Thinking about it more, I just don't want propane. I don't want to make a place to store the tank, I don't want to worry about exchanging or filling tanks, I don't want to run the lines.
I love the idea of unlimited hot water, but I don't know if it's necessary. I don't have room for a large water heater, I know that much, but as far as a 2.5gal water heater vs hydronic, I'm not going to make that decision right now. I need to start using this thing so I can get a feel for it, then I can make those decisions. As a stop-gap, I have a mr. buddy heater for heat, and can use my coleman stove to cook on. That's what I've been doing in my cruiser for years, so it'll work in the camper for the short (maybe long, who knows) term.
What does need to be figured out is the short term electrical system. I need to be able to run the rooftop AC this year, so this is what I've got. Camper Utility phase 1 will be completed for the maiden voyage to Windrock in June. This will be entirely dependent on generators or shore power for all 120/240v loads:
Camper Utility phase 1:
- 50a power inlet
- ATS takes power from inlet and from diesel genset
- ATS feeds 240v breaker box
- breaker box powers rooftop AC unit
- outlet from 120/240v breaker box connects to smart charger for 280ah LiFePO4 charging
- *emergency battery charging via diesel genset or honda 2200i
- LiFePO4 powers 12v breaker box
- 12v breaker box powers interior can lights
- 12v breaker box powers exterior light (maybe?)
- cooking via coleman stove
- fridge in cruiser
Phase 2 is a bit fancier, as it integrates the systems a bit better. The inverter allows 120v loads to be run off of the LiFePO4 array, which is the primary change here. The inverter also allows direct charging of the LiFePO4 array from genny/shore power, and has a trickle charge capability to keep the genny starting battery charged. I could use the genny alternator to charge 12v loads, but with the genset supplying power to the inverter, the inverter takes care of the LiFePO4 charging needs.
Camper Utility phase 2:
- 50a power inlet
- ATS takes power from inlet and from diesel genset
- ATS feeds victron multiplus-2
- victron powers 240v breaker box
- victron powers 240v welder plugs in trailer (diesel genset and shore power can power a welder)
- victron powers LiFePO4
- LiFePO4 powers 12v breaker box
- 12v fuse box powers can lights
- 12v fuse box powers exterior light
- 12v fuse box powers car stereo in trailer
- 12v fuse box powers fridge
- 12v fuse box powers fresh water pump (all cold side plumbing gets done here too)
- 120/240v breaker box powers rooftop ac unit
- 120/240v breaker box powers induction cooktop
Camper Utility phase 3 - solar and heat/hot water:
This phase is where I will need to figure out heat and hot water. Hydronic using the diesel tank seems ideal at this point. A chinacom parking liquid heater is pretty economic. I can then use a plate heat exchanger for hot water, and 12v cab heaters to provide hot air to the camper:
Parking Liquid/water Heaters 12kw 12v 24v 5kw 12v For Bus Truck With Diesel Engines Top Quality With Service Parts - Buy 16kw 12v 24v,Parking Liquid Heater,Water Heater For Truck Rv Bus Product on Alibaba.com
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Buy JEGS Auxiliary Heater Assembly | 260 CFM Airflow | 28,000 BTU of Heat | Mountable Switch | Dual Front Vents | 3-Speed Fan | 12-Volt | Compact Design: Heaters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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Instead of the cab heaters, I could also go with radiant floors. That would be pretty dope:
Our proprietary design provides ‘whole house heating’ through a fully integrated Two Stage Hydronic System (Stage I - Radiant floor, Stage II - Fan coil
www.vanlifetech.com
Solar will be something along these lines:
Building a vehicle mounted solar power system? Let me help.
www.mobile-solarpower.com