Great Battery Performance!

[jakelaw]

OK, I know there were a few naysayers who didn't think we would make it 11 days on our grp27 battery. First trip with the new battery was for three nights in high elevation in the Uinta Mountains the week before the 4th of July. When I put the battery in the box fresh off of the float charger, my meter read 12.8 volts, which was what the charger read as well. After three nights, the meter read 12.7 volts. We were in Grand Teon NP with daily temps in the mid 80's and nights in the mid 50's, so temps were ideal. This was from July 12-23rd. Remember, we did not use our furnace, we did not need it, nor does ours use power any way. We have the LED lights, the smallest incandecant bulb I could find for the porch light, and out water pump. I took a reading every morning for the first three days then stopped for a couple because it still showed 12.7. After a week, it showed 12.6, and when I hooked it up to the charger on Monday, both my meter and the charger read 12.5 volts. If there is a testimony to LED useage, this is it. Our useage was normal, about two hours per night of lights, with intermitant water pump useage as needed. Every day when we left, I turned off the cutoff switch just in case we left anything on. Other than that, we did not do anything special, I actually used one of the 12v clip on fans we have for a vent fan above the range when cooking most nights with it being on for about 1/2 an hour every time. One night we accidentaly left the porch light on all night. I really think the LEDs make the difference, I am now interested in how long we can really go, I think two weeks it not unrealistic. Every body, GET LED!!!

[zamboni]

Every body, GET LED!!!

How/where/how much?  I've read things here and there about them, but may stay away until there are plug-compatible ones to replace the bulbs in the camper.

Meanwhile, I can buy a cheap 900 watt (supposedly 57db, 45 lbs, 50:1 premix) generator on ePray for $99...  very tempted just for charging the battery for now.

However, I like the LED idea.

[jakelaw]

I got my LEDs off of Ebay, my supplier doesn't sell any more, but if you search for "1156 led bulb" (if that is the base you have, most are) you will get a dizzying number of listings.  Waht you are looking for are the ones that are white, with somewhere around 18 or so bulbs forward and at least half dozen in a circle pointing out.  They are still pretty directional, but I use foil with the shiney side down for reflection and form it to direct the light.  They work for us.  I think I spent around $20 for two including shipping.  They are designed for vehicles.