batteries in place of generator

[Ryan Wright]

On 12/18/07, Dorn Hetzel wrote:
>
> and 3600 watts = 30 amps at 120v. I've never worried about running an AC on
> a 30amp shore hookup.

You won't have 3600 watts available. Your existing alternator is
probably ~150 amps give or take and you're using a good portion of
that to run coach systems. So to be safe, your "extra" capacity is
only another 150 amps. Further, a 300 amp alternator does not
necessarily put out 300 amps, at engine idle speeds it might only put
out 180, perhaps less.

Someone has done this - set their coach up to run one A/C unit off
their inverter while cruising. I want to say they used a 1,500 amp
alternator to ensure enough power. I recall it was very expensive, in
the two thousand dollar range. Perhaps someone who knows more about
this will chime in.

At the end of the day, Dorn, to do this "right" I suspect you're going
to have more money invested than if you'd just bought a brand new
generator or had your own repaired/rebuilt.

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92