<p>Any one have high capacity electrical systems in thier van?<br /><br />This is what I came up with when trying to think of a simple way to have lots of energy with you on the go... <br /><br />This way I can get gas at any gas station, the charging of the batteries would only take a few hours, and I would have enough energy for a few days at a time.<br /><br />This system only has 3 main components. <br /><br /><strong>1. Charging</strong><br />DC Gas Generator Charger ( 12V 300 amps, 3600 watts only in dc not ac )<br />A generator that produces dc voltage and high current, to charge deep cycle batteries really fast.<br />Has an AUTO START battery monitor, so when the battery is low and ready to charge, the gen automatically starts up and starts charging.<br />http://www.alten-dc.com/dc-generators.html<br /><br /><strong>2. Batteries</strong><br />4X Lifeline Deep Cycle 250 Amp Hours RV Batteries<br />A total of 12 volts, 1000 Amp Hours 12,000 watt hours... <br />http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/rvdeepcyclebatteries.php<br /><br />3. <strong>Inverter</strong><br />Any inverter, or multiple inverters that are require for your power draw... <br /><br />I was thinking of making my own gas generator with custom silencer box, a harbor fright motor, and 2 or 3 alternators in series to be able to provide high current to charge the big batteries really fast...<br /><br />Then mount the generator outside on a hitch mounted pad.<br /> <br />Make it stealthy and all the fumes are on the out side... <br /><br />No solar or sun required... <br /><br />What do you guys think? <br />What am I missing?<br />Im a noob to electrical stuff....</p><p> </p>
Any one have high capacity electrical systems in thier van?
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Stillwater
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<br /><br />Thinking this could cause some embarrassments on the stealth angle but you never know? <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />Then again, I've got a 4000 watt Onan in my van but am likely to sell it since the days of requiring that kind of electrical supply are behind this van.</p>vokus said:
The plan is sound and would work, but you will always be in the red financially with the up front cost and with the price of gas, oil changes monthly and breakdowns which are inevitable... Also is the PIA of having a generator running in a pristine campsite with others around...
My point exactly, to much work, to much cost and no return on your investment... Reconsider solar with a gen back up... This is what I have: 230W of solar and a 2000W gen back up for micro, emergency, or recharging... I would recommend an AC generator for simplicity with a 12V DC aux for odd 12V needs, which is common... I hate to say this but you are seriously over thinking this whole issue... This from a guy who has done this full time and learned from the over thinking... Remember if it looks good on paper, dosent mean it will work in real world...
Sounds like overkill to me. I have 300 amp hours of batteries and 240 watts of solar power, and my batteries are full by 10 in the morning every day so far. That's running my gaming laptop at full blast, charging my phone, and 4 amp fans for a good 12 hours a day. I'm planning to add a refrigerator and lights, and even then, by my calculations, I'll have no need for a genny.<br /><br />If it's air conditioning you want, well... it hasn't been below 100 here in weeks, but my vent fan keeps the air moving nicely and I've had no problems. It's just not necessary.
I have been considering a high(ish) wattage solar power system for my small bus if I choose that. I can easily install 600 watts of solar power,and feed it into 400-600 AH of batteries via a 60 amp MPPT controller. The 600 watt limit is based on available roof space and the size of the panels. If I could fit more I would. <br /><br />My needs will be;<br />A whole pile of LED lights, but not all of them at the same time and not all night. <br />Laptop computer 4-6 hours a day. She's not thirsty.<br />A 18-20 Inch LCD Tv. Not large, and can use 12 volt power with no need for inverter. One of the reasons I brought it. Probably 3 hours a day.<br />A 12 volt 34 Litre fridge. Not a biggie, but as an absorption fridge, it will probably use a bit of power.<br />A 12/240 volt 10 Litre hot water service. Probably 2 hours a day. This will be the power consumer. I do have a 32 litre gas HWS as well,but I aim to reduce the gas usage by using electricity where I can.<br />Small electricals like phone charger, e-reader and so on.<br />In summer I'd want to use the air-con via a 2000 watt inverter. In winter I'd want to use a 250w heater now and then.<br /><br />Yes, some big power drawers there. I really want to reduce the need for gas or propane usage. <br /><br />Or I could go with the big bus and install a crazy 1.5 - 2 kw system with roof space to spare. Such a system would be overkill for house needs, but it could be interesting to make the big bus a hybrid with electrical boost power.<br /><br />But first I need a new job.
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Hey guys(and girls, of course): I have been working on ideas as well for back-up electricity for charging the battery banks and have decided that it would be the easiest/cost effective thing to do would be add a 2nd alternator to the engine's charging system and / or upgrade to a larger one. I'm thinking about using an aftermarket one-wire hook-up , 200 amp alternator, when control it for maintaining the house bank. Prices seem pretty reasonable at around $230.00 approx. and alittle planning. You could in theory charge you system fairly quick using the engine and wouldn't cost hardly any fuel. Most rigs people are using have enough room for this mod, and simple wire hook-up for most mechanically inclined. I believe that everyone should have multiple means of creating energy for their "homes". Never rely on just one source. I 'm not an expert by any means, but just putting my 5 cents worth in (used to be 2 cents,but the cost of inflation) LOL.</span></p>
Lifemagician
Well-known member
<br /><br />May as well get used to it, you'll need it when the one cent coin finally goes..... well overdue!!<br /><br />Lifeylivinfree1964 said:
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I agree that for primary charging for the bank, using a slow charge is more effective. I was only commenting on use of aux. types of charging . Using an alternator tied into the house battery(s) and controller shouldn't damage the batteries. The alternator is just another source of power like for example: wind generator,solar,ect... It's all about how it is managed. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> no worries!<br /><br /> Randy G.<br /> </span></p>
