I am looking for suggestions for a charger/inverter for a small mobile home that has been running on generator power only.
It is a ranch "house" and there is no power in the area.
The fuel bill is incredible and I think this would be cheaper and more convenient.
I have a string of almost new (8) 24V Forklift batteries.

Usage;
Small television
1000 watt microwave
small window A/C
lights
water pump
misc. stuff

The gen will charge the batteries and run when there is enough load to overcome the inverter.
Any suggestions?

what voltage are you looking at running, 24, 48? your list doesnt really tell us much. what amp draw do you need?

I'm not sure about the voltage.
I was hoping someone could shed some light on which configuration would be best.
I cant imagine more than 20-30 amp draw at one time.

A starting place: http://www.topsalesdepot.com/abc.html?gclid=CMa_gfzZ_6ICFVJH5wodIh5ebw  24 volt stuff.

A big problem is paralleling multi batteries.  Two considerations, if one battery is weak,  it'll suck all the rest down,  and how you wire them can put the majority of the load on the first couple of batteries and let the last ones just loaf along meaning the hardest working ones wear out and they become consideration #1.

See http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html  mentioned in http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=637311 "Balancing  batteries for a backup/solar system"

Next question is what are you trying to run?  An energy-star efficient 5000 btu ACr? or a vintage monster from the 1950's?    220 v deep well pump?  Or a shallow well 120v fountain pump? a big frost free or a apartment sized fridge?  That will make a huge difference in price.   You really got to measure what these use.   See http://www.killawattplus.com/?gclid=CPam1IPh_6ICFQtI5wodNxfYcQ  I just have the basic $21 unit and it shows what is really being used.    Also,  what's the startup surge versus steady state power?

Another consideration is how will these batteries be maintained?   If they simply sit, they'll go dead.  Batteries that repeatedly get deeply discharged die an early death.   You might want to consider a tiny solar panel and charge controller to keep them topped off when you're not there.   Note, you cannot just hook up a panel straight to some batteries –– it must have a charge controller.  Otherwise when the batteries do finally get topped off, the panel just keeps on pumping juice into them ultimately boiling off the electrolyte leading once again to an early death.

Let me dig around archives, one of the forum had a really good write up about a country locale in AZ he runs on battery, generator and solar.   If anybody else knows where it's at,  please chime in?

OUTBACK FX series
I use an FX2524, which powers my house  fulltime.
 In continuous service since 2003, no problems.

Great info, thanks!

I'll look into that.
thanks

What are you using for batteries?

First, talk about how you're going to charge the batteries.  

Outback certainly has a good reputation.

Is the water pump 110V or 220V?

Have you thought about eather LED lights or
12 volt lights. Like off a rider tractor.
Eather one would save you power.
You may not want to do brain surgery with this light.
But most everything else  read, cook, walking around.
Also any chance of solar panel charger to help out?


PITA45

why would you need 12v lights off a tractor when you can buy regular bulbs that are 12v?

like THIS or you can even buy 12v CFL's like THIS. of course, you could always make your own lighting with automotive type LED bulbs and bases from the local auto parts store.

why would you need 12v lights off a tractor when you can buy regular bulbs that are 12v?

like THIS or you can even buy 12v CFL's like THIS. of course, you could always make your own lighting with automotive type LED bulbs and bases from the local auto parts store.[/quote]

Thanks for the info. I should of know that they would make 12v bulbs.
The reason I was using tactor lights.
Easy to fine, very bright and the cost was low.

PITA45

This thread may be of interest http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=18&t=632705

Bunch of different folks who have done similar at remote locations.

More good info.
Thanks