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tsweez's avatar
tsweez
Explorer
May 17, 2013

New RV'r - Batts + Chargers + Inverters = clueless

First, I am a newbie in every sense of the word. New RV'r and new to the forum. So if you see any flaws in what I'm trying to do, please let me know.

I recently purchased my first RV. A late model, 91 Mallard Sprinter. Eventually I'd like to have it setup with solar, an inverter, and enough batteries to hold me for several days. But for now, I have a generator and a dead 12v coach battery in the engine compartment.

I thought that rather than replace the existing 12v, I'd build a vented battery enclosure in the basement area adjacent to the generator. The idea is to start with two 6 volt Trojan T105's or similar and have enough room to add two more once my battery needs become a bit clearer.

My first challenge is to better understand what I need to do as it relates to the simple relocation of the exiting battery to the new location. I know the existing coach battery charges via the generator and the engine via some form of isolator, but I'm clueless what I need to do to simply replicate these functions once I move to the new coach battery location. Any feedback is most appreciated.

For reference, the plan is to add a 1500w PSW inverter, battery charger, and transfer switch (All GoPower Products). The goal is to:

- Draw and charge from shore power when plugged in
- Draw and charge from gen when running
- Charge when engine is running
- And eventually, charge from solar

But all that comes once I simply setup the new battery config.

Thanks again, and kudos to all of you for having such a great community here. The information has been absolutely invaluable.

Thanks,

Tim
  • Thanks donn0128,

    I'm assuming I have do have an outdated 1 or 2 stage charger but have absolutely no idea. I don't even know where to look. I had planned on using a GoPower battery charger as part of the inverter and transfer switch install. I have no problem making that particular purchase sooner than later if necessary.

    Regarding batteries, I'd very much like to go with four if I can get my hands on either the Sams or Costco batts. There are no Sams Clubs in my area, and I have yet to venture to my local Costco. In the end, the goal is 4, 200+ Ah batteries series/parallel.

    Regarding the inverter, I'm planning on my laptop, at least one TV, sat controller, my daughters xbox, and a variety of misc routers, 2g/3g Boosters, Wifi ranger, etc. I tried to do my best to size the inverter for what I was doing.

    Thoughts?
  • First thinga first. What converter do you have? It is probably an outdated 1 or 2 stage, you need to change it to a modern three stage. Depending on what you paln to run the inverter might be overlkill. A 1000 watt will power the TV and sat receiver if thats what you want. As for batteries, go for four. Also s ams club golf cart batteries seem to be a better option per Amp of capacity. Unless ypur gping with a residential refer it runs mainly on gas so that is nothing to worry about.
    So, exactly what do you think your going to run off the inverter?

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