Power questions

[aep313]

We are in the beginning stages of converting our skoolie and as newbies, we have some confusion about power needs. My main question stands: if we never plan to boondock and have on AC powered items, is there a need for batteries and DC power at all? TYIA for your help and responses.

[johnbloem1974]

You would only need DC power for the bus starting/light accessory needs. (Starter, headlight, running/clearance lights) Basically, you'd bring fine with whatever came with the bus (assuming they work and are in OK shape)

[aep313]

@johnbloem1974 thank you for your reply! so the bus batteries are all connected to that and we are good to go. Everything on the internet made it sound like i HAD TO HAVE a battery bank for appliances and I was getting really confused as to why if I was going to choose to only install AC powered appliances, outlets, lights etc.

[johnbloem1974]

The nice thing about having your own bus Is that you can do what you want! We went the same route and don't have any additional batteries either. We travel a lot and go to places where we can plug in to AC power, so not an issue. One thing I would recommend is a small inverter to be able to use small AC stuff when unplugged and the engine is running. We have a 500 watt one and are able to keep our small refrigerator running while we are going from place to place!

[aep313]

And your inverter is getting power from what while driving?

[BusFiend]

While traveling, if you overnight at places where you can't plug-in (Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabellas, truck stop, etc), you will be unable to run your house systems without house batteries and inverter. That means no water, no refrigerator, no TV, etc. I will only use my coach batteries for starting and running the bus. If you're fine with staying in hotels and eating in restaurants while you travel and purchasing all perishable groceries after you reach your destination, I don't see a need for a house battery system. You'd simply have a cabin on wheels.

Good luck.

[johnbloem1974]

I just have my inverter connected to the start batteries and only use it while driving, so they are essentially being powered by the alternator so there is no risk of draining the batteries...