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

[tsweez]

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

[HiTech]

Tsweez do you have any idea what your camping style will be? How long dry camping at a time? From the mods you are talking about it sounds like either weekend dry camping with pretty heavy battery usage, or longer trips trying to minimize genset time.

Also just to get going do you have any old 12v battery you can toss in to replace the dead one, and/or are you sure the coach battery is unrecoverable? I ask because sometimes trying things out adjusts your requirements vs. what you believe them to be on paper. Driveway camping doing some tests could be handy to try some systems out.

Jim

[Almot]

tsweez wrote:
Okay, so I found the charger under my fridge. It's a Magnetek 6300A Model 6345 which I assume is far from what I need.

This thing is called converter I think, but what is it that you need? If it's boondocking, then converter model doesn't matter. Converter will be charging the batteries from shore power - when you don't really need batteries. Motorhome engine alternator - probably a separate device from that Magnetec - will be charging them as long as the engine is running, which is usually not long.

For a weekend it doesn't matter, you will charge them at home again.

To survive more than a few days without shore power, you need not just enough batteries but also a power source, and the engine is not a good source. Then you either have to run a generator, or a proper solar system - which would include a charger/controller, or both generator and solar. Some people with solar run generator occasionally. Most people with solar use generators a lot, because their solar is not adequate to their needs (needs too high or solar too small and/or not done properly). Microwave alone will cost you half of your daily energy.

[time2roll]

tsweez wrote:
Okay, so I found the charger under my fridge. It's a Magnetek 6300A Model 6345 which I assume is far from what I need.

4x GC2 I recommend a 75 or 90 amp IOTA with built in IQ controller.

http://www.bestconverter.com/-DLS-Series-12-Volt_c_144.html

If you must save money you could get a 45a now and parallel another 45a later next year. Charging is about the same, just takes longer with less amps. Might need the external IQ controller to go parallel.

6345 is only about 6 amps charging 😞

[tsweez]

Okay, so I found the charger under my fridge. It's a Magnetek 6300A Model 6345 which I assume is far from what I need.

[donn0128]

As for batteries, you might call a local golf course and find out who handled their cart maintenance. Then give them a call and see if you can buy batteries from them. They probably get a terrefic deal on bulk batteries and might pass the savings on to you..
Hopefully you are not going to try and run the whole house on the inverter? When i installed mine i found it easier and cheaper to simply wire a couple of dedicated outlets near the TV's. then using a surge strip it is a simple matter to plug into the correct power.
Personally i think you need to sit down, make a list of everything you want/need to do to make a system you want. Then start putting things in a list in order of priority. And start building your ideal system.

[HiTech]

True on the space. You can mount the inverter almost anywhere it will fit. It is easy to run 120v anywhere you want with minimal voltage drop even for long runs. The key is keeping it close to the battery bank as you realize.

For that size inverter I would lean more toward 4 6vs rather than 2 as well, if you ever plan to work it hard.

Jim

[tsweez]

Thanks! Yeah, I tried to size the inverter the best I could. My reflex was to go to 2000w but after I started sampling my anticipated usage, I kept getting around 1000w. 1500w seemed like a good fit. I'll turn on the generator if I need my Microwave. As for my old charger, where might I find this beast so I can replace it? Engine compartment or close to the generator?

Regarding 4 batteries, okay. You all have be convinced to start with the 4.

mena661 wrote:
Like donn mentioned, change your converter out for a 3 stage unit. Two, 1500w inverter is too much for just TV and sat and not enough for most microwaves (unless its a small one then maybe). Also, go for 4 6V batteries if your going to be boondocking a lot.

EDIT: just saw your requirements. You are correct, 1500W for all that at the same time.

[tsweez]

HiTech wrote:
Having a house battery in the engine compartment does have the advantage of short lines to the alternator for fast charging.

Jim

That makes a great deal of sense Jim. But alas, I have room for only two 6volts there. I was concerned that the distance to the inverter might be too far. Not to mention not having the space to add more batteries.

I have to say, as active as I am on forums, I've never seen such lightening fast responses!

Cheers,

Tim

[tsweez]

Thanks Bill!

I've actually been to all of them except rvSeniorMoments. I'll spend some time there pronto and will review the others to make sure I didn't miss the opportunity to answer my own question. And you are right, there is enough content to keep me busy for weeks!

Cheers,

Tim

Trackrig wrote:
The below sites will give you enough reading for a week. There's one more that Mello Mike put together of a lot of solar installs, but I can't locate it at the moment.


The 12 Volt Side of Life - Part 1

The 12 Volt Side of Life - Part 2

Jack Mayer's Solar Site

Senior Moment's 12V and Solar site

Handy Bob's 12 V Battery Chraging & Solar

Bill

[HiTech]

Having a house battery in the engine compartment does have the advantage of short lines to the alternator for fast charging.

Jim

[mena661]

Like donn mentioned, change your converter out for a 3 stage unit. Two, 1500w inverter is too much for just TV and sat and not enough for most microwaves (unless its a small one then maybe). Also, go for 4 6V batteries if your going to be boondocking a lot.

EDIT: just saw your requirements. You are correct, 1500W for all that at the same time.

[tsweez]

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?

[Trackrig]

The below sites will give you enough reading for a week. There's one more that Mello Mike put together of a lot of solar installs, but I can't locate it at the moment.


The 12 Volt Side of Life - Part 1

The 12 Volt Side of Life - Part 2

Jack Mayer's Solar Site

Senior Moment's 12V and Solar site

Handy Bob's 12 V Battery Chraging & Solar

Jerry and Cynthia's Solar Power Installation Guide

Battery Basics

30+ Solar Installs Clicky

Sizing Guide Clicky

Battery FAQs Clicky

Bill

[donn0128]

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?