Isuzu npr 4wd

[SkiFreak]

Cable must be 4 awg at that length

I'm sorry, I have to chuckle in regards to this discussion.
What seems to be lost here is comparing apples to apples.

As much as the Victron Orion XS can potentially output 50A, it does not have to; you can easily configure it to output a lesser current.
If charging from the alternator was the primary battery charging source, maybe then I would consider running the XS at its maximum output, but if it is just a supplemental charging source then I probably wouldn't.
Charging from the alternator, be that while you are driving to a location or when you are stationary, this would be a 100% reliable charging solution, unlike a wind turbine, that requires a decent velocity of wind, that is unlikely to be available 100% of the time.

Also... I'm pretty sure that the wind turbine you are looking at does not output anywhere near 50A, so making a direct comparison between this and an alternator charging alternative seems ludicrous to me.
As I said... apples VS apples

Working to a budget is not a bad thing, but in my opinion, scrimping on necessary items is not a good idea.
As I see it, a wind turbine is a nice concept, in theory, but being a practical solution in a mobile scenario seems a little questionable to me.
This wind turbine is quite large, probably not suited to a mobile installation and has a limited current output. Compare that to the XS, which is small, light weight and something that can reliably output up to 50A.

Sure, the XS may be a bit more expensive, but it also offers a lot more than a wind turbine.
A mistake that I see many people making on DIY builds is focusing on individual costs of items, opposed to looking at the overall cost of the project.
Saving a couple of hundred bucks on a specific item is inconsequential when looking at the overall project cost.

Things will cost what they cost. DIY builds will normally cost more than you have planned for; that's just a fact.
Accept that and your stresses will be less and after the build is completed you won't even remember what the small item costs were.

 

[gator70]

If I spend $400 plus labor on DC to DC charging, I'd rather spend that budget on a 3600 watt propane generator.

 

[andy_b]

The labor could be free - it is super easy to install. A generator would suck and the people around you would hate hearing that, me included.

 

[gator70]

Generators are much more flexible. And they charge faster. Plug and play with the shore power outlet

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

Gelignite is a good quick way to catch fish too, but that does not make it appropriate in a beautiful pristine place, or anywhere else for that matter.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[SkiFreak]

Generators are much more flexible.

Well, I don't know about that.

The problem, as I see it, is that you need to carry different fuels if you go down that path. There's diesel for your truck, propane for your cooking and petrol for your generator.
Personally, I don't see that as a good solution and that's why I initially changed to lithium batteries. No need for propane, as induction cooktops are faster and easier. No need for a generator, as DC/DC alternator charging is simple.
This leaves me with a single fuel source of diesel for the truck, which I think is a much better solution.

If you have a correctly sized battery bank and a good amount of solar panels as your primary charging source, you're pretty much set.
Should the sun not shine for a while, fire up the truck for a short period and top up the batteries sufficiently for another days use using the DC/DC charger (they don't need to be charged to 100%), or if you have access to shore power, use your inverter to charge your batteries.

As already mentioned, generators are normally quite loud and frowned upon, or forbidden, in some locations.
I should also mention... if you are using the 12v outlet on most generators, that output is quite low, so it would take ages to charge your batteries.
For a quicker charge you would need to run AC power to your inverter, probably via a shore power connection.

 

[gator70]

Well, I don't know about that.

The problem, as I see it, is that you need to carry different fuels if you go down that path. There's diesel for your truck, propane for your cooking and petrol for your generator.
Personally, I don't see that as a good solution and that's why I initially changed to lithium batteries. No need for propane, as induction cooktops are faster and easier. No need for a generator, as DC/DC alternator charging is simple.
This leaves me with a single fuel source of diesel for the truck, which I think is a much better solution.

If you have a correctly sized battery bank and a good amount of solar panels as your primary charging source, you're pretty much set.
Should the sun not shine for a while, fire up the truck for a short period and top up the batteries sufficiently for another days use using the DC/DC charger (they don't need to be charged to 100%), or if you have access to shore power, use your inverter to charge your batteries.

As already mentioned, generators are normally quite loud and frowned upon, or forbidden, in some locations.
I should also mention... if you are using the 12v outlet on most generators, that output is quite low, so it would take ages to charge your batteries.
For a quicker charge you would need to run AC power to your inverter, probably via a shore power connection.

Good points, always a thanks for the comments

I carry propane and several bottles for water heating, space heating, outside grill and the two burner stove. The rig is a gas engine

I have lots of solar and batteries.

Travel in the north can see a week of full rain and storms.

The generator runs on propane

If I need to top off my batteries, I can seek some wilderness location away from humans. Charge for three hours while cooking diner and move on.

Note: In

Olympic National Park solar is impossible​

 

[gator70]

Again trying to save on budget.

This propane bottle has bolt mounts, unlike most. ( I priced propane bottle brackets and they are too expensive)

The swing away spare tire arm, has space for a welded bracket at the opposite side of the hinge, to mount this propane tank.

 

[gator70]

The habitat has a propane bottle closet.

(I don't think it is USA legal)

To adjust this, I need to wall off the interior. So that no fumes can enter the inside.

It has a carbon monoxide detector. And exterior ventilation.

(notice the Starlink cable port)

 

[Ferjablito]

Here in Spain, if you have ventilation grilles and an acoustic alarm, it is legal.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

In Oz, no electrics are permitted inside.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[Ferjablito]

In Oz, no electrics are permitted inside.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

What do you do with the kitchens and the entire electrical system?

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

No electrics permitted inside the propane locker.......
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[Ferjablito]

Even though it is allowed, I have placed them outside.
something similar but more protected

 

[gator70]

3d printing

We have small security cameras on the habitat. Other builders have noted, while traveling through brush, and tight spaces with trees these cameras can be damaged.

We are attempting to build brush guards for these cameras with 3d printing.