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 Topic: Engine running & engine running
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14/11/2022 at 11:58am
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
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A 2kw inverter is a huge drain on batteries, even for 20 minutes. Don't forget that the inverter itself consumes power on top of what the appliance connected to it draws. Personally I would think that having the engine running to keep the batteries topped up might be a good idea in theory, but it might depend on where you are at the time. On a quiet campsite with others close by you could risk annoying your neighbours.
My own policy is never to use batteries to provide any kind of heat, and that includes a microwave, but then these days we never go off-grid.
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Best Regards,
Colin
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22/12/2022 at 12:13am
Location: cheshire
Outfit: Coachmen Mirada 300qb. American RV
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quite honestly use your cooker - its cheaper to buy gas than replace your batteries, infact i would want another battery to the two you have before even thinking of using a microwave via a 2kw inverter. you have 2 x small 90amph batteries which means in reality you only have 90amph to play with before you start to damage your batteries - you shouldnt discharge more than half the charge in a battery otherwise its a slippery slope to new ones
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10/7/2023 at 7:15pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
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I always say that the only two things that our 31 year old caravan doesn't have that new ones do is a microwave and air-con. I could include a TV, but we do actually have one we could take but don't choose to. Each to their own I suppose. We probably watch far too much TV at home so when we go away it's good to get away from it.
We are only really in the caravan for some meals and to sleep, except maybe when it's raining, and then we either play board games or read books.
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Colin
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11/7/2023 at 5:41am
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Most new caravans, in fact the majority, don't have air con fitted.
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XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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11/7/2023 at 7:26pm
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Hi Guys,
Many thanks for all your feedback.
From the time I entered this notice, I have twice ran the engine while using the microwave and each time it has blown the 40 amp main fuse close to the battery. After this I have used the microwave without the engine running and have had NO problems either with the fuses nor the leisure batteries! My van has not been connected to the mains electric for many months, relying on the roof panel to maintain all the batteries.
I am a single camper and cooking from scratch for ONE person in the van is not worth the hassel, therefore putting a "ready meal" for one in the microwave and it's ready in about four minutes, is soooooo handy.
Everyone to their own
Thanks again
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Sammy A
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11/7/2023 at 8:02pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
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Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 11/7/2023
Most new caravans, in fact the majority, don't have air con fitted.
Yes, very true, and I don't think all of them have a microwave either. I'm inclined to think that the main changes to caravans since 1990 have been just styling. All the big changes came in the 1980s.
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Best Regards,
Colin
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via mobile 10/7/2023 at 7:06pm
