Using a Tinnie

Using a refrigerator in the tinnie or on shore

There are 2 issues:

Firstly choose the right refrigerator: An eutectic refrigerator would let you put it in the Tinnie during the day and run off the eutectic system WITHOUT power! You should get 23 hours of operation before the temperature in the eutectic refrigerator will start to increase.

Keep the fridge as full as possible of liquids as these create a thermal mass that keeps the space efficient. Once initially started, these will operate for up to 23 hours without any power and maintain temperature. During this time the eutectic compound changes phase absorbing energy. After this time it will take power to operate and restore the eutectic state.

Secondly how to power it with 12V overnight.
Choose a battery pack that you would charge up during the day while fishing using a solar suitcase. For a more professional setup, put on the roof racks of the car and bolt down for security. Overnight, plug the eutectic fridge into the battery pack which will "recharge" the fridge and then you are right for the next day.

There is a bit of carrying the fridge back and forth, but this system works. (you could take the battery pack to the tinnie over night!

12V Battery Pack

80W Solar Suitcase

Autofridge 73litre or 40 litre fridge/freezer

Portable Tent

Any tent with a second layer over it improves insulation and minimise condensation.

Self inflating air mattresses are excellent insulation with ground as well as comfort.

See our roof top tent

Cooker

Small Metho or Butane portable cookers are very efficient and reduce the risk of carrying LPG

None, But visit
rucsacsupplies.com.au

LED light mounted to side of Boat or inside tent

Plug this into any 12v outlet and connected to battery system. Most LED's are less than 3W of power which is approx one quarter of an amp. This is a quarter of the power consumed by most portable fluorescent lights.

Selected LED lights have NO UV spectrum in them and will not attract insects.

Try to get the LED pointing down on the subject area you want lit. Avoid the old fashioned "coleman style" miners lamps that radiate light horizontally. It is a waste of power and directly into your eyes. (every USA Trailer campsite has hundreds of these)

Try to have several task related LED lights that you can selectively turn on rather than the one big fluoro.

LED Camping Downlight

LED Flexistrip

Portable LED Light

Use this as a personal light and to Velcro onto shovel/stake to give light over cooking plate on open fire. I fileted most of our fish under the camping light on the 2009 Test Trek (see Testamonials) 

Try to buy the rechargeable type that dont need battery changes. A solar charge Torch is a huge Plus!

Solar Rechargable
LED flashlight

Using Solar Panels

A solar suitcase of 80W will give about 4-5 Amps maximum of 12V power. A 120W Solar Suitcase is better with 6-8 Amps maximum. Typically most fridges use 4-6amps of power. The more efficient fridges don’t use less current but the cycle off for a longer time and thus use less overall power.

Use a lock to attach a security wire between the solar panels and a secure point on the vehicle. If the security wire is cut, your insurance policy may cover as it is “forced theft”. However, check your policy!

80W Solar Suitcase

120W Solar Suitcase

Roof Top Tent

A permanent mattress makes all the difference to weeks away. Add to that the peace of mind of being off the ground in locations that may have dingoes (Fraser Island) or other unwelcome curious reptiles (big reptiles are hungry)

If you are staying more than a night, then an awning to cover the rear of the vehicle is a must as well as walls for wind and/or privacy protection if required.

MYCUBE

Water Tank or Bladder

These come either as the rear upright type sitting between the wheel arch of the vehicle or a remote permanent water tank.

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Diesel hot water suitcase

Big advantage of these is ability to pump from billabong or stream as well as virtually instantaneous hot water.

This gives the ultimate luxury for the long showers when there is a billabong near by!

They are a must for fisherman as the clean up is excellent.

A Filter can also be fitted with these to give easy filtered drinking water.

Diesel Hot Water Suitcase