House batteries

tipton eric

New member
Jul 20, 1998
191
0
0
It is time once again to replace my house batteries. Last time I
replaced to original equipment D4 size with a bank of 3 size 24's. I am
contemplating two large 6 volt Trojans run in series. Is anyone
running a similar configuration. Any and all input is appreciated.

Eric Tipton
etipton
 
>
> It is time once again to replace my house batteries. Last time I
> replaced to original equipment D4 size with a bank of 3 size 24's. I am
> contemplating two large 6 volt Trojans run in series. Is anyone
> running a similar configuration. Any and all input is appreciated.
>
> Eric Tipton
> etipton
Eric
I have two six volt golf batteries I run in series, And it serves my
coach very well.
Jack Ford
 
For house batteries use two six volt golf cart batteries in series. If you
use two twelve volts in parallel they will try to charge each other and
result in fewer available coulombs than if you go the six volt route.

Golf car batteries are an excellent choice as they are designed to be drawn
down rather far then recharged. Starting batteries are designed for lower
internal resistance so they can provide high power density for short
periods of time.

On my coach I put an auxiliary battery holder on the driver's side and have
the starting battery there and have plenty of room for a pair of golf cart
batteries on the other side.

Hope this helps, Jerry

>-- [ From: Eugene Fisher * EMC.Ver #2.5.3 ] --
> Expanded recipient data:
> To: Gcbr \ America On-Line: (gcbr)
>
>The recommendation is for two 6 volt golf cart batts for the coach,
>however it is recommended to use a large 12 volt for the starting batt.
>Now I will have to go find my notes to see why the 12 volt. It was
>something like the 12 volt has better starting characteristics and the
>golf cart batts have better long term drain characteristics. I will get
>back.
>
>gene
>-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------
>
>Date: Tuesday, 13-Oct-98 08:53 PM
>
>From: Gcbr \ America On-Line: (gcbr)
>To: gmclist \ Internet: (gmcmotorhome
>.org)
>
>Attachment: mimemsg.doc Code: 0103TGG \ Created: Unknown [2 Kb]
>
>Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries
>
>In a message dated 10/13/98 6:24:24 PM Central Daylight Time,

>
> It is time once again to replace my house batteries. Last time I
> replaced to original equipment D4 size with a bank of 3 size 24's. I
>am
> contemplating two large 6 volt Trojans run in series. Is anyone
> running a similar configuration. Any and all input is appreciated.
> >>
>
>Eric
>
>I am about to do the same. I too want to go to 2 big 6 volts for house
>bats. I also would like to hear about 2 big 6 volts for starting bats.
>With 4 big 6 volt bats on board I think I would have some real STAYING
>power.
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
>
>-------- REPLY, End of original message --------
>
>
>
>
 
>
>In a message dated 10/13/98 8:07:04 PM Central Daylight Time,

>
> I have two six volt golf batteries I run in series, And it serves my
> coach very well.
> Jack Ford >>
>
>Jack
>
>How many amp hours? Do you boondock much? What kind of charger?
>Sorry for so many questions.
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
>

Arch,

I run 2 golf car batteries (Trojan 104s) in the rear battey compartment of our Palm Beach. The larger cpacity batteries are
too tall to fit into the compartment without some modifications. I've gone to the TrueCharge 40+ battery charger available
from West Marine under their brand, or from Statpower (the manufacturer) in British Columbia.

Using this setup I can go 2 days during the summer before I need to recharge. During the 2 days, our load is primarily
determined by the fridge. We still have the original fridge, so I don't have the option of propane. We used 2 lights
(originals) for 2-3 hours per day, ran the radio a bit (1-2 hours per day) and still had enough juice left in the batteries
to start the genset. Once I had to start the coach first in order to start the genset - after we'de run 3 days without any
recharge.

Things to do that will extend boondocking time:

1. get a propane fridge! Probably the biggest improvement.
2. when boondocking use the "middle 50%" of the battey bank capacity. This means discharging until about 30% capacity is
left and then recharging to 80% using the genset. You can rechage the 50% in about 2 hours depending on the charger. Shore
powered recharge to 100%.
2. consider halogen lights or florescents(best) for better efficiency
3. look at your DC systems that include dimmers or speed controls. If they use load resistors for controling speed consider
replacing with an electronic PWM controller, it's more energy efficient but more expensive.
4. switch to a charger like the TrueCharge that can recharge to an 80% level in a few hours ( I try to use only about the
middle 50% of the battery bank capacity since it recharges quickest)

You can also get a good feel for your own power consumption by installing an ammeter on the house battery and watching your
load. Alternatively, run a few specific tests like I did to determine how long your battery banks last under what you think
will be your typical usage. Lastly, make certain that your house and coach batteries are isolated - that way when you make a
mistake, you can still get everything started. Or, if you're really paranoid like me, carry a portapak booster battery just
to make sure.

Henry


Henry Davis Consulting, Inc / new product consulting
PO Box 1270 / product readiness reviews
Soquel, Ca 95073 / IP reviews
ph: (408) 462-5199 / full service marketing
fax: (408) 462-5198
http://www.henry-davis.com
 
Jack - what is the size of the batteries, cost & brand?

Eric Tipton
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: Jack Ford [mailto:jpf]
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 1998 6:10 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries

>
> It is time once again to replace my house batteries.
Last time I
> replaced to original equipment D4 size with a bank of
3 size 24's. I am
> contemplating two large 6 volt Trojans run in series.
Is anyone
> running a similar configuration. Any and all input is
appreciated.
>
> Eric Tipton
> etipton
Eric
I have two six volt golf batteries I run in series, And
it serves my
coach very well.
Jack Ford
 
I am also interested in the auxiliary battery holder. Please post the info
to the entire list.

TW

- --
Thomas P. Winslow
1977 GMC Coca-Cola TZE167V101893
1974/75 GMC Eleganza SE TZE064V101146
189 Hicks Creek Road, Troutman, NC 28166
h704-528-5868 * f704-528-5868 * p704-878-1157
E-Mail: winslow * tom_winslow
Web Page: http://www.iredell.com

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-gmcmotorhome
[mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Gcbr
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 1998 10:05 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries

In a message dated 10/14/98 11:24:03 AM Central Daylight Time,

 
.....
Date: Wednesday, 14-Oct-98 11:18 AM

From: Gerald Schmitt \ Internet: (ggs)
To: gmclist \ Internet: (gmcmotorhome
.org)

......
On my coach I put an auxiliary battery holder on the driver's side and
have the starting battery there and have plenty of room for a pair of
golf cart batteries on the other side.

Hope this helps, Jerry

....Reply
Jerry, sounds like a good idea. Did you have to make a special bracket
to mount on the drivers side for the engine battery?
Did you keep the rear Onan battery as well?

Alot of great comments on additional battery power.
Thanks,
Bill

_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
 
Hi Arch,

I am very tied up with Ski Patrol this weekend but will try to get
a digital photo and send it to you as a jpeg file.

My air tank is on the passenger side so there was plenty of space
behind the steering column. The holder was one I had from JC Whitney
is was sized to fit the largest conventional battery. I made the brackets.

Jerry

>In a message dated 10/14/98 11:24:03 AM Central Daylight Time,

>
> On my coach I put an auxiliary battery holder on the driver's side and
> have the starting battery there and have plenty of room for a pair of
> golf cart batteries on the other side.
>
> Hope this helps, Jerry >>
>
>Jerry
>
>Could you tell me about the auxiliary battery holder on the drivers side?
>Where did you get it and where did you put it? I have this problem of my
>76 Glenbrook being a real half breed. It has the large air tank mounted
>on the drivers side. Yet it has a second design hot water heater. Yes, mine
>has the old Power Level system. I have second design windows-----with
>fixed windows in door and galley. I never know where things should be.
>If you have a pic of your set up it would be great otherwise-----talk to me.
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
>
 
Jerry - please send the pictures to Patrick for posting on his site.

Eric Tipton
World Technology Services
Tel: 206.436.3300 Fax: 206.436.3305
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: Gerald Schmitt [mailto:ggs]
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 1998 8:06 AM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries

Hi Arch,

I am very tied up with Ski Patrol this weekend but will
try to get
a digital photo and send it to you as a jpeg file.

My air tank is on the passenger side so there was plenty
of space
behind the steering column. The holder was one I had
from JC Whitney
is was sized to fit the largest conventional battery. I
made the brackets.

Jerry

>In a message dated 10/14/98 11:24:03 AM Central
Daylight Time,

>
> On my coach I put an auxiliary battery holder on the
driver's side and
> have the starting battery there and have plenty of
room for a pair of
> golf cart batteries on the other side.
>
> Hope this helps, Jerry >>
>
>Jerry
>
>Could you tell me about the auxiliary battery holder on
the drivers side?
>Where did you get it and where did you put it? I have
this problem of my
>76 Glenbrook being a real half breed. It has the large
air tank mounted
>on the drivers side. Yet it has a second design hot
water heater. Yes, mine
>has the old Power Level system. I have second design
windows-----with
>fixed windows in door and galley. I never know where
things should be.
>If you have a pic of your set up it would be great
otherwise-----talk to me.
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
>
 
Our 75 Glenbrook has the drivers side air tank.

I removed the original front passenger side engine battery tray but retained
the brackets it sits on.

Found enough room there for two Golf Cart house batteries and the starting
battery. A tight fit but it works.

The two golf cart batteries are back next to the front of the fender liner.
The starter battery has its long side transverse with the terminals in
front.

I went to a local metal shop and had them make a new one piece tray from
1/4" aluminum sheet which I bolted onto the old brackets. It has sides
about 2" high to help hold the batteries in place.

There are several golf cart batteries but dimensions seem to be the same
from brand to brand.

For safety, I bought a 250 amp fuse and holder at West Marine and mounted it
next to the house battery.

Golf cart batteries are built to withstand many discharge cycles but the
gurus say they will last longer if you do not deep cycle them.

Make certain the extra 120 lbs up front does not put your front wheel over
its axle rating.

Cheers,

Don Miller

>where did you put it? I have this problem of my
>76 Glenbrook being a real half breed. It has the large air tank mounted
>on the drivers side. Yet it has a second design hot water heater. Yes, mine
>has the old Power Level system. I have second design windows-----with
>fixed windows in door and galley. I never know where things should be.
>If you have a pic of your set up it would be great otherwise-----talk to
me.
>
>Take Care
>Arch
 
It is my understanding that it was purchased by Houser Camper Mfg.,
Lincolnton, NC. These were the folks that did the repair estimate for the
insurance co (and totaled it). I thought about using them to do some of my
work buy now I am not sure. I tried to buy the coach back but the insurance
co quoted me a higher price than it actually sold for . . .?

I believe it was sold between $4k and $5k.

TW

- --
Thomas P. Winslow
1977 GMC Coca-Cola TZE167V101893
1974/75 GMC Eleganza SE TZE064V101146
189 Hicks Creek Road, Troutman, NC 28166
h704-528-5868 * f704-528-5868 * p704-878-1157
E-Mail: winslow * tom_winslow
Web Page: http://www.iredell.com http://www.iredell.com/gmc4sale.html

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-gmcmotorhome
[mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of ELUBO
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 1998 7:56 AM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries

Tom,

Do you know who purchased your totaled coach from the Insurance Co.?

Ed Lubo
 
I removed the bat back of the genset because too much weight, too far aft
of the rear axle is detrimental to good handling in most vehicles.

More weight back there and the tail starts to do more of the steering. I
appreciate superior road manners so I'm trying to lighten my GMC's tail.

OK, while on the subject, adding up the heavy items behind the rear axle.
Propane tank, water tank, spare tire, aft air conditioner, 8d battery, Onan
and trailer hitch were on mine. Did I miss anything? All are heavy items
and enough weight to probably be detrimental to good handling.

Too much weight and the tail starts to do more of the steering...... sounds
familiar does'nt it ?

Onan cranks fine with full batteries up front but hav'nt tried it yet with
low batteries. Don't really care as I plan to be rid of it too, if the big
12v alternator and inverter system prove to be adequate.

Cheers

Don Miller

>Thanks for the info. This seems to be a different approach than I have
heard
>of.
>Do you still have a bat back next to the gen set?
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
 
How large an alternator & inverter are you running?

Eric Tipton
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: Donald W. Miller [mailto:millerdw]
Sent: Friday, October 16, 1998 5:02 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries

I removed the bat back of the genset because too much
weight, too far aft
of the rear axle is detrimental to good handling in most
vehicles.

More weight back there and the tail starts to do more of
the steering. I
appreciate superior road manners so I'm trying to
lighten my GMC's tail.

OK, while on the subject, adding up the heavy items
behind the rear axle.
Propane tank, water tank, spare tire, aft air
conditioner, 8d battery, Onan
and trailer hitch were on mine. Did I miss anything?
All are heavy items
and enough weight to probably be detrimental to good
handling.

Too much weight and the tail starts to do more of the
steering...... sounds
familiar does'nt it ?

Onan cranks fine with full batteries up front but hav'nt
tried it yet with
low batteries. Don't really care as I plan to be rid
of it too, if the big
12v alternator and inverter system prove to be adequate.

Cheers

Don Miller

>Thanks for the info. This seems to be a different
approach than I have
heard
>of.
>Do you still have a bat back next to the gen set?
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
 
If that were my coach and they asked for a higher price than they paid me I
would be asking them to revise the estimate. Something is fishy!

>It is my understanding that it was purchased by Houser Camper Mfg.,
>Lincolnton, NC. These were the folks that did the repair estimate for the
>insurance co (and totaled it). I thought about using them to do some of my
>work buy now I am not sure. I tried to buy the coach back but the insurance
>co quoted me a higher price than it actually sold for . . .?
>
>I believe it was sold between $4k and $5k.
>
>TW
>
>
>--
>Thomas P. Winslow
>1977 GMC Coca-Cola TZE167V101893
>1974/75 GMC Eleganza SE TZE064V101146
>189 Hicks Creek Road, Troutman, NC 28166
>h704-528-5868 * f704-528-5868 * p704-878-1157
>E-Mail: winslow * tom_winslow
>Web Page: http://www.iredell.com http://www.iredell.com/gmc4sale.html
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-gmcmotorhome
>[mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of ELUBO
>Sent: Thursday, October 15, 1998 7:56 AM
>To: gmcmotorhome
>Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries
>
>
>Tom,
>
>Do you know who purchased your totaled coach from the Insurance Co.?
>
>Ed Lubo
>
>
>
>
 
>>------------------------------
>
>Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 17:10:35 -0700
>From: "Tipton, Eric"
>Subject: RE: GMC: House batteries
>
>How large an alternator & inverter are you running?
>
>Eric Tipton
>etipton
>

My eventually - all electric - no propane - no Onan - rebuild project is
still in progress.

I'll use a 165 amp Leece Neville alternator I happen to have on hand driven
with double "V" belts.

Leece alternators are available up to 200 amps. I buy units rebuilt by
"Arrow" from a parts house. Leece are used in the trucking industry so are
available from trucking sources too.

Electrodyne builds brushless 12 volt alternators up to 450 amps. Top grade
and top price.

Prestolite - Leece and Electrodyne both have web sites for further info.

I installed a Statpower ProSine 2500 watt pure sine wave inverter which
includes a top notch 100 amp charger. I have used it enough to think highly
of it. One very nice feature is it senses the GMC's total shorepower load
and automatically reduces battery charging to prevent tripping shorepower
breakers.

Also have an 8 year old Trace 1500 watt which has been heavily used, seen
thousands of sea miles, and never given any trouble. IMO Trace products are
excellent too.

Lessons learned so far:

1. If I had been thinking clearly when planning this installation I would
have converted to a 24 volt system.
2. 2/0 welding cables from house battery to a 2500 watt inverter are best
kept under 4 foot long.
3. At 2500 watts you better have an alternator on line or two golf cart
batteries won't last long.

Cheers,

Don Miller
 
Don - what modifications did you make to install the alternator? New
bracket, new pulley? Are pictures available?

Eric Tipton
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: Donald W. Miller [mailto:millerdw]
Sent: Saturday, October 17, 1998 8:55 AM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries

>>------------------------------
>
>Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 17:10:35 -0700
>From: "Tipton, Eric"
>Subject: RE: GMC: House batteries
>
>How large an alternator & inverter are you running?
>
>Eric Tipton
>etipton
>

My eventually - all electric - no propane - no Onan -
rebuild project is
still in progress.

I'll use a 165 amp Leece Neville alternator I happen to
have on hand driven
with double "V" belts.

Leece alternators are available up to 200 amps. I buy
units rebuilt by
"Arrow" from a parts house. Leece are used in the
trucking industry so are
available from trucking sources too.

Electrodyne builds brushless 12 volt alternators up to
450 amps. Top grade
and top price.

Prestolite - Leece and Electrodyne both have web sites
for further info.

I installed a Statpower ProSine 2500 watt pure sine wave
inverter which
includes a top notch 100 amp charger. I have used it
enough to think highly
of it. One very nice feature is it senses the GMC's
total shorepower load
and automatically reduces battery charging to prevent
tripping shorepower
breakers.

Also have an 8 year old Trace 1500 watt which has been
heavily used, seen
thousands of sea miles, and never given any trouble. IMO
Trace products are
excellent too.

Lessons learned so far:

1. If I had been thinking clearly when planning this
installation I would
have converted to a 24 volt system.
2. 2/0 welding cables from house battery to a 2500 watt
inverter are best
kept under 4 foot long.
3. At 2500 watts you better have an alternator on line
or two golf cart
batteries won't last long.

Cheers,

Don Miller
 
Eric - Alternator not yet installed. Just finished putting in inverter,
batteries and heavy cables.

Will make new brackets and mount alternator where present alternator is.
It is larger but should fit OK.

Bought a new 3" double groove alternator pulley from a Leece dealer in
Norfolk, Va.

Plan to use a matched pair of belts on two grooves to drive water pump,
power steering pump and alternator.

The short power steering / water pump belt will be replaced with a belt
identical to the one beside it which now drives the alternator.

BTW, on the boat I use industrial rather than automotive belts as they seem
a better quality with higher hp ratings.

Should have over 100 amps (1300 watts) with engine idling in neutral.

I took some 35mm pictures of the inverter mounted behind the refrigerator
but have
not finished the roll yet. Will try to get some pix of the alternator too.

Cheers,

Don Miller
75 Glenbrook in pieces
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

- ----------------------------
>
>Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 10:21:25 -0700
>From: "Tipton, Eric"
>Subject: RE: GMC: House batteries
>
>Don - what modifications did you make to install the alternator? New
>bracket, new pulley? Are pictures available?
>
>Eric Tipton
>etipton
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Donald W. Miller [mailto:millerdw]
> Sent: Saturday, October 17, 1998 8:55 AM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries
>
>
> >>------------------------------
> >
> >Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 17:10:35 -0700
> >From: "Tipton, Eric"
> >Subject: RE: GMC: House batteries
> >
> >How large an alternator & inverter are you running?
> >
> >Eric Tipton
> >etipton
> >
>
>
>
> My eventually - all electric - no propane - no Onan -
>rebuild project is
> still in progress.
>
> I'll use a 165 amp Leece Neville alternator I happen to
>have on hand driven
> with double "V" belts.
>
> Leece alternators are available up to 200 amps. I buy
>units rebuilt by
> "Arrow" from a parts house. Leece are used in the
>trucking industry so are
> available from trucking sources too.
>
> Electrodyne builds brushless 12 volt alternators up to
>450 amps. Top grade
> and top price.
>
> Prestolite - Leece and Electrodyne both have web sites
>for further info.
>
> I installed a Statpower ProSine 2500 watt pure sine wave
>inverter which
> includes a top notch 100 amp charger. I have used it
>enough to think highly
> of it. One very nice feature is it senses the GMC's
>total shorepower load
> and automatically reduces battery charging to prevent
>tripping shorepower
> breakers.
>
> Also have an 8 year old Trace 1500 watt which has been
>heavily used, seen
> thousands of sea miles, and never given any trouble. IMO
>Trace products are
> excellent too.
>
>
> Lessons learned so far:
>
> 1. If I had been thinking clearly when planning this
>installation I would
> have converted to a 24 volt system.
> 2. 2/0 welding cables from house battery to a 2500 watt
>inverter are best
> kept under 4 foot long.
> 3. At 2500 watts you better have an alternator on line
>or two golf cart
> batteries won't last long.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Don Miller
>
>------------------------------
>
>End of GMC Motorhome Digest V2 #48
>**********************************
>
 
> I would say that 2500 watts of inverter/charger will soon kill your >
> bank, requiring replacement of the batteries. Larry Nelson PB 75

Even if he uses just the middle 60% of his capacity most of the time...?
- --
Regards,
John Dolan K3FIG
74 Glacier near Washington, DC
 
How right you are Larry, it takes big big batteries unless you are willing
to keep an engine running.

We too lived aboard for several years in the extended cruising mode.

A continuing problem is our decadent, energy intensive, lifestyle.

Need lots of ice cubes on hot days and gotta play with our electronics and
powered goodies.

Another way of attacking the, "too small house battery problem", is to
keep a big alternator on line during times of high energy useage. In our
case, it will be our 455 idling when not on shorepower.

I think I have most of Nigel Calder's books. Knows his stuff, does'nt he?

Thanks and cheers,

Don Miller

75 Glennbrook in bits and pieces
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

>Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 09:31:19 EDT
>From: LNelson208
>Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries
>
>In a message dated 10/17/98 10:56:55 AM Central Daylight Time,

>
> still in progress.
> >>
>Don....I have been through this on my houseboat. In researching the
concept, I
>came across a "formula" that, in essence, lays out the bank size / inverter
>size relationship. In other words, my 2000 watt inverter/charger "required"
a
>minimum of 880 (reserve) amps of bank capacity. Three years of operation
has
>led me to believe the 880 amps is truly a "minimum". I will try to dig
this
>information up. In may have been in one of Nigel Calder's books, articles,
or
>even in an old RV site, don't remember, but I will locate it. I would say
that
>2500 watts of inverter/charger will soon kill your bank, requiring
replacement
>of the batteries. Larry Nelson PB 75
 
You can find it at AMAZON.COM. The URL is
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0964738619/qid%3D908934386/002-478757
7-8210419

Managing 12 Volts : How to Upgrade, Operate, and Troubleshoot 12 Volt
Electrical Systems
by Harold Barre List Price: $19.95
Our Price: $15.96
You Save: $3.99 (20%)

Availability: On Order; usually ships within 1-2 weeks.

Paperback - 213 pages (August 1996)
Summer Breeze Pub; ISBN: 0964738619 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.50 x 8.93 x
5.99

- --
Thomas P. Winslow
1966 TR4A IRS - CTC57665L 1968 TR250 - CD4783L 1968 TR250 - CD5272L
189 Hicks Creek Road, Troutman, NC 28166
h704-528-5868 * f704-528-5868 * p704-878-1157
E-Mail: winslow * tom_winslow
Web Page: http://www.iredell.com/triumph.html
http://www.iredell.com/gmc4sale.html

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-gmcmotorhome
[mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Gcbr
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 1998 9:02 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: House batteries

In a message dated 10/20/98 8:33:05 AM Central Daylight Time,

>
GMC Folks

I have a recommendation for all of you. Go get a book called "Managing
12 Volts." Sorry the book is not here or I would tell you more. It is the
best book I have ever read on the subject of gen sets inverters converters
solar panels wind generators------you name it. It lists inverter to bat
sizes
Wire size for how many amps and how long. Bought it from one of the
camping catalogs I get.

Take Care
Arch 76GB IL