| Author | Message | ||
| Douglas Tappan (Dougthebonifiedbusnut)
Registered Member Username: Dougthebonifiedbusnut Post Number: 151 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 98.216.56.188  Rating: N/A |
While underway I figure The most AC power I will need is approx.3500 watts= the Air conditioner and the coffee maker or maybe the Microwave.DC power at the most will be 30 amps.(alternator supplied). While at the park 3500 watts.AC(park supplied) And now 30 amps inverter/ converter suplied.Can one of you suggest an Inverter I need and do they supply DC also. Sorry for my lack of knowlege in this area but after about 3hours looking on line I am a little confused. | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 594 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 70.119.105.135  Rating: N/A |
We travel in the south and find that we need 2 to 3 roof A/Cs while rolling. If the weather is moderate (80s) then one roof air will work while parked. If it's Florida or Texas type summer day (95-103 you will need two roof air units. We run the 6.5KW genset while driveing which does the job. | ||
| Brian Evans (Bevans6)
Registered Member Username: Bevans6 Post Number: 4 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 65.92.55.169 Rating: N/A |
You need to consider the supply side as well as the usage side, and figure a 10% loss between the two. For 3500 watts on the usage side (which I suspect is high, figure 1800 watts to run the ac unit once it's started, and coffee maker probably 1200 watts dead load) you could get away with a 3000 watt inverter. On the DC side things get more interesting. I have a 24 volt bus with the DN50 alternator, so I have 6500 watts of DC and no issues at all. You mention 30 amps of DC from your alternator, that won't run the inverter. You'll need 275 amps at 12 volt nominal, or half that at 24 volts to get the 3000 watts of 120 volt AC you need. I installed a Samlex 3000 watt pure sine inverter last summer to run my roof-top AC unit on the road. It's powered from either 240 AH of 24 volt batteries, or the DN50 alternator while the bus is running. I make coffee on the road but so far I've turned the AC off while I run the coffee maker. | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1257 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 173.202.40.77  Rating: N/A |
Douglas, An inverter supplies AC from a battery bank. If you want DC while parked it will come from your batteries or a converter. I have no idea if both can be used together, board experts will have to answer that one. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 2008 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 174.91.143.212  Rating: N/A |
A high powered inverter with built-in charger will do both, take DC and make it AC and charge the batteries when on shore power or generator. I, and many others, have the old Trace 4024. As noted by Brian, high powered inverters are more easily done on 24 volt, due to the amperage issues down at 12 volt. The combination of a good inverter like Brian's backed up with a good quality multi-stage battery charger might come at a combined lower price, and accomplish these same basic goals? happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Bob Glines (Robertglines1)
Registered Member Username: Robertglines1 Post Number: 16 Registered: 11-2010 Posted From: 75.207.69.162 Rating: N/A |
Doug big coach you have there while underway is you ref running on elect.I could take up to 19 amps to start roof top unless it is inverter type. If you go Fla you'll need more ac than 1. Going down road requires more air than sitting still. Amps times volt = watt. Watch inverters they are rated maximum (temporary load) and continious. Lots that are rated 3500watt are only 2000 continious. Good luck and welcome. Bob |