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Message |
Ken Klunder (Novice) (209.112.145.246)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 1:14 pm: | |
I am sure this topic has been discussed extensively on the bb; however, we are really new to the process of converting a bus. We live in Alaska which does not have a lot of campgrounds with full hookups so we will be doing a lot of boondocking -- our first choice anyway. So our electrical system will have an inverter, generator and battery bank. Our bus is a 1969 GMC 4903 and we have just learned there is a 24 volt alternator as a part of the electrical system. We have been told 24 volt systems are a little more efficient, but i understand 12 volt systems. We can learn to work with the 24 volt system. Is it worth the time and effort?
Up front, thanks for any information you can share. As I said, we are new and very interested in learning about the process of converting. |
FAST FRED (65.58.185.166)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 4:01 pm: | |
What ever the coach was built with is the simplest system.
Although there are more 12V goodies made , its probably better to use an inverter to run gadgets , as the 120V seems better made and loads cheaper.
A 120V blender is $15 at wal mart , well over $100, in 12 V. and heavier .
The POWER in watts is the same for 12 or 24v from the same number of pounds your of battertys your toteing.
A simple solenoid set up will let you connect the coach alt and the house batterys.
At least your lighting "bill" in AK would be small for the summer week!
FAST FRED |
Scott Whitney (24.205.238.126)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 4:02 pm: | |
Hi Ken,
My bus is 12v so I have not personally had to go thru this. However, in designing (in-progress) my 12v system, I have given it some thought.
If and when I get another bus that might be a 24v bus, I think I will also make my house bank 24v. In my opinion, a 24v system is superior. First, you can reduce the amperage of components by one half. (isolators, switches, wires etc) You can get some top notch inverters in 24v models. And you can take advantage of your existing 24v alt. to charge your house bank with no special equipment.
The disadvantages I see are needing to find some specialty 24v items. But most all of the quality bus/rv parts should be availble in 24v. For example, in AK, I imagine you would want a Webasto or Espar etc. Should be avail. in 24v. Also the water pump should be avail in 24v. too. Lighting can be trickier, but you could go with 120VAC light and run it from the inverter. Maybe have a few key 24VDC bulbs as a back up in case of inverter failure. Not sure about 3-way fridges - might find a 24v model.
If you must have 12v items in your system, you need to have a second 12v house bank, or convert some of your 24v to 12v. You can take a 12v tap, but that is a bad idea. Or you can buy an equalizer, which can be expensive. Or there are some voltage converters available too.
I think an ideal 24v system would be a single high power alt. charging bus batteries and a good size 24v house bank. All appliances would either be 24v or 120VAC. In theory, one could eliminate 12v from the system all together. Could be somewhat inconvenient for things like laptops, GPSs, car stereos or other itmes normally found in 12v. But not unsurmountable.
But all my ranting is just theory and not based on experience . . . since I run (plan to run) a 12v system in my current bus.
Scott |
Mike McCarthy (205.188.198.176)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 9:58 pm: | |
Hi..I also have a 1969 4903, coach no. 348. What is your coach no.? maybe we have twins that were separated at birth. I haven't installed generator or inverter yet, but will most likely go 24v.Been useing all electric while converting. We go primarily to campgrounds with full hook-ups. Happy Bussin'!
Mike McCarthy
Bristol Ct |
Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (67.226.254.208)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 9:59 pm: | |
The newer 3 way fridges are often 12 & 24 volt.
I recommend an equalizer. $400 or less will get you a 60 amp Vanner Equalizer. You may be able to find a used one from a transit bus 100 amps for a lot less. It is too hard to stay with all 24 volt, and a separate 12 volt system means the energy stored in the 12 volt system is only available for 12 volt items. With an equalizer, you choose to use the full stored power as either 24 volt, 12 volt or both. You choose, just by turning on the devices you want to use and the equalilzer does the rest.
I had a separate 12 volt system, which I fixed by converting it to 24 volts and using a Vanner equalizer to run my 12 volt loads. You have an excellent alternator in that bus and the cheapest way to go is to use an equalizer to allow you to draw 12 volts without messing up the battery balance. You will probably save the cost of the equalizer by being able to run 12 volt items where they are considerably cheaper and not having to buy a separate 12 volt alternator. If you do decide on a separate alternator for house batteries and it is 24 volt, you have true redundancy to get you home, like a twin aircraft.
You can often find good prices on used 24 volt items because the demand is lower.
The really powerful Espar diesel heaters are 24 volt only. But they all use a fair aumout of battery power. For boondocking without having to run the generator to keep the batteries charged to run the diesel heater Alaska might be a good place for a diesel stove if you are going to camp in cold weather. Fast Fred can give more on that if you are interested.
Have fun with your conversion.
Steve Fessenden |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior) (64.229.208.6)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 1:23 am: | |
If the bus/coach has air conditioning, any and just about all of the new buses are running 24 volt systems with an equilizer for the 12 volt. The split is usually 24 volt for all the fans and starter, 12 volt for all the lighting and instrumentation.
The equilizers are readily available all over, new, used, reconditioned, etc. Check with the local bus company to see where they do their business.
Don't hesitate to get one, if you are considering staying 24 volt. It will shortly pay for itself through increased battery life versus a centre tap off the middle of the 24 volt bank.
happy coaching!
buswarrior |
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