Need guidance on how to do solar, batteries, etc. for 18' Toyota Motorhome please

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • magentawave
    Junior Member
    • Feb 2013
    • 6

    #1

    Need guidance on how to do solar, batteries, etc. for 18' Toyota Motorhome please

    Hey guys, I'm rebuilding a little 18' Toyota Sunrader motorhome like the one in the photo below and then I'm going to surf and fish my way through Mexico, Central America, and South America. I'm doing this re-build on a shoe string because I have more time than money now. I'm going to have solar provide all of my electricity (I hope) because its unlikely I'll ever be staying in campgrounds.

    I was in the construction business for years (custom cabinets, finish carpentry, decks, patio covers, etc.) but I know NOTHING about electrical stuff and my eyes glaze over when I hear watts and amps so I'm hoping you can help me figure out what I need please.

    This is what I think I'll be using but realize the external monitor and juicer might be too much...

    -DC FRIDGE: Builder of fridge said running 75% of the time, which is worst case scenario, it would need 90 amp hours.

    -IPAD CHARGER: Recharge 1 time per day with DC charger.

    -ANDROID PHONE CHARGER: Recharge maybe 2 times per day max with DC charger.

    -MACBOOK PRO 17": Use 1 to 8 hours per day. Kill-A-Watt said it used .34 KWH in 11 hours on 110 volts. I'll probably get a DC cord for it.

    -110 VOLT EXTERNAL MONITOR: Use maybe 1 to 8 hours per day. Kill-A-Watt said it used .14 KWH in 4 hours.

    -EXTERNAL WiFi HARD DRIVE: Approximately 14 watts and will run 1 to 5 hours per day.

    -12 VOLT LED LIGHTS: Will turn on as needed but I don't leave anything on that isn't needed.

    -FANTASTIC ROOF FAN - 4000 R: Will be used when needed - 2 to 3 amps.

    -12 VOLT WARING BLENDER: Use 5 to 7 times per week. The Waring website only says "200 watts" so I'm not sure what that means but I do know that it would run for only 1 minute per use.

    -110 VOLT JUICER: Use maybe 3 to 4 times per week running for 10 minutes each time. Kill-A-Watt said it uses 96 watts to 180 watts and used .01 KWH after running for 10 minutes.


    SOLAR PANELS:

    -2 X 250 watts + 500 watts


    CONTROLLER:

    -I don't know yet.


    INVERTER:

    -I don't know yet but if I don't take the external monitor and juicer then I won't need an inverter.


    STORAGE:

    -2 Everstart 12 volt "Max 29" Group 29 batteries from Walmart (845 cranking amps, 114 amp hours. (Someone recommended I get 6 Trojan 6 volt T-105's)


    Again, I don't know this stuff so I will really appreciate your suggestions as if you're explaining it to a 10 year old please.

    Thank you!
    $_57 (3).JPG
  • Sunking
    Solar Fanatic
    • Feb 2010
    • 23301

    #2
    You are pushing the limits beyond what solar can generate with all you items on the list. The batteries you have selected are not what you want, nor enough capacity to supply that much power in a day.

    As for charge controller with 12 volts you are looking at a minimum 40 amp MPPT charge controller. With a 500 watt panel in Mexico you can generate maybe 1.5 Kwh per day on 0 degree tilt. At 12 volts would require a 600 AH battery way more than you have on your list.

    You will need a Battery Isolator to provide you the bulk of your charge from the vehicle alternator. Either that or a 1500 watt portable generator with a 60 amp AC charger.
    MSEE, PE

    Comment

    • magentawave
      Junior Member
      • Feb 2013
      • 6

      #3
      Someone suggested I get six 6 volt Trojan T-105 batteries.

      I listed worst case scenario usage in order to narrow down what I can take. I assume the the fridge is the deal breaker here? It won't fit as well in my RV as the fridge/freezer I was considering, but what about a Sundanzer D50 chest fridge that uses only 114W-h / 9.6AH in 89 degree heat? What do you think?

      Comment

      • Sunking
        Solar Fanatic
        • Feb 2010
        • 23301

        #4
        Look at a LPG fridge.
        MSEE, PE

        Comment

        • magentawave
          Junior Member
          • Feb 2013
          • 6

          #5
          Propane is off the table cuz apparently its a pain in the arse to find adapters that will fit your tanks south of Mexico.

          Originally posted by Sunking
          Look at a LPG fridge.

          Comment

          • Siegcw
            Junior Member
            • Mar 2014
            • 1

            #6
            I've been doing similar research and have VERY similar power needs in my plan. I found a well document electrical plan on the sprinter-source forum, which has a fridge situation that might meet your needs. http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22415. If that link doesn't work, look up DIY Orton on that site... Lots of great info there

            Comment

            Working...