Power Inverter vs Generator?

[CaliXbus]

Hello all.  I am hoping that someone can help me with my limo bus conversion decision.  I am new in the industry and need some consulting on how to run my auxiliary power.  Basically my issue is if I should connect the 2 "running" batteries to another 12 volt and connect that 12 volt to a 3000 watt power inverter.  OR.  If I should get a quiet HONDA generator and use that to power my large stereo system, 4 televisions, lighting, strobe, Amplifiers and so on.  My buddy tried it the first way and the battery exploded so we are trying to find an alternate method.  We are also worried that this method could destroy the alternator.  If any one is knowledgeable about this subject could you please let me know the BEST way to power the inside of my bus.  Thank you for all of your help!

Brett of Cali Experience

[Tenor]

What bus do you have?  Some use 12volt systems, and most use 24Volt and that could be why your first extra battery exploded. 
When do you use these items the most, while driving, while parked or equally?  If you use them mostly while going down the road, an inverter is a great way to go.  The bus alternator will be doing most of the work instead of a huge battery bank.  If you park to party, a generator is a great option, but then you need to consider fuel.  A diesel genset can be run from your bus fuel tank.  However, they are quite expensive.  A gas genset can be less expensive, but either way you would want to stay with a water cooled unit.  They are much quieter than an air cooled unit.  Just how big are the amplifiers?  1000W, 2000W?  Also how many watts do your lights draw?  Par cans can draw quite a bit.  You will also need to consider how many 110 circuits you will need to run.  You don't want to run big amplifiers and lights on the same circuit.  My singing group uses 3 20amp 110volt circuits for our PA and 2 more for light trees.  There are a ton of possibilities.  Give us some more details, and lot's of us will be able to and will be glad to help!

[CaliXbus]

I have a 1979 MCI 9.  It definitely uses a 24Volt.  On board the sound system uses 3, 2000 watt amps.  We have about 15 plug in dimming dome lights and LED multi color strips that run down the entire bus.  I would have to say that the light, audio and television system is used equally while the bus is running and not.  It would be nice to be able to shut off the bus and not have to worry about the interior system draining the battery while its in use.  If I were to use a battery and not a generator, should I link two batteries to the existing 24Volt?  Are there any other components (Chargers, islolators) that I could add to make this thing legit?  Again what is the best way to do this?

[NJT5047]

I see your problem.  That 12V battery saw the load as a "shorted circuit"...
I'd use a diesel generator as first choice...if you gotta use a gasoline genset, get an RV style Honda or big Onan.  They make some nice ones. 
With a generator you could shut the bus engine down anytime without worry.  As long as you're not having restart issues.   If you need air conditioning you won't be able to shut the coach down without a genset. 
If you must use the batteries, find a 24V to 120V inverter.  Still, that sucker will run your "house" batteries down rapidly if the bus engine is shut down. 
What sort of a load in total watts, or amps are you talking about?
Before you buy a gasoline genset, make sure that your insurance will allow that fuel onboard.  You may risk some exposure on that issue.  No ISO cert eh? Assuming you're for hire.  If not, no problem.   
Genset is definitely the way to go.
JR

[HighTechRedneck]

At over 6000 watts potential load, you really are going to need to use a generator (or else multiple inverters with a lot of batteries).  And you will no doubt need air conditioning while not running and that takes more power than you could realistically power from inverters without the engine running.  And with regards to a generator, it would probably need to be 13KW or larger to handle the amplifiers, lights and air conditioning.

[Tenor]

Wow!  OK, 6000W of sound at peak.  Are your 15 dome lights 110?  Do you have roof air conditioners or the over the road air?  The roof airs would need 110 as well.  An inverter would need to be very big, and you might still need a generator while parked.  You would need a big investment in batteries as well.  I think a big diesel genset would be your best option.  It's a big outlay of money, but little maintenance compared to batteries.  Turn it on when you need it, shut it down when you don't.  If you go this route, ask about how to properly wire it.  There are special steps you need to take to wire it in.  Also, make sure you have  enough separate 110 circuits to power all of this.  If you have and doubts (or worry about operators insurance..)  get a licensed electrician to install it.  This way, if something goes wrong, you're not to blame!  Look up http://www.wricointernational.com/.  These guys are the guru's for gensets.

[NewbeeMC9]

 big Generarator in a bay with extra tank (large) since you don't seem to need the space,  

keep it simple, if your gonna have groups, you don't want to worry about power management, need ac just start the genny or plug in, plus you'll have a large AC load with a group,  + the other electrical loads your not saying.  also you will be able to start/stop the bus without interupting power if you keep them separate.

the trace inverter with a generater will give you more options too

maybe some dc/ led or rope lighting so you dont have to start the genny just to walk around inside during slow times.  

tell us more about your intended and maybe we can help more

[CaliXbus]

The dome lights are 110.  We might end up installing overhead a/c units this summer if we need them.  It sounds like a large deisel powered generator is they way to roll.  Just as NewbeeMC9 put it " I don't want to be worried about power management".  Also, would definitely not want to interrupt power when I turn off of the engine.  Could anyone put together a list of parts that I would need assuming that all I currently have are my 24Volt house batteries and a 3000 watt power inverter? 

[Paladin]

Sounds to me like with your load a genset is about the best way for all the reasons already mentioned but I agree that adding an inverter combined with a good genset gives the most flexibility depending on your needs. Start with the genset and wire for adding an inverter setup later if you want. Neither are cheap.
I say if you have paying clients on board you don't want a Mickey Mouse setup with too much noise or improperly wired out. Buy a diesel genset, add a good inverter with battery bank later if desired and have someone wire it all up for you if you don't feel 100% capable. I sure wouldn't want it burning down with clients in it if it were me.

Just my

[CaliXbus]

Does anyone have any experience with Amico Generators?

[jjrbus]

The amps draw 2000 watts?

[Tenor]

If you end up looking at using a genset and an inverter, for electronics you are going to want a pure sine wave model.  Are you familiar with the terminology?  Another thing you might want to think about is really trying to rely on 12VDC lighting.  You can get a Vanner Battery Equalizer for that.  It allows you to pull 12 VDC off of your 24VDC bus batteries.  Your bus may already have one.  Look in the battery compartment for a black box 12"x8"x3" with wires coming off of it from the batteries.  If you see that, let us know. 

Do you have commercial insurance to carry passengers for income and a CDL license?

[H3Jim]

As tenor says, got for DC lighting.  There are lots of bulbs avaiable in 12  or 24  - even the MR16  Halogens.  DC will work off your batteries even when nothing is running.  I'd put in a separate set of house batteries too and connect your generator and inverter to these.  Dick Wright can fix you up for both these components.  YOu'll also want something to allow you to connect your house batteries to your bus alternator, so you can p;ower from teh bus engine while running, and from the genset while parked, ante the batteries will be for the interim and to run the DC stuff.  Its more complicated than a home wiring setup, but done properly can be very flexible and seamless in operation.