Generator or batteries for boondocking?

luvrbus · October 03, 2021, 09:41:38 AM

I think about solar

but cannot bring myself to install that ugly stuff on top of my RV lol these generators run for 20,000 hours without problems so with 1410 hours showing I can put it off for while

windtrader · October 03, 2021, 09:58:48 AM

Clifford - Ugly panels? What about ugly being the shades bolted onto the side of the bus? And let's not forget the generator noise groaning along and disrupting and masking the sound of nature? All tradeoffs - I say ditch the generator and go silent!

dtcerrato · October 03, 2021, 10:06:06 AM

Our panels are hardly noticeable but we have a supplement solar setup - not trying for off-grid. Will always have a genny because the sun is moody at times - especially in AK winters & anywhere darkness... Lol
I'll bethca whoever has primary solar don't prefer a shade tree anymore! Just saying.

luvrbus · October 03, 2021, 10:34:03 AM

Quote from: windtrader on October 03, 2021, 09:58:48 AM
Clifford - Ugly panels? What about ugly being the shades bolted onto the side of the bus? And let's not forget the generator noise groaning along and disrupting and masking the sound of nature? All tradeoffs - I say ditch the generator and go silent!

You cannot tell my awning are on the side of my RV 2-20ft built into the flaring not bolted to the sides and no arms

Dave5Cs · October 03, 2021, 12:04:53 PM

So those would hide your solar panels.

luvrbus · October 03, 2021, 12:59:06 PM

Quote from: Dave5Cs on October 03, 2021, 12:04:53 PM
So those would hide your solar panels.

I am not going solar Dave I don't like the looks and it would not be a advantage for me I am on the road not parked most of the time lol I have a wife nagging about solar as you know so far I am winning

belfert · October 03, 2021, 01:11:08 PM

I would need to completely cover my bus in solar panels to come close to meeting my electric needs. There isn't really a chance I could avoid running my generator with three 15,000 BTU air conditioners. I have an extra solar panel I could put on my bus, but not sure it is worth it.

I have DIY solar at home that provides 150% of my electric needs. I currently have a $450 credit with my electric company. Whatever is left after winter I will cash out. From Thanksgiving to late February I will likely not produce enough solar to cover my electricity usage.

belfert · October 03, 2021, 01:21:29 PM

Quote from: windtrader on September 30, 2021, 02:18:42 PM
FYI - There are all sorts of batteries available on the secondary market, That is why I stated one needs to get educated before jumping in. In your case, it does not many any sense to pursue that and I apologize if you felt I was pressuring you that way.

I've done more research on DIY LifePO4 and it may not be as bad as I thought it would be. I can get twice the capacity of a Battle Born battery for the same price. Battle Born is certainly easier. The worst part seems to be finding a good supplier of the LifePO4 cells.

RJ · October 03, 2021, 05:12:21 PM

Quote from: belfert on October 03, 2021, 08:11:45 AM
These batteries made it through the night just fine when I first installed them. They are 12 volt. I was incorrect on the amp hours. They are 170 amp hour batteries. They are set up essentially as three 24 volt 170 AH batteries. I use equal length battery cables for all batteries.

Brian -

OK, they're 12vdc, 170 amp hour batteries, but again, what "Group Size" are they?

dtcerrato · October 03, 2021, 05:54:27 PM

They're not a standard group size as you would buy off the shelf from anywhere. Specialized, golf car, etc. Group 31s are usually 100 to 105AH each in the WLA arena.

Lin · October 03, 2021, 06:21:50 PM

It seems to me that it would be good to have some level of battery coverage so that the genset would not need to be started for trivia. Other than that regarding the original question, according to your requirements one could get by depending on the generator instead of an expensive battery system that may or may not be good for your trip next year. The criteria I would be looking at is what others around you do and what they can be expected to cordially tolerate. If many are using generators (or playing loud music), it may not be an issue to add yours to the general din. However, if everyone else is in silence mode it would be obviously obnoxious to run it.

belfert · October 04, 2021, 04:14:13 AM

Quote from: RJ on October 03, 2021, 05:12:21 PM
OK, they're 12vdc, 170 amp hour batteries, but again, what "Group Size" are they?

They are a telecom battery which is not really a standard group size. See the attached image I found with Google.

It really doesn't matter what I have now as these batteries are junk. I am not going to buy more telecom batteries. I got these batteries for free and they lasted me four or five years.

luvrbus · October 04, 2021, 08:00:32 AM

Thanks Brian now RJ knows Dan had it figured out they were off the wall type batteries by the amp rating

freds · October 04, 2021, 09:54:00 PM

Hey I get lots of positive comments about my solar panels!!!

Current mulling around spending money on fixing the diesel generator or yanking it out for more battery storage space.

RJ · October 04, 2021, 10:50:54 PM

Quote from: belfert on October 04, 2021, 04:14:13 AM
They are a telecom battery which is not really a standard group size.

Brian -

Thank you. Now I have a better understanding of what you're talking about.

Just for a point of reference, I have four deep-cycle AGM 8D batteries powering the house side of things in my coach. I can easily go overnight running the household fridge, but I do need to run the genset during the day to top them back off - just like most other all-electric coach owners have to do.

As a curiosity question - and since you've been considering a DIY LiPo battery project - in the space available, might you be able to build a LiPo battery that is equal to or even greater capacity than the telecom batteries you're removing?