QuestionI have a '89 coachman catalina and plenty of mechanical ability and tools. The question is I want to up grade my batteries to be able to run the TV at night without having to run the generator. Right now I have 1 battery I was going to make a new battery box and I plan to use 3 12v batteries (Being a mechanic these are easy to come by than 6v). My problem is I wanted to know if this batter supply is large enough to run the TV and lights without the generator at night and in the morning then charge the batteries during the day. Also my 120v only works when plugged or running the generator is there a way to change this.
AnswerWayne
What your asking about is called a "Battery Bank", two or more batteries.
More batteries, are always good, but they have to be like tires..that is they need to be matched. Size,age and capacity.
Enough battery power will run your DC TV and lights for a number of days.
Your also describing a need for an "inverter" to run your 110vac devices. The inverter runs off of the "bank" and changes/multiplies 12vdc into 110vac.
Inverters come in many sizes, for powering a single appliance, like a TV and other inverters, large enough to run the 110 of the whole rig.
A battery bank would supply the current to run the inverter for hours.
The inverter gets connected to the "converter" and then that feeds the circuits of the coach.
Then of course you can always go to Solar.
If you visit your local Solar dealer you can pick up a nice "how to" pamphlet that lays out the relationship of these terms and components.
Thom
