Battery care

[RedcliffeRover]

Hi swaggers
I had a question about caring for the x2 100amp batteries on my camel camper. The guy before me put in a JTS system with 240v capabilities. I know it is a great system, but that is about it. I have a solar input and a solar panel as well as Anderson plug when we travel, so no problems in keeping the battery charged there.

My question is, do I need to keep the batteries charged whilst in the garage at home ? And can I buy a 10v to 15v power lead to do this? Do i have toget a sparky to put ina 10v powerpoint in my garage?I bought a caravan extension lead from bunnings but I think this is just for when we are parked in caravan parks.....an help gratefully received

Thanks
 

[Kit_e_kat9]

We leave the batteries charging at home ... when we remember to plug it in.  Solar panels would get nicked alas.  We also have a "doo-dah" that turns my 10A power points into the 15A that the camper needs.  It's called an "Amp-Fibian".  Weird name, but it does the trick and it's easy to transport around with us if required.

Kit_e

http://ampfibian.com.au/

[Kit_e_kat9]

..

[nbd73]

Yep, there seems to be a real lack of info/education provided to buyers of CT's whether new or used as this question pops up every couple of weeks. Lucky this ain't LCOOL or you would have been basically shot for asking, but myswag is a much more tolerant & friendly place to visit.

As for the charging adaptor the amp fibian is an all weather unit suitable for outdoor use but it's costly at around $200. If you don't need to use the charger in an outdoor environment then Jaycar sell a cheaper one for around a third of the price but not suitable for wet weather etc. that's what I have. The amp fibian would be most versatile esp if need to use extension lead.

[RedcliffeRover]

Yep, there seems to be a real lack of info/education provided to buyers of CT's whether new or used as this question pops up every couple of weeks. Lucky this ain't LCOOL or you would have been basically shot for asking, but myswag is a much more tolerant & friendly place to visit.

As for the charging adaptor the amp fibian is an all weather unit suitable for outdoor use but it's costly at around $200. If you don't need to use the charger in an outdoor environment then Jaycar sell a cheaper one for around a third of the price but not suitable for wet weather etc. that's what I have. The amp fibian would be most versatile esp if need to use extension lead.

Looks like a trip to Jaycar  in order

Thanks very much, and thanks for not commenting on my ignorance

[HEM19X]

As kitty says... but you do need a certified sparky to do any/all 240v work.

[Steffo1]

I'm pretty sure that the 10A to 15A lead type adaptors are not safety compliant. I use the Jaycar unit as mentioned previously. They're at Strathpine.
Steve

[smokescreen]

I also use the Ampfibian unit to convert power to my camper trailer it's pricey but a great little unit I wouldn't use it if it was unsafe or could damage my camper.

Here's a copy and paste from there website.

Yes, Ampfibian is approved under AS/NZS 3190:2011 “Approval and test specification – Residual current devices (current-operated earth-leakage devices)” which includes portable RCDs, and its use complies with AS/NZS 3001:2008/Amdt 1:2012 “Electrical Installations – Portable structures and vehicles including their site supplies” which covers caravans, campers and motor homes… beware cheap imitations that don’t comply with that one!

Best of all it is approved for member use by the “Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia Ltd”

There has been a lot of confusion about standards regarding caravans/RVs, extension lead lengths and capacities, portable RCDs, weatherproofing, impact resistance, etc., but after years of research and advice from standards experts and approval authorities, we can categorically state that the Ampfibian is the only legal way to connect your 15A RV/caravan to a 10A power supply in Australia.

The new and improved RV-02 MAX is tougher inside and out, and now carries a H-Class rating, allowing it to be used on construction and other commercial sites, mine sites, and for the heavy industries.