How we saved Angela and Victor Thousands!!
Bushtracker Caravan camping off-grid after an Outech Offgrid Caravan Power Upgrade.
Our clients Bushtracker Caravan, with its lithium batteries, Xantrex Inverter, and polycrystalline solar panels was ahead of its time back in 2014, but 9 years later and the gremlins crept in.
The old battery monitor was inaccurate and inconsistent. It was hard to determine battery readings, and this resulted in unexpected system failures. The system often tripped-out, literally leaving the caravan with absolutely no power!
Very frustrating, especially when remote camping off-grid and miles from help.
Angela and Victor considered upgrading to a new Bushtracker Caravan, but after chatting with us we were able to offer a more affordable solution to their old, tired, and no longer performing 12 volt caravan power system.
First up, we removed the old and failing caravan electrical components, such as the old lithium batteries, caravan solar panels, DCDC battery chargers, AC charger and the old caravan battery monitoring system.
12V Caravan Power Set-up
We designed an off-grid caravan power system around our clients specific caravanning needs. Top quality caravan lithium battery by Custom Lithium is the heart of this custom built 12 volt caravan power set-up. The 400Ah lithium battery will rapidly recharged while off-grid and isolated locations by a solar array of 720W Enerdrive solar panels.
Caravan solar power
An Enerdrive ePower 12V AC Battery Charger was installed for battery charging needs when plugged into mains power. A 12V DC2DC+ Battery Charger was installed for rapid charging of the caravan house batteries via vehicle input from the engine while underway, or via the solar panels when stationary.
The ultimate 12 volt off-grid caravan power set-up with lithium batteries that can be rapidly recharged from the towing vehicle, caravan solar and AC mains power.
Most who know caravans know that Bushtracker Caravans build luxury off-road caravans. They install top quality 12 volt caravan power setups with quality electrical components and caravan accessories. So, in this 2014 Bushtracker Caravan we repurposed the existing Xantrex 1800W Inverter and Morningstar Tristar Solar Controller. Our in-house qualified caravan electrician reprogrammed the solar controller making it compatible with the new caravan power system upgrade. Plus it was wired to optimise charge from solar while the caravan is being towed.
12 volt caravan power set-up with Tristar Solar Controller, Enerdrive Battery Chargers, Xantrex Inverter and Custom Lithium Battery.
Caravan Battery Management System with Monitoring
Simarine Caravan Battery Management and Monitoring System, housed with Inverter controller and Eberspacher airheater controller.
Having an intelligent battery monitoring system is perhaps one of the most important components to understanding caravan power system. It plays a key role in diagnosing problems with solar charging, battery charging and a raft of possible battery charging and caravan power issues. Our preferred caravan power monitoring system is the advanced Simarine Pico battery monitoring because it provides comprehensive battery monitoring for the management of state of charge from DC, AC and solar, as well load by various consumers such as fridge and inverter. We installed the Simarine Pico monitoring system in the overhead cupboard where it can be easily viewed and operated and is neatly housed in a closable cupboard alongside existing caravan accessory control switches.
Future Proofing Your Caravan Power Set-up
Our caravan power systems are designed with future proofing in mind. In this Bushtracker Caravan multiple tank levels - water tank and grey water tank level modules can be simply installed at a later date and monitored from the Simarine Pico screen. PLUS, the overall caravan power system was engineering so more power can be added with ease. So, without breaking the budget a more powerful inverter, a bigger lithium battery bank and more solar panels can be easily fitted in the future should our clients’ needs change.
Bushtracker luxury off-road caravan with Outech OffGrid 12 volt caravan power system.
Off-Grid Caravan Power System
In summary, we retrofitted a custom 12 volt caravan power system to comfortable fit into our clients Bushtracker Caravan to meet their individual caravanning style. It has a 400Ah lithium battery, 720 watts of solar panels, (with option to boost charge with plug in for portable solar panels), simultaneous dual charging option, optimal charging via 3 charging sources, and Simarine power system monitoring and management via touch screen or app. This is a caravan power set-up suitable for off-grid caravanning and staying at a caravan park.
Make your caravan more comfortable, get in touch today!
Qualified Caravan Electrician & Caravanning Enthusiast!
🔏EC14408 | MRB9303
✅ Licensed Electrician | Qualified 12 volt and 240 Volt Electrician