Progressive Dynamics 4000 Series RV Converter

[PorchDog]

Progressive Dynamics 4000 Series RV Converter w/ Charge Wizard and AC/DC Distribution Panel - 60 Amp-- Model PD4060KV

My proposed setup would be no solar, a 3.3 cu foot 12 volt refrigerator, a 1000 watt microwave, 2 Lithium 100 amp hour batteries, and the above charger/convertor/distribution panel in a short bus -- not to be lived in full time-- just for 2 week vacations.

Power would come from shore power or a 2000 watt Harbor Freight generator. Simple DPDT 20 amp switch to change from shore/generator to inverter.

When off grid, charge batteries for 3 or 4 hours, then use the batteries during the night for the fridge, lights and microwave thru an invertor.

2000 or 3000 watt pure sign wave inverter, only on when we need 120VAC.

12,000 BTU Minisplit for AC only when shore or generator is available.

Comments, criticism, heckling?

[Rwnielsen]

Sounds like it's doable but you may want to rethink your generator size. I have several generators and one them is a 2200w inverter type. I don't ever push it too hard and I think it will last a long time. I also think it would wear out pretty quickly at or near full load

Just a thought....not heckling

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by Rwnielsen

Sounds like it's doable but you may want to rethink your generator size. I have several generators and one them is a 2200w inverter type. I don't ever push it too hard and I think it will last a long time. I also think it would wear out pretty quickly at or near full load

Just a thought....not heckling

ive often wondered about that.. how well the inverter generators last being loaded hard continuously for hours.. last summer;s home power outage pushed my HF 2000 pretty hard but still was only like 1000-1200 watts continuous while I ran the portable A/C and my home computer network.

[turf]

i have a similar older setup for my bus.
i like the way its set up. when i'm off grid, i have to run my generator about 2 hours a day to keep the batteries alive for overnite. that usually coincides with my cooking. i'll run the gen for breakfast and dinner meals and get my 2 hours charge time.

charging your batteries off a gen is slow, smart chargers suck ass. you're paying for fuel and the smart charger goes into float mode....its frustrating. i would find an old school charger in the 90+ amp range to speed charge the batteries on the generator.

[PorchDog]

Thanks for the replies. I forgot that I would also have a DC to DC charger to charge the Lithium while underway. I said in the post two 100AH batteries, but from what I have seen lately-- a 200 AH or larger server rack battery is better and cheaper.

I already have the little harbor freight invertor generator, and have used it in continuous duty for some storm related power outages, but not heavily loaded. I might add solar later, but for my short jaunts, and particularly in the southeast-- between clouds and trees, the solar might not be so dependable. Probably would get more solar while moving.

I did not know that progressive dynamics made "convertor" all in ones-- and I would want to think that the reliability for the charger itself would be very good.

[Mat7783]

I have a champion dual fuel(gas or propane)inverter rv ready generator which starts and runs my 13,500 BTU rv AC unit with no issues.I can use it while driving and use shore power at campsite if desired.R U using propane for stove or heating?

[Mat7783]

My champion generator is 4500W,3200W continuous on gas and 2900W on propane.you may want to upsize your generator to handle AC unit operation.

[PorchDog]

I will use propane for water heating, cooktop, and heat. RV style components. My intentions are to install a 20.3 gallon Flame King permanent tank under the bus. I really wanted a propane fridge, but the prices are out of sight. Now I'm thinking 12 VDC fridge. maybe a 3.3 Cu Ft model. This is a short bus. Vacations, not full time.

[HamSkoolie]

For a small build I'd suggest one EG4LL lithium battery (5.12kWh). They're $1500 but come in a 20x20x6.1" package capable of delivering 100A and weigh only 101 pounds.


Your 2000W HF generator is rated for 1600W continuous (such as battery charging or running the AC) which is only 13 amps at 120 volts. I would suggest planning to upgrade to the 3500 inverter generator as it will have greater capacity so it would be less mechanically stressed. Start with your 2000W unit but build to accommodate the larger one if you find you need more.


Also, going with a generator that uses propane could eliminate the need to carry gasoline for the genset and eliminating an additional fuel need (unless your bus has gas engine). That might find you wanting to go with the 29gal Flame King ASME tank. Remember, we only get 80% of propane tank capacity.

[PorchDog]

I have done some measuring under the bus, behind my battery box on the left hand side I have about 72 inches, for both the gray water and the propane. I know the 20.3 gallon tank will fit-- may be a little tight with the 29 gallon tank. I don't want to mount behind the rear axle unless it is in the middle, because of flying debris from the rear tires.

I see your point about the generator being too small to hold up to much use. The engine oil capacity is not much.

I agree that at this point in time the server rack batteries are the way to go.

Thanks for the information and input!

[HamSkoolie]

Originally Posted by PorchDog

I have done some measuring under the bus, behind my battery box on the left hand side I have about 72 inches, for both the gray water and the propane. I know the 20.3 gallon tank will fit-- may be a little tight with the 29 gallon tank. I don't want to mount behind the rear axle unless it is in the middle, because of flying debris from the rear tires.

I see your point about the generator being too small to hold up to much use. The engine oil capacity is not much.

I agree that at this point in time the server rack batteries are the way to go.

Thanks for the information and input!

There are also water proof batteries available at Signature Solar if you can't ensure water free installation..... Those also have built in BMS AND Bluetooth to an Apple or Android APP so you can check status. Their size form might work better for you. Just check all the options.