View Poll Results: Pro's and con's of 12 volt generator?
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Pro's(Post reason please)
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Con's(Post reason please)
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12-04-2008, 07:19 AM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
Manchester
, New Hampshire
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 347
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Making 12 volt alternator generator..
I am thinking of removing the dometic refrigerator and putting a 12 volt generator runs off a 6 hp honda and a 100 amp car alternator . I would put a chest refrigerator runs off 120 volts I would enclose the generator sound proof it run exhaust out vent for dometic and fresh air through side access
convert to engine to run off lp gas I might later add two more batteries so I can add a inverter later . Any suggestions or conserns I should worry about?
I have the engine(off broken pressure washer) I can get a 100amp alternator with 12 volt reg on it for 100 bucks and I have the correct v pullys ..
__________________
1976 Airstream Sovereign International Landyacht (renovating)(found DOM plate said 1976)
1968 Airstream Caravel 17 footer
2004 Nissan Titan with BT package
K/N Cool intake air
Duel power exhaust
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12-04-2008, 09:42 AM
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#2
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4 Rivet Member
1963 24' Tradewind
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 360
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Sounds interesting! I'm not sure you could get yhe 6hp gas motor "sound proof" as many RV parks don't allow them. So it would have to be silent. Now for boondocking go for it.
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12-04-2008, 10:35 AM
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#3
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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I suppose it is do-able. If it were me I'd have to be seriously motivated. My concerns would be vibration. This could not only be comfort issue to me, but a potential metal (Skin) fatigue concern in the are surrounding the generator. The other concern would be venting the exhaust fumes. I would add some redundency and not depend soley on the dometic duct work. I know it's designed to handle the flue emmisions from the fridge but this a different application with potentially higher temperatures.
Why not add an external generator? Or if you have parts already, build the unit you propose but make it a stand-alone so you could use it for tailgating or other functions.
If you proceed please take pictures and keep us in the commuications loop. We love this kind of thing!
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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12-04-2008, 10:37 AM
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#4
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Sounds like an expensive way to boil water. You are taking alternating current from the alternator, rectifying it to direct current, putting it in a storage battery, then inverting the direct current back to alternating current.It would be a lot less complicated to find a 120 volt generator unit, and hook that up to the engine you have, with the inverter as a backup.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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12-04-2008, 11:30 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
1973 27' Overlander
1963 19' Globetrotter
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,259
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An alternator produces ac current,but after going thru the diodes in the unit it comes out dc current.DAVE
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12-04-2008, 11:47 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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You need to forget about using the built in voltage regulator on the alternator. It will chew through batteries faster than an electromaggot.
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12-04-2008, 07:49 PM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
Manchester
, New Hampshire
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 347
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markdoane
You need to forget about using the built in voltage regulator on the alternator. It will chew through batteries faster than an electromaggot.
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Why is that you would think if it is used in a car and it works fine how would hurt a two battery system of a trailer . It is my belief that the alternator would only operate if the voltage of the battery dropped below certain voltage . Of course if there is some other reason why it would eat up battery's please tell me before I go and blow up mine doing this.
__________________
1976 Airstream Sovereign International Landyacht (renovating)(found DOM plate said 1976)
1968 Airstream Caravel 17 footer
2004 Nissan Titan with BT package
K/N Cool intake air
Duel power exhaust
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12-04-2008, 08:02 PM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
Manchester
, New Hampshire
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 347
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin245
I suppose it is do-able. If it were me I'd have to be seriously motivated. My concerns would be vibration. This could not only be comfort issue to me, but a potential metal (Skin) fatigue concern in the are surrounding the generator. The other concern would be venting the exhaust fumes. I would add some redundency and not depend soley on the dometic duct work. I know it's designed to handle the flue emmisions from the fridge but this a different application with potentially higher temperatures.
Why not add an external generator? Or if you have parts already, build the unit you propose but make it a stand-alone so you could use it for tailgating or other functions.
If you proceed please take pictures and keep us in the commuications loop. We love this kind of thing!
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I was thinking of routing some kind of venting from the floor where the exhaust to the vent above. I am also thinking of converting to propane not using gas . I think this would work because there is a propane line for the frig allready. as far as venting clean air to cool the engine I can route it from side door someway . I figure I can design a cover for it and have it ride on some kinda rubber matting and baffle the exhaust I bet I can make it pretty quiet remember it would not have to run at full throttle either.
Down the road I was thinking of adding a sine wave inverter maybe 4 to 5000 watts and a few more batteries. I think add some 6 volt golf cart batteries and make them parallel would be a good start but that is down the road I would not mind just having 12 volt system now since most of the trailer uses 12 volt anyway. Anyone want to help me design this ? believe me I am all up for any ideas
__________________
1976 Airstream Sovereign International Landyacht (renovating)(found DOM plate said 1976)
1968 Airstream Caravel 17 footer
2004 Nissan Titan with BT package
K/N Cool intake air
Duel power exhaust
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12-04-2008, 09:28 PM
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#9
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrcrowley
Why is that you would think if it is used in a car and it works fine how would hurt a two battery system of a trailer . It is my belief that the alternator would only operate if the voltage of the battery dropped below certain voltage . Of course if there is some other reason why it would eat up battery's please tell me before I go and blow up mine doing this.
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It will stop charging the battery(ies) when voltage reaches normal charging voltage, usually about 14 volts or so. This keeps a car battery charged, there should be no reason why it would overcharge the battery you are considering.
While I don't think there is anything inherently dangerous in your idea, either organically or mechanically, I do think it is unduly complex. The voltage regulator/alternator is designed to keep a battery charged, however, not charge a battery. If you use it to charge the battery, the alternator will overheat, and cause an internal failure.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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12-04-2008, 09:39 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Excella 500
Venice
, California
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,067
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How fast will 6hp. empty a propane tank?
__________________
"Not all who are laundering are washed" say Bill & Heidi
'78 Excella 500,"The Silver Pullit". vacuum over hydraulic disc brakes, center bath, rear twin. '67 Travelall 1200 B 4X4 WBCCI 3737
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12-04-2008, 10:41 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2003 25' Safari
Kissimmee
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 814
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Why replace an LP fridge with a 110 volt unit? Why use a 12 volt generator to charge batteries to convert back up to 110 Volts? There are too many losses in this system.
OTOH: you could leave the fridge alone, and build the generator to recharge you battery while boondocking.
__________________
Dan
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12-05-2008, 06:44 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
Manchester
, New Hampshire
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 347
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
It will stop charging the battery(ies) when voltage reaches normal charging voltage, usually about 14 volts or so. This keeps a car battery charged, there should be no reason why it would overcharge the battery you are considering.
While I don't think there is anything inherently dangerous in your idea, either organically or mechanically, I do think it is unduly complex. The voltage regulator/alternator is designed to keep a battery charged, however, not charge a battery. If you use it to charge the battery, the alternator will overheat, and cause an internal failure.
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Well I looked up making your own generator and the site had a 50 amp alternator hooked up to a 4 hp engine with one deep cycle battery and a 4000 watt inverter and it worked great for them . So I figured a 100 amp alternator should like a car keep all the electrical going and charge batteries at the same time without any major issues . Maybe figuring out how much amp draw I get from all the lights and appliences running and then compare it to how much a (I would say a truck) draws for amps them maybe match something simular in alternator size to that .
Would that work ?
I not sure who mentioned about converting to 110 volts from the battery was
I am thinking about WHEN I do decide to make it making it a 4 battery 6 volt golf battery bank in parallel and run a 2000 watt sine inverter for the refrig only.
__________________
1976 Airstream Sovereign International Landyacht (renovating)(found DOM plate said 1976)
1968 Airstream Caravel 17 footer
2004 Nissan Titan with BT package
K/N Cool intake air
Duel power exhaust
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12-05-2008, 06:55 AM
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#13
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,618
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Your plan is very interesting indeed. My question is why? Propane refrigerators work great. They run for ever on a small amount of propane, have no moving parts and make no noise. Just courious...
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Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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12-05-2008, 11:43 AM
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#14
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Liberator
1972 Argosy 24
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Heart of Dixie
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,659
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I am very happy with my gas/12v fridge....
Now what we need is a freon compressor that ties directly to a small gas engine...
a miniture version of the AC unit on your truck.
it could have electric start so it does not idle between compressor cycles.
Engine would only need to be about 1/2 hp for a small fridge.
I think a trip to the patent office is in order.
__________________
Your opinion is valued, please not your opinion of someones else's opinion.
Click To See Me Wet
1989 Airstream 345 Liberator...
1972 Argosy 24'...
1954 Feathercraft Vagabond
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12-05-2008, 11:54 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1968 28' Ambassador
Cedaredge
, Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,542
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WIND POWER, When I was a mountaineer guide in BC, we used water in a 2 inch line from a river, down hill to a paddle wheel. The 2 inch went to 1/2 to spin the paddle wheel fast, that was connected to a car alternator, which interned charged 4 batteries. Gave us lights and charged batteries with an inverter.
Now What if you had a small windmill on the top of the AS.. Charge while you drive.
And if it's windy at camp, charge too. and If there is no wind. All the hot air from my crazy ideas could power it
__________________
Jason
May you have at least one sunny day, and a soft chair to sit in..
2008 5.7 L V8 Sequoia
AIR # 31243
WBCCI # 6987
FOUR CORNERS UNIT
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12-05-2008, 05:10 PM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
Manchester
, New Hampshire
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 347
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixty3TW4US
Sounds interesting! I'm not sure you could get yhe 6hp gas motor "sound proof" as many RV parks don't allow them. So it would have to be silent. Now for boondocking go for it.
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I forgot to mention the engine is a Honda engine so it is pretty quite
__________________
1976 Airstream Sovereign International Landyacht (renovating)(found DOM plate said 1976)
1968 Airstream Caravel 17 footer
2004 Nissan Titan with BT package
K/N Cool intake air
Duel power exhaust
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|
|
12-05-2008, 10:29 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrcrowley
Why is that you would think if it is used in a car and it works fine how would hurt a two battery system of a trailer . It is my belief that the alternator would only operate if the voltage of the battery dropped below certain voltage . .
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I think it would be better to buy a good three stage regulator, like this one.
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12-06-2008, 04:32 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,346
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Quote:
Originally Posted by klattu
Now what we need is a freon compressor that ties directly to a small gas engine...
a miniture version of the AC unit on your truck.
it could have electric start so it does not idle between compressor cycles.
Engine would only need to be about 1/2 hp for a small fridge.
I think a trip to the patent office is in order.
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Or better yet, for a boondocking AC unit!
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12-06-2008, 06:48 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1992 34' Excella
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 563
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I have often thought about using a ThermoKing unit from a reefer trailer for air conditioning.
__________________
Crusty
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."
Lake Travis, TX
"Rancho Deluxe"
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12-06-2008, 07:56 AM
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#20
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster
Your plan is very interesting indeed. My question is why? Propane refrigerators work great. They run for ever on a small amount of propane, have no moving parts and make no noise. Just courious...
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What he said......why?
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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