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countryred
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 02:28pm
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We are thinking about getting a small shed for our property and rigging up a small 12 volt system for LED lights,a fan, and small pump.
We are wanting to use a deep cycle trolling motor type battery to power it. The question is how to charge it. Could you use jumper cables from the suv,or is it best to hook up an inverter to the suv and then plug in a standard battery charger?
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countryred
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 02:34pm
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It would only be used for 3-4 days at a time, every couple months. The fan would be used to cool us on those hot humid nights while we sleep.
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dk1393
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 03:01pm
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"Sunforce" and "Battery tender" make small solar powered trickle that would work.
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Popeye
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 03:55pm
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Since you aren't going to be there weekly, hauling the battery home and putting it on a charger would be the cheapest option.
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countryred
Member
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 04:05pm
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Popeye- Thats true. Wondering if I could make it last 3-4 days for lights and fan?
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Popeye
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 05:24pm
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It is at least worth a try. Charging a battery with an idling vehicle is VERY ineffecient.
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Grandma Off Grid
Member
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 05:41pm
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there are solar powered fans for automobiles they blow the heat out. only require the Sun. you probably need more than 1 I'm sure. not sure if that would even help.
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MJW
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 07:24pm - Edited by: MJW
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Red,
Take a look at this. My father in law has one he uses at his ranch out in west Texas and we are thinking of getting one as well.
I like it because it can run on AC, while it is charging or you can let it charge all day and it will run for 3 to 5 hours after dark depending on the sun conditions during the day.
I did find it for $10 less on Amazon.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200514348_200514348
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countryred
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 09:23pm
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MJW, looks good but a little more than our plan. The $14 autozone fans that plug into a cig lighter will work for us.
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GomerPile
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 10:02pm
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Some advice picking stuff to run on 12v. Long running things like fans and lights use more power than you might think. That autozone fan might draw an amp because its a cheap Chinese POS. An amp overnight might use 12 amp hours. Add some lights and a pump you can easily use up 20 amp hours each day. Recharging that much usage will require at least 200w of PV panels and 4-5 hours of sunlight.
Sailboat guys use this kind of fan: http://www.caframo.com/marine/marine_products_12voltfans_sirocco807.php
Only .4 amps on high and it can turn itself off.
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countryred
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# Posted: 23 May 2013 10:29pm
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gomer..you have a good point. We will be recharging with an inverter, maybe, so less wattage the better. Still working on the kinks of the plan.
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rayyy
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# Posted: 24 May 2013 06:07pm
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If you live in a sunny state,you can use a small solar charger to keep the battery up.Wind power is also an option if you have a nice steady breeze blowing.A small generator like a Honda 1000 watt is what I do.I run my geny every day though,to power up my computer,tv,microwave,toaster,sterio and tv.all the while charging my batteries too.Taking your battery home to recharge it is a bit of a pain but would do the trick.It's best not to let your battery get run down to low.That what ruins them.
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MJW
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# Posted: 25 May 2013 04:47pm
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Hey rayyy...
Would you mind sharing your set up and how it is configured?
I am wanting to add at least a couple of batteries to my Honda 2000 so they can charge while it runs while I am waiting for my complete solar install.
Thanks for your help.
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