s - Alternators, 2 Batteries and Inverters...

[Triathlete]

Just buy one of those Honda generators. Super quiet and will power all your toys!

[tom4bren]

Bart,

I preach the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Stupid.

Your inverter should be OK without the second battery but grounding it at the back of the vehicle has the POTENTIAL of minor electrical gremlins. Try it that way first but if there are problems ... then run a ground to the battery.

A second battery will give you a lot of peace of mind. The set up erland mentioned is the most user friendly but more complicated for install. As an alternative, you can install an inline switch & a 5 ohm resister in line between the batteries. The switch will allow you to isolate the rear battery while camping and the resistor will allow the rear battery to charge without drawing down the altenator.

I don't think there is any need to upgrade your altenator unless you are installing some workhorse electrics like a winch or enough lights to outshine Vegas.

[newthings]

Have a look at West Marine Battery Combiner 150, PN 128293.
Every time I start thinking about a new electric system function, I goto the marine parts web sites for quality and useful items.
Roy

[nfpgasmask]

Have a look at West Marine Battery Combiner 150, PN 128293.
Every time I start thinking about a new electric system function, I goto the marine parts web sites for quality and useful items.
Roy

Hmmm, is that specifically to connect 2 batteries to an existing alternator with out overloading it?

Bart

[tom4bren]

Bart,

Did you ever do this mod?

I just worked the math & if you install a 2KW inverter and assume 90% efficiency (typical for Modified Sine Wave (MSW) units), you'll be drawing 185 Amps at max power. That's a lot of juice to run through a 12' cable.

I'm working on something similar on the Coachman & started a new thread on the topic.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...648#post167648

Tom

[nfpgasmask]

Bart,

Did you ever do this mod?

I just worked the math & if you install a 2KW inverter and assume 90% efficiency (typical for Modified Sine Wave (MSW) units), you'll be drawing 185 Amps at max power. That's a lot of juice to run through a 12' cable.

I'm working on something similar on the Coachman & started a new thread on the topic.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...648#post167648

Tom

Nope, I just kept the small inverter in my dash. I never found a suitable place for the bigger 1200 watt inverter. I actually FINALLY put the 1200 watt to use in my Trooper. Installed it and wired it up directly to the battery.

Bart

[rowhard]

Bart, just wag'ing, and maybe someone already suggested it, but if your going to have the battery on the inside of your VX, think about venting gases to the outside.

But then since you always have your gas masks handy, guess it won't be an issue.

wag over