Electrical Question-A/C Inverter Install

[GaBnn3]

I bought a cargo van for business use. I planned to run certain equipment and appliances, including a household vacuum cleaner. As the vacuum uses 12A (1440W), I bought a large capacity inverter at Harbor Freight(2000W/4000W). I planned to install a second battery in the bed behind the driver's seat, wired in parallel with the van battery. However, the inverter directions state, "Do not use automotive, engine starting (SLI), or maintenance-free wet cell batteries with this inverter, they are designed for repeated shallow discharge and will wear out quickly." It says that marine or RV batteries are intended for this unit. How can I deal with this situation. I can always return the inverter. But, I'd like to know if it's possible to get the power I need, or if I planned something impractical. For discussion, assume half hour run time of equipment every hour, if that helps. Looking forward to good advice from the experts I have come to expect on this site. Thanks in advance.

GB

 

[4xcrazy]

buy 2 deep cycle batteries and replace the truck one as well so they aren't fighting each other.

 

[Fordum]

Don't get the deep cycle either.

Cranking batteries are built to supply very high currents, briefly and then be recharged.
Run one dead, and you lose a pretty good percentage of its capacity every time you do.
This is why folks who use cranking batteries for trolling motors usually have to replace them every year.

Deep cycle batteries are designed to be able to be run almost all the way down and still have most all their capacity when recharged.
But, they cannot supply high currents without being damaged.

I had a friend who wanted a good strong battery for his diesel tractor.
He bought one of those big trolling motor batteries, and it died in a week. Would not hold a charge.
They have lots of small internal connectors, and they melted.

Fortunately, nowadays, we have other options.

Look in the directory, and see if you are lucky enough to have a battery store in the area.
If not try interstate's number to see where you can find a dealer.
Or whatever battery brand you like.
The idea is to find a store that specializes in batteries if you can.

Either way, you need to find a battery marked "deep cycle/cranking".

They are a kind of hybrid that has come out now that can handle being deep discharged and still supply the cranking amps.

I have a great one in my truck, but its about 40 miles from here, and I don't remember the name.

To do this right, you need to put a pair of hybrids behind the seat, and good cranking one under the hood.

Hooked up with one of the dual battery setups so that the alternator charges them all.
But the cranking battery is kept separate from the inverter so its hot to get you home.

And put in as big an alternator as you can fit/afford.

Run heavy wire, and make darn sure its firmly attached so it cannot flop around and wear and is not next to anything hot, sharp, or moving.

I usually run remote battery wire inside PVC pipe.

 

[4xcrazy]

 

[GaBnn3]

Thank you both for your input. I've got a plan and will get to it. I'll let you know how it comes out.