Running the A/C off the engine
Moderator: bfadmin
Running the A/C off the engine
is it possible to run the A/C, microwave by using the power of the engine? How is this done?
1995 Born Free 24' Rear Side Bed
Power source
Tom;
If I understand your question correctly -- you can run your chassis A/C if you have your (Ford) engine running. However, you CANNOT supply power to the microwave as it requires 110 volts. In order to run both the A/C and the microwave you'll need to have the generator operating - supplying 110v to the roof A/C and the microwave. Of course, this assumes you're not plugged to outside electrical power.
Don C
SE Michigan
If I understand your question correctly -- you can run your chassis A/C if you have your (Ford) engine running. However, you CANNOT supply power to the microwave as it requires 110 volts. In order to run both the A/C and the microwave you'll need to have the generator operating - supplying 110v to the roof A/C and the microwave. Of course, this assumes you're not plugged to outside electrical power.
Don C
SE Michigan
what about refrigeraton on inverter
I was just thinking why we cann't use an inverter and run the refrigerator when traveling. Seems like if you are driving a lot of miles/hours, it would save on propane. Anyone done this before??
You can hook up an inverter charger. I did in my coach but I do not put the fridge on it. We do not have a big enough battery and alternator system on our coaches. Ambulances have two alternators and if you put two on you might be able to do it but the battery issue will still remain. I would just pay for the propane.
2015 Royal Splendor on Ford 550 none slide version
Former owner 2007 24foot rear bath painted and 2006 22 foot built for two
Former owner 1994 34 foot 2000 36 foot and 2001 42 foot FORETRAVEL's.
Former owner 2007 24foot rear bath painted and 2006 22 foot built for two
Former owner 1994 34 foot 2000 36 foot and 2001 42 foot FORETRAVEL's.
running fridge on inverter
I have an after-market 2500 watt inverter and I run the refrigerator off it frequently while traveling. I haven't checked the current draw by the fridge so I don't know what minimum size inverter is required.
Dan
2000 26ft BF
Dan
2000 26ft BF
TomP,
You could probably install a high enough capacity inverter to run your refrigerator from it but running your house A/C from an inverter would not be practical. I think that the A/C probably takes around 2500 watts of 120 vac power to run it (not even counting the surge power it takes when the compressor engages). That means that the 12 vdc input current to the inverter from your alternator would have to be around 230 amps assuming an inverter efficiency of 90%. I think the alternators in the Ford E350 and E450 chassis are rated at only 130 amps max so you would have to install a 2nd alternator along with very large cables between it and probably an inverter rated at around 4000 to 5000 watts to even think of being able to run your A/C from such a system.
You could probably install a high enough capacity inverter to run your refrigerator from it but running your house A/C from an inverter would not be practical. I think that the A/C probably takes around 2500 watts of 120 vac power to run it (not even counting the surge power it takes when the compressor engages). That means that the 12 vdc input current to the inverter from your alternator would have to be around 230 amps assuming an inverter efficiency of 90%. I think the alternators in the Ford E350 and E450 chassis are rated at only 130 amps max so you would have to install a 2nd alternator along with very large cables between it and probably an inverter rated at around 4000 to 5000 watts to even think of being able to run your A/C from such a system.
Bill Hemme - Spencer, Iowa
E-mail: whemme@earthlink.net
2002 Born Free (Ford E-450 V10) 26' RSB
2016 VW Golf GTI - toad
E-mail: whemme@earthlink.net
2002 Born Free (Ford E-450 V10) 26' RSB
2016 VW Golf GTI - toad
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- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 2:46 pm
Re: Running the A/C off the engine
A dedicated DC generator (24 v preferable for smaller wiring) driven by the engine (could be direct or from the rear axle (as the old rail road cars)) AND dc/ac inverter. The additional energy will be covered by the higher consumption of gas. Initial investment would be high especially for the labor and the coach driving will be negatively affected.TomP wrote:is it possible to run the A/C, microwave by using the power of the engine? How is this done?
With approximately the same gasoline consumption, with out the expenses for labor and materials you can successfully run on board generator for your A/C and microwave units (refrigerator and entertainment included).
Oliver P Smile
2005 26ft RSB
2005 26ft RSB