Greeting to all After visiting Alice Springs in September last year I can't wait to get back. I have purchased an old 1986 Toyota Hiace diesel van, partially set out, in the process of outfitting for greater indepenence. Will run a sinewave 2400 watt inverter for bar fridge and small appliances, is that ok? Any advice on the van or fitout would be much appreciated. Intend to set out 28th August after daughter gives birth. Hope to see you on the road.
Firstly by sine wave do you mean "pure" sine wave or "modified" sine wave? There is a very significant difference between the two.
A (pure) sine wave inverter "technically" would be ok and definitely preferable to the cheaper (so called, much discussion elsewhere on this) "modified" sine wave, however a 2400 watt (pure sine wave) unit I would think could be seriously expensive. This expense is compounded by the need to have some serious battery capacity. The typical 100ah 12v battery would be a "boy on a man's errand" in this set-up. If considering higher battery capacity, say 200ah, I would suggest using 2 x 200 ah 6volt batteries connected in series rather than 2 x 100 ah 12volt units connected in parallel. The inverter would also need to be located very close to the battery and wired with heavy gauge cables.
If you were prepared to forgo some of the higher wattage appliances, (such as microwave, heaters, jug, toaster, etc) when not on mains power you could "get away with" a significantly lesser capacity inverter and battery set-up. Solar panel recharging becomes feasible in this more modest arrangement. Surge capacity of the inverter would also be a consideration as the fridge will draw additional "in-rush" current each time it "cuts in".
I've expressed my general dislike of cheaper inverters elsewhere but a bar fridge may operate happily on a better quality "modified" sine wave (MSW) inverter and there may be other forum members who can advise from their personal "hands on" experience on this. Appliances such as jugs and toasters are also ok on a MSW unit subject to adequate inverter and battery capacity and proper isolation between the DC input and the AC output.
Microwaves are connected to a MSW on a "at your own risk" basis. Note that you may void the warranty of some devices, particularly electronic and medical stuff, if you connect them to a MSW inverter. TVs that connect directly to 12v are available as are 12v power supplies for laptops.
There are 12v/240v "bar" style (compressor type) fridges available and these are very efficient when it comes to power/battery consumption.
Hi Pedrotas, From personal experience of running an 80L bar fridge from an inverter, not very efficient, current draw was about 12Amps on 12v inverter. Since removed said bar fridge & fitted a 80L Waeco upright fridge, mutch better efficiency & handles 50Deg temps. Daryl
Hello Pedrotas, On May 27 I asked a question about propane lanterns...to find out what would be the best outcome for my future deisel hiace.
From reading old very informative posts, compressor fridges and LED lights use less power unless you will always be staying in a CP every night, it's interesting the amount of homework you need to put into your rig whatever it is to get yourself the best value for your hard earned buck...you really do "get what you pay for " which can be a scary thought.
Answers were interesting...I'm not wanting to have an expensive setup for 1 person, also suggest you put van conversions into google and choose images also stealth vans and all sorts of pictures will come up.
There is one young guy in uk who has described his whole fitout with photo's, loved his footpump for his little sink with the plastic washup bowl in the said sink. His check lounge area/bed looks very cool and well documented. Shows his old / should go to tip gas stove before cleaning, then cleaned and painted and in place on his cupboard and looking the goods.
Interesting to see other fitouts. One guy did a transit van out with a red kitchen area ...depth reduced and shiny red doors...all flat pack from Ikea. Black /charcoal carpet on walls ceiling and floor...looked great, pity abt the colour.
