HEAVY OVERLANDERS

We use a 48 volt DC (48vdc) solar system for the 120/240 volt needs (TV, Air-conditioning, Microwave, etc). This means the 48v battery is usually around 52v and the panels are around 42v but whatever.

If you run 10qty 500watt 42v panels in series you get 5000watts and 420vdc. That would be more than you probably would have room for but it is easy math. This means that it can kill you but it is more efficient and there is less voltage drop from cable size and length so you can save a lot of money on copper cables by running smaller 10 gauge cables instead of big 2 gauge cables.

Running a solar panel string in series like mentioned above (positive to negative like the panels are holding hands) means the panels will only preform as well as the worst panel in the string. If one is shaded they usually all act shaded. That is why we put the vertical panels on the back of trucks on a different smaller charger. This keeps the roof panels working at their best and the smaller chargers usually turn on with a lower voltage than the 2ndary input on your big charger (one or two panels on the back of a truck may never make enough voltage to be used on the inputs of a big charger).

48vdc inverters are also usually what you need if you want 240vac.

240 volt AC (240vac) power is more efficient for your mini split heater / air-conditioner and it also gives you the capability to power another 240v mini split next to your parking spot (like my living room). 240 is also nice if you need to run a decent mig welder off your truck.

Why 12 volt DC (12vdc) solar also? Because we can run small panels and small chargers to the starting and 2ndary house batteries. Lots of equipment runs off 12vdc. Having a 2ndary house battery system that is 12vdc means we can run the water system pump, stereo and a few lights off the 12vdc battery. Redundancy is good. We also charge the 12vdc system from the 48vdc system with a 120v battery charger, a DC to DC charger from the truck alternator, and a small 12vdc solar panel charger. We can run an inverter and also power 120v equipment off the 12vdc battery and even charge the 48vdc system and the truck starting batteries if needed. We use a decent sized flexible solar panel and charger for a windshield sun shield when parked. This trickles out enough power to keep the starting batteries charged.

Why have a 12v compressor and tank on board?

A 12vdc air tank and hose is great for blowing the dirt out of the truck, airing up tires, running a small air tool or inflatable whatever as well as connecting to the air brake tank to ensure you can fire up the truck and leave quickly and quietly if desired.

Air brakes leak while the truck sits and if there is no air pressure you aren't going anywhere since the brakes disengage with air pressure and won't release until you have air pressure again. This means you have to sit there idling with a loud beep going off until the engine driven compressor fills the air tanks back up to over 90psi or so. Not cool if you are parked next to someone's window or if you are in the path of a giant tsunami.

How do you register your heavy truck as an RV in Florida?

https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/proc/tl/tl-13.pdf

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