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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Uglydog56 on October 01, 2011, 10:33:00 PM

Title: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Uglydog56 on October 01, 2011, 10:33:00 PM
It's a pretty good price.  Is it decent or is it junk though?  I couldn't find much on the internet.  I want something big enough to run one 13.5 roof air off of bus alt / solar panels going down the road.  I am planning on 4 135w solar panels, but haven't bought them yet.  Right now this inverter is going to run off the genny/shore power via a transfer switch.  If I get this inverter, I can get the 13 speed I found now vice later.  Thanks in advance for your input everyone.
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: TomC on October 02, 2011, 12:43:38 AM
Now all you have to do is to give us a clue as to what inverter you're talking about.  Make sure it is a true sine wave (as compared to a modified sine wave) inverter.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: technomadia on October 02, 2011, 12:47:47 AM
Yes... please do include details on the inverter.

We went with a Victron MultiPlus 3000 to do all that you describe, and probably more.

- Cherie 
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: robertglines1 on October 02, 2011, 05:48:03 AM
one roof top is going to require up to 20 amps to start up  20 X 120volts= watts  and 14 amps to operate:: same math.  Watch inverter ratings  some are surge rated not running.  so a 3000 surge will not give you 3000 running--  maybe even only 2000 watts.   hope this helps.   Bob
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Joe Camper on October 02, 2011, 06:34:16 AM
I have a heart 2024  and we also have the large gear driven 240 amp 24 volt alt on our 8V.

If I want. while underway, if I manage ALL the other loads on it, we run our front cruisair off of it.

I know I know a 2000 is too small. but it works and it works well.

A Heart is also a modified side wave. I know I know, however to date we have burned up nothing.

Our 2000 heart has a start capacity of 4000+ and the a/c starts good and pulls13 amp running.

Question how large or what would be the smallist alt you would need to keep the bats from slowly draining off if pulling 13 or 14 amp constant? Would a 100 amp alt keep up with this type draw?

Hope this helps some.
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: TomC on October 02, 2011, 09:02:23 AM
14 amps @ 120vac is 1,680 watts. Divide that by 14 vdc when running and you have 120amps.  I would suggest you buying a Leece-Neville or Delco large case commercial truck type alternator.  We have the 160amp Leece-Neville at $160.00 now and that's with built in regulator.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Uglydog56 on October 02, 2011, 10:43:41 AM
Sorry!  Forgot to paste the link!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160627154269&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160627154269&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Uglydog56 on October 02, 2011, 10:47:19 AM
Oh, and Tom I have a 130 amp large case delco, so I think I'm ok if you add in some power from the solar (which will be installed before I need to run the a/c on the highway).
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Lin on October 02, 2011, 11:14:16 AM
I think that if you want to run your AC with it, you should get a true sine wave inverter.  This one is not.
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Sean on October 02, 2011, 01:14:31 PM
Rick,

This unit is neither large enough nor true sine wave, required for running induction motors such as an air conditioner.

Your solar will also be all but useless for this application.  On the road on a cloudless day you might get 200w or so out of it, under ideal conditions.  After conversion losses, that's less than 10% of what your air conditioner will be pulling steady-state.  If your alternator can't handle the full load, you'll have problems.  To run a single roof air you'll need at least 150 amps of alternator capacity, and more if the cables are long.  On a hot, humid day, a 13,500 BTU/h roof unit can pull over 165 amps from a 12v system.

HTH,

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Title: Also A 13 Speed MAY Not Fit Into A Crown Supercoach
Post by: HB of CJ on October 02, 2011, 03:08:15 PM
If you are going to put the 13 speed into your '67 Crown and if your Crown has the 743 220 Cummins and if you want decent U-joint life your drive shaft may be too short. Just trying to save you some grief.  HB of CJ (old coot) ('74 Crown 37317--sold) :( :( :(

Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Uglydog56 on October 02, 2011, 05:27:41 PM
Well, you've given me some serious food for thought.  It doesn't look like I will be able to run an air conditioner without running the generator on the road.  I guess that's an option, I was just hoping not to.
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: robertglines1 on October 02, 2011, 06:15:43 PM
Have you purchased Ac yet.  If not ck out mini-split.  Pulls less amps. My 12,000 pulls max 9 amps ans has no start up surge (inverter technology) heat and cool.   Won't require as large of unit also.   Bob
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Uglydog56 on October 03, 2011, 10:30:54 AM
I haven't and I will - although real estate under the Crown is dwindling fast.  Luckily the rains came so I won't need to make a decision on a/c until like June or something.
Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: Joe Camper on October 04, 2011, 05:32:17 AM
Here is another bit of info

http://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas/USA/Truck/HVAC-Solutions/Battery-Powered-HVAC-Guide/ (http://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas/USA/Truck/HVAC-Solutions/Battery-Powered-HVAC-Guide/)

and an older article about the same


http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/Truck-Air-Conditioner-runs-on-12-Vdc-power-463298 (http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/Truck-Air-Conditioner-runs-on-12-Vdc-power-463298)

Title: Re: Would you give me some feedback on this inverter?
Post by: luvrbus on October 04, 2011, 06:40:07 AM
Several I know are using the 12/110/240 volt unit from these folks the 12 v part is compressor driven off the engine for road air 32,000 btu and the 110v for the pole@ 10,000 btu cooling 9 amps on 110v then they tie the units to their diesel Webasto or Pro Heat neat setup for people that don't like roof airs they are used in emergency vehicles  www.proairllc.com (http://www.proairllc.com)

good luck