BCM Community
Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: PNWorBUST72 on February 26, 2018, 06:35:22 PM
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So it appears my OTR AC isn't going to work long term, too many leaks.
So where do you guys put your genny's? I REALLY dont want to use an entire bay to the generator...but if I plan on running 2 rooftop units now while I drive, I am either putting in a monster coach side battery bank and/or a monster generator.
Have you guys thought about running two smaller ones and running the AC's on 2 seperate breaker "legs", one for each genny?
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I just finished installing mine in the spare tire compartment, Check out my thread on this http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=32622.0 (http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=32622.0) It turned out really well.
Jason
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You can also look into using the engine's alternator to power a fairly large inverter, which would allow you to run things while on the road. Might minimize the size of the battery bank somewhat depending on how large your alternator is. Some of the guys on this board have done something similar and I'm sure they'll add their comments.
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So it appears my OTR AC isn't going to work long term, too many leaks.
So where do you guys put your genny's? I REALLY dont want to use an entire bay to the generator...but if I plan on running 2 rooftop units now while I drive, I am either putting in a monster coach side battery bank and/or a monster generator.
Have you guys thought about running two smaller ones and running the AC's on 2 seperate breaker "legs", one for each genny?
I have an 8kW 1800rpm Isuzu diesel genset and I don't consider it a "monster". It will easily run 3 roof A/C's. A "monster" battery bank is only good for camping longer without having to recharge the batteries. The inverter might run one or two A/C's, but you need the generator while parked and not on shore power.
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A small generator can go in the air conditioning condenser compartment once you remove the condenser and fan. Larger generators need more space - I put mine in the first full bay on the driver side. Good luck.
Mike in GA
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If you want compact, check out Powertech CDI8000 Diesel Generator. I have a 12kw genset that Dick Wright built for me that is only 36" long-without radiator.
I have a 10kw Powertech that I run going down the road for powering my 3 roof tops. Usually, 2 is all I need. Good Luck, TomC
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All of the possible generator locations have now been mentioned, but remember that whatever you do has to be thought out and coordinated with the location of water and holding tanks, their pipes, battery and inverter banks, and how much storage space you want left over for larger items. Another key factor is not blocking accessibility to the maintenance of other items. You can fit many generators in the A/C area, but then your access to the main engine will be crimped (it is a lot easier to change the starter when laying in the A/C compartment than while laying underneath). It is quite common to put generators on a slide-out rail for easier maintenance. There is no reason to use a full baggage bay for a generator, it can be divided up with a inner wall. Another consideration is the location of the cooling air intake for the generator. Most generators do fine in any location when parked, but when they are running while on the road they can run into cooling problems because of poor airflow due the intake being in a low pressure area.
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LOL I don't care which generator you use but install it as far from the bedroom as you can,they all noise under your pillow when sleeping
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A small generator can go in the air conditioning condenser compartment once you remove the condenser and fan. Larger generators need more space - I put mine in the first full bay on the driver side. Good luck.
Mike in GA
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Yup that's were mine is at as well.
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My OTR AC still works without issue, I plan on using that while driving, I also plan on installing two 12k Mini Split AC/Heat pump units for House use when not under way.
I had originally planned on using either the Champion 3500 gas generator that I already have or acquiring an 8k diesel generator to run them the few times I would not be plugged in, Then a deal that I could not turn down presented itself and I ended up buying a Powertech 20kw with under a hundred hours on it.
It came with the slide mount, The flexible exhaust and a breaker box.
I know, total over kill, will be able to power my bus and the surrounding 3 buses.
I plan on splitting the front drivers side bay and mounting the Generator in one half and one of the Mini Split outside units in the other half.
(http://www.peterbylt.com/MCI96A3/generator.jpg)
Peter
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I'd consider swapping that or selling it to get a smaller one. Even though it is a diesel, it will use a fair amount of fuel, and running lightly loaded isn't good for them. How much does that sucker weigh? Maybe you could fit up a big assed electric motor to assist engine when passing or climbing mountain s.
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You can also look into using the engine's alternator to power a fairly large inverter, which would allow you to run things while on the road. Might minimize the size of the battery bank somewhat depending on how large your alternator is. Some of the guys on this board have done something similar and I'm sure they'll add their comments.
I always thought the alternator was just enough to charge the batteries mostly, how is it gonna power 2-3 rooftop units? Are you talking about multiple 24v alternators and a 24v coach side battery bank and just letting the alt's charge the batteries for you? Can you help explain that one to me, I love the idea.
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If you have the original 50D Delco alternator they were 270 amps someone here can tell you how many watts but it over 5,000 w
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I always thought the alternator was just enough to charge the batteries mostly, how is it gonna power 2-3 rooftop units? Are you talking about multiple 24v alternators and a 24v coach side battery bank and just letting the alt's charge the batteries for you? Can you help explain that one to me, I love the idea.
with a huge inverter and with more batteries than 8 8d's.
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So lets say for SNG, a 5000 watt inverter pulling from an unknown size battery bank, being charged by the 270amp alternator, feeding two 1700watt AC's? The math is something like 240 AMP x 24V= 6420 Watts or so says Google...
How do you MATH the battery bank size?
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Battery size would only come into play when there was no outside source, whether it be the bus alternator or the generator or the shore power.
You'll never run an inverter that large on a 'normal' size battery bank for very long, so I'd suggest you size your battery bank for the load you'll be using when you're boon docking and don't want to run your generator (assuming that you won't be running a/c from the inverter while boon docking.)
I've been told by the Trojan dealer in town that ideally the batteries should be charged at 10% of their total capacity, so keep in mind how large of a charger you plan to run.
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Batteries aren't an issue for this topic.
In rough terms, 2 roof airs being driven by a 4000 watt inverter are consuming the same power from the alternator that the stock coach HVAC did.
So, continue with your thoughts, it is possible, and the coach can do it in stock trim.
I have the t-shirt.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
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I run 2 Roof airs off my alternator. Works great.
You get watts by multiplying Volts * AMPS .. so 24* 270 = 6,480 watts. Now there will be some line loss and battery charging going on, as well having to run everything else.
With that said, if you upgrade most / all of your lights to LED like most of us have (side markers / tails / headlamps) then you've easily got 1000 watts of overhead / safety margin.
For my battery bank I run 4 6v Golf Cart Batteries, hoping to move to 8 this summer. I have an Onan 4.0 BFA in the old AC condenser bay, it's mostly there for insurance. The kicker here for me is also having 1900 watts of solar on top means, if we're driving down the road in the heat, I've also got power from the sun coming in to lighten the load on the alternator as well. I mean I can run 1 AC off solar alone .
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Delco also makes a 450 amp 50dn alternator. Belt drive only. Same physical dimensions as the 270 amp version.
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The big alternators are popularly hooked up to hoses feeding outside, cooler air right into them in the new coaches.
Higher engine room temps of the last 15 years brought this on.
Not a bad retrofit for a busnut.
Heat kills alternators, and some of us work 'em like mine ponies...
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
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Don't forget to calculate the cost (and weight) of all those batteries and inverters, and solar panels with their regulators, and all the associated wiring. You might find that a good used generator is cheaper.
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Dual 2 smaller alternators are the trend now instead of the 1 big giant
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Re: DpubleEagle :. I'm not saying don't do a generator, I have a small one as well. But I don't think we need 12kw ones for most of us. Most of the time we need a bigger generator for short periods of load like starting an AC or two, or other less than 1 hour use cases.
A good hybrid / assisting inverter can do wonders here. I use 1 victron Multiplus 24/3000 now, I'm planning on getting another for more headroom.
My costs so far
*= Standard items you'd need anyway.
* Victron inverter $1200 (there is a seller on Amazon selling them at this price)
* Small generator Onan 4.0 BFA $100 (used not working , just needed a carb clean)
* 4 house batteries - $420
* Battery monitor / inverter controller - $250 (built my own color control ccgx)
* Cables / ends etc $30
Solar panels $150x6 - $900 (used)
Racking and hardware $200
Mppt charge controller(victron) $300
Cabling / connectors - $100
Total of standard items $2,000
Total of solar add on $1,500
Grand total $3,500
I will say I get my costs down by looking for deals and buying "good enough " items and then upgrading as something comes along.
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Load sharing inverters don't help much unless you are plugged in with low amps generator time depends on where you are at too,you won't get by here in AZ with 1 hour of AC time from May to Oct that won't happen even at night time ;).With the price of AGM batteries today 6-8D's like I have will buy a good diesel generator almost and you don't need a replacement every 5 to 7 years either
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Load sharing inverters don't help much unless you are plugged in with low amps generator time depends on where you are at too,you won't get by here in AZ with 1 hour of AC time from May to Oct that won't happen even at night time ;).With the price of AGM batteries today 6-8D's like I have will buy a good diesel generator almost and you don't need a replacement every 5 to 7 years either
So..... don't be in AZ from May - Oct? :-)
(https://i.imgur.com/S6iW9Kw.png)
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LOL but it is a dry heat, like a blast furnace ???