Is an RV generator worth it?
My RV has an Onan Microlite 4000 generator that has been well maintained. It now starts but stops running as soon as I release the Start button. My mechanic identifies the problem as electrical and ...
Forum Discussion
pnichols wrote:
I'm curious ... why 48V instead of 12V? It seems that large gauge wire to minimize voltage loss within motorhome internal wiring lengths would be a less expensive approach than designing around the use of "somewhat exotic" 48V system components.
Not just wiring but components like inverters tend to top out at 3000w with 12V. Just look the Magnum 24v Hybrid inverter is 4000W while being nearly identical to the 12v 3000W.
All the interconnects and windings and transformers can be smaller while handling more power. The smallest Volta 48v alternator is 6000w while their largest is 11,000w just not practical at 12v. Note their inverters are Sensata which now owns Magnum. Seems like many EV lithium battery modules seem to be 24v based like Tesla so 48v is easy to attain.
I am sure part of the reason my 175amp alternator can only do 80-90amps to my batteries is Winnebago only did 1 awg wire from alternator, while I did 4/0 from batteries to inverter which is really what you need to handle 3000w but at 48v could do 12,000w no problem.
I like 48v still considered "low voltage" while much more practical to deliver high power. Also power over Ethernet uses 48v which is a great way to power devices and provide high speed data over cheap cat 5 cable. Wish RV's would go 48v for house.
