Running a 120v a/c unit off starter battery
Hi, new to the forum. I have converted an 86 Chev G30 mini school bus into a camper, and i have mounted a Danby 5.1 "window shaker" air conditioning unit into a plenum, which creates the equivalent of...
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KD4UPL wrote:
The wind turbine is so not even worth considering I don't know how to begin explaining it.
I think you will want a larger than stock alternator. If yours has enough capacity left over after the loads of the chassis are met it will be working very hard and have a short life. Larger aftermarket alternators are available.
I'm doubtful that your 1000 watt inverter will start the AC unit. Have you tried that to see if it will? I suspect the starting surge will be too much.
You're idea will work if you get all the right parts; I would suggest:
150 amp or larger alternator, 2000 watt inverter, the largest marine starting/deep cycle battery that will fit in your battery location.
yes, a few times i have run the a/c unit off my battery bank and 1000w inverter. the xantrex 1000w seems to handle the start-up surge with no problem... not sure if canadian tire's 1000w model would do as well, though?
i will have to bounce a few ideas off my mechanic, i.e; high amp alt. vs. double set up, and how that may affect gas mileage? and yes, i have considered getting one of the new hybrid models of battery, but not sure if they've proven themselves yet?
a lot to consider, but an aftermarket a/c set up runs over a grand if i remember correctly, and i would possibly still need to change the alternator; or just the pully?; to deal with the a/c?
i appreciate everyone's input, and it has shown me i've been asking myself the right questions.
