What next? Solar or 240v charger

[Theolegit]

Just had my 1st summer in my 1983 westie.
Had minor panics everytime someone turned on a light or stereo do what should be next?

Would you fit solar power or a mains charger?

Do I need a sterling battery to battery charger or a alternator to battery charger?

How easy is itl to modify the older style westies to run the camping electrics off the leisure battery?

So many questions.

[Ian Hulley]

We have a 100w solar panel and regulator system that charges both batteries ... that works very well even on cloudy days.

I can't comment on the Westie electrics as they are something I have zero experience of.

Ian

[lloydy]

All depends on how deep your pockets are... A sterling is a good investment if you don't use campsites with mains hook ups and stay a day/few days then move on. If you stay on sites with hook up get a mains charger (first at least) does your westy charger not work?
Solar is ok, just don't buy cheap stuff and expect it to work well.
If you really do use a lot of power maybe look at running two batteries.
You really need to work out how you camp and spec your system accordingly.
I run two batteries, a sterling charger and a 25 amp mains charger, but that cost a lot and is not needed for most people

[Theolegit]

Thanks for the replies, no charger on the Westie it's an American import so has been removed. I stay on sites,but recently did vw action and found the informal version of camping more relaxed,- last caravan n camping site
I was on I had to move my awning as it was 6 inches to far over!!!!

Is your sterling a battery to battery or alternator to battery, what the advantages/disadvantages of each?

The vans in the paint shop at the mo so I'm planning my nest moves.

[lloydy]

Mine is a battery to battery version. Both are good, the B to B one comes in smaller outputs (50A) but seeing as your alternator is about that, it isnt really a issue.
What i like about the BtoB one is when you get a mains charger you connect it to the starter battery. The sterling then recognises the starter is being charged and comes to life to charge the leisures.
Keep a look out on ebay, i got mine secondhand for around £100

[Theolegit]

Thanks you answered my next question about charging the leisure on hookup sounds like I need to keep me eyes peeled

[MattBW]

I have an 80w panel and find it great, charges both batteries and even on a cloudy day the battery was full again by mid morning despite charging phones, ipads, radio, lights, watching tv and running a gps tracker from the leisure battery,

I like the fact its always charging, and that even if I don't run the engine for a week, I dont need a hookup. It will never beat an alternator, but it will beat an alternator on an engine thats not running

[Ian Hulley]

I have an 80w panel and find it great, charges both batteries and even on a cloudy day the battery was full again by mid morning despite charging phones, ipads, radio, lights, watching tv and running a gps tracker from the leisure battery,

I like the fact its always charging, and that even if I don't run the engine for a week, I dont need a hookup. It will never beat an alternator, but it will beat an alternator on an engine thats not running

All true

[Theolegit]

Thanks guys seems like a solar panel should be 1st then