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tstefanski^^@ameritech.net
 
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Default Inverter to run A.C.

Ronny:

You will need more and bigger batteries, probably more than you can
reasonably stow. At the current draw necessary to start the compressor on
that unit, you will get maybe 60 usable amp-hours out of a 125 amp-hour
battery (typical group 30 wet cell), or about 1 hour of use. I have a 1500W
modified sine-wave inverter (not quite as "clean" as a pro-sine, but 90%
efficient) with two group 30 dual-purpose wet cell batteries and a 3 stage,
140A alternator to charge them while under way. Just out of curiosity, I
tried running my A/C from the inverter, and got not quite two hours before I
got a low-battery alarm while the compressor was running (not just at
start-up). As to the Optima batteries, AGM is good technology, but the
storage capacity is not all that high. Their biggest single deep cycle
(DM31) is 75AH, and about $200.00. You might get 50AH out of it at the
current draw necessary, for about 50 minutes of use on a modearately warm
day. You would need 8 batteries for an overnighter. Sorry to burst your
bubble.

Soft water in Michigan soon!

Terry