Wow Oz, 300 watts is a pretty large setup, great for off grid camping. I suspect you have a nice 12v fridge?
Yes my van is a 4x4.
View attachment 99006
Some of my older adventures can be found
HERE if you're interested. Actually my off roading is why I bought a Mavic Pro.
I sure would like to take the van over to your neck of the world. I helped a guy from Perth (?) build a van here in CA then he shipped it home and converted it to right hand drive $$$
For those thinking those little tiny panels can charge Mavic batteries, they should set up a system like yours that uses a portable panel of at least 50watts, a reasonable sized spare battery, and good inverter that can handle the load. But just a good spare battery with a battery separator such as a blue sea 7622 would give you (along with an inverter) enough to charge a few batteries w/o the chance of killing your starting battery.
Nice van Dave, we don't have 4x4 like that here*, and the aussie that brought that over would have paid a sweet number for the RHD conversion.
*Iveco Daily 4x4 3.0lt turbo is about closest, but got to build a rear for this (cab chassis only), big bucks, no change from around $140k all set up.
Took a look through the site, the build on the Sportsmobile looks great, didn't realise it's a Merc, Ram, Ford, whatever you want converted !
There are those here no doubt, saw a few Aussies of the Sportsmobile forum too.
Mojave Trail is my kind of trip, though love the high country too, it's all good !
Couple of the folding solar blankets (150w and 100w) and a small 50w panel on roof of ute cab, permanent to main battery for safety, thinking soon I'll upgrade this to 100w or 120w, the thin flexible type, urethane on top, 10 or 15 amp controller respectively.
For the OP . . .
The solar is REALLY ideal to charge a 2nd battery, as you say.
For the OP, this might be the best thing if he's camping.
A small AGM battery around 80amp/hr . . . or if $ are no object LITHIUM, as they are sooooo light.
Small battery box, that's fused, with some usb outlets and 10amp cigarette lighter sockets.
I'd suggest a 100w or 150w folding solar blanket, this is the 150w I have, the 100w is one less row of solar . . .
Ridge Ryder Solar Blanket - 150 Watt
www.supercheapauto.com.au
Looks like they are finally being cleared out
The 100w are no longer available.
These are available worldwide, Projector is another brand, think they have a 120w, but a lot more costly, and these Ridge Ryder ones I have couldn't fault them.
Reliable and the output is just over what they spec.
I'd say minimum 100w, as the sun is never 100% reliable or on such a panel for a short time, weather conds etc.
I usually set up the Ranger facing the sun, put panel over windscreen, it shades cabin and gets good angle to morning or afternoon sun.
Only really need one panel, and usually before a trip I'll decide on what one to take.
Only good (or needed) if camping more than a few hours in the afternoon sun, or camping one place without driving more than a full day.
Usually I don't need solar if camping just 14 to 15 hrs or so daily, the batteries (main and 2nd) charge as I drive.
I run a 45lt fridge, and have an 11lt freezer I can take on trips where it's of benefit, always fun to take an ice cream out of there in the middle of the Simpson Desert, ha ha ?
Only other needs are some led lighting, and recharging usual things in camp.
When I'm travelling, this is what I need to charge the Mavic batteries with the 12v charger . . .
Anyone else having problems charging ANY DJI batteries in the car? They don't want to charge unless the engine is RUNNING. Tried multiple car chargers, over 2 cars, one with a brand new car battery. Even tried a 12v/120v power inverter. Tried Mavic Air Batteries and now my new
Mavic Pro 2. No...
mavicpilots.com
Safe travels, hope the battery / solar info helps others.
4patriots.com
