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Topic: Inverter/Converter Charger  (Read 928 times) previous topic - next topic

Inverter/Converter Charger

Are there any recommendations on an Inverter/Charger I can get that will let me run the roof AC units while I am driving or do I have to run the generator to do that?
1989 GV Private Coach. DD Pusher/Allison
Stay Free And Safe
Kennyb

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #1 –
Run gen. 
"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: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Kennyb –
...do I have to run the generator to do that?
Yes.

It is technically possible to run a roof A/C unit off your batteries (using a inverter).  However, the expense of upgrading your battery bank, the DC cables, your inverter and your alternator is simply not (in my opinion) worth it.  Would require a massive (most likely lithium) battery bank, higher capacity inverter and alternator...plus a "soft start" A/C module.  Very expensive.

You are already hauling around a big heavy generator.  Using it going down the road only costs a little additional fuel.  EASY!

A few Forum members have managed to accomplish battery powered A/C.  Use the "search" function to find the applicable threads.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #3 –
Running the AC off the batteries is a byproduct of other upgrades.. Not the other way around.

I have 1200ah lithium with 1200w solar and right now I have my 160amp alternator.

I upgraded the battery cables to handle the loads of the AC. I have a 420amp Alternator I will be installing soon. Before I strain my little one to much.

Solar with the help of my alternator makes it possible but again its more of a byproduct of the upgrades. More for fun to say I can and I did but unless you want to get stuck in the rabbit hole.. Run the Generator.

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #4 –
We have the propane Onan, one of the more expensive ways to generate electricity, yet the upgrade to a diesel Cummins Onan is expensive enough to pay for many hours of propane.  And it runs fine on the road.  Over the 4th of July past we managed to run through 3/4 of a tank of propane but we were cool.

I like inverters, and had a collection because before they became all switching mode and microprocessor controlled they were cool in the same way a bear on a tricycle is cool.

We want solar to keep the batteries alive for dry camping.  But I have enough work to catch up on to last until the plague passes over us.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #5 –
The new IH45's can run the second AC from the front on inverter.  I have used just this AC going down the road but when you shut the main engine down, all of the power is coming from the batteries and does not take long to run them down.  I had found out about this when I had the AC's running and disconnected from shore power. I then went into the coach and heard an AC running. I had thought I had an old man moment and had forgotten to unplug from shore power.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #6 –
Quote from: turbojack –
I had found out about this when I had the AC's running and disconnected from shore power. I then went into the coach and heard an AC running.
Not telling you how to run your coach, but I have been told that it is good practice to shut down all big electrical loads (air conditioners) before switching or disconnecting the AC power source.  Helps to preserve the automatic transfer switches.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #7 –
Quote from: DavidS –
Running the AC off the batteries is a byproduct of other upgrades.. Not the other way around.

I have 1200ah lithium with 1200w solar and right now I have my 160amp alternator.

I upgraded the battery cables to handle the loads of the AC. I have a 420amp Alternator I will be installing soon. Before I strain my little one to much.

Solar with the help of my alternator makes it possible but again its more of a byproduct of the upgrades. More for fun to say I can and I did but unless you want to get stuck in the rabbit hole.. Run the Generator.

David, have a link on your new alternator?
I want to put in a 320 to 400 amp alternator. I also want to put in a victron DC to DC buck boost converter which is 100 amps or a Victron Energy CYR010400000 Cyrix-i 12/24V-400A intelligent battery combiner. But not sure if that would be to much for my Odyssey start batteries.
That would enable me to run the front ac unit off the alternator and solar. I can get 6 hours off the batteries and solar now, but the alternator should mean all day while driving.
But for most, you run the genny. Only way to do it.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Bob and Julie –
David, have a link on your new alternator?
I want to put in a 320 to 400 amp alternator. I also want to put in a victron DC to DC buck boost converter which is 100 amps or a Victron Energy CYR010400000 Cyrix-i 12/24V-400A intelligent battery combiner. But not sure if that would be to much for my Odyssey start batteries.
That would enable me to run the front ac unit off the alternator and solar. I can get 6 hours off the batteries and solar now, but the alternator should mean all day while driving.
But for most, you run the genny. Only way to do it.
55SI™ High Output Heavy Duty Brushless Alternator | Delco Remy you might want to look at the next one down in size as this one will need a new mounting scenario. The others take the usual J-arm.

I am going to make a plasma cut plate to mount and attach.. not for the typical install.

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #9 –
Quote from: DavidS –
55SI™ High Output Heavy Duty Brushless Alternator | Delco Remy you might want to look at the next one down in size as this one will need a new mounting scenario. The others take the usual J-arm.

I am going to make a plasma cut plate to mount and attach.. not for the typical install.

I would be interested in the 40SI for simplicity. On the 55si do you use your pulley?
Have you calculated the alternator RPM output with the Cummins at about 1400rpm?
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #10 –
Right now its sitting on a shelf begging for attention.. I decided to tear the interior apart in the coach .. I have a major remodel going on inside right now.. Hope the world doesnt end soon.. I will have to sleep on the floor!
 

Re: Inverter/Converter Charger

Reply #11 –
At some point the higher amp alternators will require double V or serpentine belts to not slip.
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