How big of a battery do I need?

[hitek79]

I'm building out a camping van that will be used on 2-4 day photography trips. I'll be powering some small interior lights and chargers(phone/laptop/camera) more than anything. I'm thinking of purchasing a generator for trips in the dead of winter or the middle of summer to run a heater/small A/C unit. Is a 200ah battery plenty? Anyone have any comments on these batteries?

http://www.amazon.com/Exide-XMC-31-...UTF8&colid=1SU8KE5GC5REC&coliid=IFO0CL6F2RTY7

Thanks for any input!

 

[wrcsixeight]

AGM batteries in group 31 size rate at 95-105 amp hours. 200 reserve minutes does not mean 200 amp hours. It should still be sufficient for your intents.

The laptop is the biggest load. Followed by the interior incandescent lights.

Look into LED replacement bulbs.

It is easier to conserve energy than it is to make it.

Carry a good 12+ amp charger For when you have grid access and fully charge, it even if you think you drove far enough to charge it fully. You didn't.


I didn't know Exide made an AGM battery under their own label.

 

[Bergum]

If you have a generator with you, go for 1 starter and one deep cycle battery. 55ah should be enough then. It depends on how much you will be using the generator...
Also look into solar panels on the roof. Perfekt for charging computers...

B4x4.no

 

[grizzlyj]

Buy an efficient laptop, charge it while you drive, use its battery in the evening