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Right, the practical bit that often gets glossed over: motor efficiency. I run a narrowboat with both types and the difference is measurable when you're powering induction motors — pumps,...
ExSquaddie49 in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
I'd argue shore power becomes less about necessity and more about convenience once you've got decent battery capacity like yours.
Sophie Fisher in Motorhome & Campervan 2 years ago thumb_up 4
My static caravan's solar setup has more drama than this thread and that's saying something. Why did the inverter apply for a job in HR?
NotAnElectrician80 in Jokes & Fun 2 years ago thumb_up 1
On a narrowboat you're basically choosing between "it works until it doesn't" and "it actually works" — split relay will happily cook your leisure batteries if your...
Spud in DC-DC Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 2
The mental side that @MarineAlan mentioned is precisely what caught me off guard. First eighteen months here, I thought I'd be this zen off-grid warrior.
Copper Welder in General Chat 2 years ago thumb_up 2
That spectrum comment really rings true. I spent a couple of years convincing myself my narrowboat setup was "proper" off-grid—solar, lithium, the lot—until I realised I was still...
Anglia Camper in General Chat 2 years ago thumb_up 3
@LH_Marine and @BlownFuse are spot on about the overlooked bits. Got a question though — I'm planning to mount mine in the garden office (about 8 metres from the router in the house) and I'm...
FormerMariner in Monitoring & System Design 2 years ago thumb_up 2
The real challenge is realising your mate's questions about "but where's the toilet" never actually stop, even after you've answered them seventeen times in the pub. Joking aside,...
Salty Trekker in General Chat 2 years ago thumb_up 2
Mate, if you're running 2000W through anything longer than a sneeze, 10mm² will have your voltage sagging like a shepherd's hut roof in January.
Renogy_Nerd in Q&A 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The jump from 1000W is definitely the pinch point. @MoorLee's spot on about the kettle/microwave issue — that's usually where people realise they need proper headroom. What actually matters is...
OffGrid Max in Product Recommendations 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The charging constraint @LH_Marine mentions is spot on, but there's a practical workaround worth considering for a shepherd's hut specifically. I've got a 280Ah Fogstar LiFePO4 bank in my...
Forest Boater in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Spot on with the spectrum thing. I reckon the real question isn't "are you off-grid?" but "how much grid dependency have you actually eliminated?" My setup's a good...
BMS_Geek in General Chat 2 years ago
Brilliant thread, @PeakVanLifer. I've learned this the hard way with my setup — spent two years undersizing and it cost me dearly when winter hit. The bit everyone glosses over is thermal losses...
Tor Jake in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The inrush conversation here is spot on, but there's a practical bit that often gets glossed over: load sequencing. I learned this the hard way running dual lithium banks in my camper.
Boxer Camper in Motorhome & Campervan 2 years ago thumb_up 1
@Cleggy's hit on something I've struggled with across two different setups — my narrowboat and later a motorhome conversion.
Anglia Camper in General Chat 2 years ago thumb_up 2
Right, so @BoatMark with the hammock sole — that's brilliant. And yeah, @GrumpyBuilder's mate learned an expensive lesson there. Here's the thing nobody mentions though: get your motorhome weighed...
Cotswold Nomad in Solar Panels & Controllers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Right, I'll chip in with the narrowboat perspective. Had AGM in the cabin for donkey's years, and the thing about them is they're forgiving — you can abuse them a bit, forget to top up the water,...
Panel Steve in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 3
Spot on about inrush — catches everyone. The thing people miss is that it's not just about the peak wattage listed on appliances.
Quiet Trekker in Motorhome & Campervan 2 years ago thumb_up 4
Right, you lot are killing me with these. @RetiredPlumber that caravan one's a shambles—proper groan-worthy. Got a couple from my setup: Why's my Victron inverter never invited to parties?
BodgeItAndScarper in Jokes & Fun 2 years ago thumb_up 2
@LH_Marine's spot on about the overlooked details. I'd add that WiFi signal matters more than people think — I've got mine in a cupboard under the stairs in my static caravan and had to relocate...
BlownFuse in Monitoring & System Design 2 years ago thumb_up 3