Do I want an all electric coach???

[lostagain]

Solar panels is a great thing to have on any RV. They work great when the sun is high and bright. However in September say, parked in some big trees, in Northern US or Canada, they don't work worth a damn. You have to remember that.

[luvrbus]

Jim, i know they work both ways but the amp hours double when it runs on 12v the 2 people i know that run on 12v have problems with them i have 3 other friends that have mcis 24v and have no problems and i have had no luck with lifeline batteries so i am buying Concorde this time, kyle has a good point but if i can't have the comfort of home i don't need the bus

[H3Jim]

I speculate that they did not use heavy enough wire gauge to run from 12 volts.  I used 10 gauge for a farily short run at 24 volts.  There would be significant  losses, heat build up and probably voltage drop that would be hard on the units.

Amen to having your bus like you like it.  I look forward to meeting you at Bus'N USA.

Kyle, you are right about the solar not being very effective if you are up north under trees. Although I do travel up north, and love the beauty of the area, and especially trees, since I live in the southern part of the US, most of my time is spent here and I seem to be getting  a big bang out my buck.

[Chaz]

Hey Jim,
  Would you have any pix you could post of your panels? I, for one, would kinda like to see what you are doing. I also like the idea of parking my bus next to the house and utilizing them around here also.
   By the way, this has turned into a great thread!!!

   Thanx guys!
        Chaz

[niles500]

Errrr ...... LUVRBUS ...... Lifelines are made by Concorde ...... Maybe you would be interested in some 8D AGM's from Trojan for under $200 each? HTH

[kyle4501]

if i can't have the comfort of home i don't need the bus

To each their own, that's what makes this forum so usefull.

If you've got all the comforts of home at home, why would you want to leave? 

I want as many comforts as I can get while traveling, that is why I suggested a total needs/ system approach. If you can reduce your needs, it is easier to satisfy them all & have an enjoyable time.

Solar has it's place, just as propane, diesel, agm batteries, trojan batteries, inverters etc.

Before deciding on the parts, choose a goal & desired method of attaining it. Then get the parts that fit your plan. That's where these open discussions have helped me plan the total system.

Bottom line - with what this hobby costs, you need to enjoy your time on it! 

[Chaz]

Well said, Kyle, well said.