Hello everyone,
I'm new to the van game and I'm beginning to convert my 1997 E350 Cutaway Shuttle Van into an RV. I've got all the blueprints of the architechtural design finished, next is the planning phase for what my source of energy will be, this is the area I'm only familiar with from what I've read online.
My goal is to have 1 or 2 solar panels on top of the van that are constantly charging 2-4? deep cycle batteries, however, this will not be my only source of electricity. The deep cycle batteries will only function to power small floor standing portable ac/heat unit if needed, possibly TV as well, but mainly just for lights and charging an occasional laptop or something but only while we are off grid. We also plan to have a small generator to crank if needed.
Basically, I'm wondering if anyone out there knows exactly how many deep cycle batteries I will need to run the simple function of a small ac/heat unit for multiple hours. I know it all depends on size of the AC unit etc. but I'm curious to know if anyone has had experience with running one in conjuction with deep cycle batteries. ANY info is greatly appreciated.
-JL
I'm new to the van game and I'm beginning to convert my 1997 E350 Cutaway Shuttle Van into an RV. I've got all the blueprints of the architechtural design finished, next is the planning phase for what my source of energy will be, this is the area I'm only familiar with from what I've read online.
My goal is to have 1 or 2 solar panels on top of the van that are constantly charging 2-4? deep cycle batteries, however, this will not be my only source of electricity. The deep cycle batteries will only function to power small floor standing portable ac/heat unit if needed, possibly TV as well, but mainly just for lights and charging an occasional laptop or something but only while we are off grid. We also plan to have a small generator to crank if needed.
Basically, I'm wondering if anyone out there knows exactly how many deep cycle batteries I will need to run the simple function of a small ac/heat unit for multiple hours. I know it all depends on size of the AC unit etc. but I'm curious to know if anyone has had experience with running one in conjuction with deep cycle batteries. ANY info is greatly appreciated.
-JL