Totally Wired up......

archangel

archangel

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I am currently looking buy a Transit van and was looking into the possibility of wiring it up so that i could use 240v appliances...Can this be done? I am assuming so as I see camper vans with it.....or who would you speak to....a garage or vehicle electrical specialist ( if there is such a thing)?
 
When you say appliances, do you mean fridges, washing machines etc. or less demanding things like computers, printers etc.? If the latter, you can get inverters that will convert the 12V DC from the van's battery to 240V AC. If your needs are greater, I would go down the generator route if you need it in the wild or get it fitted with a campsite hookup system which (basically) plugs into a 240V supply like a mobile extension lead.
 
I thought of a generator but they can be a little noisy...
 
Best people to talk to are camper van conversion specialists. Google will find plenty of ideas.

As had been said you basically have a few options
1) 12V chargers for laptops, phones etc
2) An inverter to give you 240V. These will give you up to about 2kW capacity but you van battery will only last about 1/2 hour at that rate (if you are luckly) so in reality you are limited to less than 100W and even then you probably need a separate battery to avoid not being able to start the van in the morning.
3) A generator. Smelly and noisey and a last resort imho.
4) hook up to the mains at campsites
5) A combination of the above ;)

Like I said, google is your friend, there are plenty of DIY conversions blogs out there to give you some ideas.

Personally I would use 12V chargers for phone/laptop/camera and LED lights for the van then gas for cooking etc. Possibly with a plug in inverter for those times when a mate hasn't got a 12V charger for his camera or whatever. Then make sure the van battery (preferably dual) and charging system is up to it. I'd also fit a warning system to the battery to let you know when the it is going flat.
 
As with a caravan or motor home 240v items are used with a hook up lead,there's no way round it apart from a generator or invertor both are not really workable long term though .depending on your needs though a 240v to 12v system is the best route to take ,you will be surprised what you can run on 12v these days find a good caravan dealers and take a look
 
One can buy 240V inverters that plug into a cigarette lighter socket from the likes of maplin, suitability will depend on what you want to power. If you're looking to run a 3KW kettle, even with a 100% efficient inverter that will be a 250 amp draw on a car battery, which is like running the starter motor - a lot of portable generators also won't drive a kettle.. For powering a laptop charger a plug in inverter would be fine though.
 
I need it to power the following on various occasions a Kettle (most important), laptop, pressure washer, fans and possibly a monitor.....probably a few other odds and sods but the biggest draw of energy would be the pressure washer...
 
I think you'll need a genny...think you can get them that run quieter
 
archangel said:
I need it to power the following on various occasions a Kettle (most important), laptop, pressure washer, fans and possibly a monitor.....probably a few other odds and sods but the biggest draw of energy would be the pressure washer...
Click to expand...

Kettle and pressure washer will need a generator (check output capacity is sufficient). Laptop and a flatscreen monitor will be fine on an inverter connected to the battery.

In all seriousness, I'd use gas to boil water rather than generating my own electric to do it.
 
Would buying a petrol pressure washer be a possibility? That's going to be noisy anyway and most likely have the greatest power draw, the rest (depending on power) you could run off an inverter and leisure battery with a split charge relay.
 
AndyB1976 said:
Would buying a petrol pressure washer be a possibility? That's going to be noisy anyway and most likely have the greatest power draw, the rest (depending on power) you could run off an inverter and leisure battery with a split charge relay.
Click to expand...

Yes, I think we need to know what the pressure washer is going to be used for. If it is just cleaning the van or a bike or something there are better ways of doing it. If he is running a mobile cleaning workshop he probably needs specialist kit.
 
I would defo be avoiding using high current electrical devices like the kettle and washer, small gas stove and whistle kettle and petrol or paraffin washer for sure. Then all you need is a leaisure battery and small inverter for all the small stuff and LED lights on 12volt.
 
brman said:
Yes, I think we need to know what the pressure washer is going to be used for. If it is just cleaning the van or a bike or something there are better ways of doing it. If he is running a mobile cleaning workshop he probably needs specialist kit.
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Basically to clean some bikes and the likes...it ain't going to be any mobile cleaning workshop I work too bloody hard as it is :D
 
archangel said:
Basically to clean some bikes and the likes...it ain't going to be any mobile cleaning workshop I work too bloody hard as it is :D
Click to expand...

I guessed as much ;)
Would it not be easier to use a portable washer, something like what I linked to above? I suspect a decent water supply is going to be your limiting factor anyway. Then a gas stove for heating water/food and either 12V equipment or an inverter for everything else?

fwiw I used one of these for a while for cleaning my bike http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flostream-L...d=1457604984&sr=8-3&keywords=pressure+sprayer
It was easily enough for one bike and easier than getting the hosepipe out. I am not sure it would be enough if your bike was covered in clay though, round here is more sandy loam.......
 
Decision made.... going for the Generator.. i think it will be more in the beneficial in the future....thanks for all the advice guys and girls
 
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