Thoughts on using Fuel Cells for expedition campers

Jeff Kavanaugh

New member
Greetings:

I am wondering what you folks think of using fuel cells for an expedition camper to provide electricity and also water. Any thoughts?

Jeff Kavanaugh
 

calicamper

Expedition Leader
Run the numbers! We've used them in the sailboat racing world for a long time now. The issue is special menthol type fuel you need to carry. And they are for the most part trickle charge systems. Very low output. Most overlanders have a big power appetite or have large spikes in both charging needs and use needs. That really dont work with trickle charginging low voltage generation.
 
Been doing allot of research on Methanol Fuel Cells and this technology has evolved dramatically. Both EYOF and Kimberly Kampers have a wealth of information on bets use advantages etc. Having two solar 100 Watt Solar panels and a few hundred amp hours of batteries we've determined we could easily and efficiently run an ARB, use a small induction cooktop, charge and power all of our low voltage devices and run a small low voltage electric heater (as needed) very easily and economically. Obviously you need to monitor and manage power usage wisely but the technology has advanced significantly. However this as a significant investment for hard core Overlanders who really need this type of capability who can justify the investment. It's really taken off in the RV industry starting in EU and Australia. It is extremely efficient and economical once you make the initial investment. Having a small lithium battery bank (light weight, more usable power for amp hours, charging efficiency in a trailer or camper would be the ultimate off grid setup. These systems are so small they could easily be shared between multiple mobile base camp systems like RTT, RV, CamperTtrailer and Boat.

Red Rock Overlander
 

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