Using a Power Bank instead of an inverter

[Jim]

And what may I ask would be your first

Food drink and shelter if I'm carrying it.

 

[tonyidle]

Haha, we have an underslung gas tank so no chance! You’re just not going to win here

Best used plugged into a BBQ gas outlet. I don't think how you store your LPG makes any difference.

 

[Revolvor]

Every gram was important (and adds up) -

Yes I know. My son buys gear from specialist shops where the low weight of an item is more important than the price!

 

[carolyn]

Best used plugged into a BBQ gas outlet. I don't think how you store your LPG makes any difference.

I just meant I don’t want to have to carry a gas bottle as we have an underslung gas tank. We don’t have a BBQ point and are never likely to want one but thank you if you thought I didn’t understand. The powerpack and portable solar is because it would save more holes in the van and could easily be moved if we bought another van which we’re apt to do rather on a whim as I said before.

 

[jumar]

I just meant I don’t want to have to carry a gas bottle as we have an underslung gas tank. We don’t have a BBQ point and are never likely to want one but thank you if you thought I didn’t understand. The powerpack and portable solar is because it would save more holes in the van and could easily be moved if we bought another van which we’re apt to do rather on a whim as I said before.

Your perfect solution...... Weather dependant.....we are happy doing it this way...

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[carolyn]

Your perfect solution...... Weather dependant.....we are happy doing it this way...

I think you’re right, next year we should be back over to France and Spain hopefully. We’re not as adventurous as you but happily do 20 plus miles. It’s so lovely on the quieter roads plus decent cycle paths. In England I feel really nervous on the roads, spoils any fun for me.

 

[Gizmouk]

Isn't it just a battery with a built in inverter?

Yep, or put another way - an over priced UPS

 

[stevewagner]

I wonder if they’d be any good for charging electric bikes? That’s the only time we struggle off grid with our 140 gel battery and 120 solar. We do have this rather annoying habit of changing vans rather more often than we should which puts us off the big cost of lithium but your idea sounds like it might be an option!

You can always take your lithium’s with you when you change vans.

 

[jumar]

Yep, or put another way - an over priced UPS

Greatly depends how you see something being overpriced.....which also depends how you apply using it, its benefits to to user.
Mine has a Lithium Battery, with a built in MPPT controller and a Pure Sine Wave inverter...it's portable, works a treat out in the field as a back up to the motorhome or the car for multiple days riding, without the need to go looking for an EHU on an overpriced campsite....How do you charge your Downhill eMTB.....please share....

 

[jumar]

I'm a happy, contented Motorhomer...

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[Revolvor]

I should have known that this would cause discussion, especially following posts about "Solar Chargers" (sic)!

However a lot of people seem to be missing the point of the original post.

I'm well aware that a MH will have a large power source (leisure batteries) that will usually meet most people's needs - with or without an inverter.

Some people don't have ( or want) an inverter, but sometimes want to run equipment that will not run off 12v.

People have sometimes posted that they have been unable to source adapters to charge their laptops off 12v.

I'm not particularly promoting the Omni 20+ ( I know it's expensive), just offering a solution for charging most devices (cameras, phones, drones, laptops, tablets etc) that is more sophisticated and much quicker than a cheap power bank or a standard USB socket.

Also, it's never going to replace a leisure battery/inverter combination or something like a PowerOak power station, but IF you need to charge multiple devices, of various voltages when you are not in your MH, then it might be of use!

If you don't need one, then that's fine!

 

[PaulC70]

Given the cost at approx £200, for the suggested use of laptop charging, a victron Phoenix 500W PSW at £158 seems a cheaper and more versatile option

Victron Energy Phoenix Pure Sine Wave Inverter - 12V 500VA (VE.Direct-enabled)

Victron Energy 12V 500VA professional, high efficiency, pure sine wave inverter with VE.Direct interface. For caravans, motorhomes, campervans, boats.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

As you are already lugging leisure batteries around

Hmmm that does look good, but i know nothing about them. Are these difficult to fit, anyone on here got one? Im the same that I'd only need it for the Macbook Pro to be honest.

 

[gerry mcg]

Hmmm that does look good, but i know nothing about them. Are these difficult to fit, anyone on here got one? Im the same that I'd only need it for the Macbook Pro to be honest.

No - easy - connect red cable to battery positive, black cable to -ive terminal - bingo

X290 - step by step access to the under driver seat leisure battery compartment

I‘ve prepared a step by step guide to removing the drivers seat and seat swivel in a Fiat X290 PVC (2016 Globecar 600L Revolution) with 2x95Ah Varta LFA AGM batteries fitted in case anyone wants to see how to access the leisure batteis that are located under the drivers seat. Step 1 Remove 2 or...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Sizing an inverter

I’m looking at fitting a Pure sine wave inverter to charge eBike battery. the question is what size? Space is a premium….so it needs to be compact. ive two Bosch 230v chargers available , *one is a ‘standard‘ slow charge with a transformer with an input of 100-240v at 1.6A, output at 36V at 2A...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[autorouter]

The Omni 20+ looks a useful gadget to have, even though it's 70Wh - it will charge many more things than my 99Wh powerbank, which only does USB and USB-C. And 70Wh is plenty for charging phones, satnav and numerous smallish battery-powered devices. And some of these devices have special chargers that only work from mains voltage.

My 99Wh (26800mAh) powerpack is the maximum size allowed on aircraft, so that's another thing to keep in mind.

 

[Revolvor]

The Omni 20+ looks a useful gadget to have, even though it's 70Wh - it will charge many more things than my 99Wh powerbank, which only does USB and USB-C. And 70Wh is plenty for charging phones, satnav and numerous smallish battery-powered devices. And some of these devices have special chargers that only work from mains voltage.

My 99Wh (26800mAh) powerpack is the maximum size allowed on aircraft, so that's another thing to keep in mind.

At last - someone who can see the advantage of something different!

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[jumar]

Recharging kit ready for some serious eMtb riding on the Spanish Sierras....

 

[autocaravaner]

Hey jumar , how is the EB55 doing? Are you happy with it? What solar panel is that one? I'm researching "solar generators" and the Bluetti ones are in my list (maybe the EB70).

 

[jumar]

Hi...EB55 is doing its job, my rooftop panel has been upgraded from the 16year old 120w jobbie to a factory fresh 200w one...
The portable panel is 150w....this catches early morning or late afternoon rays....at 1130 a couple of days ago the roof panel was slowly waking...but the portable was reaping 105w...
So let's give some credit to the new roof panel... I've fitted an elevating framework...results speak for itself...flat panel 41w elevating panel 127w....in November...OK, I may have an advantage...I live in Spain..
The EB55 or even the 70 do a fantastic job...they make up the power the panel cannot provide...without depleting the leisure battery... essential in my opinion....
Our eMTB's have 540wh batteries, our Gravel bikes 250wh......charging so far has been testing, time consuming but achievable...
Without the EB55 as a buffer, more difficult...this has been without doubt, one of the most worthy purchases I have made...even charging small appliances is so easy....an extra battery, and lithium too...for me no regrets....sorry, what was the question..