Batteries question

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by L3v1s, Sep 24, 2021.

  1. L3v1s

    L3v1s Bobtail Member

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    Dec 8, 2014
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    Hey guys and gals, I have a question regarding something I want to do on my truck, but I'm not sure what kind of batteries will do for me. Basically I've just bought a new truck which has no apu and has no frame space for one. On top of that it's quite heavy, so additional 4 batteries are not the way I want to go. So the question is is there a type of batteries, that would allow me to run an AC and inverter when parked and at the same time start the truck when it's time to go? I'm planning (at least I'd like to believe it's possible for someoneto do it for me) to hook the under bunk AC to a condenser and the starting batteries, so it runs when engine is off and hook a Honda eu2200i generator (mounted in a tool box on my trailer) to the inverter charger that shout keep the batteries from complete drainage. Would AGM be better for that purpose than a dual purpose batteries? Any suggestions on how this whole thing needs to be done by someone who has done it already? Thanks!
     
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  3. Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    I don't know about that in general. But I do know a guy who has a Honda gas powered generator he uses. He has a cabinet built where they commonly mount a spare tire rack behind the cab and stows the generator and fuel there and has one of those stand alone room Air Conditioner systems with the hoses. When he stops, he sets the hoses up in his sleeper berth window, pulls out his generator and fires it up. Works really well for him. But, he did spend the needed time and effort to customize and tweak it all in so it works well for him. It is not half-a..ed.
    Also, unsure why you don't have room for a regular APU. I thought there wasn't a place on my truck, a Volvo, because the fuel tanks are mounted toward the rear without enough space behind them for either an APU or snow chain rack. Then, one day I was walking past another Volvo at a truck stop and heard the familiar APU noise. Stopped and looked and found out Volvos do have a place for an APU. It is behind the side skirt, in front of the fuel tanks. Just makes me wish Volvos had a different set up on their side skirts where you could open it and have access for storage space or a snow chain rack in that, basically, unused area.
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2021
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  4. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Your best application would be a dual purpose AGM. Search and you can find many options out there of varying prices and quality. Plan on spending 4 times or more cost than a traditional lead acid group 31. Some prefer to just buy cheap and replace them every year or 2. Spend the big money and hope they last 4 or 5, if your lucky. Its hard to find anyone who will stand behind a battery warranty and just fork over 4 new ones, practically unheard of without jumping thru hoops. The harder you beat them, the sooner they fail.
     
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  5. L3v1s

    L3v1s Bobtail Member

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    Dec 8, 2014
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    I contacted a local shop that specializes in apu/hvac systems and they said it's doable, but i order to achieve what I want I'd need a
    pretty powerful generator. Problem with that is that I only have enough space for one of those honda eu2200i or similar generator and those won't cut the mustard. I guess I'm gonna have to sacrifice one of my tool boxes and install one of those electric apus. I saw Carrier offer one with lithium ion batteries which isn't too heavy either.
     
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