RV FEATURE
4 . Allow your compressor fridge to operate as efficiently as possible . Avoid overpacking it . Consider using a fridge shade if camped in full sunlight . Turn the temperature up slightly during the night . Every small reduction in power consumption can help .
5 . If you ’ re not in your van during the day , turn off all 12V appliances except your fridge . Many vans have a 12V isolation switch designed for this purpose . This will turn off any devices on standby power , such as TVs and stereo units , allowing as much solar recharging to go to the batteries as possible .
High-quality hi-fi systems are great but they do draw a lot of power .
Running so many appliances at once will quickly drain your batteries .
SUMMING UP
At the end of the day , there is always going to be a chance that solar panels will not be able to fully recharge your batteries and , in those instances , you will need some other form of power generation . For many , that will be a portable generator .
Next month , we will look more closely at generators to help you decide if you need one at all and what type will meet your needs .
+ 12V BASIC - PART 1
Camping under shady trees will render your van ' s roof-mounted solar panels ineffective .
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