Advice on deep cycle setup?

JohnnyGood wrote:
Would getting a 1000 watt inverter (pure sine wave), a heavy duty alternator, and another deep cycle battery make this viable to do while running the vehicle?

Most of what I am going to say probably has already been covered but I will try to put it in simple format.

• You really want TURE deep cycle batteries. The best bang for the buck are two lead acid 6v golf cart wired in series.
• Because space is such a premium in a conversion van, finding a place to mount them is an issue. Although they cost A LOT MORE, consider lithium-iron (LiFe) batteries. Much higher energy density (stores more for the given space)
• If you really want to run 120VAC appliances, you need a GOOD pure sine wave inverter. 1000W would be a minimum. If you want to "do it right the first time" get an inverter-charger like one of these Samlex Inverter/Charger. Skip the converter and just install a DC breaker/distribution panel connected direct to the batery bank because this style device handles shore power, generator and solar inputs and has a built in transfer switch.
• A generator, even a small portable one, is a must if you want to boondock for more than 1 night without good solar.
• Charging from an engine alternator is not a great solution.

The last statement is somewhat controversial but I am NOT going to go into much detail because it has been covered probably a dozen times in the past year. If you want to charge a true deep cycle battery bank, you need a true deep cycle battery charger, PERIOD ! Of course if you choose LiFe batteries you need a special charger.

The simplest way to recharge a deep cycle battery bank from a 12V engine alternator is to A) connect the output of the alternator to a DC-DC boost converter set to 16-18V output, B) connect that to an appropriate solar charge controller C) connect that to you battery bank.