Off grid

David2115
David2115 Forum Participant Posts: 547
100 Comments
edited July 2017 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Never used the caravan off grid before but have to next week at Thirsk racecourse  due to a race  meeting. We will have to move to rally site for our last day. 

Can anyone advise me about water heating? I have a 100w solar panel that will assist with power but I'm not sure if that heats the water or whether  I need to have it on gas to heat the hot water tank

Any advice appreciated .

Comments

  • crusader
    crusader Forum Participant Posts: 299
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    edited July 2017 #2

    No David your solar panel will only suppy 12v items, so run hot water and fridge,heating on gas

    Paul

  • David2115
    David2115 Forum Participant Posts: 547
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    edited July 2017 #3

    Thanks for the reply 

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited July 2017 #4

    ...and charge your phones, tablets etc from USB sockets as your 13a plugs wont be live.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited July 2017 #5

    I would check your fridge and water heater on gas prior to setting off - in another discussion it seems best to run a gas ring before igniting the fridge.  Plus don't forget to take the cover off the heater vent as it won't work with it in place! 

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,428 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2017 #6

    Assuming of course that any USB sockets are powered by the 12V system? Not immediately obvious that all USB sockets are powered by 12V, some of mine are not.

  • David2115
    David2115 Forum Participant Posts: 547
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    edited July 2017 #7

    Thanks for all the replies. Some good advice there. 

  • crusader
    crusader Forum Participant Posts: 299
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    edited July 2017 #8

    I wouldn't use the usb point if I was unsure of my off grid functions, it would be easier to use the car charge points whilst out driving. If you don't have usb points you can buy an adapter that plugs in the tv/power socket 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited July 2017 #9

    PS That was the cover on the Water Heater - a little box outside - not the cover on the Fire for heating! 

  • David2115
    David2115 Forum Participant Posts: 547
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    edited July 2017 #10

    Thanks our van does not have a removable cover on the outside but thanks. 

    We have a 2015 Bailey Unicorn Vigo 

  • David2115
    David2115 Forum Participant Posts: 547
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    edited July 2017 #11

    The radio has a USB point in the van so that will be useful 

  • black caviar
    black caviar Forum Participant Posts: 242
    edited July 2017 #12

    I saw a solar charger at aldi for ipads and mobile phones it was £19.99 i wish id bought it now for when i go to a ths , can you tell me does solar manage to get its power thru windows or does it only work outside ? Thankyou mrs bc :/

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited July 2017 #13

     Have a look here

    Milo has fitted his inside his sunroof

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
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    edited July 2017 #14

    The 12v sockets are the same as in the car. All you need is an adapter to use them to charge. The 100amp panel should easily be able to deal with phones, tablets etc. I think you'll find apart from using a different power source for heating water and running the fridge, there ain't all that difference between that and having a cable stuck in the side of your van David. It will be eye opening for you but if you are only doing it for a day, it will be a breeze! 

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