Battery System

Kimberley Karavan battery power is provided by up to 315 amp-hours of absorbed glass mat batteries (we use Exide – a quality brand). The advantages of AGM batteries are that they require no maintenance, withstand shock and vibration better than any standard battery, are sealed against hydrogen leakage and spilling even if they are broken, and can survive most freezes. AGM batteries are "recombinant" - which means the oxygen and hydrogen recombine inside the battery. The recombining is typically more than 99% efficient, so almost no water is lost. Since the internal resistance is extremely low, there is almost no heating of the battery even under heavy charge and discharge currents.

When the tow vehicle is connected, your alternator will provide plenty of charging power.

 

When connected at a powered site or to a generator, the 20A Intelligent multi-stage charger operate automatically.

These batteries can be charged by up to four 50-watt solar panels stored in the rear boot of the Karavan.

The battery capacity in Amp hours or “percentage full” is shown on a standard meter along with voltage and current flow.

 

Solar Power

The BP 350 is an advanced 50W photovoltaic module offers improved efficiency through the use of advanced polycrystalline cells with SiN coating and a 12V nominal output, making it ideal for battery charging applications. It has proven performance at high temperatures and its robust design makes the product durable in the field and easy to install.

 

The solar panels and batteries easily have enough power to run the refrigerator, air conditioner, convection microwave, lights, water pump, fan, coffee maker, and laptop computer. Sufficient power is simply not a problem.

By using solar panels, large alternators, large batteries and efficient appliances, the need for a generator has been minimised. If you wish to use the optional airconditioner, a 2kVA  generator is required. We only recommend the Honda EU20i.

Refrigeration - No LPG inside Karavan

Unlike most caravans, Kimberley Karavans do not use a three-way absorption refrigerator (propane, 12-volt DC and 240VAC). These are a constant source of frustration. When running on 12-volt, the absorption refrigerator draws too much power for the battery system making 12-volt power only practical while driving.

The propane flame will go out while driving, which meant that propane could only be used while stationary. This resulted in a constant need to switch between 12-volt and propane, or the refrigerator would no longer run and food would spoil. Another problem with our absorption refrigerator is that it had to be level or it would not cool properly. Refrigeration is a constant problem with a three-way refrigerator in off road conditions.

 

The Kimberley Karavan has as standard equipment a 130 litre upright Fridge with freezer. It uses a high efficiency Danfos 12-volt compressor refrigerator/freezer that only draws 1.6 – 3.6 amps when it is running. The compressor is mounted externally to the refrigerator to improve the capacity as well as efficiency. The remote mounted compressor is cooled by a fan system improving efficiency.

 No of Days Energy Capacity with no solar power, no generator, no external 240V power
with typical use calculated on average of devices power and typical hours of use