Hunting Camp - Electricity Help

First off, let me start by saying - I think we need a dedicated sub-forum for Hunting Camp construction, talk, and ideas - with that out of the way.

What do you folks use for electricity at your off-the-grid hunting camps?

For lighting - We've been using some ultra-low wattage, 12V lights (0.7W each). This works great for some "dim" lighting, although your eyes DO eventually get used to to it. We had even left the lights on after hunting season for three weeks until I returned to do some clean up and noticed they had been left on - as bright as ever.

For other electrical needs - charging radios, cell phones, and other devices, or even some brighter lights - we purchased a generator (4200 watts). But, we'd rather not run it all the time since fuel is so expensive these days, we typically end up running it only about 3-4 hours a night (however, we've yet to use it actually DURING a hunting season with a full gang at the camp). The generator is also connected to a 50/10/2 amp battery charger that is connected to our 12V battery relay (3x12v batteries), so whenever the generator is running it is also charging our batteries.

I know there are some purists out there that say - "Leave that at home, you don't need it!" etc, but honestly - we're a hunting camp in the 21st century and we enjoy those electronic comforts out in the field. Especially the communication advantage the radios offer.

Just curious to hear about your electrical set up, and perhaps some ideas for improvement to ours. Armchair experts - unit!

We use 120 watts of solar panel. Panels charge a 200 amp-hour 12V deep cycle battery via a charge controller. Battery is connected to marine 12V LED lighting. We also have a 1500W Pure Sine inverter that produces 115V AC that is comparable to or better quality than utility supplied AC. AC is used very sparingly.

System also runs a 12V well pump that supplies cold water to kitchen. Hot water is produced on the wood stove.

Totally silent and no fuel required. Cost for all items (battery, controller, panels, inverter, wire, switches,lights and well pump) was about $1,700 - 4 years ago.

The higher the voltage the less the losses, so your 12V lights are not great with that respect.

You can get a 12VDC to 120VAC inverter for your charging needs, but if may or may not work with all electronics because most have what is called a squared off sine wave, this is not the same power as your standard house AC power but much cheaper.
If you are intending to run digital clocks and some other digital electronics then you need to look for an inverter that has a true sine wave.

This one is probably a squared off sine wave:
http://www.amazon.ca/Cobra-CPI-1575-...words=inverter

This one is a true sine wave:
http://www.amazon.ca/Xantrex-Prowatt...rter+true+sine

If you run a generator every night then it does not make sense to use solar or wind, if you did not want to charge then you would need solar/wind and a charge controller for your battery bank.

I use goal zero.

32in (?) solar panels and a 150w battery gen
Does everything I need it to. From running bright 3w led lights, to charging phones, batteries, running my laptop. On a sunny day, it will fully charge in about 10hrs, if I trickle charge anything I plug in can run all day. "Worst" case I can hook it up to my car and fully charge it.

I take it hunting, camping, more. Have even pulled it out at home when the power goes out.

If you want to shoot the moon they have a larger geny that can run fridges and more. I think it retails for about 2500 Cdn

www.goalzero.com

What I have (Panels, lights separate)
http://www.goalzero.com/p/164/goal-z...olar-generator

The members at the camp bought a bigger genny a few years back. We run it in the morning for an hour while everyone gets going then again at night when it gets dark until the last guy is down. It runs everything. With enough guys, the fuel cost is negligible.

Our camp uses mostly propane for lights and fridge. Three 100lb. propane tanks lasts almost all year. One of the guys also brings a 5KW generator during the Moose and Deer hunt for charging radios. Cell phones aren't an issue because we're too far in for service except GM On-Star. It's sure quiet and peaceful when you live off the grid,isn't it?

When were done with the generator we just use a couple of coleman propane lantern's

I have two generators, a 3500 W and a 1300 W. The smaller unit easily runs every light I could possible put in the camp including porch and sauna. The amount of gas it uses is negligible.
The larger generator is for power tools around camp.

My fridge and stove is propane.

I have a propane jenny it runs the regular electric lights as well as tv etc. But I also have propane lights which are great!

I wasn't that long ago we used to do everything with Naptha (whitegas) Coleman lanterns and stoves and our FRS radios used 'AA' batteries. No need for an electricity source.....no one seemed to mind either.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Species8472

We use 120 watts of solar panel. Panels charge a 200 amp-hour 12V deep cycle battery via a charge controller. Battery is connected to marine 12V LED lighting. We also have a 1500W Pure Sine inverter that produces 115V AC that is comparable to or better quality than utility supplied AC. AC is used very sparingly.

---

That's the way to do it, nice setup, perfect for a hunt camp scenario. I wouldn't enjoy relaxing in the bush with generator running, not when there are alternatives available.

We have propane lights and stove but now that 3 of the 5 guys in camp sleep with CPap machines ( we now call it Camp Apnea) we actually run a Honda 3500 genny all night now. It powers all the lights, toasters and coffee makers effortlessly. We probably burn less than 10 gallons of gas in a week. We rarely use the propane light system any more, just the cooking stove. We top the genny around 9:00 pm and it runs straight through the night no problem.

We have Propane hot water, fridge and stove. And a 2600 Yamaha generator that never shuts off unless it runs out during the night. The cost of the gas is included in the groceries.

Just bought a new 6500 Westinghouse generator from the states. It is in its own shed 100 feet away with a kill switch on the wall in the camp. I will eventually run a start switch as well, as this one has automatic start, it runs the lights and electronics and tools. I am looking at picking up a tank less water heater and pump to add to this, as water we still bring up in buckets from the river.Have a deep cycle battery for 12 volt lights when it is not running threw the night, hooked up to a smart charger. Propane cook stove and oven 100 pound tank. Wood stove for heat and water and coolers and ice for food. A zodi shower and tent for bathing. Will be buying a propane electric fridge this winter for next year. The small Bunkie has a 3500 generator for lights and wood stove for heat, the place is 200 yards away from the main camp and under expansion. I use this generator for the log splitter and any thing else I may need for power in the bush.

Hope that will not be an electric tankless heater....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pat32rf

Hope that will not be an electric tankless heater....

---

no Pat32rf Looking at a propane one

we use 2 Honda EU2000i's, one to run the pump house, one for the cabin (lights mainly). They are very efficient fuel wise.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by severn don

no Pat32rf Looking at a propane one

---

We just bought a Eccotemp FVI-12-LP instant water heater, but havent installed it yet. We bought that to replace an older propane water tank. You can find them on amazon.ca for $250 - $300

Electricity in camp on an island is 110 volt supplied by an inverter powered by 4 heavy duty truck batteries powered by two solar panels.
All lights are florescent fixtures.
Propane fridge stove and on demand hot water shower.
Water is supplied by submersible pump in the lake feeding a 30 gallon plastic tank in the cottage rafters [gravity system]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jaycee

Electricity in camp on an island is 110 volt supplied by an inverter powered by 4 heavy duty truck batteries powered by two solar panels.
All lights are florescent fixtures.
Propane fridge stove and on demand hot water shower.
Water is supplied by submersible pump in the lake feeding a 30 gallon plastic tank in the cottage rafters [gravity system]

---

you have just about everything you need to add A/C. Not the electric compressor style but the type using water from the lake.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snowwalker

you have just about everything you need to add A/C. Not the electric compressor style but the type using water from the lake.

---

No need for it , there is always a nice breeze blowing from the lake onto the island.

We have an old 3500 watt Generator and we tapped a fitting to the side of the tank in order to connect to another tank. Which is the same height, but wider than the one on the unit. We can run 2, 750 watt heaters, up to 4, 60 watt incandescent lights and charging for our radios and cell phones. This can run for 3 nights from sundown to 5 am. When we come back from lunch, we fill a tank from the well using a 30 GPM 120 VAC Jet Pump. We have Propane Heaters and Oil Lamps for emergencies.

We looked into solar panels, but we already have everything we need. Besides, total of $100.00 for gas between 5 guys isn't so bad?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by terrym

We have propane lights and stove but now that 3 of the 5 guys in camp sleep with CPap machines ( we now call it Camp Apnea) we actually run a Honda 3500 genny all night now..

---

Just a recommendation,,, if you check the recommendations for almost every generator, they will say not to run "medically necessary devices" from the generator. It is much safer to use the generator to charge 12 volt batteries and use a high end inverter to power a CPAP machine. With 3 out of 5, that only leaves 2 to wake up and restart the generator before the others kick off!
Of course, when the generator goes down, no one will really notice with all the snoring! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PaulR

Of course, when the generator goes down, no one will really notice with all the snoring! :)

---

LOL.....I throw a mattress in the back (cap on) of my P/U while I'm at camp...no way a man could possible sleep in that old school buss with x6 250+ lbs guys sawing logs :)

I wonder what kind of racket x6 CPAP machines would make in a closed in area ? :)

If you could turn flatus into electricity...we'd be set !!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikePal

I wasn't that long ago we used to do everything with Naptha (whitegas)

---

White gas! You`ve just aged yourself. I just bet the majority here have never heard of the stuff.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sawbill

White gas! You`ve just aged yourself. I just bet the majority here have never heard of the stuff.

---

I'm happy to be in a camp with guys who don't know what a 'Tweet' is and can spend an evening with just to the old 'D' Cell Philco Camp Radio for entertainment :)

We run our camp on 2 x 20 lb propane cyls. for a week. We have usually 3 propane lights and one stove and one fridge running. Wood stove for heating. We aren't wired for a generator and don't plan to. The camp has gone 40 + years without electricity and hopefully will go another 40 the same way.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by terrym

We have propane lights and stove but now that 3 of the 5 guys in camp sleep with CPap machines ( we now call it Camp Apnea) we actually run a Honda 3500 genny all night now. It powers all the lights, toasters and coffee makers effortlessly. We probably burn less than 10 gallons of gas in a week. We rarely use the propane light system any more, just the cooking stove. We top the genny around 9:00 pm and it runs straight through the night no problem.

---

Our camp has a 2000W Honda Inverter generator that cost about $1200, but runs everything in camp, including our shower pump. Safely charges all electronics, runs our microwave and toaster, and uses about 5 gallons of gas for a full week of hunting in the fall. We have it placed in a well ventilated shed and you have no idea it is running when you have a camp full of guys talking and making noise. I think the weight is about 40lbs, and I just strap it to the front rack of my atv for the ride in and out. I think it is a much simpler and reliable way to power a remote camp.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by delmer

Our camp has a 2000W Honda Inverter generator that cost about $1200, but runs everything in camp, including our shower pump. Safely charges all electronics, runs our microwave and toaster, and uses about 5 gallons of gas for a full week of hunting in the fall. We have it placed in a well ventilated shed and you have no idea it is running when you have a camp full of guys talking and making noise. I think the weight is about 40lbs, and I just strap it to the front rack of my atv for the ride in and out. I think it is a much simpler and reliable way to power a remote camp.

---

X2, much more efficient than those rackety old construction models.

i agree we should have a sub forum on
camps building ,solar .does and donts
it would be great

we have propane fridge, stove and lights. woodstove for heat. I also bought an eliminator power pack that i keep charged with a 40w solar panel. we use it to charge phones, two ways etc.. once in a while the wife and i will watch a movie too!
for water we have a gas water pump that pumps water into barrel in the attic for a gravity feed system. I just have to work on getting hot water now

Many CPAP machines run on either 12 or 110 volts and just need the 12v cord to convert.....but the vendors don't mention this.
with the new 12v led camper lights there is no reason to put up with dim 12v lighting. The power use is tiny and they can run on LVT wiring.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jweese

First off, let me start by saying - I think we need a dedicated sub-forum for Hunting Camp construction, talk, and ideas - with that out of the way.

---

Great idea for a dedicated camp forum.

We use a $500 Cdn tire 3kw gene which is total overkill for our needs. Just runs lights and such for an hour in the morning and a few hours at night. Nice to have the extra juice for tools like a circular saw, but not needed for regular use. If starting new I would consider LED and marine 12V system with batteries and solar. Propane stove and wood stove for heat and hot water. I looked at big solar last year and it was thousands so can buy many gene instead.

We have a generator for lights in the evening . The guys have figured out how much fuel to put in so it runs out about 8 pm. This way someone doesn't have to go out and shut the generator off. we then use propane lights , if not ready for bed. Our generator is about 100 feet away so not fun to go back out to shut it off, especially if it is raining.. Gravity water, wood heat , no tv, home sweet home. old243

hmm... gonna have to look at the input value on my CPAP. I would be more than happy to run it on 12v DC. Thanks for mentioning that Pat!

I've seen a camp that used an old alternator and rigged it with a pully-waterwheel and the river on their property turns it enough to create the electricity they need for lighting and charging devices. They have batteries to store excess. No noise or fuel to worry about.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by robster

I've seen a camp that used an old alternator and rigged it with a pully-waterwheel and the river on their property turns it enough to create the electricity they need for lighting and charging devices. They have batteries to store excess. No noise or fuel to worry about.

---

I'd love to see some pics of that setup. Sounds like a great idea for people with moving water on their property.

FishFrenzy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FishFrenzy

I'd love to see some pics of that setup. Sounds like a great idea for people with moving water on their property.

FishFrenzy

---

I would as well as we have lots of running water but to get the alternator spinning fast enough (1200-2000 rpm minimum depending on the alternator used) we would need to seriously increase the shaft speed of the water wheel with some type of gearing/pulleys. Would like to see what diameter water wheel they used and how they increased the shaft speed to match the alternator specs.

Great post idea, ty. I have 2 solar set ups and generator for back up. Main system has 140 watts total solar panels in series that pass through charge controller to 5 deep cycle sealed agm batteries and have both inverter and dc current in camp. outlets for both so plenty of power for radios, tv etc. Second system, in process of setting up, has 40w panel with charge controller and 1 deep cycle battery. This will be used to power light and propane water heater unit for shower in my separate outhouse unit.

Well, since I started this thread last year - it seems to have opened up again > Thanks for all the replies and conversation.

I again, still think we need a dedicated forum for hunting camps, builds, etc.

A year (or two?) later, we're running a 100 watt solar panel with a solar tracking motor on it to get the most efficient use out of it. It's connected to three deep cycle RV batteries (of which, we now have two that need replacing; that's another story). We use a 5000 watt generator with remote start located in a generator shed about 100 feet away, it also charges the 12 volt system whenever it's running.

For refrigeration we use a deep freeze, when running the generator for only an hour or two a night the freezer will maintain refrigerator temperatures all the next day. Used it like that all last summer and had issues with things actually starting to freeze. Installed a digital aquarium thermostat to combat this, we'll see how it works.

For heat, we use a wood stove in the primary room - but since most of us don't like it hot while sleeping we keep the bunk room door closed and feed it heat via a duct in the wall between the main room and bunk room, with a 180mm computer fan connected to another digital aquarium thermostat (I think that's the proper term, I typically refer to them as brewing thermostats because I used them for beer making quite a bit).

For cooking, we have two 100lb propane tanks, and an antique NG stove/oven we converted to propane.

For water we're still bringing it off site, although there's a lake down a 30 foot cliff, 20 feet out our back door, and a well about 500 feet away as well. Both water sources are undrinkable however, but would be great for just washing dishes, etc. We did pick up a large 250 gal water container (the plastic ones with the cage around them). Our plan is to collect rain water in a collection bucket and run it through a gravity fed water filter into the sealed plastic drum. Not sure how potable it will be; and will take a while to fill up as well. Will have the water tested once we get it up and running. We'll mount the water tank on a rack we made last hunting season, up high enough to provide gravity feed water.

For hot water - although I'm not sure how safe it is, but it worked - I took my immersion chiller for brewing and wrapped it around the stove pipe as close to the wood stove as we could get it, added a petcock and a temporary water tank (as mentioned above) to the rack outside. Water was piping hot all hunting season, the only thing we worried about too much pressure building up and blowing up the pipe - so we left it dripping into a pan all season just incase. Seemed to work, and I think we'll come up with a similar idea on a permanent basis, perhaps adding a pressure relieve valve of some sort.

That's about it for now - and I STILL vote for a dedicated forum for hunting camps :)

Jweese that is a great overview. Thanks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jweese

We use a 5000 watt generator with remote start located in a generator shed about 100 feet away, it also charges the 12 volt system whenever it's running.

---

Curious, why such a large generator? The smaller inverter ones are head and shoulders more efficient, portable and quiet.

Quote:

---

For refrigeration we use a deep freeze, when running the generator for only an hour or two a night the freezer will maintain refrigerator temperatures all the next day. Used it like that all last summer and had issues with things actually starting to freeze. Installed a digital aquarium thermostat to combat this, we'll see how it works.

---

I picked up a 7 cu ft freezer for nothing and was going to convert it to a fridge as well. Just waiting on the temperature controller unit from Ebay to come in. I've heard that you have to be careful with the compressor delay time and where you put the temp probes or you can overwork the freezer. I should have mine done in a week or so.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Species8472

I would as well as we have lots of running water but to get the alternator spinning fast enough (1200-2000 rpm minimum depending on the alternator used) we would need to seriously increase the shaft speed of the water wheel with some type of gearing/pulleys. Would like to see what diameter water wheel they used and how they increased the shaft speed to match the alternator specs.

---

This was at a deer camp in GREY county. I will see if I can get into it to get specs photos. I've seen this on YouTube under waterwheel generators. Guys have rigged up gears, belts etc to get the right output. I will build something like this when I start building on my property.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by robster

This was at a deer camp in GREY county. I will see if I can get into it to get specs photos. I've seen this on YouTube under waterwheel generators. Guys have rigged up gears, belts etc to get the right output. I will build something like this when I start building on my property.

---

We have another camp local to us as well that uses an alternator and a home-made windmill. I don't know the specifics, but I can look into it as well - honestly, it looked like a ceiling fan on a 30' TV tower.

With the proper gearing, and blade configuration - I don't see why it wouldn't work.