running a/c on inverter

[Pete Masterson]

Keep in mind, the '95 and later 'birds with the DD Series 60 generally have six model 4D house batteries. These are about 200 amp hours each (20 hour rate) -- and weigh about 150# each. However, from my experience with an "all electric" coach with a home-style Amana refrigerator, I can assure you that it won't take too many hours of running an AC on battery/inverter to seriously deplete the house battery bank.

Later LXIs have 8 or 10 of the model 4D batteries, and would be even more capable of handling the load -- but they also have more loads (slides, for example) on the batteries. That's why BB put 'em in.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jul 1, 2008, at 10:29 PM, Michael wrote:

I agree with you David.  Just doesn't make sense putting such a load 

on the system.  First you have to buy and maintain a huge battery 

bank to buffer the current.  And I think 150 amps is conservative not 

to mention the surges.  Alternators' ratings are at an ideal 

temperature and rpm so don't believe they will support even 75% of 

the rated load for long extended periods without damage.  So if you 

look at the expense, the weight, the storage space lost, the up keep 

of the battery bank, the corrosion, etc... just doesn't add up.  On 

top of that you cannot run the A/C from your battery bank for more 

than a few minutes without the huge alternator/engine running.  So it 

does little good parked.

Michael Putz

78FC35 "Putz'n Around"

Mesa, Az

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", David Brady  

wrote:

My LXi is set up to run one AC off an inverter and the alternator, 

but

conventional wisdom is that you shouldn't do it. Steadystate current

draw from the alternator is 150Amps. I want to preserve my precious

alternator, so I always run the generator when I need my AC's.

Another point of view to consider the inefficiencies of the 

alternator

in generating DC and to add on to that the inefficiency of the 

inverter

to convert to AC to run the air conditioning. The generator is more

efficient at generating the needed AC.

David Brady

'02 LXi, NC

coreyg67 wrote:

I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the 

inverters and alternator. I

would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp 

alternator, this would be a

doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?

Thanks

Corey & Jenni

1996 PT42'

Prosper, TX

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