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Topic: Tent power

millyput

01/5/2016 at 7:09pm
Location: None Entered
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Hi

Is there anything in the uk like a large battery pack that could be charged before travelling and be used on a non EHU site for a few days to run lights, charge 2 mobiles and pads and maybe power a TV...?

any help please.

pepe63

01/5/2016 at 8:16pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Toyota Granvia (Wellhouse)

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Hi..
I'd been pondering on this topic for a while..

For charging the likes of smart phones people have recommended the slim, usb smart chargers (unfortunately, our phones are old and are charged via "cigar lighter" adaptors)

I considered one of the cheaper battery booster/power pack units(as they have the appropriate sockets)..but reading online and Youtube reviews, the actually batteries tend to be pretty poor..

So, I've just bought a smallish 12v car battery(*£25) strapped it into a spare plastic toolbox I had, and added a double 12v socket(*£8) wired via a fuse.
(*bought via ebay).

WE haven't really tried it in anger yet but ours is only going to be for the phone(s) and the occasional camera battery.
(I doubt very much it'd run a TV for very long,if at all?)

For ideas, have a squint on ebay for "Battery boxes" etc and for the likes of "DIY battery box" on Youtube.

Post last edited on 01/05/2016 20:20:54

Elric

02/5/2016 at 12:55am
Location: Cornwall
Outfit: Illusion TC 800XL

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We use a leisure battery. Same size as a car battery but designed for the purposes you describe.

We bought the battery and specialist charger from Go Outdoors but I'm sure other vendors sell them.

We also use a solar panel charger to supply a trickle charge to it.

We use it everyday, on two week trips, to power and charge two tablets, Kindles and two phones.

I hope this is of help.

pepe63

02/5/2016 at 11:01am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Toyota Granvia (Wellhouse)

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Hi Elric...

Can I ask? How many "phone charges" do you reckon it'd last without the solar input?

It's just that I have fitted the controller/regulator for our "briefcase" solar panel,into our diy box..but apart from when pitched up away from any ehu for longer stints(week or more on a festival site etc), then I wasn't always going to bother taking the panel...

I was hoping that just keeping it topped up via our Ctek charger prior to leaving, would suffice for long weekends away?

(..to be honest,I'm not sure if our panel would put that much in anyway, and therefore it's debatable if ours is really be worth the faff?..)

Cheers..

Post last edited on 02/05/2016 11:08:08

Elric

02/5/2016 at 11:56am
Location: Cornwall
Outfit: Illusion TC 800XL

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Hi Pepe,

The first few times we used it for two weeks charging and powering the devices mentioned without any topping up and without a solar panel. It was also used for inflating airbeds and adding more air every now and again.

Most evenings the battery was in use as we watched films on the tablets late on. We do have a small screen lcd tv but reception is usually non-existent on sites we visit so we just watch content from the tablets.

We also have a 12v to 240v inverter for use in the car, this has been used powered by the leisure battery to charge up a shaver.

I don't think we even came close to using all the charge in the leisure battery.

TBH you may be right about the panel, the charge is so low. But it was cheap, so we thought it was worth a punt, and it can't hurt!

All in all I'm pretty impressed by the leisure battery performance.

Campernic

02/5/2016 at 12:25pm
Location: Northern Ireland
Outfit: Bell Tent Vango Coleman and Quechua

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I used a golf buggy battery that with a car inspection type LED light that had crocodile clips for lighting, and then my Dad modified a cigar socket set (to hold three cigar chargers) with crocodile clips to attach to the battery. I used that for a fortnight without topping up.

I wouldn't think it would run a TV. However my tablet has the showbox app and if I want to watch a movie, I download a film before going. I don't see the need for anything more. I do like watching regular shows at home but I set anything important to record on Sky+.

pepe63

02/5/2016 at 2:42pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Toyota Granvia (Wellhouse)

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Elric
Thanks for that feedback
although our battery is relatively small(55amp? ish), as it's only going to be for a couple of phones,maybe a light?, judging by what you say, it sounds like I probably won't need our panel.

Campernic
re: 'buggy battery. Annoyingly, unbeknown to me, my father-in-law has only recently thrown away my OH's Grandfather's electric wheel chair, complete with two batteries, charger and associated switchgear etc!

...

Campernic

02/5/2016 at 3:25pm
Location: Northern Ireland
Outfit: Bell Tent Vango Coleman and Quechua

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That's a shame! The golf buggy battery I was given was no longer doing a good job and so it was supposedly on it's last legs. However it was more than adequate for a light and a few chargers.

If somebody invents a rechargeable heater, or a battery capable of running a heater, sign me up! Mostly, that's what I really want electric for!

jamesgmg

02/5/2016 at 6:49pm
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Leisure battery here for all our lighting, recharging phone and tablets. Perfect!

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