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I have a few battery questions.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019.

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  1. Aug 18, 2019 #1
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    Is it possible to install 4 extra batteries under the cat walk? Like the they do for the battery powered APU but as extra battery capacity? The reason for this is i want to run really high powered electronics in my rig and don’t want to strain the current 4 batteries, when everything is on at once.

    I want to install 2 x 3000 watt inverters, one to power the appliances the other powering my entertainment system.

    Is it over kill? Or would the current batteries be enough with a TK apu charging things up.
     
    LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019
    LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019
    #1
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  3. Aug 18, 2019 #2
    starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    It is possible. I don't know if I would want them under the cat walk. A guy could get the cross frame battery box off an old international cabover and it would be an easy deal. I would for sure have an isolator in the system, so that it couldn't run the truck batteries down.

    I hope you never park next to me and get this sound system blaring. lol
     
    starmac, Aug 18, 2019
    starmac, Aug 18, 2019
    #2
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  4. Aug 18, 2019 #3
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    The batteries are only there for starting, absorbing voltage spikes and providing limited power in the event of alternator failure. If you plan on running lots of electronics, upgrade the alternator to something that can supply everything.
     
    AModelCat, Aug 18, 2019
    AModelCat, Aug 18, 2019
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  5. Aug 18, 2019 #4
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    Just dont park a reefer next to me, we good.

    The system would only be used when truck is either running or APU running, I’m wondering if APU has enough power to charge 8 batteries if system is in full use.

    I guess the APU alternator output would be the weakest link as well as the trucks.



    I am looking at alternators, but the issue is max is 160 amp, i cant seem to find something in the 200’s or 300 amp rating for a DD15, anyone know if 2 alternators are possible? I know vehicles are capable of it.
     
    LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019
    LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019
    #4
  7. Aug 18, 2019 #5
    starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    I worked on something once that had 2 alt's, maybe an ambulance. It is possible, but with the belt systems and room it would take some custom work.
    Typically the older apu's did not have a big alt, I do not know what is available today on them.
    If you are talking about just powering this stuff up,when you are parked, just get you a generator, might be the easiest and cheapest.
     
    starmac, Aug 18, 2019
    starmac, Aug 18, 2019
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    FlaSwampRat, HoneyBadger67 and LoneRanger Thank this.
  8. Aug 18, 2019 #6
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    Thanks, totally forgot about the possibility of a generator to power the entertainment, in conjunction with a APU to power the AC.
     
    LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019
    LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019
    #6
  9. Aug 18, 2019 #7
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    I just also thought of something, if I’m running 3000 watts on the inverter wouldn’t that mean I’m only drawing 25 amps of power?
     
    LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019
    LoneRanger, Aug 18, 2019
    #7
  10. Aug 18, 2019 #8
    starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    I am not sure how much power they draw, and I bet it depends on the quality of the inverter too. I know coleman I think it was several years sold a 3000 watt inverter, but it was a joke, it had 4 outlets and each outlet only put out 750 watts, witch wouldn''t run most coffee pots. lol
     
    starmac, Aug 18, 2019
    starmac, Aug 18, 2019
    #8
  11. Aug 18, 2019 #9
    Claytonbigsby

    Claytonbigsby Bobtail Member

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    3000 w
    divided by
    12v
    250 DC amps
     
    Claytonbigsby, Aug 18, 2019
    Claytonbigsby, Aug 18, 2019
    #9
  12. Aug 18, 2019 #10
    starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    That does not seem right, there is a lot of trucks with a 3000 watt inverter and just a 140 or 60 amp alternator.
     
    starmac, Aug 18, 2019
    starmac, Aug 18, 2019
    #10
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