Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Finally a Generator Replacement…but (Read 432 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Get yourself an all in one solution/replacement for your generator.  Battle Born has one.  Check out the links below.  Hope to see this is few years as standard equipment.  Probably not cost effective yet.  I hate generator and would love this item. 

A nice LD with this installed…my latest dream machine….reliability, build quality, and NO generator!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYVhrRQO0rI

Lithium Power Pack 6500 | Battle Born Batteries

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #1 –
I don’t see this as a generator replacement quite yet, if you want to use the A/C in hot weather. Its 540 Ahr at 13 V contains about 7 kWhr, so it can substitute for a 4 Kw generator for 1 hour 45 minutes. Maybe the A/C doesn’t take all of that 4 kW, but you’re still only going to get 2 or 3 hours run time.

It does handle more modest loads, like hair dryers, microwave ovens, coffee makers, and such, which are lower wattage and shorter run times than A/C. But so do a set of 100 Ahr Lithium batteries in a traditional configuration, which don’t displace the generator.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Keith S  - 
I don’t see this as a generator replacement quite yet, if you want to use the A/C in hot weather. Its 540 Ahr at 13 V contains about 7 kWhr, so it can substitute for a 4 Kw generator for 1 hour 45 minutes. Maybe the A/C doesn’t take all of that 4 kW, but you’re still only going to get 2 or 3 hours run time.

It does handle more modest loads, like hair dryers, microwave ovens, coffee makers, and such, which are lower wattage and shorter run times than A/C. But so do a set of 100 Ahr Lithium batteries in a traditional configuration, which don’t displace the generator.

These type systems are being installed in off-grid type travel trailers.  Like most upgrades this works best with more efficient a/c.  TT that use this have the Truma Aventa or Houghton a/c units.  They also get more solar, some about 800 Watt. So one has to manage use.  One owner did get 20 hours use.  But more likely it seems  2 hours or less would be the norm while running a/c. 

Generators have there limitations as well.  There are areas that have restrictions running generators at night.  I can see generators being banned in certain areas especially as environmental changes continue to create hotter weather and emission standards change. 

To get the best of both worlds your suggestion of adding lithium batteries seems the best compromise for a LD owner at this time.  But as things develop in the future that may change. 

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #3 –
Most of the time our LD’s generator is operated, while camping, is for running the rooftop A/C,
The big Battleborn battery would be good for one night of A/C, maybe, and then it would take days to recharge it just using solar.
It’s a storage device, not a generator, and a very expensive one at that. It should be adequate for most who do not extensively boondock or dry camp. 
It is a nice idea to prepackage all the major electrical items needed to run an RV. Having all of the major electrical devices located in a metal box mounted under the rig is fine until something goes wrong, troubleshooting could be a nightmare, requiring the dropping of the box. Not something most would  be capable of, especially while on the road.

A talented DIYer could duplicate the system for one-third of Battleborn’s “generator” cost, locating the parts where they can be accessed more easily.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Most of the time our LD’s generator is operated, while camping, is for running the rooftop A/C,
The big Battleborn battery would be good for one night of A/C, maybe, and then it would take days to recharge it just using solar.
It’s a storage device, not a generator, and a very expensive one at that. It should be adequate for most who do not extensively boondock or dry camp. 
It is a nice idea to prepackage all the major electrical items needed to run an RV. Having all of the major electrical devices located in a metal box mounted under the rig is fine until something goes wrong, troubleshooting could be a nightmare, requiring the dropping of the box. Not something most would be capable of, especially while on the road.

A talented DIYer could duplicate the system for one-third of Battleborn’s “generator” cost, locating the parts where they can be accessed more easily.

Larry
Good comments.  This technology is in its infancy.  So more and better things to come.  How about a slide out drawer (like batteries), software app enabled troubleshooting, more efficient solar, plug and play replacement parts….  Companies do not create products for DIYers.  They need to mass market these items and make them reliable and acceptable in order to sell them.  Hence, I see this as very encouraging and that in the near future the kinks will work out and we will wonder why we even had a generator!! 

I know this is hard to image for most of you and it will not help you during longer remote camping.  But it is truly interesting and something to watch and hope for.  Weren’t we just wondering when they would develop a better battery than the flooded type?  Lithium was born and away we go!!

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #5 –
The inverter specs show a max of 2200 continuous watts at a temp of 104 F...  and only 1700 watts at 140F.  Even if enough battery capacity and/or solar were added I'm not sure that inverter could reliably run even one 120v AC in the heat?  Maybe if the inverter was inside the living area where it benefitted from the cooling of the AC?  (The temps in a compartment exposed to the sun can easily reach 140F around here.  And it's in that heat when I need the AC!)

12v AC might be a better option if trying to go to batteries/solar and get away from an engine-driven generator?  Either that or the inverter mounted in a cool area (inside) sounds necessary?
1995 26.5 Island Bed
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #6 –
It's a smart idea: battery bank, inverter, DC-DC charger, solar controller, wiring and (I assume) fuses or breakers all in one box. It'll probably sell well to RV manufacturers, because it's a drop-in unit that can save them a lot of labor.

But it's not a generator! I am so sick of manufacturers calling a battery a "generator." It's a gas tank, not a gas pump. It can't create power; it just stores it... and then needs to be refilled.

I know I'm preaching to the choir here--venting, really--but it bothers me to think how many novice RVers will buy rigs with this box installed, after the salesman told them proudly that they'd be getting "the latest lithium generator"... and then wonder why they've run out of power on the third day of their first outing. "Huh--this generator must be broken."

:: sigh ::
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #7 –
Same here, Andy.  I’m surprised that Battleborn would trash their previously excellent reputation by referring to a battery bank as a “generator”.  

Steve
2015 TK
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #8 –
Thanks for your comments.  As always they are spot on!  I have learned a lot from them.  Even though I do not like generators I now see the necessity of them for boon docking.  I learned how to read the specs and see battery limitations (thanks MarkT)! 

In retrospect, I chuckle at people in other forums that get the Max Solar package which includes everything in Battle Born Power System and still bring a generator along! 

We are in our 60’s and the time line to find a late model LD is closing.  Hopefully something pops up soon.  In the mean time our popup is sufficient for our needs.  But the wife is getting a little impatient to say the least!!

Have a great week!!

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #9 –
Andy and Larry,
Will you say following specs for off grid verhicle be sufficient, please note no generator. As last line give it up, I narrow my search to Australian company SLRV and with match it with Internation semi with Cummins L9 engine (still need Boss final approval)
3 X Mastervolt lithium battery, 1380Ah total
Mastervolt colour display monitor, circuitbreaker switchboard
2 x Mastervolt Combi Ultra 12/3000-150 Inverter/Charger
Mastervolt 24V truck charging system
Solar charger 100A
8 x 200W solar panel, 1600W approx  total (number and panel size dependant on rooftop configuration)
External power intlet, external power outlet, 12V & USB outlets internal, 12V & USB outlet external, wireless phone charging
Spares kit, SLRV electrical essentials, mastervolt access dongle for remote system service

Ron S,
How late is the late model .... I do have 2021 MB with approximate 40K and current trip is perhaps last one on this vehicle. By the time I reach home it will have 45K. If interested, send me PM. Be patient or better send me email. One known issue is steps, it is functional, but it need to be changed or fixed and I am not sure if I want to spend time or energy if new owner take the responsibility. There might be other issues but I am not aware of any other issue with the RV. It has ford factory extended warranty which was wastage of money but perhaps with high millage it may be handy.

Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #10 –
I agree with Andy and Steve,  The generator name is misused mostly.  The generator is the solar panels, the battery just makes it easy to save the energy for use at a later time.  Like Larry said, there are rigs out there with 'real' solar.
     One member here has 1200 watts of solar on the roof, with 600+ AH of LiF battery (8kw). Reportedly he can run his roof A/C during the hottest part of the day from the solar, and still fully charge his batteries for use during the night. Again his 1200w of panels flat mounted, produce less. I'm sure he keeps the panels clean, but he typically camps at high altitudes in the sierras. Cleaner, thinner, drier air and hopefully little smoke. In a pinch, he still has the standard 4kw generator along for the ride. (I hope he exercises it routinely for maintenance).    RonB
    
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Muhammad  - 
Andy and Larry,
Will you say following specs for off grid verhicle be sufficient, please note no generator. As last line give it up, I narrow my search to Australian company SLRV and with match it with Internation semi with Cummins L9 engine (still need Boss final approval)
3 X Mastervolt lithium battery, 1380Ah total
Mastervolt colour display monitor, circuitbreaker switchboard
2 x Mastervolt Combi Ultra 12/3000-150 Inverter/Charger
Mastervolt 24V truck charging system
Solar charger 100A
8 x 200W solar panel, 1600W approx  total (number and panel size dependant on rooftop configuration)
External power intlet, external power outlet, 12V & USB outlets internal, 12V & USB outlet external, wireless phone charging
Spares kit, SLRV electrical essentials, mastervolt access dongle for remote system service

Ron S,
How late is the late model .... I do have 2021 MB with approximate 40K and current trip is perhaps last one on this vehicle. By the time I reach home it will have 45K. If interested, send me PM. Be patient or better send me email. One known issue is steps, it is functional, but it need to be changed or fixed and I am not sure if I want to spend time or energy if new owner take the responsibility. There might be other issues but I am not aware of any other issue with the RV. It has ford factory extended warranty which was wastage of money but perhaps with high millage it may be handy.

I sent you an email regarding your MB LD.  My email is sarz272000@yahoo.com

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
I sent you an email regarding your MB LD.  My email is sarz272000@yahoo.com

Ron S
Cell signals are weak, eventually you will get the pictures I sent you. It will also help me to help my better half to move to next phase.

I sent you the details of what we have on the LD. It has more than what i listed from top of my mind. We are emotionally attached to LD and it will be very difficult for us to fairly price it. Money is really not an issue, please find FAIR price (be honest and account for recent inflation, my next vehicle price increased by 30% since I bought this vehicle) and this LD is your if you like what you see in pictures.

Let's take it private now ....
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #13 –
Quote
Mastervolt lithium battery, 1380Ah total
Mastervolt colour display monitor, circuitbreaker switchboard
2 x Mastervolt Combi Ultra 12/3000-150 Inverter/Charger
Mastervolt 24V truck charging system
Solar charger 100A
8 x 200W solar panel, 1600W approx  total (number and panel size dependant on rooftop configuration)
External power intlet, external power outlet, 12V & USB outlets internal, 12V & USB outlet external, wireless phone charging
Spares kit, SLRV electrical essentials, mastervolt access dongle for remote system service
All my electronic components are Victron, not familiar with Mastervolt’s products.
I fried my MPPT (my fault) in NL, was easy to pick up a replacement MPPT in NL, they didn’t carry Mastervolt.

If Mastervolt is readily available where you guys are going, then it’s fine, otherwise I’d go with Victron.

Are they quoting a compressor fridge or a propane based one like your LD?
Compressor makes much more sense.

Likewise, what kind of AC?   A mini split makes more sense for off grid, off batteries
Dave

2017 TK
 
Re: Finally a Generator Replacement…but
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Dave Katleman  - 
All my electronic components are Victron, not familiar with Mastervolt’s products.
I fried my MPPT (my fault) in NL, was easy to pick up a replacement MPPT in NL, they didn’t carry Mastervolt.

If Mastervolt is readily available where you guys are going, then it’s fine, otherwise I’d go with Victron.

Are they quoting a compressor fridge or a propane based one like your LD?
Compressor makes much more sense.

Likewise, what kind of AC?   A mini split makes more sense for off grid, off batteries
Dave, sorry I should have used more words .... 1) I am seeing Mastervolt used in all the European vendors as well. Did not researched availability, simply assume since most of the vendors out of the US are using it should be fine. It does not bother me. If need be, I can create a parallel system on my own 2) I also assumed (my bad) that with this much battery power folks will understand that there is no propane on board. There are redundancies with diseal appliances. As for fridge, it is residential style compressor.

Beside the Australuan vendor I mentioned, I also spent lot of time researching Bliss Mobile as well. This is not the place to talk about them and I will not take folks time talking about them but their web site do have lot of information if folks are interested.