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Old 06-16-2009, 06:08 PM   #1
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Year: 1989
Coachwork: GMC
Chassis: BU P35
Engine: Diesel 6.2 L
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New Skoolie with a shortie (HELP!)

Hello everyone. I've been following this site for awhile and I just purchased my first bus. She's GMC 20 footer, diesel 6.2L engine. I believe 300 horsepower. I plan on fixing her up to live in for a few years. I really am not very mechanically inclined at all right now, but I have a few friends who are going to help me and I am hoping to learn quickly. I have many plans, and I will post photos here as the conversion progresses. First though, I need some of your trusted opinions on batteries, which my bus needs. I have heard that Marine deep cycle batteries will work best. However, I am planning on using solar energy, so I wonder if there are specific batteries needed to use with solar panels? How many volts do I need? I have been researching on the internet, but the results are conflicting.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thank you kindly,

Hazel Hermit

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Old 06-16-2009, 07:43 PM   #2
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: California, Just NorthEast of San Fransisco
Posts: 539
Re: New Skoolie with a shortie (HELP!)

Right off the top of my head, you Want those deep cycle batteries. Those will allow you to discharge a fair amount of the battery without shortening its lifespan or killing it. Not sure on the figuring of how many batteries to use in a bank, but I know that in general, you probably want to get the Biggest "Amp Hour" (AH) you can for the battery bank as it will allow you to use the battery for longer periods of time between charges. And if you live in an area where the sun might not come out for a couple days, those extra AH could be handy.

I am sure that someone who knows more will respond shortly.
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Old 06-18-2009, 07:14 PM   #3
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Re: New Skoolie with a shortie (HELP!)

First, you say your bus "needs" batteries. Do you mean it needs STARTING batteries right now, or do you mean building a house battery bank is your first priority? Don't try to use deep cycle batteries to start your diesel. They might work sometimes, but I expect you need a lot of punch to turn over the 6.2. We had four of these engines in military surplus pickups, and even with two batteries wired for 24 volt starters we used jumper cables A LOT.

For a house battery bank, I think marine deep-cycle batteries are often a cross between starting and deep cycle constructions. Golf cart batteries are true deep-cycle batteries, as are the ones made for solar systems, etc. As I understand it, starting batteries have many thin plates to provide high-current shots for a few seconds. Deep-cycle batteries have fewer, thicker plates to provide low current for a long time.

What you get for batteries depends on your budget. Top dollar for hydrates would be Rolls or Trojan batteries. Marine batteries from a big-box club store are a convenient and less expensive option, and many travelers appreciate the fact that they can find a nearby store for warranty replacement wherever they go. On the cheap, try to scrounge used 6-volt golf cart batteries, match a set in similar condition, and nurse them along.

If you use hydrates, you should ventilate the battery box(es), and check the water from time to time. If you pony up for sealed AGM batteries, you can carry them inside the bus without too many concerns, just watch the voltages.

The choice of how many batteries and what voltage you wire them for to is up to you. If you have a 12-volt alternator, a natural choice would be to use 12 volts for the bank voltage, so you can charge them through an isolator, switch, or relay while you drive. There are lots of 12 volt automotive and RV devices to run off of them, also. The 12 volts could be stored in one or more 12-volt batteries in parallel, or one or more series pairs of 6-volt batteries. Avoid mixing and matching, your best performance will be with all the batteries the same.

If you will only be using all 120-volt AC devices through an inverter, higher voltages might be a desirable choice. There are inverters for off-grid use that work on 12, 24, 48, and other voltages. The higher the voltage, the less current is needed to provide the same wattage, so less power is wasted heating the wires, and smaller wires can be used. But that means no charging off of the engine, and more solar panels to build up to the voltage. The panels must have a slightly higher voltage (pressure) than the batteries in order to force current back into them.

You should definitely plan on using an MPPT solar charge controller, and having the solar array at a higher voltage than the battery bank. For example, use panels wired for 28 or 32 volts to charge a 12-volt bank. Direct wire of cells to the batteries, with controller that only shuts down at full charge, causes the solar panel voltage to be pulled down to battery voltage. This reduces the wattage, so the result is that the more your batteries need a charge, the less the solar will supply. Ask me how I know. Also, panels are made of many individual cells. If part of a panel gets shadowed, the voltage will drop. If the voltage was much higher to begin with, the MPPT can adjust for losing some of that overhead and continue charging.
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Old 06-18-2009, 08:40 PM   #4
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Join Date: Jun 2009
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Year: 1989
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Chassis: BU P35
Engine: Diesel 6.2 L
Rated Cap: 22
Re: New Skoolie with a shortie (HELP!)

Thank you so much to you both who posted responses. I am looking for batteries to start the bus first and then I will eventually want to set up a house battery bank. I really appreciate your feedback Redbear! You've been so helpful. I'll let you all know what I end up getting and how it's going and such. I'll probably be back soon with more questions, as I am dreadfully ignorant.

Hazel Hermit
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