd deep cycle in the back wich run my fridge's 240 Volt inverter an i just bought another 2 deep cycle batterys for the camper and a solar recharge system to keep a constant trickle charge when stoped at camp for a while im conecting all 5 via 4 gauge cabble an twist lock plugs simmular to those used on arc welders so that i have a continious heavy gauge cable supplying more than enough amprage to all batterys with my current 3 battery system i can run 2 fridge frezers a 35L an a 60L an my 240v 1800W inverter constantly for up to 3 days without having to start the 4b to charge them now with all five an having a solar system in place hopefully it should be good for supply for up to a week or more im yet to test it though.
Cheers Corey