Vanner Equalizer install...Worth the hassle???

Highway Yacht · August 18, 2011, 03:33:39 PM

I have a good working Vanner Equalizer from a 1989 RTS bus that I was thinking of maybe installing in the MC-9 if having one would be worth the time and effort of installing it. The main reason for my thinking of installing it would be so I could run my 12V stuff such as stereo/cd player, GPS, Cell Phone, etc and also wanted to install new 12V Led Clearance and marker lights. Any input or advice is welcome..

Jimmy

grantgoold · August 18, 2011, 04:35:43 PM

Love mine! Nice to have the 12 volt option when considering other items for the conversion. Worth it to me!

Grant

bevans6 · August 18, 2011, 04:57:09 PM

Depending on your current load a Vanner isn't the only choice, but I think an equalizer is the right way to go. I run a 24v/12v/ house bank and use the Vanner on the 12V loads - which are about the same as yours except for the clearance lights.

Brian

Highway Yacht · August 18, 2011, 04:58:58 PM

Quote from: grantgoold on August 18, 2011, 04:35:43 PM
Love mine! Nice to have the 12 volt option when considering other items for the conversion. Worth it to me!

Grant

Did you install it yourself...and if so, was it very difficult to install and wire in??

Highway Yacht · August 18, 2011, 05:07:44 PM

Quote from: bevans6 on August 18, 2011, 04:57:09 PM
Depending on your current load a Vanner isn't the only choice, but I think an equalizer is the right way to go. I run a 24v/12v/ house bank and use the Vanner on the 12V loads - which are about the same as yours except for the clearance lights.

Brian

Brian... So far, the only battery bank I have now is the (2) 8D start batteries and that is where I want to hook up the Vanner. I have not unhooked the Vanner from the RTS yet so I really don't know what all is involved. If my memory is correct, on a 24V MCI system, you should never pull more than 10 Amps of 12V without using an equalizer to keep the two batteries in check.. Does that sound about right??

Jimmy

buswarrior · August 18, 2011, 05:47:56 PM

Do it.

Pay close attention to the order in which to disconnect and reconnect the three cables.

There was a large sticker on it from the factory. If missing, find the directions before screwing around.

It matters, or the smoke may be let out.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Bill B /bus · August 18, 2011, 06:07:49 PM

Yes!

And follow the instruction or the smoke comes out.

Easy hookup. I use #4 AWG for the lines to the equalizer.

Bill

bevans6 · August 18, 2011, 06:09:07 PM

There are only three wires, it's really hard to get wrong. The smoke never comes out, in my experience.

Brian

Jriddle · August 18, 2011, 07:40:29 PM

I had to add a 12v battery after my vanner. The Vanner would not stay running for long period of time when I was pulling a load. I installed one battery to act as a buffer and have had no problem since. It is worth installing.

John

bottomacher · September 11, 2011, 06:37:23 AM

John, does that mean that the Vanner functions as a battery charger in your setup?

Lin · September 11, 2011, 09:56:44 AM

The the Vanner equalizer is usually used to center tap the 24v system to get 12v. In that case the equalizer functions to keep both batteries balanced. You can also use it as a 12v battery charger. The wiring is just a little different. We use ours to charge the 12v bank while traveling.

luvrbus · September 11, 2011, 10:47:45 AM

Depends on the model Jimmy I wouldn't waste my time with 60-10 the last 2 numbers tell the amp draw a 60-50's you can run things off those a 60-10 you really need 2 if you get a above 1 light and a radio lol 10 amps is not much in a converted coach.
I saw a E model seated coach with two 60-50 in it fwiw

good luck

Jriddle · September 11, 2011, 06:14:43 PM

Quote from: bottomacher on September 11, 2011, 06:37:23 AM
John, does that mean that the Vanner functions as a battery charger in your setup?

On my maiden voyage I tried to run straight off the equalizer. The Vanner kept shutting down. I put the battery in as a surge bank and have had no issues since. I guess you could say it is charging the battery.

John

FloridaCliff · September 12, 2011, 01:50:20 PM

Jimmy,

Glad I put mine in, well worth it.

Mount it as close as possible to your batteries.

Cliff

Busted Knuckle · September 12, 2011, 02:42:45 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 11, 2011, 10:47:45 AM
Depends on the model Jimmy I wouldn't waste my time with 60-10 the last 2 numbers tell the amp draw a 60-50's you can run things off those a 60-10 you really need 2 if you get a above 1 light and a radio lol 10 amps is not much in a converted coach.
I saw a E model seated coach with two 60-50 in it fwiw

good luck

Clifford,
I was just fixing to type in and mention the MCI on our lot that belongs to a local church has 2 on it. I'll have to look & see what size they are. (I'd never seen or heard of "stacking" them before)

BK