Setting up to hit the road

[user 423]

I don't know how much you're paying for rent but a couple of months worth should cover the costs of your setup...

 

[GotSmart]

The last two months are free. (Deposit) so I will have the money set aside. I have been working for the landlord for about 5 years now. I have rebuild his business building room by room from the ground up. This is a pre civil war building. New joyce, piers, 3 layers of Advantek, then we moved in the 4,000 lb safe, (jewelry store) and tiled everything. I worked on his home and rental. I only pay rent 3 months a year. This spring I should be installing log siding on his house, and there will be the money to travel the entire summer, as well as jewelry for my Daughters Christmas.

I hope to work for the family while traveling through California. Anything ahead is a major plus. It has taken me more than 40 years to build a reputation where people call friends to see if they need my work. I usually charge 1/3 the going rate, because I work slow. (But it is right the first time!) That is the reason for carrying so many tools.

 

[GotSmart]

akrvbob; I am setting up the side cabinets, and if possible, I need the dimensions of the batteries. I have an 18 X 18 box I will be setting up on the corner by the wheel well, and I would appreciate the height to set the wooden top.

 

[akrvbob]

Here is the Trojan website so that you can see the many sizes and shapes they offer. Chances they have one to fit your need perfectly. They make tall batteries also because many times you have more height than you have length or width.

http://www.trojanbattery.com/markets/marine-recreational-vehicle/
bob

 

[GotSmart]

Were you talking about a pair of 6 or pair of 12 volt batteries for my van?

I can make anything fit, I just am trying to get the box done mow. That way I can move on with the rest of the cabinets.

 

[akrvbob]

I have all 6 volts but it is just a preference like Ford vs Chevy. If it from a reliable manufacturer and it is a 12 volt deep cycle it will work fine.
Bob

 

[GotSmart]

I have all 6 volts but it is just a preference like Ford vs Chevy. If it from a reliable manufacturer and it is a 12 volt deep cycle it will work fine.
Bob

I am a Dodge man.

So if I found a pair of DC 6 volt batteries with a national warranty, I could get that part out of the way.

On the wiring. Would you recommend a ground at the battery to the frame, or elsewhere? I am looking at a 15 foot run to the alternator for topping off. I guess I should look up solar wiring diagrams to see how others have done it, as I should also set up a way of tapping into the grid.

 

[PastTense]

I don't see any advantages to 6 volts: could someone explain?

 

[akrvbob]

GotSmart, yes, I suggest a ground to the frame. I think it is better from an electrical point of view plus it is much cheaper. Why run a long wire twice as far? I've never had a problem finding a hole in the frame nearby. Be sure to scrape the metal until it is shiny. I think course grit sand paper works best for that.

Past Tense, they both have pluses and minuses and there is no clear winner. But here is the problem you want to avoid. Many people think Marine batteries are true deep cycles and they are not. They are a hybrid battery that is used for both starting and deep cycle. But it may say "deep cycle" right on it, but the truth is it is not a true deep cycle. It's much more of a deep cycle than a starting battery, but nowhere as good as a golf cart.

All 6 volt golf carts are true deep cycles, you can be confident of that. So unless it is a known brand that you know 100% for sure it is not a Marine and is a true deep cycle, I think you are better off buying a 6 volt golf cart.
bob

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

For me the 6v golf carts had more capacity for the cost. Bought 2 of them at sams club for 82 a piece. I used my phone in home depot to read bobs article showing me how to hook em up. It was easy. 6 months in they work great..i charge at work every 2 weeks. No fridge yet so low consumption.

 

[GotSmart]

If you can get to Flagstaff AZ this is the best deal I know of on solar:

240 watt panel $240
Blue Sky High Voltage MPPT conroller $190
Pair of Crown or Trojan Golf Cart Batteries $240
Fuses, cable, feet $80
================
Total $750

That's a complete 240 watt system with high quality components for $750. I went with 6 different people last summer and bought that exact system. I have one on the roof of my van.


Bob

OK Bob, I am making my plans, and I am wondering about breaker boxes. I am contacting Northern AZ Wind and Sun to get their input on the set up. I tried talking to someone in Springfield MO, and he kept insisting my C~PAP was 12V. He swore the 240W solar panels would not work in that system. (All your power will go to heat in conversion!) I got off the phone with him as quick as I could. He obviously knows less than he thinks.

 

[Patrick46]

Here is the Trojan website so that you can see the many sizes and shapes they offer.

I just had to repost this...

coolest post so far this year!!

 

[GotSmart]

I just had to repost this...

coolest post so far this year!!

The year is young. Things will be getting better. The Trojan phone reps were willing to explain, and more helpful than a speckled hen setting on fresh hatched chicks. The guys at the store were even better.

 

[akrvbob]

GotSmart, there are 12 volt c-paps available but i don't know what you have. But it doesn't matter, your solar controller will step down the voltage to 12 volt for your battery and then you will use an inverter if it is 110 volt or a cigarette lighter plug if it is 12 volt.

You may want to be sure that the c-pap will tolerate modified sine wave. Medical devices are famous for wanting a pure sine wave but I don't know it c-paps are one of them. Maybe give the manufacturer a call?
Bob

 

[GotSmart]

The point is without even looking he made those claims. I tried to tell him it is an old model~~~but gave up when he kept obsessing on a non issue.

Since this is a 1995 MODEL I will call my insurance Monday and find out my co pay, as I qualify to replace the unit. 9 years of continuous use`~ (and insurance payments!) Making funny noises occasionally now.

Patrick46 sure has a middle school sense of humor. :blush:

Anyway, it sure is nice getting pointed in the right direction when I have questions. I should be hearing from Wind and Sun on Monday. Then to the paperwork, and after the first, I start the build.

 

[Patrick46]

Patrick46 sure has a middle school sense of humor. :blush:

hey...I just glad I've still got one...no matter where I got it!!


but fear not. I'll grow up....onna these days!
(It's not gonna happen overnight...but just you wait......onna these days!!)

 

[GotSmart]

hey...I just glad I've still got one...no matter where I got it!!


but fear not. I'll grow up....onna these days!
(It's not gonna happen overnight...but just you wait......onna these days!!)

Why? I wont. Just ask my kids!