generator vs batter bank w/ inverter
Hey guys. Im building an expedite van and im not sure which way I want to go for power usage. I will need to power an espar heater, rooftop a/c, ( coleman cub 9200 btu ) tv, laptop, small lights, poss...
Forum Discussion
We do a majority of our RVing off the power grid and we find that it's best to utilize all reasonably available technologies. Although it can seem overly complicated to manage power resources when shorepower is unavailable, in reality the process is quite simple and not all that expensive if you don't mind bargain hunting online.
First and foremost is DC supply and storage, get at least a pair of quality deep cycle batteries, we purchase ours from Samsclub, prior set lasted 7 years. Just as important is acquiring a smart converter to quickly recharge them and extend their overall life expectancy, we use an Iota DLS. We utilize a 300 watt Samlex pure sinewave inverter to run our HDTV, HD satellite, Xbox blu-ray/game player and soundbar with subwoofer.
To ensure a nearly perfect success rate when camping off the grid, a properly-sized quality inverter genny is required, the Champion 3100 will easily run your AC and anything else on your rig. Of course Honda or Yamaha inverter generators will certainly do the job as well. It was posted today on the forum that Champion 3100 remote start genny is on sale at HomeDepot.com for an unbelievable $699 with free delivery. We have one and it is a workhorse.
The final piece of the pie is solar. We have a single 120 watt panel on our rig's rooftop which does an adequate job of restoring consumed amphours to our battery bank, when parked where shade may occur at times throughout the day, we also utilize our Renogy 100 watt suitcase. It outperforms our rooftop panel as it can easily be repositioned garnering sunrays at full strength. When camping in moderate weather our genny only gets momentary use for powering microwave and other high current demand items, the rest is managed via battery bank and inverter.
First and foremost is DC supply and storage, get at least a pair of quality deep cycle batteries, we purchase ours from Samsclub, prior set lasted 7 years. Just as important is acquiring a smart converter to quickly recharge them and extend their overall life expectancy, we use an Iota DLS. We utilize a 300 watt Samlex pure sinewave inverter to run our HDTV, HD satellite, Xbox blu-ray/game player and soundbar with subwoofer.
To ensure a nearly perfect success rate when camping off the grid, a properly-sized quality inverter genny is required, the Champion 3100 will easily run your AC and anything else on your rig. Of course Honda or Yamaha inverter generators will certainly do the job as well. It was posted today on the forum that Champion 3100 remote start genny is on sale at HomeDepot.com for an unbelievable $699 with free delivery. We have one and it is a workhorse.
The final piece of the pie is solar. We have a single 120 watt panel on our rig's rooftop which does an adequate job of restoring consumed amphours to our battery bank, when parked where shade may occur at times throughout the day, we also utilize our Renogy 100 watt suitcase. It outperforms our rooftop panel as it can easily be repositioned garnering sunrays at full strength. When camping in moderate weather our genny only gets momentary use for powering microwave and other high current demand items, the rest is managed via battery bank and inverter.
