New Airstream! :) Solar Panel and Generator?

[ckerrick]

Don't know how far back Airstream goes with interior LED lighting, but my 2013 25' Interstate has them so assume they were standard on 2013 models.

[ghaynes755]

BAB take a look at the Magnum 3000 Hybrid Inverter. Would allow you to use a mix of batteries, solar and smaller EU2000 generator if you don't already have the the EU3000. You would have enough to run 1 of the A/C units.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by BAB

I am about to do it over again with a '15 Classic 30. I'll add 600W of solar panels (AM Solar set-up), 3 GP27 AGM Lifeline's, a 2000W inverter, upgraded converter, and a Honda EU3000i Handi for generator power. I think the question about "what you need" is so dependent on how, where and when you use your trailer. I can't imagine not having a generator for A/C when you're out in the heat of the south or southwest come summertime...

You won't need an upgraded converter if you have a Magnum inverter/charger of any size, as they all have one of the best 4-stage fully programmable charging sections available with full temperature compensation.

The new MSH-3012M 'hybrid' inverter/charger will, given a sufficiently sized battery bank, the ability to operate your roof A/C by seamlessly combining the inverter's 3000 watt output with a small generator (Honda/Yamaha 2000) to provide up to 5000 watts of A/C compressor starting power.

Once running, the inverter will taper off it's contribution and allow the 2000 watt generator to operate the A/C, only spooling up momentarily if additional amperage is required to again start the compressor.

Also, your 600 watt solar array can easily handle a 440 amp/hour or even a 600 amp/hour Lifeline battery bank.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by BAB

I am about to do it over again with a '15 Classic 30. I'll add 600W of solar panels (AM Solar set-up), 3 GP27 AGM Lifeline's, a 2000W inverter, upgraded converter, and a Honda EU3000i Handi for generator power. I think the question about "what you need" is so dependent on how, where and when you use your trailer. I can't imagine not having a generator for A/C when you're out in the heat of the south or southwest come summertime...

Barry, a more elegant solution (and well within your technical abilities) would be a 3kw fuel cell stack. Forget the heavy batteries, ugly solar panels, generators and gasoline.

[BAB]

A fuel cell stack appeals to my "early adopter-ness" -- but (like an OLED TV), needs to come down in price a LOT. BUT, it could easily operate off of the 74 gallons of diesel. Lew, I think the idea of the MSH-3012M is a great option...IF I hadn't bought the Honda 3000iH last year. I have a (more or less) great install in the bed of my Ram 2500...that I used successfully last summer -- even running A/C at lunchtime in rest stops. Going up to 3 AGM's is going to give me a lot more "cushion" ....and once I have some experience with this set up -- and a fix on whether there's adequate room, I could add a 4th Lifeline. Good options galore!

[B00merang]

Dan&Mimi
Based on your address I suspect much of your camping will occur along the East Coast and mid-Atlantic states....you will need the AC! As others have stated, solar won't do a thing to help with running the AC...you'll want/need a generator as well. I use the Honda 2,000W pair..(you'll need both to run the AC), but it allows you to leave one 50lb unit at home when you don't anticipate needing AC. Have fun. Jon

[lewster]

Originally Posted by B00merang

Dan&Mimi
Based on your address I suspect much of your camping will occur along the East Coast and mid-Atlantic states....you will need the AC! As others have stated, solar won't do a thing to help with running the AC...you'll want/need a generator as well. I use the Honda 2,000W pair..(you'll need both to run the AC), but it allows you to leave one 50lb unit at home when you don't anticipate needing AC. Have fun. Jon

Actually, solar CAN help run a roof A/C when you have a 'hybrid' inverter. With this device and a properly sized and installed solar charging system, you can start and run the A/C with a single 2000 watt generator.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[kellykellyi]

Originally Posted by lewster

Actually, solar CAN help run a roof A/C when you have a 'hybrid' inverter. With this device and a properly sized and installed solar charging system, you can start and run the A/C with a single 2000 watt generator.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

It would be great if you were in the Los Angeles area and could set this up for me!!!

[lewster]

Take a road trip up to Hood River OR this summer. Tons of stuff to do and see, GREAT BEER and water sports galore.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[kellykellyi]

I thought about it! 957 miles so maybe better to ship it up there and drive it back.

[gecko]

I'll second Lew in the fantastic-ness of Hood River and the rest of the Columbua River Gorge. We go up from SoCal every summer. It's a comfy drive toein with two stopovers, and that way you have time to enjoy different areas on threat up and down. We usually spend some time between SF and Sac, leaving the Airstream and commuting back and forth to SoCal. Then we'll head ups satay overnight, leaving in the morning and stopping mid Oregon to hike and enjoy the forest. That leaves a short drive into the Gorge, arriving midday in time to enjoy your first time there.

AND you get Lew, too!