TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Mar 20, 2003 10:51 pm

Guys, I bought a solar charger on E-bay for $20. I thought it'd be good to use on camping trips and what-not to keep the battery juiced up. It's one of those units VW uses to keep bateries charged while transporting and while on the Sales lots (plugs into the cig lighter).
Anyone used one of these before? Iv'e always wondered what was the best set-up for keeping a battery charged while camping etc.
I was gonna get an inverter as well. I live in Montana and a couple years ago I got a Westy tent for my 68 and totally dig that addition. I'm always looking for new and better ideas to make the Camping trips better
and better.
BTW anyone planning on a trip up North this Summer let me know and I'll clue you in on some sweet Montana/Idaho camp spots. I don't usually divulge our best local places, but a split window bus or old bay window is an automatic pass to Montanas best camping hide-a-ways. Greg

Thu Mar 20, 2003 10:58 pm

The solar panel will be a useful addition for topping up the battery but remember that they are low-amps, and most electrical stuff we use has a highish amp usage, so you may not prevent the battery discharging if you are camped for a long time - but it will certianly stay charged for longer.

The price sounds good - depending on the size of the panel.

Rob
Rob and Dave's aircooled VW pages
Repairs and maintenance for the home mechanic
http://www.geocities.com/aussiebug1970/

Fri Mar 21, 2003 12:11 am

i got a little "solar powered battery charger" from radio shack for the 30-35 dollar range, it's a trickle charge. my motorcycle(12 volt) battery, which couldn't even light the dash L.E.D.'s because of a bad discharge and a dead cell after a cloudy half day turned over!! i was amazed. when i sell the bike(hopefully sunday) and buy my westy (hopefully by later summer) i'm gonna keep my little solar charger...just for the heck of it..by the way mine is only like 6 X 12 inches or so i think the brand is actually ICP (for all you juggalos out there not that ICP but props to you for juggalo love got your back!!!)