Semi-sustainable caravan life.

Tonight I am logged on for the first time using a Telstra USB wireless modem on the nextG network and its working surprising fast even up here on the Central Coast. I've set this up in preparation for moving on the property in 2 days where we will have no power, phone or septic for another 2 months.

As we have will not have our solar power for another 2 months ( at least) and the caravan can only be powered by 240 volt cable, we were faced with the prospect of having to run a generator every night for a couple of months to power the water pump (shower/toilet/sink), the laptop for internet access, charge the mobile phones etc etc. Even if I re-wired the van and set up a battery, the battery would have had to be charged for a few hours each day to use each night.... not only is the generator noisy, it seemed like unnecessary carbon emissions.

So, I've done what I'd always wanted to do for work... carry my own power source for Xrays, Ultrasounds etc just in case the power was unavailable at the horse. We've been meaning to do it for years, but this seemed the right excuse... I've installed a large 90amp 12V second battery into the work car with a 1000W inverter which will convert the 12V into 240V. The batteries will be wired so that as I drive around all day for work, both batteries will get charged. When I get home, I can plug the caravan directly up to the inverter in the back of the car. Although the battery won't stay charged for very long if a lot of appliances are used, if we are conservative, it should last each night and be useful for the laptop, phones, light and water. This way we will only use the generator occasionally for tools, vacuum cleaner etc. The first battery in the car will be protected so that it won't be used for the inverter and eliminate the risk of having a car with a flat battery in the morning! This option definitely eases my conscience when it comes to the amount of driving I do each day (~250km).

The Protector 1000W inverter cost about $420 and the lead acid battery was $187 (a gel battery or a fully sealed one is around $330). Add another couple hundred for the battery case and wiring by the autoelectrician. Will report on how it works next time!