 *New Owner* Solar Plans...... [message #327062] |
Tue, 12 December 2017 21:59  |
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DrMeznik
Messages: 9
Registered: December 2017
Location: New Braunfels, TX
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hi, I'm Austen. New to the forum and new owner of a 1977 GMC Motor Home. My plan is to get everything up to snuff. Including a Quadra Bag system. Probably a new final drive as well (just because). Engine seems in good shape but fuel lines and new pumps. Also, bushings, electric windshield wiper motor, distributor and whatever. Most likely half that list because something else pops up and I don't have unlimited funds.
EXPENSIVE!
Anywho, I wanted to install a solar system because I am planning on mostly boondocking in this sweet rig. I'm ordering one of those long electrical schematics but until then, here's what I am thinking............... (hopefully this makes sense)..................
I'm thinking of pigtailing this device into the main electrical output from the generator: http://amzn.to/2BtL9oz
Then run that to a battery bank that is separate from the house batteries. So, basically I run my generator to power the coach and quick charge my batteries. Then, I switch to the inverter to run everything the generator could run (rear AC would probably be overload).
Of course, the standard MPPT solar charger with a few panels on the roof.
Replace the converter with a smart charger and battery cutoff switches.
Lastly, I would run another charger off 110 (with a switch) for when I'm plugged into shore power.
It made more sense to me to have this as a separate additional system. Than it did to add to the existing house battery setup.
The obvious loss is the ability to charge your solar battery bank using the alternator.
The obvious win is I'm not running things off a rats nest of extension cords plugged into an inverter.
So, basically it's the GoPower inverter/charger/transfer switch, 2 smart chargers (one for shore power to the solar bank and one to replace the one for the house batteries), new boxes and fuses, solar panels, MPPT and the batteries.
This seems like the most elegant solution. But, it's still 3 charging inputs for my solar bank. Don't know how safe that is....
So, my question is..... how important is is DC in boondocking? Is my inverter to power most everything a bad idea? If so, why?
1978 Royale,
26 Foot,
403 Engine,
Quadrabags,
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| Re: *New Owner* Solar Plans...... [message #327067 is a reply to message #327062] |
Wed, 13 December 2017 07:38  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Austen,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum...
Glad you made it here. There is a small problem. You posted to "Sandbox" and while this is a part of the main forum, the forum is actually a mirror of an e-mail group that about half the participants still use. Those mail people can't see your post and actually won't even know about it.
I suggest that you literally do a copy and paste both messages (you could combine them) to a forum post. That way you will get the attention of lots of owners right away.
If you put the basic information in you sigfile (go to <Control Panel/Account Settings> and scroll down, then be sure to scroll down to <update>) that will help those that will want to be of assistance to you. Remember that the e-mail readers can't see the header at the page top. So, if you put in your real name (so those you meet know who you are), a short bit about the coach (particularly year and model) and a geographic reference, that all helps.
By buying a GMC and finding your way here, you have become part of an amazing community of people that are both helpful and supportive. As the only other community that I know of that is like this is that of the watermen of my world, I like to welcome new owners much as a new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Austen
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: *New Owner* Solar Plans...... [message #327068 is a reply to message #327062] |
Wed, 13 December 2017 08:19 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Austen,
You are planning a system that is way more complex than it needs to be to accomplish all that you want.
I suggest that you download and digest the manual for the inverter.
You only have a 26 foot long coach. You don't need the Volume and Weight that you are proposing.
You really need to move this all over to the forum. There are more than a few there that have done all or most of what you propose.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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