SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE
I don't consider My System to be the best, but it works very well for us.
First and foremost
Do a Energy Audit!
You'll not know what size or type batteries to buy
until you do.
Simply, write down all your appliances and draw required.
Add Ghost draw, mine is apron 250ma (.25amps).
My audit showed me 28amps daily use.
Actual use came to <18amps.
Battery
My main bank I decided upon dual 230ah 6v batteries.
Brand is up to you and what you can afford.
I bought mid-grade Duracell's and they're working great.
Since I will not draw below 50% capacity
(the batteries are not meant to go lower)
that gives me 115amps to play with.
By my audit, 4 days. In actual use and readings 6 days.
This is not my only source of power.
I made up two Lithium Battery Chargers for our
phones, Ipad, Reading lights and USB fans.
Lily lacks in USB outlets, so this solution,
so this solution is two fold for us.
I am a fan of AliExpress and buy quite often from them.
My two cases cost me $8 and my 18650 3400mah
batteries $25 (2 packs of ten).
My packs hold 8 each and tested out solidly at >25,600 mah.
I've had good luck with LiltoKala batteries from them
and recommend them.
Re-Charge
Here's where I went Solar for my recharging on site.
With my 130w panel I can keep up pretty well on my stays,
even up here in the Nor'East.
When driving, Rubert does top off the batteries
and I do run the Refrigerator on battery when traveling.
Not all Tow Vehicles can do this (so I've learned).
I'm very pleased Rubert does!
Appliances Used (or not)
We don't have Air Conditioning nor a Microwave,
So those large draw items are not part of 'our' usage.
The on-board entertainment system is all useless to us.
Draws far too much power for what it gives back.
We use our Laptops for TV & Movies and our Phones
or iPad for tunes.
My little Oontz Bluetooth Speaker works much better
than the onboard speakers and is portable.
Refrigerator and water heater is on propane
when Boon-docking.
We also found the Lights to be too bright at night
and use my SlimK led light (also 18650 lithium battery).
Okay 120v Power
Yes, I do have a source. Yes, somethings just charge better
and sometimes it's just required.
I installed a 1200w inverter for those times.
What I find we use it mostly for is to recharge the Laptops.
With much debate on my part and mostly those
smarter than I convincing me,
It's better to charge the Laptops from a 120v source.
You do as you wish.. I'll follow what they said..
Generator (or not to)
To this point in time, I still have no requirement for one.
You need to decide this according to 'your' usage of power.
Basic Steps Used
I do wish to mention that when Boon-Docking
I do dis-connect power from Rubert,
even if it's an over-night and I stay on the Hitch.
I've heard the stories of power being drawn from the
Tow Vehicle when left connected and no being able to start
in the morning.
Surprised me to hear this and I just don't take the risk.
Watch your Usage
I have two meters on my system.
One on the Solar Panel (to see production)
One on the Batteries (to see usage)
I believe this to be very important!
Keep your Batteries Maintained
Batteries are meant to be used, not just sit there.
Use them!
Check your water levels!
My 6v's have easy caps to remove and it's a simple task.
It's a full sun day and Lily's batteries are full..
Time to re-charge everything!
Take full advantage of these opportunities.
I'll run the inverter and re-charge my drill batteries
on these days.
Winter (or long periods of non-camping)
I do take my batteries in the garage for the winter.
I do put a 'trickle' charger (or maintainer) on them.
I do believe they still should be run, so I do run
a few led lights off them.
With my meter in place I can see the capacity of the batteries.
I'll remove the charger and draw 15-20% out of them,
then hook the charger back on.
My last set lasted 18yrs before I replaced them.
I like my system.
Time will tell how long this pair lasts.