Stranded on the way to ALASKA!

[Abscate]

Calculate your loads and multiply your solar capacity by 4 to have a system which will keep up. Using the amp rating of the panels will leave you well short.

That's what we do on boats that go on the ocean where we can't get help on the Internet when things go south.

You've got lots of daylight in AK but your flux sucks.

You can't just roll out solar panels and then count all those electrons, you need to keep adjusting the angle to the sun if you want the full rating.
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.ssS!

[HastaAlaska]

[HastaAlaska]

I'm thinking to add an additional deep cell battery to my current set up to give me enough power to edit the videos.

I currently have one primary battery connected to a deep cell auxiliary via a solenoid which keeps them isolated when the Kombi is parked up.

If I add an additional deep cell in parallel to the existing deep cell do you think that the 50amp alternator will struggle to charge the batteries. Are there any other concerns that I should consider?

Thanks for your time and advice so far guys.
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Around The World in a VW - Follow the Docuseries
2011 - PRESENT
Hasta Alaska Series - https://kombilife.com/hasta-alaska/
World Overland Series - https://kombilife.com/world-overland-travel-series/
Latest Adventures - https://www.youtube.com/@kombilife

[Abscate]

50 amps at 12 volts is 600 watts.

To stay up with just your 1kW hour computer load, you would need about 3 hours of run time per day with the alternator at full capacity , allowing for charge non-linearities.
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.ssS!

[Manfred58sc]

I agree that Lithium Ions are not as "balance sensitive" as Lead acid batteries. I think what happened in your situation with the home made super battery was a charge developed around the pack. This was the problem with old Bakelight encased batteries (modern plastic cases are charge neutral). The built up charge will eventually spark igniting whatever fuel is nearby. Sounds like the gen-verter option is not what you are seeking. The 4X over-rating on panel output is a good place to start, but remember global dimming has reduced the suns penetration to the Earth's surface as much as 25%. Northern latitudes are most effected. Deep cycles prefer total discharge and slow charge so parallel arrangements are introducing an inherent unbalanced charge that will be hard on the regular lead acid battery. I would isolate your "office" power from the Bus power to maintain sanity and drivability. Two "golf cart" 12V batteries ( NOT in parallel- one in use, the other charging) would give you a good platform for regular use. 2 X 120 panels should be fine, charge controller would be nice but not necessary. Just monitor your volt meter. Getting the 12V batteries "hot" (15V) every 3 months is good for extending battery life. I lived with a similar set up for 7 years. I can send you wiring diagrams with proper gauges if you go this way.
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Fat chick owner/operator

[richparker]

Manfred always speaks such wise words.
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’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build
’63 Deluxe Build

[Manfred58sc]

Unconventional life= unconventional knowledge. I learned from old-school heads before the scene turned into sign flying ruin...Vagabonding used to a respectable way to live!
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Fat chick owner/operator

[HastaAlaska]

thanks for the advice
_________________
Around The World in a VW - Follow the Docuseries
2011 - PRESENT
Hasta Alaska Series - https://kombilife.com/hasta-alaska/
World Overland Series - https://kombilife.com/world-overland-travel-series/
Latest Adventures - https://www.youtube.com/@kombilife

[HastaAlaska]

Thought I would share a few pictures of the post fire restoration.\

We found a donor bus to give us a few parts

Leah asked me to tell you that she has a lovely pair of pistons.

_________________
Around The World in a VW - Follow the Docuseries
2011 - PRESENT
Hasta Alaska Series - https://kombilife.com/hasta-alaska/
World Overland Series - https://kombilife.com/world-overland-travel-series/
Latest Adventures - https://www.youtube.com/@kombilife

[Manfred58sc]

Better....
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Fat chick owner/operator

[cdennisg]

Pistons make the world go 'round.
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nothing

[HastaAlaska]

[williamM]

New ones from clip-1 or copious amounts of 3M contact ---for "there till dead" seals Have you tried flipping them?
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some days I get up and just sit and think. Some days I just sit.

opinion untempered by fact is ignorance.

Don't step in any!

[skills@eurocarsplus]

yea....let's poop them up again so we can run lean or set the bus on fire again. I have to wonder if you are your own worst enemy. just do it right...come on dude, really?

1000 miles away from civilization, do what you have to do. your bus on a lift?...fix it right for Christ sake
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[Manfred58sc]

Cip1 is in Canada!! get new seals! Lean/rich conditions= improper engine temps which will put you on the way to engine #12. More pics of the clean up please.
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Fat chick owner/operator

[khalimadeath]

[Wildthings]

[Silverboot]

[cdennisg]

[HastaAlaska]