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Topic: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.  (Read 1061 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #25 –
Another option if you decide to use the battery powered AC is to run it off the house batteries if they are near the front of the coach, eliminating the need for the long cable run. You might want to then add a battery to battery charger or battery isolation manager to ensure adequate charging of the house batteries from the alternator.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #26 –
Quote from: dbennett9 –
Another option if you decide to use the battery powered AC is to run it off the house batteries if they are near the front of the coach, eliminating the need for the long cable run. You might want to then add a battery to battery charger or battery isolation manager to ensure adequate charging of the house batteries from the alternator.



  That would be part of the other option, which I will probably do regardless.   
  I need to get the soft start system on the LR AC at least if not both.  When that's complete I'll need to switch the 110 feed to the inverter side of supply. 
  We do have 700+ amp hrs of lithium so that should work for a while, especially if the suns out ( 1200 watts of solar) and possibly switch out the dash AC compressor for an additional alternator.      Not really what I want long term for cooling while going down the road though.


  One thing for sure though, LOTS of technology for battery charging , battery storage and efficiency is changing fast.  So whatever I do will probably feel obsolete in 5 years.....  dang it.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #27 –
If you need a lot of power up front you could feed off the generator cable as long as you
don't want to start the generator while you are taking a large load off the cable.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #28 –
Where are you running a wire from & to?  Is the wire to power Cruise N Comfort?  What model and where will it be installed?

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #29 –
Likely the feed would come from the engine batteries since the object is to provide AC while goin down the road and I have 2550 (3-850 amp batteries) CC amps for the engine.
The Grand Villa has plenty of space up front for the Cruise N Comfort equipment.  I would just need to get some of that power from behind the rear tires to the nose of the coach. 
  Not sure of the model yet , they only provide a couple of choices and I believe either would fit.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #30 –
Quote from: oldguy –
If you need a lot of power up front you could feed off the generator cable as long as you
don't want to start the generator while you are taking a large load off the cable.

Pete.
  So your thinking the starting feed for the geny would be enough amperage.    Sorry, electricity and I are not compatible.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #31 –
For those of you with a similar model (01 U320), how do you get to the evaporator? Is it behind the panel with the vents on the passenger side? I'm also looking for the fan speed resistor if there's such a thing.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #32 –
Quote from: dlkj07 –
1.For those of you with a similar model (01 U320), how do you get to the evaporator?
2.Is it behind the panel with the vents on the passenger side?
3. I'm also looking for the fan speed resistor if there's such a thing.

1. On an 01 you will end up taking most of the dash apart
2. It is hid more in the center section. The hoses and expansion valve are more behind the breaker access panel. You will find it (evaporator) incorporated with the A/H radiator assembly.
3. Not sure on an 01

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #33 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
1. On an 01 you will end up taking most of the dash apart
2. It is hid more in the center section. The hoses and expansion valve are more behind the breaker access panel. You will find it (evaporator) incorporated with the A/H radiator assembly.
3. Not sure on an 01

Mike

Thanks Mike, doesn't sound easy to access. I am also wanting to replace the fan or fans in there for the AC and AH, they are making all sorts of noises.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #34 –
Quote from: dlkj07 –
doesn't sound easy to access.

The hardest part is getting started other than that it is just a bunch of screws.  You may want to take pics. along the way as you remove covers, shields, and brackets so you won't have some parts left over when you put it back together.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #35 –
This might help.

dash air expansion valve
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: Should I / could I do this. Bootlegging AC lines.

Reply #36 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
Likely the feed would come from the engine batteries since the object is to provide AC while goin down the road and I have 2550 (3-850 amp batteries) CC amps for the engine.
The Grand Villa has plenty of space up front for the Cruise N Comfort equipment.  I would just need to get some of that power from behind the rear tires to the nose of the coach. 
  Not sure of the model yet , they only provide a couple of choices and I believe either would fit.
If you connect to the house batteries and charge them from the alternator, you may not have to run cable from the engine batteries. If your coach currently has a battery isolator, you can use the existing cables to hook up a battery to battery charger or a battery isolation manager. Also, hooking up to the house batteries would allow you to use your solar to power the AC while driving. You might not even need to draw from the alternator.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.