Generator AC vs DC

[Jim Blackwood]

So what I'm hearing is that buying my nearly new 8kw Wrico LPG capable genset for $700 instead of looking for a diesel fired 12Kw may have been a good beginning strategy. If I migrate to modern batteries and solar cells sometime in the future it can be a capable supplement and in the meantime handle the power draw satisfactorily while I wait for prices to drop. Sounds good to me.

Jim

[buswarrior]

Lpg is good, no carbureator gumming issues.

This fetish about diesel generators just consumes bus buck$.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[Jim Blackwood]

Going kinda old school here, I want a 2 way refrigerator, not the new trend to residential ones but a good old fashioned propane/AC unit that I can run on a inverter if I want (or if necessary while moving) and on propane when boondocking so I don't need to be concerned if the power goes off or the batteries go dead. And a propane furnace for quick and reliable heat as an alternative to the hydronic unit as well as having a different fuel source. And then a propane range was always my favorite. Maybe not the most fuel efficient setup, but good enough. And for the perfectionists out there (You know who you are) I have only this to say, "Perfection is the Enemy of Good Enough!" As my standards for good enough are pretty high I think I'll be OK. If not, I'm pretty good at improvising.

I do think you have to look at your generator in light of your entire scheme of how you want to build and use your bus. Obviously different buses will lend themselves to very different approaches and locations. After all, by the time you have found places for the tanks, batteries, genset, electrical and fluid panels, and maybe some ground transport, where are you going to put the tool chest and big screen TV?  How good are you at packing? Better yet, how good are you at remembering where it was packed? Some things require a chart. Now where are those charts again? 

Jim

[benherman1]

I'll most likely opt for a propane stove as well. I'm not sure if I'll need a propane furnace but if I can find the space I'm sure it won't hurt. A propane refrigerator would be nice to have the fail over power option but I've heard lots of bad things about them causing fires if you aren't perfectly level. I'd rather not have one and not have to worry about leveling the bus.

[Jim Blackwood]

Sure, I can see that. But it doesn't take much to get into the back end of the fridge and make sure it's burner and flue has proper clearance. Beyond that there's not much to burn. Take your worst off-level condition into account and shield accordingly, and a double wall flue is a nice safety precaution, or even triple wall if you are real concerned about it. Anything can and will burn if you let it and annual checks for bird and mouse nests is just part of the routine. That's why they are set up with a removable service panel.

Jim

[chessie4905]

This new way of doing everything is great..until you are away on a trip 6 years later after the initial installation and something quits or acts up and you can't  remember the wiring and diagnostic info to fix. If you enjoy camping, there are already enough potential issues that can crop up.Enough stories here just on Webastos. Kis and reliable wins every time. But we need pioneers to forge ahead and try out the latest systems.

[buswarrior]

6 years?

I'm doomed 6 days later now...

Everyone make schematics of your work, write noted to yourself like Groundhog day...

You don't believe it now, but you won't remember...

Thank us now, you won't remember to do that later either... lol!

No, really, you'll hate yourself

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior