EG4 vs Victron in a Bus

[Docasek]

Hey everyone, I’m new here.

I currently have a 12v Victron Multiplus 2 system in my fifth wheel. 600ah of Battleborn batteries. 2510 watts on the roof.

This summer I am starting to build out a retired coach bus. My goal is 4-5k of panels on the roof, and more battery than I will ever need. I’d like to go electric for everything, but will likely use LP for the water heater and range. I’ll probably be running 3 mini splits, depending on the floor plan we go with.

My goal is to not have to worry about power, like ever.

My initial plan was to go with an EG4 6000XP, and two of the indoor rated EG4 wall batteries for ease of install, clean install, and space considerations.

Is there any reason that you all can think of that this won’t work?

The victron system has been flawless, but it’s not cheap, and certainly isn’t the cleanest install.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

My initial plan was to go with an EG4 6000XP, and two of the indoor rated EG4 wall batteries for ease of install, clean install, and space considerations.

Is there any reason that you all can think of that this won’t work?

Should work fine. Consider that each leg is limited to 3000W or 25A. Since you're running mini-splits, that should give you more headroom compared to traditional rooftop units.

The victron system has been flawless, but it’s not cheap, and certainly isn’t the cleanest install.

Lot to be said for this...

 

[Docasek]

Should work fine. Consider that each leg is limited to 3000W or 25A. Since you're running mini-splits, that should give you more headroom compared to traditional rooftop units.



Lot to be said for this...

That’s the tough part, having a system that works so well together is hard to move on to something that is unknown (to me).

One of the concerns that I have is the plugging in and unplugging of shore power, wether or not that would cause issues.

Also, battery safety while rolling down the road, and off road when boondocking.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

That’s the tough part, having a system that works so well together is hard to move on to something that is unknown (to me).

One of the concerns that I have is the plugging in and unplugging of shore power, wether or not that would cause issues.

Ah... assumed and focused purely on 50A RV power. To my knowledge, it will not charge or run on single phase shore power. 50A will work fine. Check with EG4 to confirm.

2X MP-II 48/3000 configured for 120/240V split phase can be configured to charge/run on either 30A or 50A shore. On 30A, only one inverter will charge/power from shore, and the other will continue inverting. On 50A shore, both will charge and pass through.

Also, battery safety while rolling down the road, and off road when boondocking.

I expect they will perform as well as the server rack batteries, which seem to do okay.

 

[NC_hydro]

Or you could go with a Rosie....

 

[hwy17]

My goal is to not have to worry about power, like ever.

I'm not sure this is possible on the amount of solar you can fit on a bus. Winter shortages are likely if you're trying to heat with solar unless you're in the sunbelt.

 

[Docasek]

Check with EG4 to confirm.

This is great advice. I’ll do that. I think you’re right about not being able to charge or pass through w/single phase.

 

[Docasek]

I'm not sure this is possible on the amount of solar you can fit on a bus. Winter shortages are likely if you're trying to heat with solar unless you're in the sunbelt.

We move with the weather, our current system was close to keeping up, except for a few really hot days when we had to run the a/c units for extended periods of time. Needed some help from a generator.

 

[Docasek]

Or you could go with a Rosie....

Not sure what that is?

 

[hwy17]

Not sure what that is?

Rosie is a new inverter from Midnite. It's a big boy high frequency 7kW inverter without any built in solar charge controller.

Notably, it comes in a mobile version that will do automatic neutral ground bond switching, so it will run bonded standalone and unbond when it's hooked up to an RV park pedestal.

The community is excited because Midnite is a cool company, but the inverter does not have a lot of user reports or track record yet.

 

[Docasek]

Rosie is a new inverter from Midnite. It's a big boy high frequency 7kW inverter without any built in solar charge controller.

Notably, it comes in a mobile version that will do automatic neutral ground bond switching, so it will run bonded standalone and unbond when it's hooked up to an RV park pedestal.

The community is excited because Midnite is a cool company, but the inverter does not have a lot of user reports or track record yet.

I’m going to have to look into that

 

[Docasek]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I should be able to use an external charger connected to the batteries, and bond the neutral and ground in the inverter and not have to worry about a double bond. I just wouldn’t have pass through and the inverter would be working 100% of the time.

 

[hwy17]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I should be able to use an external charger connected to the batteries, and bond the neutral and ground in the inverter and not have to worry about a double bond. I just wouldn’t have pass through and the inverter would be working 100% of the time.

Yes a permanent bond and then only plugging a dedicated charger into pedestals is a viable option. I would bond in the panel and use an unbonded inverter. But either way, as long as you know where your one bond is and keep it one bond.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I should be able to use an external charger connected to the batteries, and bond the neutral and ground in the inverter and not have to worry about a double bond. I just wouldn’t have pass through and the inverter would be working 100% of the time.

The most practical option is a Chargeverter.

 

[hwy17]

The most practical option is a Chargeverter.

Hey don't forget obscure mean well power supplies available through odd electronics supply channels that deliver half the wattage for twice the price.

 

[Docasek]

The most practical option is a Chargeverter.

That’s the exact one I had in mind.

Not sure what the difference is between the current one, and the new one that is coming out though. Other than a facelift.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

That’s the exact one I had in mind.

Not sure what the difference is between the current one, and the new one that is coming out though. Other than a facelift.

More expensive. Harder to get.

 

[hwy17]

That’s the exact one I had in mind.

Not sure what the difference is between the current one, and the new one that is coming out though. Other than a facelift.

Difference is RS485 communications and I think it can signal two wire generators. Based on voltage for open loop or SOC if closed loop.

That might be an argument to look at EG4 solutions, if you want your onboard generator to be wired to and signaled by the chargeverter.

 

[Docasek]

Difference is RS485 communications and I think it can signal two wire generators. Based on voltage for open loop or SOC if closed loop.

That might be an argument to look at EG4 solutions, if you want your onboard generator to be wired to and signaled by the chargeverter.

I don’t think I’m going to do an onboard genny. Just a portable LP powered one for emergencies.

It could be fun though to play around with that feature with a smaller reserve battery bank.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Hey don't forget obscure mean well power supplies available through odd electronics supply channels that deliver half the wattage for twice the price.

Well if we're bringing them up we might as well mention the Emerson R48-3000e3 rectifier that can be had for ~$80 delivered and provide ~3000W with 240V and ~1700W with 120V; of course some minor DIY is involved but that's the start of the forum name...

Welcome to the forum @Docasek.
You're already familiar with the Victron... It will work with batteries besides battleborn...