So we are punting on the 48v system and going to get a Victron Multiplus II inverter (hopefully I didn’t need to get the Quattro…) along with the Cerbo GX and GX Touch 50 system for monitoring. I think this is the right decision for the meantime… should I have gotten the Quattro (saleperson didn’t mention it) instead due to two inputs or does it matter since I already have an Auto Transfer Switch on board? I believe I should just be able to wire this in place of the old Freedom 25 inverter and go…
Now thinking about getting some of the server rack 12-volt batteries to replace my old dying 8D batteries… will probably start with two…
What Forest is referencing is that he built the battery pack I am now using 12 years ago. I have been using it for 9. Last year, I ran a redneck capacity test. I charged it to full, unplugged the coach, reset the amp hrs out on the meter, and left the fridge, a couple of fans, and all the parasitic loads in place. I let it run until the low battery cutoff turned off the inverter. It still had over 1000 amp hrs in them. Yes I know that higher draw loads might have cut that number a bit.
The point is that when Forest built them, and he was on the bleeding edge of LiPoFe at the time, it was purported the Lithiums would last a very long time if properly charged and discharged.
In addition to them being in service for 12 yrs, keep in mind, that we live in the coach 6 months every year. So it isn't just sitting in the back yard plugged in.
Good job Forest !
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home )
For those who follow some of my solar systems I've installed I would like to remind everyone 48vdc can kill you if you have sweaty hands and touch positive and ground, its not like AC that will buss you it could go through your heart and can stop it. I have had 48v positive in my hand and leaned up to the coach and got zapped, I had a full head of hair now I'm bald. Just be careful
I want to thank you guys for all the counseling and patience. I get a little impatient when stuff dies on me (or starts acting like it is dying). I’ve been researching as much as I can (when I’m not working or sleeping) and after all of this I may either: eventually convert the SCS A/C units to something more efficient if that exists OR sell the coach and get something I can really go off-grid in… I want to be able to sit in the desert for months on end without having to plug in or run the genset… is this a pipe dream in an older Newell???
No it can be done, management of your watt usage is first, the biggest continual current draw is your water heater, I suggest going with a small diesel water heater and a flat plate heat exchanger like we did in our Newell. You can have endless hot water after you turn it on then when not in use turn it off, has a remote to do this. NOTE in the pictures you'll see blue plastic fittings this was just to experiment they have all been changed out to brass now its completed.
The only reason to step up to a Quattro from the Multiplus is the need to have a 5000w inverter. The Multiplus is 3000w in a 120v configuration.
You also might look into rebuilding your Freedom. They are tough units. Try the Inverter Service Center north of Nashville. Had 2 Freedom 25’s in my old bird. They were really good units.
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Just be careful