flboy wrote:featherliteCT1 wrote:flboy, I will be interested to hear how you manage all this heat and humidity and how your solar system performs (e.g., the extent to which you are able to use the AC powered by your batteries and how difficult or easy it is to get the batteries recharged).
I have a few more travel days under my belt. Running AC a few hours (up to 4) at night when I first park.
I think this will improve significantly when I connect my Renogy 20A DC to DC charger and connect up power from TV alternator. I think this will do the trick by supplementing Solar. I really don't want to add more panels... but would like to break even each day assuming a up to 4 hours of AC use and more if needed fro comfort.
Of course, I could just run the Gen for Ac and to charge.... but I'd only do that as the last alternative. It is only my backup.
All said, I think my investment in the 510aH of DIY LifePo4 for ~$1,000 total is very worthwhile given total they weigh less than 100lbs. Makes parking lot boondocking in the summer doable without having to run generator or etc.. In the woods, I'd run the Gen a few hours at the end of the day to keep ahead on the batteries if needed.
Howdy Don. Glad to see things are going well and that your systems are working nicely.
Could you guide me to where in this thread you talk more in depth about your LiFePO4 batteries and how you configured them? That is a near-miraculous amount of money invested for such a large return. I have over $1000 in just three Group 31 AGM! but I didn't have to build each battery, just the tray they're all mounted on.
If you have no qualms about earlier-than-otherwise tow vehicle alternator replacement, then you can tap into your tow veh's charging system, but is the wire diameter sufficient for that long of a run, is it sufficient gauge to prevent voltage drop?
Too, running the genset to give some bulk charge amps isn't a bad idea at all - just extravagant - but then so is running A/C from batteries (and inverter)! That in itself is amazing... then the solar can do the absorption phase and float during the remaining daylight.
Once I figure out my photos transmission problems (phone to email) then I can start my 5 X 10 thread. Stay safe out there.