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Jhering86
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# Posted: 31 Aug 2023 16:30
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Hello all, newb here with a question. We have an off grid hunting cabin that we use only a couple months out of the year. We have a generator that runs the camp but never use it because of noise. We currently use propane gas lamps to light the cabin but my dad recently has been asking about brighter alternatives. I’ve been researching some choices and have come across some options. My main question is, is it possible to run the whole cabin on a 12v battery with an inverter? The only thing we really need the power for is some lights in the cabin. Or would it make more sense to run something else?
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Whiskerbiscuit
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# Posted: 31 Aug 2023 16:41
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If all you need is lights, I wouldn't even bother with the inverter since you're just losing 25% in the conversion to AC...just get 12v LED lights and hook them up directly.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 31 Aug 2023 18:18
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Given that you mention a generator, you are obviously doing more than and while using gas lamps. Shudder at those memories...
These days those Battery Powerpack/Generators can be had for $350 USD for a respectable one. no gas, oil or muss, take it home, charge it... Backup power on hand if something happens and quiet. IF you need to recharge without grid power, you can do it with a small gas genny, doesn't take long (relative to size of course).
Stick to well reviewed name brands, no kickstarter projects. Also best to get a model that has been on the market for over 1 year.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 31 Aug 2023 18:29
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We have run just such since the mid '80's in two diff cabins. At first it was with the old style RV Edison base light bulbs (energy hogs) and various lead acid batteries, like 'marine' trolling type.
Now there are much better options, game changing actually.
I suggest:
Led lights, NO incandescents
Small device chargers, like USB ports also are minimal draw so you can charge phones, etc. or run things that are USB plug powered.
A 12v LFP battery or battery pack can run that stuff and be lightweight, though a bit pricey up front. My LFP bats have integral USB ports. If you use 12v LED lighting you have only the two battery wires to connect in cabin, though the + lead should be fused. If each light or section lighting has its own switch there is no need for a complicated elec service box, switches, etc.
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travellerw
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# Posted: 31 Aug 2023 23:26
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Lithium Power station.. 600wh (ish) should be perfect for lights and phone charging (upto 3 phones) for 3 days. You can run 12V lights off it if you want, or take the %10 efficiency hit and just run 120V LEDs. At 600Wh it should be fine with the loss in efficiency.
Stick with good brands like Ecoflow, Bluetti, ect.
They run about $1/wh CAD.. So %30 less in USD (about $420-450).
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Brettny
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# Posted: 1 Sep 2023 08:29
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If the generator currently powers 120v lights I wouldnt rewire the cabin and put 12v lights in. Just use a power station for the few days a year.
Those old propane lights go for a prety penny on ebay. I bought about 6 a few years ago to put in our cabin that I'm currently building.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 1 Sep 2023 10:11
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Yeah that, it is too easy to put inexpensive LED bulbs into existing fixtures (we got ours cheap in 4pks at the Restore). So much better than the old kero lamps we used when the 'marine' battery went flat and makes a battery last faarrr longer.
Downside, if you can call it that, is that unlike gas or liquid fuel lamps or incandescents is no heat thrown off.
Question: Do you drive up to the cabin; ie, are the vehicles close?
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Jhering86
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# Posted: 1 Sep 2023 10:47
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Yeah drive to cabin, vehicles parked right outside.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 1 Sep 2023 14:17
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That gives you vehicle charging for cell phones, etc. and easy transport of even old tech lead acid 'marine' battery(s). Even easy recharging of such with jumper cables and letting a car/truck top one off every day with 1/2 - 1hr run time (quieter than a typical gen).
For that matter you could even have an inverter under the hood of one and run an extension cable to the cabin (use an RV exterior plug if you want to be fancy).
LED lights draw so little that of an evening's use you'd never draw the vehicle battery down too far.
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Grizzlyman
Member
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# Posted: 4 Sep 2023 20:15
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12v deep cycle Battery + cheap solar panel/controller+ LED lights. Done. Powered my cabin for 3 years thus far this way.
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shingobeek
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# Posted: 13 Sep 2023 19:50 - Edited by: shingobeek
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I am in Northern MN and started this way as well......I have a 2200 gas preditor, a 10K watt Generac Construction genny, a 250 jackery, a 1000 jackery, a 100 watt portable soloar panel! Oh and it came with 4 propane lights and a propane fridge! All off grid, boat access, 1 bar LTE ATT service in one particular spot.
For just the two of us, and even with one visitor, we use the 1000 jackery charge phones, run USB cord fans, watch 27" flat screen TV on rainy days, charge ipad.......even all day with that I move outside early in the AM hook up the portable solar panels out on the deck and by 12 noon back to 100%....there is just two of us....rainy day whatever you can hook it to generator and charge as well in like 5 hours...but its noisy and burns gas......anyhow, just sharing my experiences....check out those portables like Jackery. I hav no interest in that company it just what my wife purchased!
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Aklogcabin
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# Posted: 16 Sep 2023 10:31
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We have been using a generator and led lights when it's running or needed. Usually in the evening. I have 2 12v batteries and a battery charger. I start the generator and power up the batteries, use the led lights. And charge up the phone or computer. And a battery pack. If I am using the refrigerator/freezer I fire it up nightly to keep things cold. I use coleman gas lanterns for lights when generator not running. If I am not worried about refrigeration I can go a couple days without running the generator.
For just part time use a lot of folks will just use a small generator and burn some gas. For a few bucks a day you can run a 1000w generator. For us, keeping it simple works best.
What do you hunt for
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