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Re: Generator Failure

Reply #25 –
Hey John -

Sorry about your gen. set  situation.

All of your questions are valid.  I am afraid that you are the only one that can make those decisions.  Lot's of research re:  12 volt energy systems -

My .02 - Consider the head replacement as a maintenance item and have it repaired.  Then start to move forward with the solar/battery/inverter project.  Unless you have already done your due diligence it could take you a while to make those decisions.  In my experience - most of my worst decisions were made while I was under duress.

Last I calculated to upgrade my 12V system to even last 4 days between gen. set operations was 5K if I did the install.

Good luck on this one.  ^.^d 
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #26 –
Personally, I would find a good used complete unit. They are out there.Then sell the engine.Probably break even

We have 700 watts solar, wouldn't want to be without a gen set. Love our 10K Kabota, runs everything.

Just my 2 cents.
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #27 –
How many batteries doe it take to run one AC unit for 6hrs? 

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #28 –
Hi John,

The blower/radiator space is not sealed up.  You could make it a sealed water tight compartment but the inside wall would need to be removable for access to the steering box.  If you add batteries in that space then venting is needed.  And getting several big 4/0 cables back into the main bays has to go through the center cable trays.

Making a battery compartment out of the radiator space would need another waterproof and vented space.  And a way to get cables in and out.

If driving, solar or landline are the only way to charge batteries you will limit you off grid time.  On your 36' you might be able to get five 300 watt panels on the roof.  With no crank up antenna or sat dish, maybe six but it is going to be tight with no practical walking room. 

If you have the OEM inverter a much more efficient one would be a good choice.  If you have a res refrig then a second small inverter is a good choice.  If so them you can get rid of the big LP tank.  An 11 lb LP tank will power your cooktop for several months. You can get four L16 sized 5 volt batteries (830 amp hrs) and the small lp tank in that space.  In the floor space where 2 8Ds are you can get six L16s in there (1245 amp hrs) or a shorter version (1005 amp hrs) in one level.

Lithium batteries are a choice if you are building it all from scratch.  Get ones with built in battery management system somthat they can be charge using your vehicle alternator.

Practically speaking,  using just solar to charge batteries, running your AC will be very difficult.  Maybe possible for short periods but it is a huge load.

I did all of my own work and saved a huge amount of money.  Panels, batteries, inverters, cables and wire, solar controllers, integration components, control displays and all of the misc stuff was about $8K.  Maybe 2-1/2 to 3 times that to have someone else do it.  It took me about four weeks total time, I didn't keep real close track of actual hours.  Doing it myself ment I got it done the way I wanted it done. 

It is a big choice.  There is a lot to do and spend going the way you are thinking.  All solar, no generator seems like an unnecessary loss of option.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #29 –
Mike has a good point, if you plan to dry camp in the south in the summertime, you will need a lot of battery capacity and a lot of solar, and a way to charge batteries if overcast. If you need ac, and most people will.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #30 –
Someone here had the pancake available? Not worth it to buy the one posted here?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #31 –
I will never put all of my eggs in one technology basket. Hybrid inverter and inverter generator could level the high kw peak demands and make a nice efficient flexible system. Flexible is king jmo.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #32 –
John,
If you are handy with tools you can change the pancake yourself. The cost for a new pancake, regulator and shipping is around $3,000.00 It was shipped from Florida to Los Angeles for that cost to me. I have 1160 watts on the roof now and it is nice to be able to just run the generator for 1 hour a day where I am at in the Sierra's with shade starting at 3:00 pm. from a tree.
 I still personally would want the generator even if I didn't have to use it at all, as location and weather could make my solar useless for a given time.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #33 –
I had an friend that had his generator head rewind by Eurton Electric, 9920 Painter Ave., Whittier, CA 90605 for $850 plus freight, just a thought.
steve
2001 U320 40' IF$ Build #5798
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Toad
2015 GMC Duramax HD2500 Toad
2014 Polaris RZR 1000
Litchfield Park, AZ- Soon to be Paulden, AZ

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #34 –
Quote from: John Morales –
Questions:
1. Can I truly survive without a generator with a great solar installation?
2. Can I use the generator and blower compartments to house the solar system?
3. Should I eliminate or keep the current battery location? It would be nice to have more storage on my 36 footer.
4.  Would I need to also upgrade my current inverter or keep it along with my current battery system?

Thoughts, ideas and suggestions are welcome. 

Thanks, John M.
John,
1-  not with lead acid in my opinion. It would kill any lead acid, with the exception of firefly carbon foam batteries, to run the ac off them, even with a ton of solar.  For that, Lithium would be your choice. A good liFePo4 battery install with solar >$15K. Could be done cheaper with Chinese calb cells.

2- Not with Lithium. The solar MPPT chargers take up little space. But if you do go lithium, they don't like it to hot or to cold. You could use that space for other things.

3- No opinion on that cause it depends on what you decide to do.  My current lithium setup, per AM solar is in the space where the washer dryer used to be behind louvered doors. I like that setup. Some don't.

4- Again depends on what you do. But I would vote for a new one if going lithium. The charger must be able to handle it. (assuming a inverter/charger setup.
John, lithium is like one of those things that cost a lot up front but will /could give great value over the long term. You can do something similar with the oasis firefly batteries but they are not cheap either, but will get you much of the lithium performance at less cost.  If you can/do go lithium, if you can afford it, go with the Victron energy system. Cost more but very integrated.
What ever way you go, back it up with a Honda inverter generator for those days where you really need a genset. The Honda 2000i and the 2000i companion connected together will get you 3200 watts with 4000 surge for those days when you need it and not much cost considering. If my genset fried itself, probably what I would do.
Something to consider.  My condolences to your generator head. Ouch. To bad they can't be repaired... or can they?
Bob
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #35 –
Quote from: John44 –
John,re-crimp or put new connectors on those wires,looking at your pictures,is your hour meter and some switches missing?The
hour meter is also missing on the 99 320 Bob just bought.Another thing to check is the rubber mounts,mine were all weak and
Bob's look worn the more worn they are the more vibration.The fronts can probably be changed in place the back would be harder.
That reminds me, another thing to put on the list.... all the screws from the regulator box are missing from the vibration, and yeah those engine mounts need to be replaced.  When my generator starts the entire front shakes. Once it settles down all is good, but for a second there... whoa.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired
 

Re: Generator Failure

Reply #36 –
I want to take the time to thank each and everyone of you for your suggestions.  After much thought and consideration of all of your suggestions, I have decided to swap out the generator pancake.  We use our generator to run our Air Conditioners while driving during those real hot and humid days. While solar is a valuable option, it still has it's limitations.

We will wait till we return  to our home in Florida where I can do the work.  I am not far from Leesburg and can pick up the pancake at Power Tech and avoid any freight expense and scrap out the old pancake at the salvage yard.  While in Florida I can also take care of the generator compartment insulation and clean up the generator roll out tray.  At least we can still enjoy our coach on shore power.

Solar is still a consideration and we will utilize the forum for the best installation plan when the time comes.  Again, thank you all for your help.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."